Loopbreaker

Francis jumped out of bed the moment the bell sounded.

“What the hell?” Michael called out.

“Bells are ringing earlier than usual,” Francis said. “Time to get up.”

“Yeah… I mean, of course, but… I half expected I’d have to drag your butt out of bed like every other day.”

Smiling at his brother in the dimly lit room, Francis shrugged.

The notification he had waited for was before him; even though he’d had to stand there and let Cutter beat him senseless for almost a full round, not even trying to dodge or block, he’d done it. He was ready for today.

[ Agility has reached 26 - Proficient Level Acquired ]

[ Body Transformation in Progress ]

[ Transformation Complete ]

He was also two points away from raising his strength to the next level, but Francis didn’t think it would be possible to do that from these fights anymore. Besides, he was done letting himself get his butt handed to him every night. This time, things would be different.

***

“I’m sorry, you want to duel me?” Phillip asked. “Have you lost your mind, Lancaster? Get running before I consider you a deserter!”

Francis shook his head, watching those who had taken off start to disappear from sight.

“I can't, sir. We need to do this, and I didn’t want to ask in front of the others.”

“Because you didn’t want them to see you get beaten again? Seriously, I don’t have time for this crap. Now get running or else.”

“Or else you’ll fight me?” Francis said, grinning.

The frown and glare coming from his trainer lessened slightly, and then Phillip shook his head.

“What has happened to you, Lancaster? Did you grow a pair? I can see you’re holding yourself differently, and you look… bigger.”

“I’ll tell you what. We can duel. If I manage to land a few hits on you with a practice sword, you’ll listen to what I say later tonight. If not, you can keep my three silver, and I’ll take my beating without complaints.”

“Three? You’re going to be last. That spot only gets two.”

“No. I’ll still beat a good number of them, even with their head start,” Francis said.

Phillip grunted and started to say something, but then he stopped. He pulled his metal sword from its scabbard and pointed it at Francis.

“I’m going to use this. Know that if you die, this is on your head and not mine.”

All Francis did was nod his head once and then move toward the area with barrels of weapons. He didn’t take a shield, choosing to use just a sword.

As he approached, he pulled the shirt that barely fit him off, watching as the man who trained him blinked a few times.

“Your… physique… what the?”

“We don’t have time to gawk at how great I look,” Francis declared. “I just need to prove a point. Trust me, tonight is going to be worth it.”

Phillip grunted and set his feet, holding his sword ready.

“Two hits and it’ll be your victory. Hell, let’s say just one! Strike me once and I–”

Francis didn’t wait.

He found himself moving far faster than he had originally expected. His first strike came at the wrong angle, as his feet were out of position.

Shit!

He hadn’t considered that it might take some time to figure out how his body moved, but the attack and speed caught Phillip off guard, regardless.

Whatever training and skill the man possessed, Phillip raised his sword in time, parrying the attack, but found himself pushed back a step.

“Francis, what–”

But he didn’t wait, not wanting to spend time talking. His plan required a few things--one of them was for Phillip to be at the fight tonight.

Francis’ sword moved, still not as he’d hoped, but each swing and thrust was faster and stronger than Phillip seemed to be able to deal with.

The older man was pushed back as Francis started to figure out how his body moved. Once he’d finally grasped it a few seconds later, the fight’s end was in sight.

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Francis swung his sword, his left hand coming forward and grabbing Phillip’s wrist when they were close.

A single tug came from his trainer, who could not break his grip. Francis used his sword to slap the man’s leg three times quickly.

He didn’t waste a second, pushing away from his trainer and holding himself ready.

“What in the hell!” Philip shouted, eyes wide and jaw moving repeatedly. “You… how?!”

“I don’t have time. The gods spoke. I need to get ready for the battle in a few days. They say I need you to help, and tonight I’ll need you by my side.”

“Wait! Slow this wagon train down! Gods? By your side? What in the kingdom are you talking about?”

Sighing, Francis tossed his wooden sword at the wall with the barrels.

“I’ll tell you more later tonight. Get on your horse, ride to town. I’ll meet you there,” Francis shouted as he started running. “Just know that I need your help, and I promise it will be worth your time!”

Francis couldn’t help but laugh as he flew down the dirt road.

Trees seemed almost to blur as his legs moved. His stride was much more powerful, and he didn’t feel out of breath.

About a quarter of a mile into his run, he realized that if he ran like this, passing all the other boys, it would be difficult to explain and might impact the fight tonight in ways he didn’t want.

Grunting, he turned into the woods, ignoring the branches and thorns he ran through as he worked out his upcoming plan.

***

“I’m telling you,” Francis said, “that all I can say is the gods spoke; they changed me, and you need to listen and do as you are told.”

Phillip still glared at Francis from across the small wooden table, five empty cups set off to the side and a sixth in the man’s hand.

“And I’m telling you it doesn’t make sense! You’re a nobody! A piece of crap to be shoveled into a ditch.”

Other inn patrons shifted from the outburst and turned away when Phillip glared at them.

“Would you have preferred I challenged you and won when the other trainees were present? No. I tried to ensure you saved face because I can look past the fact that you’re a jerk. I’m the man I am because of how hard you pushed. So thank you.”

A frown appeared, and Phillip cocked his head to one side for a moment.

“Did you just… thank me? For all the times I beat your ass?”

“I did. Now, if you’re willing to prove you have brains and enjoy free money, perhaps you’ll listen and do what I suggest.”

***

Francis did his best to observe the discussion taking place just a few yards away from him.

“So how much can I bet?” Phillip asked.

“Only ten copper,” Dexter replied. The pudgy man looked nervous as his shoulders were hunched over more than usual. “I mean, it’s got to be the easiest money you’ll ever earn and probably a little bit of fun too, watching the kid get beat.”

“No, I mean how much can I bet on Francis?” Phillip asked.

The overweight man froze for a moment, stunned, and shook his head.

“I’m sorry, you do realize he’s fighting in a place against grown men who do this all the time.”

“Call it luck or something else, but I’d rather risk a silver or two on a five-to-one wager than to pick up a few copper from the odds on that L guy. I’d probably even bet up to five, but I doubt you could cover a loss like that.”

It took a little effort for Francis not to laugh when Dexter stepped back, his eyes shifting between his trainer and him.

“You… want… to bet five silver on him?”

“Sure, but can you even cover a bet like that?” Phillip asked, his voice slightly louder than before.

The noise in the warehouse quieted some as people turned to watch the discussion between the two men.

“Are you insulting me?” Dexter growled. “In my establishment?”

“No, I’m just not the kind of man to make a wager knowing that if I somehow won, I wouldn’t get paid.”

“I can cover it!” Dexter yelled, his voice rising above the din of the crowd.

“Good, then I’ll place five silver coins on the boy,” Phillip announced, holding out the coins in his hand.

Murmurs grew as the gathered people watched Dexter react. He saw them all staring, and then nodded. “Fine, here’s your ticket!”

His trainer nodded to the fat man. Phillip slipped the paper into his pouch and moved to stand near the middle of the arena.

“Did he really just bet five silver on you?” Lourana asked. “Five silver!”

“I guess, but that seems foolish,” Francis replied. “I mean, this is my first time I’ve ever fought in a place like this. How bad could something like this be?”

“Bad… real bad. You do realize that L is a grown man, right? He’s done this multiple times and rarely loses. You should just be glad that you’re not fighting Cutter. That one… he enjoys hurting people.”

Francis shrugged and glanced down at the cloth wrapped around his hand.

“Thanks for doing this. I’m ready whenever that L guy is.”

She shook her head and moved to where Dexter was, a red glow almost coming off his bald head as he handed out betting scripts.

“ONE MINUTE!” Dexter yelled, cupping his hands around his mouth. “THEN WE'LL WATCH L BEAT THIS PUNK TO A PULP!”

***

“I believe that is twenty-five silver,” Phillip said. “Though I’m surprised, I’d assumed you’d have matched him with someone better.”

Dexter’s whole body shook, and the crowd gave the two men a safe buffer area as they waited to see what happened next.

“He barely won! If he hadn’t landed that lucky strike –”

“Yet he did,” Phillip chuckled. “Seems that kid is luckier than I believed. Shame… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve beaten his arse. Oh well. Too bad you don’t have anyone else for him to fight. I’d love to see him get his butt handed to him.”

“You’d let him go again? Even in that condition?”

“Hey, he’s doing this of his own free will. If something happens to him, that’s not on me or you. All my job requires is ensuring they’re trained and show up on the battlefield. If they do something stupid, no one bats an eye when I turn that report in.”

“Well, I have another fighter… if he was willing… but this one… he likes to hurt people.”

Phillip laughed, smiling a little as he leaned in closer. “I’d gladly put some silver on your man giving Francis a beating he’ll never forget.”

“Give me ten or fifteen minutes,” Dexter said. “I’ll have a fight ready.”

As the fat man turned to leave, Phillip grabbed his shoulder.

“That’s good and all, but my twenty-five silver first.”

A grimace appeared as the fat man turned and nodded. “That’s right. I almost forgot.”

Nodding his head, Francis’ trainer held out his hand; three pouches were placed in it. Then another one came from the inside pocket of Dexter’s jacket.

“That’s all twenty-five?” Phillip asked.

“And two more!” Dexter said, pulling two silver coins from his pocket and setting them on top of the pouches. “Now, if you’ll give me a moment, I’ll get us a treat to really enjoy.”

The warehouse owner moved to a crate with a few boxes stacked like stairs and climbed on top.

“Listen up! We’ve got another fight coming, provided our lucky recruit wants to try and earn a little bit more coin!”

Cheers came as everyone turned to look at Francis. “What the hell, why not?” he replied with a foolish grin.

Everyone roared with excitement, and Dexter’s face looked as though it might split in half from the size of his smile. “Then stick around, everyone, because he’s about to fight for his life! Cutter will be his opponent.”

Cheers came from everyone as they all started to laugh.

The entire time, Francis just continued to grin like a fool.