At a young age, I learned to take care of myself. I grew up facing the challenges of life early on. Hardships molded me to be brave and resilient. I always relied on myself and the love of my siblings to navigate each day.
Sometimes, I wondered what it would feel like to be vulnerable. Just once, I wanted to let go of the tough exterior I had built, which felt like hot metal against my skin.
It's tiring to be strong all the time.
People label me as tough and unyielding. I forged an image of strength because I had to. Cali and Poras were too young and vulnerable, and I needed to be their living shield, their protector. I became accustomed to defending myself and my siblings. A strong persona became my second nature years ago.
So when Kenru stepped in front of Killan, it felt different. I could protect myself, but experiencing someone defending me felt unusual. It felt like being taken care of, like someone genuinely cared and was ready to put themselves in harm's way to protect me.
Kenru gently pulled me behind him. I saw the confusion on Killan's face when Kenru took that action. He should be furious after I tried to kill him and Lanuza. I couldn't discern anger in his expression, but rather pain and curiosity. It left me wondering.
Killan took a step closer as the territorial zone of the second Pax tower began to light up. He halted a few feet before the boundary. "Idrish, c-can we talk?"
I didn't answer. I stayed behind Kenru. I wanted to speak with Killan, to know why he had joined the other camp. But what if it's a deception? After all, this is the arena. How could I have a conversation with an enemy who once tried to take my life?
He's my husband. Yes, he is. But is a staged marriage enough for me to fully trust him? There's only one answer I need before we can talk—Cali and Poras.
"Idrish, I won't interfere in your lives as a married couple, but if this conversation jeopardizes our chances of winning in this winter arena, I will intervene in any way necessary," Kenru said firmly. His hands clenched tightly, and his gaze was fixed on me, scrutinizing every movement I made.
"Kenru, I understand that you want to win this arena. We will. I won't do anything to jeopardize our chance." I took a few steps forward, feeling his resistance from behind.
The territorial shield illuminated the surroundings as Killan moved closer to it.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I began to speak, "C-Cali and Poras? How are they?" Tears welled up in my eyes. Just saying their names could make me cry. Remembering that my siblings were in another dimension reminded me of how I let them down. I failed them as their older sister.
His expression softened. He took a deep breath before responding, "T-They're safe. They're under my protection, Idrish."
I trusted his words. I had to. Trust was the only thing that could calm my heart and soothe my anguish and restlessness.
I gazed at his face. He looked the same—his raven eyes, pointed nose, distinctive royal ears, crimson lips, and a handsome physique. I noticed the bleeding mark on his neck from the earlier incident. "What are you doing here?"
He lowered his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the ground for a few seconds. Perhaps he was trying to hide the real reason that lingered in his eyes. I wanted to see it, but he was skilled at concealing his emotions. He had been like that since we first met—a puzzle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. "You wouldn't understand why I'm here. But I will explain, and I hope you under—"
His words were cut off by a loud explosion coming from the Appu and Senta lane. We were under attack! The sound of the attack was familiar—Senta's giant boulders being hurled by Brugour!
"The pax is under attack!" Kenru exclaimed immediately. He was about to run towards both lanes, but he abruptly stopped upon seeing Kenru. "You purposely held us both here. You came here, pretending like nothing's going on because you wanted to weaken our defense!"
My gaze shifted between the two men. The wind started to pick up, indicating that Kenru was about to launch a powerful attack.
"Idrish, believe me, it's not what you think it is! Pum—"
"Air strike!" Kenru shouted loudly. A powerful force came from my right, where I was standing, heading straight for Killan. It resembled a giant sword hurled at the territorial shield.
Killan was about to get hit!
In response, Killan raised his hand, and flames erupted from both his palms. He created a massive wall of fire, acting as a shield against Kenru's powerful air strike.
Kenru's attack collided with Killan's wall of flames. The impact caused fiery sparks to fly in all directions due to the intense clash. Killan was almost pushed back by the sheer force unleashed by Kenru.
I noticed the strong wind starting to gather again, directed towards Kenru's sword. He was forming another powerful attack to crush Killan. However, the formation of that force was abruptly disrupted by a neon blue beam from the final Pax tower in the Appu lane.
Killan seized the opportunity to escape. After briefly making eye contact, he swiftly turned and dashed into the dense forest.
"There's no defense in the Appu lane! Septen is winning..." Kenru muttered, his voice full of distress. "Idrish, I'm going there."
The tension that had built up inside me, concerning Killan and Lanuza, was suddenly cut. I understood how crucial winning the arena was for Kenru, Bonbon, Borracho, and likely even Rouma. I couldn't let my emotions interfere, as my duty as a member of Camp Meridio took precedence. "K-Kenru, what's the plan now?"
"If our defense is weakened, our only option is to strengthen our secondary defense, which is us. We have no other choice but to face them head-on. But we can't do that unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless we hunt for enhancers."
"Enhancers?" I asked with curiosity.
"It's very dangerous, especially for someone like you who's a first-timer. Enhancers are monsters within Mors that are meant to add excitement to this arena. Just like the stingers you obtained earlier, they boost someone's power and abilities."
Hearing the term "stingers" sent a shiver down my spine. I remembered the danger those giant bees posed. Based on Kenru's explanation, there were even more dangerous creatures in the Mors field, monsters that could further enhance a warrior's strength. He was suggesting that I hunt them to gain an advantage against members of Camp Septen.
"I s-should hunt the enhancers," I said, looking up at him.
"Yes. The enhancers are caged along the river lane. It's an extensive area, and it would take an elf days to traverse it." Kenru sighed, looking around before focusing on me again. I noticed the concern in his eyes. "The rest of us will distract the enemies. I'll join you if there's time."
I nodded, my thoughts racing as I tried to process everything.
"Every enhancer has a weakness, Idrish. Study each one's points of vulnerability before going in for the kill." I didn't expect what he did next. Kenru patted both my shoulders and ruffled my hair with his right hand. "I pray for the stars to guide you. M-may we meet again."
From his tone, it sounded like a farewell. I figured hunting enhancers must be incredibly dangerous. I couldn't blame him for saying those farewell words as a Springgan tradition. "May we meet again, Kenru."
He didn't say anything further. He started walking and glanced back at me before heading towards the attacked Senta and Appu lanes.
The realization that I would be alone in the upcoming battles began to sink in.
I am alone.
I am on my own.
And so, my hunt begins.