Book 2 Chapter 66

Everyone seemed surprised by his sudden declaration. The most vocal of which was his current opponent Li Xiangyin.

“What? Why? I haven’t even landed a blow on you yet!”

Willow continued to smile as he answered. “Both me and my spirit are close to running out of qi. I might be able to get a lucky hit off, but I’m not gonna win this. So victory is yours.”

He couldn’t deny that he felt disappointed by the results. He’d trained hard for this after all.

And yet he was still happy with the experience overall.

He had fought a prominent clan member to a standstill. The only thing he was lacking was stamina, and that would come in time as his spirits and core continued to grow.

He’d lose today, but win tomorrow.

Willow could live with that.

Most of the elders observing the fight seemed disgruntled for whatever reason. Probably because the gap between the two of them wasn’t as large as they wanted so the Li clan lost a bit of face or something along those lines. Honestly, even if he was going to deliberately throw the fight the outcome would’ve likely been about the same as it was now. He wouldn’t have just laid down and let Li Xiangyin beat on him.

The old man who gave the before fight speech gave an equally long speech about dedication and persevering on your path no matter the obstacles in your way before allowing the two children to leave the fight pit.

Honestly, Willow liked that speech a lot better than his first one.

Mister Matias helped keep attention off of him after the fight, intercepting any curious adults and bearing the brunt of complaints or criticisms. He also made a point of reminding several individuals that Willow was already claimed by the Wanderers and that he had no control over where he’d wind up in the future.

Frankly it was more exhausting than the fight itself.

Eventually he was let free without issue and was given a moment of time alone with his martial instructor as they made their way through the winding corridors of the house.

Mister Matias had a swirling mixture of emotions in his core, but the dominant one was clearly disappointment.

And after he asked his first question Willow began to understand why.

“Why didn’t you use any of your offensive techniques? You would’ve likely won if you’d been more aggressive with your approach.”

Willow shook his head. “It was too risky. Her movements were quick enough that if she dodged in a way I didn’t expect then she could’ve lost a limb. You were the one who emphasized that I be cautious with those particular techniques.”

He grumbled. “Cautious doesn’t mean you don’t use them. I thought I was being clear when I told you to go all out.”

Willow wrinkled his nose. “I’m not gonna potentially cripple someone over something silly like an exhibition match.”

“The Li clan is known for their medicine and healing capabilities. Even if you were to lop off a limb they’d be able to fix it with no issues.” The old guardsman argued.

Willow was pretty sure he didn’t like that way of thinking. Just because the damage could be fixed didn’t mean that he wanted to hurt her like that. Though he supposed she wasn’t exactly holding back with some of the attacks she was throwing his way…

Still, he stood firm that it felt needlessly cruel to do something like that for what was just a fight designed to show off new talents.

Actually…

Had someone in House Herrera tried to use him to cripple or even kill the rising talent of a rival clan? He’d hoped his teacher was above such politics, but family made people do unwise things.

Luckily nothing came of it, if there even was such a plot. He really needed to stop interacting with prominent clans and houses. It was starting to make him chase shadows.

Mister Matias cleared his throat and brought Willow out of his musings.

“Despite my misgivings about your approach, you still performed adequately. You kept a cool head and didn’t falter under your opponents attacks. With a stronger spirit and more qi at your disposal you’ll likely wind up a terror on the field of battle someday.”

Willow smiled at the praise, and belatedly realized this would be his last interaction with his martial instructor for quite some time. Though the man himself was unaware of that fact.

“I only did so well because you’re such a good teacher.”

Matias smiled and fiddled with his thin moustache. “You took to my teachings like a bird learning to fly. There were some falls, but it was a joy when I started to see you soar.”

They were beginning to reach the edge of the Herrera household and Willow could feel the teeming crowds beyond the walls. So with a sigh he bound his senses with practiced ease and the world grew dim once more. He was somewhat surprised that he didn’t notice any particular emotions radiating from the great spirit deep below, but perhaps the emotion it cultivated wasn’t an obvious one.

As they exited the gates Willow saw Maple anxiously waiting for him.

She was pacing back and forth with her arms crossed and one arm tapping against the other in a staccato rhythm. The guards at the gate were watching her go with clear amusement on their faces. The fact she’d walked with Willow and Mister Matias to the compound during the morning and the sun was beginning to get low in the sky made it clear that she’d been doing this for at least a good chunk of the day.

He’d noticed that his sister was a lot more animated ever since she’d bound Meteoros. It used to be that she’d always chastise him for being unable to sit still, but now it often felt like their positions had reversed. He’d learned patience, and she’d grown far more energetic. He honestly liked the change even if it led to moments like this.

“Hiya Sissy!”

Maple noticeably sagged in relief upon hearing those words. She then quickly scooped Willow into a hug despite his squawk of surprise and how awkward the hug was with the shield strapped to his back.

“Heya little gnome. Glad you’re safe.”

“Of course I’m safe! Xandra made sure of that.”

His tired reflection popped out of the shield they were still occupying, giving Maple a wave before returning to their internal space at the root of Willow’s spine. He’d wanted to put them back earlier, but Xandra was quite insistent on staying out until they’d at least left the compound.

Maple finally broke the hug, but still held on to his hand, seemingly afraid that he’d run off if he was given the chance.

“Thank you for looking after them, but it’s getting late and we need to head home.”

He smiled. “It was my pleasure.”

Willow gave his martial instructor one last salute before his sister carried him off under the power of Meteoros.

It was exhilarating to fly over the city and meet up with Miss Mu and Rotter on the outskirts of it.

In short order the group was on their way and leaving Acerorazon behind.

While Willow wondered when he’d meet his friend again.

He knew that he would be back.