Loopbreaker

“I have so many questions,” Stenson said, “but I also must admit, I’m impressed.”

“By what?”

“You, Francis. You’re a ninth son, gifted with something incredible, yet instead of using it for your own gains, you have risked your life, endured death multiple times and tried to find a way to stop… this.”

Francis shrugged as the general waved his hands all around them. “I told you: all I care about is my brother. In order for him to remain safe, the kingdom must win. We both know that if we ran, eventually he would die, and then I’d be back in the same spot as before.”

“Which is why I feel we need to consider some things,” Stenson said. “You mentioned that you barely go a week before dying. I’m still a little concerned about how many times you can really die. I’m also… concerned that you cannot get aid from the gods. Baxter would take you to the temple if you told him this and I have no doubt you’d die again or they would find some way to… fix you.”

“Which would eliminate my ability and guarantee we lose.”

“And that is why I recommend you don’t tell anyone but me and your brother,” Stenson replied. “Instead, I think we need to focus on something else. As you’ve learned, gaining skills is exceedingly difficult. With your ability to die, that Fast Learning skill, and starting over, it has occurred quicker than others can. Combined with being in real peril, you will eventually reach a skill in the elite category but after that… things become exceedingly slow.”

“And yet you’re a master. You can’t be that old, can you?” Francis asked.

Chuckling, Stenson tapped his stump. “Somehow, I have managed to avoid death, even when making foolish mistakes. But you don’t know how old I really am. Most don’t and I won’t share.”

“I’m not guessing,” Francis replied.

“Another sign you’re a smart man. Let’s just say I’ve lived well past two hundred years.”

Francis choked as he considered that knowledge.

I mean, I knew some could live that old… but to see how great he looks…

Stenson smiled, apparently noticing Francis’ shock.

“You… how are you in such good shape?” Francis asked.

“If you ever discover a way out of this loop, I have no doubt you’ll find your body will be like mine. You recover quicker, and you age more slowly. To know you’re already at a proficient Endurance… that is something most would give obscene amounts of gold for. Why, the nobles and mages spend more money than you can imagine on potions or elixirs to shore up their weak endurances, all for trying to add years to their life. I know of one who's spent over 50,000 gold so far in their life.”

He felt overwhelmed knowing that people were cheating like the rich. Francis knew his father had purchased items for his oldest three siblings, all designed to help them become stronger, but hearing that it was a normal act for the elite frustrated him.

How significant can the difference be? I mean…

“I can tell you’re confused and trying to absorb just the few things I’ve said. Don’t do that. Let’s focus on what you can do in this moment and what you can do in the… life to come. Part of me wants to send you straight to the capital. Baxter might argue against it, but if you always come to me and do what you are doing now, I could convince him it is needed.”

“What would I do there? The fighting is here, and I can’t abandon Michael.”

Sighing, Stenson shook his head. “Think big picture, Son.”

Francis winced at that word and the general held up his hand.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize how much that word would pain you. Francis, your brother is going to die. Over and over. I’m going to die. The only one who isn’t is you, and that’s all that matters.”

The older man leaned forward and pointed a finger at him. “You need to become what I would give anything for in this moment. You’re ability to learn and keep the gains between deaths means you need to maximize the potential with each life. What happens if you only get another hundred deaths and you throw them away trying to kill something you know you can't? What if instead you were able to spend weeks, months or years before you died? Even then, doing it your way… dying like that… I’m not sure I have the same willpower you have demonstrated.”

“What do you mean? The fact I’ve died just to learn skills or acquire items or–”

“All of it,” Stenson interrupted. “You ran headfirst into a battle against that catkin until you defeated it. Then you did the same with that rhino-kin. I can’t even imagine how it felt to get beaten to death by that man, Cutter.

“Regardless, in the capital, you could learn some things that will matter. There is a history of our kingdom and others that could aid you. You could learn other skills and potentially unlock new skills and abilities. I… I mean, I have a few, but you have ones I’d give so much for. Which, by all accounts, is insane. The potential you have is… beyond comprehension.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Francis watched as the general grew increasingly excited the more he spoke.

“There would be trainers who could teach you multiple weapons and styles. You might also be able to learn about magic, though I would not recommend you focus on that right now.”

Magic? Could I learn magic?

“Is that even possible?” Francis asked.

Frowning, Stenson shook his head. “Yes… But that would be… difficult. Then again, with the ability you have, I shudder to think about what wouldn’t be possible for you. Still, if you can reach the higher end of the elite skill with a sword, I would be willing to teach you a few of the movements and techniques that I follow on the path. Just know, I’ve spent almost a hundred years practicing them and I still have improvements that can be made.”

Francis felt an overwhelming feeling inside him grow at realizing what was possible.

“You would train me? I mean… just how good is the Way of the Shifting Seasons?”

A chuckle came from the older man. “That is a question many have asked. It isn’t just a few swings or thrusts that win a battle. It’s about learning what the sword can do and how to use it effectively. It’s about balance. There are four seasons in the technique. Then there are three different styles that all flow from that season. Spring is about overwhelming one's foe with light strikes, while autumn is about brutal, heavy ones. Winter is how ones evades and perfectly counters attacks. The amount of time one must spend to learn a single season isn’t something we have right now, even with your loops. What you could gain from the academy is far greater for now.”

“So… what now? Just head out to the battle tomorrow and fight?” Francis asked.

“That is the path you have set in motion. Part of me desires to send you away right now, but the other part knows the knowledge you gain in the coming battle will be useful. I will warn you, though, Francis: do not take death too lightly. How you have managed to keep your wits and not go crazy tells me you have a strong purpose. Cling to it, but don’t let your brother be your sole anchor. Ask what it is you really could become and if you want it.”

Francis's head bobbed as he considered that question. He had only thought about it a few times before setting it aside and charging headfirst back into all these deaths.

Stenson rose and held out his hand.

“We’ve kept Kels waiting long enough. Besides, the day will start soon and you’ll need to be ready. I’ve got things to take care of as well. Still, thank you for entrusting me with this knowledge.”

“Thank you for keeping your promise,” Francis replied. “Is there a better way to do this the next time without having to bring our favorite knight into this?”

“Yes. Do what you did, summon my daughter, summon me and Nehemiah. Lay out the same information you did earlier, and then tell me ‘harvest of red leaves’. I’ll know to listen when we’re alone.”

“And that saying means?” Francis asked.

“Something you’ll learn one day. Now go. Part of me wonders if I could be doing something better by doing something else. Especially since I know you’re about to die and all of this is going to be reset.”

“What would you do with that in mind?” Francis asked.

A soft smile formed and the older man’s lips.

“I’d spend a little more time with my daughter.”

***

Francis smiled as he cut down another catkin, knowing that friends he had made from Phillip’s camp were still alive, thanks to him and Kels.

Shouts rose from the entire line; the lizard that had tried to make them flee no longer stopped after the second attempt.

I guess they got to it quicker this time when I highlighted the importance of killing it.

Bodies of beasts lay everywhere, and the knight tasked with keeping him safe cut down anything that got within range.

“Don’t make it look so easy!” Francis shouted. “We’re not trying to get taken out by a spell!”

“Seriously? I’m honestly doing almost nothing. These aren’t strong at all.”

Ignoring their occasional banter, Francis focused on the path where the female catkin would be.

She appeared, and a few seconds later he had run her down and taken off her head, then began moving in the direction of where the rhino-kin would be.

The sword he wielded sliced with ease, its edge a perfect combination of sharpness and weight. Stenson had sent it to him, replacing the one Kels had acquired for him..

Makes me wonder what they enchanted this thing with.

Hacking his way through the enemy army, Francis heard the sound of the incoming beast.

“That it?” Kels shouted.

“Yes, just stay back with the men, you’ll see!”

Francis moved through the horde. The claws of any beastkin that managed to land did no real damage, as the armor Francis had been given stopped the attacks with ease.

Finally, space appeared between the army of beasts — the rhino-kin was charging him.

Setting his feet, he prepared for the charge, having seen it a hundred times. He could almost do the next part with his eyes closed.

Maybe another time.

It ran past him intentionally, swinging its horn in his direction, yet Francis was fast enough now to dodge without giving up the needed space to stay near it.

[ Power Strike ]

Unlike all the other attacks he’d done with those other swords, this one cut like a scythe through reeds. A giant gash now ran the length of the creature's side.

The rhino-kin slid along the ground, a bellow of pain muffled by the dirt shoved into its face.

With new speed and strength, Francis spun, racing toward the fallen creature and not giving it a chance to stand.

[ Power Strike ]

Once again, his new sword met little resistance, hacking through the back leg of the rhino-kin, striking the bone, and sending a shockwave back into his arms. In surprise, he stood there, surprised at how much damage it had done.

A leathery arm came at him, and Francis barely leapt back in time, feeling the breeze from the swing that missed him by inches.

Focus!

With precision, he continued to hack at the creature, removing chunks of flesh. Finally, he delivered the finishing blow less than a minute after the fight had started.

“Impressive!” Kels shouted. “Look out!”

Dozens of cat-kin and wolf-kins came at him, yet right before they were within striking range, a roar froze the approaching beasts mid-stride.

“What is–” the knight started to say. Kels had drew near, ready to assist against the incoming beasts. He stopped beside Francis. “That thing… It’s what you talked about.”

Nodding, Francis motioned at the tiger-kin that towered over every beast.

The ones near them moved away, snarling and growling.

Unlike the other times, the rhino-kin took its time approaching. Francis could hear the thuds as the beast that had killed multiple times strode toward him. Another roar announced the large tiger-kin's acknowledgement of whatever was being said.

“Uh… you sure about this?” Kels asked.

“I need to try,” Francis said. “Just watch, don’t die, and don’t help. All I need you to do is let me know if any spells come this way.”

“Spells. You’re worried about spells and not the giant rhino-kin in full armor?”

“Correct. Now backup or I’m unsure what it may do if both of us are here.”

A slap struck his shoulder and he turned to see Kels smirk.

“So when you die? Then what do I do?”

Francis laughed and shrugged. “Whatever you want.”