Kali would swiftly pull the two into a tight hug, while Welnar steps back. He’ll let the family reunion play out… At least, that’s what he planned to do. Kali had other ideas. “And this is- Welnar! Get over here!” She says, waving him over. He walks over, feeling as if he’s intruding despite being told to come.

  “This is Welnar. He’s a Sorcerer who’s gonna help deal with the Phoenix.” She says, Welnar giving a small awkward wave. Her parents look skeptical.

  “Are you sure working with a Sorcerer is the best idea..?” Her dad says, giving Welnar a side eye as he does.

  “Regardless of what you think, it’s our only choice dad.” Kali says. The mom looks even more skeptical, but she doesn’t say anything…

  “Just keep her safe, please Sorcerer.” The dad says. “That’s the plan. Not just her, but I’ll keep all of you safe. The Phoenix won’t be taking anybody else.” Welnar responds valiantly, earning an eye roll from Kali. The parents seem to lighten up ever so slightly at least…

  {“Something is coming, fast. From the sky.”} Monarch informs, immediately putting Welnar on guard as he looks up. A few moments later, a man soars into view, flying through the air on wings of flame… He looks down at Welnar, and descends with incredible speed! He crashes to the ground in front of him, startling the others as they turn to look. Amidst the dust kicked up from the landing, the two burning wings shine through and with a single flap, blow the dust away. The man is tall, with piercing orange eyes and similarly orange hair…

  “A little birdy told me some odd looking sorcerer fella waltzed in here… Looks like you’re it.” The Phoenix says, leaning towards Welnar. It seems like an attempt at intimidation… Unfortunately for the Phoenix, he isn’t buying it.

  “Yeah, I am. So what?” Welnar defiantly says.

  “So what? You’re stepping on MY turf pal!” The Phoenix says, already starting to get agitated.

  “Well I don’t see your name written here, so I don’t see how this is your turf.” It’s only after saying that when Welnar remembers that stupid sign… Regardless, he seems to be pissing the Phoenix off.

  “You know it’s starting to sound like you want a fucking problem.” The Phoenix grumbles, and as Welnar is about to shoot back Kali steps forward.

  “No, WE want a problem asshole!” She yells. “We’re sick and tired of your pathetic rule, so we’re here to end it!”

  The Phoenix stares at her for a moment, before chuckling… Then full on belly laughing. “What a fucking joke. You’re just a Normal, step back and let the real men talk-” He barely gets a chance to finish his words before Kali pulls her shortsword from its sheathe, pointing it straight at his neck.

  “If that’s the case, then how about you fight me and this Sorcerer together. Shouldn’t be so bad, since you’re just so strong right?” Kali says in a taunting tone. The Phoenix frowns, pushing the sword aside with a finger.

  “A challenge? Fine. Tomorrow night, meet at the field north outside town. I’ll make sure your death is painful, pathetic Normal. And you, Sorcerer…” The Phoenix points at Welnar.

  “I'll make sure yours is even worse.” With those parting words, he leaps into the air with a flap of his flaming wings, flying away. Once he's out of sight, Welnar lets out a sigh. “What a dumbass.” He says.

  “Agreed.” Kali laughs, Welnar turning back to face her family who… Are practically petrified.

  “Y-you can't seriously…” The dad says, still seemingly in shock and processing what just happened.

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  “This is madness! You'll get yourself killed, Kali!” The mom practically yells with anguish, pulling Kali into a tight hug.

  “Stop it mom… It'll be fine. I've been fighting all my life, this'll just be another drop in the bucket. And again, I've got Welnar on my side.” Kali says, patting her mother on the back.

  “Are you sure it'll be enough though? I-I mean no disrespect, Mr. Sorcerer!” The dad says.

  “None taken… But I'm more than enough. Don't you guys worry.” Welnar says, clenching his fist as blue energy swirls…

  “I don't call myself a hero for nothing.”

  “Anyway! We spent a long ass time walking here so mind if we crash with you guys?” Kali says. The dad can't help but chuckle, although the mom seems unable to shake her worries.

  “You never have to ask, dear. You can stay with us too, Sorcerer.” The dad says.

  “Oh! Uh… Sweet. Thanks!” Welnar says, as the group begins to walk, twisting and turning through the streets of the desolate town… Despite that, lights are visible through boarded up windows in many homes so it's not like people don't live here… More than likely, they simply fear going outside. Whether it's being stabbed in an alley by some desperate thief, or being found by a Sorcerer who decides to torture them on a whim… Welnar can't help but grow angry at the thought.

  They stop at a door tucked away in a small corner, opening it and stepping inside. It's just a single room, with a table in the middle, some shoddy beds in one corner and a few cupboards in another. Not much different from where Welnar once lived… The mother’s hands fumble around the table in the darkness for a few moments, before grabbing hold of a matchbox. She strikes a match, using the small flame to light a lantern, giving the place some proper light. “I apologize for not having much, Sorcerer…” She says.

  “It’s fine, really. I was a Normal just like you only a week or two ago.” Welnar responds.

  “Oh, really?” She says, surprised.

  “Yeah. This halo is my artifact… I had a forceful awakening.” This seems to put the parents more at ease.

  “Hey Welnar, you still got some jerky?” Kali asks. Welnar checks his bags… Lo and behold, he does! “I sure do.”

  “Then that’s what we’re having tonight!” She laughs, snatching it right out of his hands. They would all sit around the lantern lit table, eating dry jerky and chatting… Everyone except Welnar. Welnar sits back, eating his jerky quietly… Thinking.

  {“My magic concept… Construction, maybe? I can make stuff.”} He thinks.

  {“That’s where the construction part ends though. You’ve got a lot more than that.”} Monarch points out.

  {“Fair. Hmm… I wish there was some sort of hint we could have. Derlock must have had it easy, being able to control force.”}

  {“It’s okay! We’re not in a rush, right? We’ve made it this far without knowing it so worst case scenario, we just keep going.”} Monarch tries to reassure Welnar. He slowly nods…

  …

  Time would pass, night would fall. Kali’s parents were more than willing to sleep on the floor for Welnar and Kali, but they said no. Eventually, when the full moon would be high in the sky, Welnar would slowly get up from the floor. He would tiptoe his way to the door, silently unlocking it and leaving. He plans to do a bit of training… Get himself used to his newly acquired scarlet knife, try and adapt it to his style.

  As he makes his way through the town, he notices the sound of footsteps following. He keeps walking regardless… It’s probably just someone else who felt like doing a late night walk.

  Welnar stops thinking that after the 6th turn that they still follow. He whips around to face the mysterious follower… Only to be pleasantly surprised.

  “Derlock?” Welnar says, seeing the familiar old man.

  “It’s good to see you, Welnar.” Derlock says, giving a small nod.

  “What’re you doing here? I thought you had other places to be.”

  “This is another place, is it not?” He responds with a smirk. Welnar opens his mouth to shoot back, but closes it.

  “...Well- Yeah, I guess it is. But still, why here of all places?”

  “I was just passing through. Heard tale of some Sorcerer acting like they’re some big shot here, and I was amused.”

  “Wait, so you’ll fight the Phoenix?! With you on our side, we’ll definitely-” Derlock cuts him off.

  “It’s nothing like that. I have no intention of fighting the man…” He shakes his head. “It’d be too easy.” Well that’s a damn shame, Welnar thinks. There’s a few moments of silence, as Derlock looks at the scarlet knife floating idly beside Welnar.

  “I see you’ve gained something new.” He says. Welnar gives a nervous chuckle.

  “Yeah, I uh. I have.”

  Derlock scratches his chin. “The energy feels strange though… It intrigues me. Say, what were you planning to do out here tonight?”

  “Just uh… A bit of training.”

  “Well then, shall we have another friendly spar?” Derlock smiles cheerfully, looking like a nice and friendly old man… But Welnar knows better. He sighs.

  “Alright… Let's do it. Just don’t kill me please.”

  “I won’t, don’t worry. Come, let’s take this outside of town.”

  And so, the pair head outside town, Welnar feeling a tad nervous to fight Derlock again. The old man is scary, and he wasn’t even remotely serious last time! Except maybe that last hit… No, even then he probably wasn’t serious. But, this would be a great way to test his skills regardless… Much better than just training solo. Soon enough, they make it outside town.

  “Well. Shall we begin?” Derlock says, turning to face Welnar.

  “No point in wasting time.” Welnar responds, turning in kind. Derlock loosens his stance, Welnar tightening his. They both ready themselves, beginning to flow their mana throughout their bodies.

  And the first punch is thrown.