Book 4. Chapter 13
For the most part, Brin felt himself a natural Frenarian. He’d lived in this world for a couple years now. He adopted their culture, ate their food, and dressed in their clothes, which led him to believe that his mind sort of worked the same way theirs did.
All that fell apart in moments like this, when he came face to face with a decision that seemed completely insane and stupid, or both. Zilly and Davi weren’t stupid, and they weren’t crazy either. Zilly was impulsive, sure, but this looked like something they’d planned on together after careful deliberation. So why?
Because of the System. Because they’re grown up with it, and understood it on an instinctual level. The System gave better rewards when you risked something. A duel on a bridge over an active volcano would give better experience than a duel on flat ground. Winning a duel in the middle of a mass conscription, fighting while avoiding the eyes of ranks of soldiers sent out to arrest you would give massive experience, maybe even an Achievement.
On one hand, literally any other time would be better for this showdown. On the other hand, that made this the perfect time.
“Sorry, Brin, but we’re not taking no for an answer,” said Davi.
“This is crazy,” said Brin.
Zilly stepped forward and drew her sword. “This duel isn’t going to stop at first blood, since you only get stronger when you get wounded. The contest only ends when one team can’t keep going, or if we get caught by the press gangs. If you try to run, we’ll catch you, and if you try to surrender we’ll turn you in.”
Davi winced but didn’t countermand her.
“You both want to get drafted. Is that it?” Brin asked.