Aren and Lillia wondered who had got them out, and why. They walked up the stairs, and once the guard opened the large doors, they were greeted by an older man.
He was an elf looking to be in his late fifties, most of his hair greyed, and stood a few inches taller than even Aren. His hair went down to his shoulders, and he had a thick beard. He radiated unfathomable power simply standing there.
“Who are you? Why did you get us out?” Aren asked immediately.
“Patience, boy. Why don’t you two follow me, and I’ll explain.”
They looked at the elf skeptically but felt that it would be impossible to defy him, so they complied.
Moving through the streets full of people, the crowds seemed to part for the man leading them. They wondered just who this person was.
Soon enough, the three had left the city and were walking on a small trail through the forest.
“Where are you taking us?” Lillia asked.
“My home here in the woods. Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything, so loosen up a little bit.” He chuckled, seeing Aren and Lillia’s suspicious gazes.
Eventually, they arrived at the man’s house. It was medium-sized and completely made of wood, with two floors. They all entered, and Aren and Lillia sat across from the elf at a table.
“Well, I’m sure you have many questions, but first let me introduce myself. You can call me Hal, just a regular old elf.”
They doubted that Hal was just a regular old elf, but told him their names and waited for him to explain.
“Well, I can say that I have been waiting for you two for a while. Looking at you now, you both will indeed suffice…” He trailed off, scrutinizing them.
‘Waiting for us?’ The duo both thought.
“Suffice for what?” the boy questioned.
“Weak. You two are far, far too weak to know that yet. However, I have been waiting for you two for a long time, and I see your potential.”
“This is Earth, right?” Lillia asked randomly.
“Well, I guess you could say that it is,” Hal responded cryptically.
“Okay then, so what is it that you need us for? Aren prompted.
“I want you two to grow much more powerful. With my assistance, of course.”
“I don’t see why though, I don’t think we have a good reason to listen to you,” Aren responded.
“Well, just trust me. I doubt you two have anything else to do anyway.”
Aren could tell that they didn’t have any other choice but to go along with him.
“At least tell us why, though.”
“Hmm. Alright, if you two can land one solid hit on me in a friendly spar, I’ll tell you everything.” Hal smirked, sure they wouldn’t be able to succeed.
“Fine.”
The three of them went out to the yard at the back of the house.
“Both of you can attack me at once, no weapons. Begin!”
They dashed forward, approaching Hal from opposite sides. When they reached him, they sent powerful punches towards his body.
To their bewilderment, he caught both of their punches without even moving. Lillia’s force barrier had no effect, and the weight behind Aren’s punch didn’t even faze the man. But he followed up, sweeping with his right leg, however, the man caught his leg with his foot.
Lillia moved in close as Aren attacked, hoping to catch the man off guard. She slammed her hand to his chest and expanded her barrier, but strangely, the force dissipated when it came into contact with him. She launched the same hand up towards his chin, but he snapped his head to the side, dodging.
Eventually, the two completely exhausted themselves, having been on the offense nonstop for hours without any success. At that moment, Hal finally attacked, sending a simple slap at each of their faces. It connected and blasted them away. Lillias' barrier didn’t even seem to push back at all against the strike.
Luckily, their bodies were extremely tough, or else their necks would’ve been snapped. They groaned and sat up, accepting defeat.
“You two are powerful, I will say that. But that is only in comparison to the common people around here. You are hundreds of times weaker than the people above that.
Aren and Lilia were shocked at his words but knew it was true after fighting Hal. They could only imagine what that level of power was like.
“Well, I’m sure you two are hungry and tired. We can begin your real training tomorrow.”
Hal led them back inside and cooked for them. He placed a bowl in front of each of them at the table, full of a stew made from potatoes and some type of meat.
Despite the simplicity, it was the best thing they had ever tasted, as they had never eaten food with seasoning in their lives. They devoured several servings before Hal showed them to their room.
“Unfortunately, there is only one empty room in this house. Behave yourselves…”
“Uh…right,” Aren responded.
Hal left them in the room, closing the door. They looked at the large bed curiously, having barely seen one in their lives, especially not in good condition.
They laid down, and almost instantly fell asleep. It was the most comfortable they had ever been in their lives, and they got the best sleep that they had in years.
Early the next morning, Hal started their grueling training.
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