The Void Wolf

The sound of dry heaving made itself known as it filled the ears of those traveling, accompanied by the hiss of organic material being dissolved and corroded. An odorless dark red liquid fell onto the grass and instantly caused it to wilt. It was the poison from the previous night that Ira's body was forcing out.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Amy stared at Ira with a disturbed expression.

In fact, everyone silently looked at him in shock, except for Captain Avery, who seemed to be unaffected. After the attack, the seven Knights found out they were drugged and captured by the traitors and were angry with their own incompetence. The legless Knight Robert was kept alive by Captain Avery for some unknown purpose, he was tied to her horse, his face covered with a burlap sack and his mouth gagged. The village children were shaken from the attack, although they wanted adventure and risk, the reality was way different from expectations. Other than Ira and Captain Avery, everyone seemed to be a little sullen.

“I think that was the-” Ira leaned over and vomited more poison before he continued, “Last of it.” Ira gave Amy a carefree smile.

Ira’s whole appearance was pretty terrible, his clothes were tattered, he was covered in dried blood,  but surprisingly his wounds were more or less gone. Captain Avery walked towards Ira and handed him a flask and a rag, the intention was obvious. Ira wordlessly accepted with a grin. Under the gazes of everyone, he ripped off his ragged shirt and began to pour the contents of the flask on himself, after he used the rag to wipe the blood away. Eventually, Ira wiped away most of the blood before handing the flask and rag back to Captain Avery.

“Thanks,” Ira said cheerfully.

Captain Avery nodded before continuing to walk.

"When did they get so close?" Someone whispered.

Many Knights observed Ira closer. Now that his upper body was cleaned of blood, his muscles could be seen. Most of the people in the group stared at Ira weirdly. Eyes were filled with confusion, praise, envy, embarrassment, and astonishment. This sixteen-year-old youth was skinny, yet every muscle was clearly defined and brought out a feeling of durability. It was as if Ira did rigorous training for his whole life. A few village boys around the same age felt jealous, their bodies were average at best, though they couldn’t be blamed, peaceful village life wasn’t a good environment for getting stronger. Amy was the only exception, as she began spear training a few years ago, and instinctively picked it up, her own physique was better than most of the village boys.

“So are all of you going to keep staring?” Ira asked aloud.

Everyone looked away shamefully, though he would still get an occasional glance. Amy was among those who sent a few glances towards him which didn't escape Clark's notice.

“Ira, I have an extra shirt, if you want it.” Clark pulled a shirt out his bag and brought it over to Ira.

Ira glanced at the shirt and then chuckled,“ Clark…That’s an ugly shirt. An incredibly ugly shirt.”

A few others were listening to the interaction and couldn't help but to make a few stifled laughs.

“Uh…hahaha.”Clark laughed awkwardly, he knew his village clothes were of poor quality, but the reason he felt awkward was that he was currently wearing the same exact shirt.

“There is a town just ahead.” Captain Avery spoke loudly, causing everyone to look ahead.

Indeed there was a town, the atmosphere was lively as people roamed the streets. A large sign hung above the entrance which read "Colmar". Captain Avery showed her identification to the gatekeepers and led the group into the town. Under her instruction, the Knights went to buy a sizable carriage, and the villagers were allowed to walk around for a few hours, the injured Robert was temporarily left under the watch of the town guards. Captain Avery took Ira to a clothing store and Amy decided to tag along, even though she didn’t have much money, Clark trailed behind them even though he had no money, he wanted to ask his grandfather for some, but he couldn't drum up the courage.

…………………………………

“Welcome! Let me know if I can help you.” An old woman greeted the four as they walked in.She looked at Ira strangely, but noticed Captain Avery's military uniform and put all other thoughts to the back of her mind.

“I need clothes for the boy with me and also I need my jacket to be fixed within a few hours.”Captain Avery said before removing her jacket and handing it to the woman.

“The jacket is no problem. Does your friend have any clothing preferences?”The woman politely asked. Captain Avery didn't even need to think before answering.

“Anything black.”

“You know me so well.” Ira laughed in a jokingly. In truth, Ira did have a preference toward the color black. Just seeing it helped remind him of his time in the Void.

“And would the other two be interested in anything?” The shopkeeper looked towards Amy and Clark.

“Could you find me something easy to move around in?” Amy spoke up.

“No problem, young lady. And the young man?”The shopkeeper asked politely.

“Uh…”Clark scratched his head.

Noticing Clark’s hesitation Captain Avery spoke.“There should be a blacksmith around, find me some black boots that are good for combat.”

She handed Clark a wad of money and then dismissed him, Clark could only helplessly leave the store.

The storekeeper took Captain Avery’s coat into a back room and emerged with two baskets full of clothes. One basket held only black clothes and the other held a variety of colored clothes. Captain Avery sorted through the basket of black clothes, and pulled out a long sleeve black shirt and black pants, tossing them to Ira, who then disappeared behind a changing curtain. Amy looked on feeling a tinge of jealousy, both she and Captain Avery met Ira around the same time, and yet she seemed to understand Ira more than anyone even though his behavior was a mystery. Added to the fact that Captain Avery was very beautiful and beyond talented with a sword, Amy couldn't help but envy her.

“A lavender color would work best with your green eyes.” The shopkeeper said enthusiastically as she handed a few purple shirts to Amy.

“Thank you.” Amy took the shirts and went behind another changing curtain. While Captain Avery found a chair to sit in and waited.

………………………………..

“Seventy Gre.”

The shopkeeper said smilingly. Captain Avery pulled out a bill, which read 100, stamped with a reflective bear emblem.

A printed currency would've been frowned upon at one point in time, but through a mix of alchemy, magic, and a combination of minerals, the Kingdom's bills were reactive to light. Discerning a counterfeit bill from a real one wasn't very difficult, and those caught counterfeiting bills would lose a hand, so cases of fake bills were basically non-existent.

“Keep the change.” Captain Avery said as she put on her newly stitched military jacket.

“Thank you, Miss.” The shopkeeper said happily.

“Thank you, Captain Avery,” Amy said before making a small bow towards Captain Avery, who nodded in response. Amy felt grateful due to Captain Avery paying for her clothes, but Avery didn't mind it. After all her family had more money than they could possibly spend.

As they left Ira and Amy exchanged glances. Ira was wearing a fitting black shirt and black pants. Amy was wearing a short sleeve purple shirt, tan pants, and her brown leather boots from the village.

“Looking good, Amy!”

Ira smiled, giving Amy a thumbs up.

Amy put her head down and slightly blushed, and noticing Ira finally said her name. Clark met up with them outside the store and gave the boots to Ira. Ira put them on and kicked a few times.

“Thanks.” Ira smiled cheerfully turning to Captain Avery who made a barely detectable grin in response

“Try not to lose next time.” Captain Avery tacked on slyly. Ira’s eye twitched but he kept his smile.

……………………….

The group reassembled and piled into a carriage. The destination was Rothenberg, one of the major cities that housed a teleportation array straight to the Capital. The journey was unobstructed and proceeded quickly. After a week of traveling, Rothenburg was a half day away and Captain Avery began prepping the village kids for the academy in the Capital.

“Listen up, other than Ira and Amy, you all have basic potential. You’ll be treated as students and be given the very minimum amount of education and training, those who show potential will be given access to more academic resources and training. Noble families will attempt to recruit those who show talent, and while the offers may seem attractive, there are many dangers you could face. Accepting one offer over another may offend the second party, and the possibility of being killed because of this isn’t low, and then, of course, you may be put in between rivaling factions and be brought into conflict whether you're willing or not. I would advise you to exercise caution, if you aren’t prepared for the danger, the Kingdom or the Temples are the safer bets, but the benefits can be lacking and aren’t up for negotiation. My family is also recruiting and the benefits are much better than most other houses, but the requirements to join are beyond strict, and the number of people plotting against us is numerous.” Captain Avery explained seriously.

The village kids felt excitement and fear at Captain Avery’s words. Although they took her words seriously, whether they would listen or not was hard to say. These villages youths were more prone to temptation because of their inexperience and naiveté.

Ira sat in the carriage with his eyes closed, seemingly unconcerned with the Academy or the Capital.

“Will you be joining Captain Avery or going to the Academy?” Clark asked Ira curiously. Amy and Captain Avery also listened in on the conversation.

“Neither, We’ll be parting ways at the Capital,” Ira said uninterestedly without even opening his eyes. Amy looked disappointed, seeing as she has yet to repay Ira for saving her, twice. Captain Avery on the other hand, had a look of contemplation.

“Though you won’t be joining my family, I hope we can continue to assist one another.” Captain Avery said before waiting for Ira's response.

“Sure, we’re friends aren’t we?” Ira opened his eyes and looked at Captain Avery with a carefree smile.

Captain Avery was taken off guard but answered anyway. “We are, aren’t we?” She smiled at Ira before laughing at the thought of it. It could be said that she had no actual friends, not that she wanted any in first place.

The whole group was stunned when they heard Captain Avery’s pure and serene laugh, it gave one a sense of comfort. The Knights were stunned even more because none of them had ever witnessed their Captain laugh or smile so brightly, and Captain Avery seemed too cold for friends. A and she went back to her indifferent attitude, with a faint trace of a grin. Ira chuckled before closing his eyes again.

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