The lone candle flickered in the darkened classroom, casting shadows of us as I struggled to concentrate on Hendry's book. My thoughts kept drifting back to Felix and the unsettling look on his face earlier. It was unlike anything I'd seen from him before, and I knew I had to talk to him, to clear the air.
Abruptly rising from my seat, I startled Henry. "What's wrong?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.
"I need to sort something out," I muttered, my mind racing.
"Ah, the Felix syndrome strikes again," Henry joked, but his attempt at humor fell flat as I dashed out without another word. Running downstairs, my heart pounding, I headed toward the training ground.
Near the well, I spotted Ivy drinking water. Her eyes widened as she saw me sprint past.
"Don't go there!" she yelled, but I ignored her warning. I had to find Felix.
As I approached the training ground, the clash of metal drew my attention. Slowing my pace, I witnessed Felix and Abel sparring. Their movements were a deadly dance, each strike and block perfectly timed. A mix of awe and envy surged through me; I felt inadequate in comparison.
Suddenly, a spear hurtled toward me. Instinctively, I caught it, feeling its force reverberate through my arms.
"You!" Abel's voice rang out, his fury palpable as he glared at me, ready to pounce. My heart raced, but I stood my ground.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped onto the training ground. Felix noticed me and paused, his expression unreadable. Abel's hostility was like a weight pressing down on me.
"Felix, can we talk?" I managed, my voice wavering.
He nodded, wiping sweat from his brow as he approached. "What's on your mind?"
"I… I saw you training with Abel. Your skills are incredible. I realize now how much I need to improve. I understand why people doubt me, why they think I don't belong, and on that day, I was surprised to find you admire that horrifying creature. I didn't mean to offend you." I confessed, my insecurity laid bare.
Felix's expression softened, and he glanced toward Abel, who resumed his training but kept a watchful eye on us.
"It's not about admiration, Vesper," Felix explained gently. "It's about understanding. These creatures we face, like dragons, they embody strength and resilience. There's much we can learn from them. People fear what they don't understand, and that fear turns to hostility. Everyone have their reason, Im sure you have yours."
His words resonated with me, and I nodded slowly. "I want to stand by your side without feeling like a burden." I glanced at Abel who was pretending to do push up to keep his body warm.
A faint smile touched Felix's lips. "Then train with us, grow stronger. But remember, strength isn't just physical. It's about character and protecting those who matter."
Determination surged within me. "I'll do it. I'll train harder and become someone who can stand alongside you, Ivy, and Henry."
Felix clapped a hand on my shoulder. "That's the spirit. Let's get started."
"And about Ivy…please don't misunderstand, she was teaching" I began, but Felix cut me off with a knowing look.
"I understand," he said simply.
Handing back the spear, I watched as Felix returned to sparring with Abel. From a distance, Abel's bitter scoff echoed, but I brushed it off.
"I'll head back to class now," I said to Felix.
"Sure," he replied. Turning, I made my way back, Ivy catching up and grabbing my hand with concern etched on her face.
"How are your hands?" she asked, skepticism lacing her tone.
"I'm fine. My hands are tough from all the heavy lifting I endure all this year," I reassured her. "Im surprised myself. Abel is indeed strong."
"You're a beast yourself! Who catches a spear like that?" she chuckled, elbowing me lightly.
"Just a spur-of-the-moment thing," I grinned nervously as we walked back to class. Henry sat by the window, having witnessed the entire scene.
"Satisfied now?" Hendry teased, a mischievous glint in his eye as me and Ivy return back to our seat.
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.
"Good. Now, let's cram some knowledge into that brain of yours," he said with a smirk, and I knew the night of studying ahead wouldn't be easy.
Confronting Felix had lifted a weight off my shoulders. He had a maturity beyond his years, explaining things in a way that was surprisingly inspirational.
From that night onward, I dedicated myself to rigorous training. Pushing myself to the limits, learning new techniques, and honing my skills became my daily routine. It wasn't easy, and there were moments I wanted to give up, but the thought of standing by my friends' sides kept me going.
As days turned into weeks, I felt myself growing stronger and more confident. The bullying from Abel and others persisted. He was always keeping an eye on me but didn't dare come close because Ivy silently watched him too. They pulled silly pranks, like placing frogs in my shoes, throwing away my clothes, hiding my headgear, and ganging up on me during practice so they could win, but it bothered me less. As long as I knew I was on the right path.