Chapter 465: Parley
A few weeks before the new moon…
The tent flap rustled quietly as the archmage Dawn slipped into the tent. Marek was in the middle of training. The orichalcum spear swung with heavy movements as Marek walked through the familiar martial strikes. His shirt had been stripped off and his bare muscles were covered in sweat. The magestone lamps cast shadows over his wide back.
Dozens of small scars covered his arms and torso, from where an enemy’s spell or weapon had managed to break through his Yellow scales. The defensive magic would usually stop most attacks, but after constant damage in a fight, even the mightiest of durability scales would crack. The scars on his body were a testament to the countless battles he had endured fighting for the valley.
The ebon spear suddenly stopped mid-swing and Marek spun around, weapon at the ready. Dawn was standing in the corner of the tent, observing him silently.
“Oh, it’s you…” He relaxed his shoulders and lowered the spear.
“Don’t let me stop you,” she said coyly.
He couldn’t help but smile. “Care for a closer look?”
“...Perhaps some other time,” she smirked, though there was a trace of pain in her purple eyes.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”