Vex recounted the numerous victories she had achieved during the duels with Tessa on the training grounds.

  In truth, their fight did not evoke the excitement expected by the audience, who were enjoying the spectacle. However, the match cked the true epic fighting spirit one would hope to see from two warriors dueling each other.

  They give their all in a fierce Aura of will, determined to be the st person standing as if it were a fight to the death.

  The crowd was displeased by the mixed reactions to the outcome, with one side conceding defeat.

  Additionally, the audience reacted negatively because those betting on the outcome were disappointed it did not align with their expectations.

  Most supporters believe Tessa should be the winner, as she has a history of life-and-death battles and wars. Unfortunately, her decration of Vex as the winner caused their money to be lost.

  Of course, none of them would dare compin to Tessa unless they wanted to face the women in combat themselves.

  A small number of people in the crowd shared their viewpoint on why the fight ended this way.

  These individuals have a strong awareness of the two power levels. If Tessa and Vex were to unleash their full abilities, the training ground could very well be destroyed, and anyone nearby would be affected as well.

  Tessa was impressed to hear the number of wins on Vex's side: “One hundred forty to my two hundred ten.”

  “And don’t forget, the score should be about one hundred and five, and this would have made it one hundred and six,” Vex says, just after getting healed by the frog person.

  Tessa lets out a small chuckle before she speaks. “It was my call to make, and I made no mistake in acknowledging your skills and growth. Admitting a loss doesn’t mean either of us should start going out of control.”

  “Still, this doesn’t feel right. I demand a rematch, Tessa,” Vex insists, her tone serious about wanting to fight again.

  Tessa feels a simir urge inside her—the willingness to keep fighting like her old self during those harsh war times. But that part of her is long gone; now she is someone who can appreciate the entertainment of these fights with Vex.

  The girl is one of the few who can match this woman's combat skills.

  “As much as I would love to fight you again, I have a job to do. If you want a rematch, we can have one outside of this town. There, we can truly express ourselves in a battle to the death, as unusual as that may be,” Tessa says, Vex understands that settling for a bittersweet win is enough until their next encounter.

  At that moment, they notice everyone is staring at them, Tessa addresses the crowd, “What are you all staring at? Don’t you have training to do? Or should I remind you of the importance of not scking off?”

  Hearing the commanding voice of the snake dy causes the crowd to disperse and return to their training routines.

  “Well, that was fun and all, but I can’t let a guard like myself get caught by her. Cory, it was nice seeing you again, and I look forward to seeing how well you handle Tessa's training. Dolly, tell your mother that a few guards and I will be visiting her tavern tonight,” Bke Cantu says as he walks away.

  “Alright, see you ter then, Bke. Have fun with your training,” Dolly replies.

  After that, Cory stands in frozen amazement, witnessing two people perform powerful stances called the auras of will.

  Humorously, he feels an itch that is not a hunger for food but rather a desire for power.

  “Hey, Cory, are you there?” Dolly asks, pulling him back into the moment.

  “Oh… sorry about that. I got lost in thought. Did you say something to me?” Cory replies, eager to hear what Dolly has just said.

  “Yeah, I was asking if you want to head back to the tavern since the fight is over and everyone is getting back to training. There seems to be no reason for us to stay any longer.” Dolly pointed out.

  “I agree with Dolly; we should all head to that pce to enjoy some peacetime before the evening rush,” Vex chimes in as she approaches them.

  Dolly speaks first. “Oh, are you sure? Don’t you still have training to do here?”

  “The duel with Tessa was enough training for me, even if it ended this way. Plus, I don’t want to deal with the crowd when they start pouring in,” Vex replies before turning to Cory. “Tessa wanted me to tell you that she expects you here tomorrow at sunrise.”

  Cory is taken aback by how early Tessa is asking him to come. He struggles to respond. “That early? I’m not sure how I can manage that. I’ve woken up early before, but nothing like that.”

  “Well, you must try to be here at that time. Tessa requested it to test your dedication, and if you fail this simple task, you won’t be welcome to train here,” Vex expins, which fills Cory with a new sense of worry.

  “Isn’t that a bit harsh? Cory is new here; Tessa should take it easy on him,” Dolly interjects, finding it unfair to push someone so inexperienced.

  “She has the right to set high expectations for running this training ground. Thanks to her, this pce has become a legitimate environment for honing skills needed for whatever jobs await,” Vex expins to Dolly.

  Cory observes those around him training in various disciplines—close combat, ranged attacks, defense, and so on.

  “Alright, I can do it. I’ll show Tessa that I’m serious and ready to train hard, just like everyone else here,” Cory decres, sounding determined.

  Vex smiled, happy to see his enthusiasm. “It's great to keep that fire going for tomorrow. Tessa won’t go easy on you; she aims to challenge your spirit and push your limits. Speaking of which, I’m finally feeling hungry. Isn’t it time for an early meal at your mother’s tavern? I hope she doesn't mind,” Vex asked Dolly.

  “Oh, she won’t mind at all! You know my mother loves you like a daughter,” Dolly replies as they begin to move toward the tavern.

  Cory pauses for a moment, deep in thought. “Oh man, I need to be sure of what I’m getting myself into.”

  <><><><><><><><><>

  Elden Matthews was back in his clothing shop after spending time with his dear sister, Este, who had recently left town.

  Este will focus on her journey as a merchant, eagerly awaiting the next time she will visit.

  Elden pursued his own path to making money, his shop welcomed a number of patrons who came in once it reopened. It turned into another calm day of business, which Elden enjoyed. Of course, there was always a bit of excitement from certain patrons whenever fewer people were around to witness what transpired between two individuals.

  “ELDEN, it's your good old raccoon friend here to share some interesting news with you!”