The log-in this time was a little different. When Astaroth woke up on the bed, he felt heavier than usual.
Up to now, his body had felt weightless to him, like his own. But now it felt different. Like he wasn’t in his own body.
It felt heavier, but also sturdier. He could feel the muscles working on every move he made. It was weird at first, but he quickly got accustomed to it, simply by doing some stretching exercises.
After a few minutes, he felt normal again, like his brain had re-accustomed itself.
“Hmm. That was weird.” He mumbled to himself.
“Probably the pod readjusting my avatar to fit me better.” He added, shrugging his shoulders.
He walked over to where Genie was resting. He patted her gently, waking her up.
“Wake up, girl, it’s time to go hunt again.” He said, looking at the wolf lovingly.
He had always liked dogs, but could never get one, his situation not being ideal for a pet.
“Are you hungry?” He asked Genie, pulling out a slab of meat from his inventory to feed her.
Genie got up fast, wagging her tail and drooling at the piece of meat. As soon as Astaroth dropped it to the ground, she jumped on it and, literally, wolfed it down.
Astaroth petted her fur some more while she ate ravenously, enjoying the soft feeling in his hand. As soon as she was done, she lifted her head to him, licking her lips.
Her deep blue eyes looked content as she sat in front of him. Their bond had started only through White, but Astaroth could feel that it had deepened as they fought together and he took care of her.
It might only have been a day, but it felt like she understood he had saved her.
Astaroth smiled at her and got up.
“Time to go. We got some hunting to do!” He told Genie, walking out of his alcove.
He went straight to the village entrance, not wanting to stop at the barracks and confront Kloud just yet. But trouble came to seek him faster than he had expected.
Just as he walked out of the village, he took a swift kick to the chest that sent him flying back across the barrier. He landed on his back and tumbled for a few feet before stopping his course by turning to his stomach and gripping the dirt.
He looked at his health bar, and it had dropped by half with that single attack. He looked outside the barrier and saw someone he wasn’t expecting to see.
It was Konnor. Kloud had banished him a few days prior, but that obviously didn’t stop him from coming back.
‘Why is he still here?’ Astaroth thought, frowning.
“What was that for, you psycho?” He growled at Konnor.
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Astaroth frowned at the order.
“What do you want with the Captain?” He asked Konnor.
“It should be obvious! I’m here to take back my honor!” Konnor said, getting angrier.
“I shouldn’t have been banished for beating a shrimp like you! The strong should always dictate the lives of the weak. Had you died, it would have been your own fault for provoking me!” Konnor added, almost frothing at the mouth.
“You are an idiot if you think I beat you unfairly.” Astaroth replied, his face getting darker.
He already knew it from their altercation the first time, but he hated this guy’s guts. He was a typical brute who only knew how to punch and call people weak.
Astaroth wanted to cave his face in right there, but a hand landed on his shoulder.
He turned his head and met Kloud’s gaze. The man was looking at Astaroth with a fatherly look.
He then walked outside the barrier with a steady gait, stopping only a couple of meters before Konnor.
His back was straight, his gaze on Konnor, and his aura of authority was felt from a distance.
“What do you want with me? I thought I was clear when I said I never wanted to see your face again.” Kloud said to Konnor with anger.
“This is MY home too! You can’t just banish me for the sake of some weakling!” Konnor responded, seething.
“I banished you because you lack honor! You should have just taken the loss honorably.” Kloud barked back.
“I DON’T LOSE TO WEAKLINGS!” Konnor yelled, his breath becoming ragged.
“It is too late now. The decision was taken, and I don’t go back on my decisions. Leave now, while I still permit it.” Kloud said, turning around to go back into the village.
“NO! I invoke the rules of the military, and challenge you for the spot of captain!” Konnor screamed.
“Don’t do this, Konnor. You know I will kill you if we fight seriously.” Kloud said, not turning back.
His eyes were glum now. He knew Konnor wouldn’t change his mind in the state of rage he was in, but he kept hope.
He hoped the threat of death would make him come to his senses.
Kloud did not want to kill Konnor for such a petty reason. He believed that with enough time, the man would see the error in his ways and adjust his mentality.
Of course, he couldn’t let him back here either. The man had been dishonorable, and that was a line he refused to have crossed by his men.
Unfortunately for him, it had the opposite effect. Konnor seemed to grin at the threat like it was what he hoped for.
“Good! Because I fully intend to fight to the death!” Konnor replied, his tone cold, as he armed up.
More people had lined up at the village entrance. The tension between Kloud and Konnor was also building up fast.
The people around could feel the pressure building up like someone was stepping on their chest.
Both Kloud and Konnor were staring at each other, ready to pounce. But they were interrupted before it happened.