After a good rest and recharging with positivity at Bodhi, we set off to wander further.
Our next stop was Stav Kesh, the temple of martial arts — also known as the arsenal.
There, they not only taught fighting but also studied new types of weapons, working in close cooperation with Vur Tepe, the temple-forge.
Our path ran through a giant icy ridge, a chain of mountain peaks among which the Stav Kesh temple was located.
Riding raptors, further enhanced by the Force, we covered truly vast distances.
“Guys, look — if you think of art as a way to express yourself and what’s inside you,” Feng was discussing at the break, gesturing with a roasted pendli bird leg, “then how do you perceive those who can’t express what’s inside them?” “You don’t.
Not everyone is given such talents,” I shook my head, using the Force to stir the coals in the fire.
“You and I, guys — we’re fighters, and that says it all.
Still, we look at other works, listen to melodies, pick what resonates with us.
So, by listening to a composition or reading a book, I can confidently say I’ve gotten to know its author.
And if I like their work, then the energy put into the melody, or the lines, or the sculpture, will feel familiar to me.
So, by assembling a chain from other compositions, you can understand what you’re made of yourself, regardless of whether you’re much of a creator yourself.” “And what if even that’s not there?
Like… what if it’s forbidden?” “What nonsense is that?” Ramira exclaimed, sneakily pulling two candy bars from my bag while Vessira was diligently trying to distract me with hugs.
“How can music be forbidden?” “No, hypothetically.
I was just remembering the temple of equilibrium, its minimalism, and it got me thinking.” “As Master Laniron said,” Ves chimed in, “why would you need a mirror if there’s nothing to reflect?” “Hm… Fair point.” Then I remembered the Canon and what the Order was ultimately supposed to become.
Vaguely, of course — who knows how much time had passed — but still.
So I asked the next question: “And if someone believed that emotions could lead to the dark side of the Force?” They all looked at me like I was an idiot.
“Um… No, I’m just building hypotheses, like Zeng, since we’re going down this path.” “That’s absurd.
You can’t renounce emotions just because they’re always with us.
By trying to maintain balance through restraining emotional impulses, you’ll only destabilize yourself more,” Ves shook her head.
“And why bother when one perfectly neutralizes the other?
Shade, how could you even come up with such nonsense?” “Well, how can I put it…” I glanced at the sky, trying not to laugh.
“I came up with it.” “She-e-e-e-ade?” “Hm?” I looked at Ves.
“What are you hiding, huh?” “Just still a bit rattled from the ‘wandering lights’ path.” “Yeah,” Ves calmed down and shuddered.
“Creepy.” We sat in silence, watching the fire crackle and listening to Ramira munching.
“Rami, have some decency,” I glanced at our medic.
“Do you have to be so loud?” “Wha e?” All I could do was roll my eyes.
“Speaking of creepy, have you noticed that the higher we climb, the harder it is to breathe?” Feng changed the subject.
“That’s because of the thin air.
We’ll be here a week, we’ll get used to it.
Crunch crunch.” “Gro-ra-aru ur.” “Yeah Gris, agreed.
Strange feeling.” And so we traveled.
A couple of times, we had to deal with the local flora and fauna, but nothing serious — we were already seasoned and understood when to run and when dinner was delivering itself to our doorstep.
Then came the Stav Kesh temple.
From the outside, it looked extremely epic — a kind of monumental, massive fortress literally embedded in the mountain, seemingly merging with it.
There were no particularly high spires or towers; everything was more or less low-rise, aside from the lights in the observation slits peeking out of the mountain.
We also immediately spotted three huge landing platforms where heavy cargo ships docked.
And right now, one of them was occupied.
“So, brothers,” I glanced at Ramira, “and sisters — welcome to the temple of martial arts!” “Ta-da-da-dam-ps!” Zeng seconded my cheer.
“Gre-e-i ar ra-a-ai.” “That was crude,” Ves punched him in the shoulder.
“Ur ar-re grae.” “Yeah, yeah — from vacation to boot camp,” I sighed, hearing sharp, loud commands from a master even from here.
“Let’s go.” Even before we arrived, we were met by a couple of students.
A pair of Twi’leks politely greeted us and, citing that the masters were busy, invited us to follow them.
Walking through the temple’s inner courtyard, I drew a mental parallel with the army.
One group was training together, repeatedly practicing the same move on command.
Another, six Xenos strong, ran past us.
A third had split into pairs and was sparring against each other.
“Shade, you were wrong,” Zeng suddenly spoke.
“Hm?” I turned to one of the twins.
“THIS is where they’ll teach us to fight,” the Zabrak looked at me.
“M-m-m… Heh,” I realized what one of the twins meant.
Zeng was just reminding me of my words from the day we met, when I said we knew how to brawl, but didn’t know how to fight.
“True that.” “Though what’s it to you?
You’re already swinging that sword like a champ,” Feng added.
“Well, let’s say I can’t shoot.
And besides, there’s no limit to perfection!” “Fair enough.” Meanwhile, against the backdrop of our conversation, my gut was starting to stir for some reason.
Like it was warning me about something.
And I felt something in the Force too.
Something familiar, very, very familiar — but what?
“Hm…” “AERO!!!” A shout rang out not far from us, making me freeze mid-step while the others turned around.
“You rude, insolent, lazy, tactless, shameless, goddamn asshole!” S-l-o-w-l-y turning around, I saw Hadiya walking toward us from the complex door.
Older now, much changed, and very, very angry.
“Hadiya…” I whispered with just my lips.
Yeah… Now that was unexpected… Pulling out the little knife I’d given her myself, she walked right up to me, pressed the tip into my chest, forcing me to back away, and started pressing: “How dare you!
In all these years, not once did you write, call, or tell me you changed your communicator number?!” The Twi’lek grew more and more agitated, jabbing the tip into my chest plate with every reproach.
“Do you have any idea how worried I was?!
You left, you don’t write, you don’t call… In these two years, so much has happened, so much has piled up — WHO WAS I SUPPOSED TO TELL ALL THIS TO?!” Hadiya ranted, gesticulating wildly with the weapon like a pointer… Um, she was… I mean, Hadiya was indignant.
If I didn’t feel her true emotions and know her character, I might have believed she wanted to kill me.
But no — she was actually very glad to see me, she just physically couldn’t help venting.
“Um… Shade, you two know each other?” Feng inquired.
“Something like that.” “What do you mean, ‘something like that’?!” The Twi’lek stamped her foot.
“He’s my husband!” She jabbed me with the knife.
… … … Information processing was underway as the gears struggled to turn a suddenly rusted mechanism.
“WHAT?!” the guys shouted, and I joined them.
Gris stayed silent, but his wide eyes spoke for him.
“She-e-e-e-ade?” Ves called out sweetly, smiling.
Hm… I wonder, if I jumped off a cliff right now, would Ramira be able to revive me?
Knowing our medic, I think she could.
“Coming!” “Hadiya,” I sighed, resigning myself to fate.
“First of all, me being your husband was a farce, staged at your own request.
Second,” I pinned her with my gaze, not letting her get a word in, “I’m sorry.
I confess I forgot — it completely slipped my mind.
And I had other things to deal with.
But I asked Irbis to keep an eye on the news and check how you were doing, so I have a general idea of how you rose up.
And third, maybe stop scaring people and put away your knife — your guards,” I nod toward the clustered fighters who didn’t know how to act, “are about to have heart attacks and drop dead.” “That’s their problem — I’m worried about you!” She poked me with the knife again.
But before I could open my mouth, Ves intervened.
“Hey!
Have you completely lost your mind, girl?!
Not only do you drag my boyfriend into all sorts of adventures, but you dare point a weapon at him?!” Ves flared up, already riled up by this scene, approaching us.
“Well, I think it’s time for us to…” Feng whispered, and the others nodded.
“And you, Brutus?” I looked at Gris.
He shifted uncomfortably, but only offered me a supportive fist, then followed the twins.
Traitors!
my soul cried as I watched the retreating backs of the deserters.
“And who are you anyway?!” Hadiya turned to Vessira.
“I’m his girlfriend!” Ves growled.
“Oh really?” Hadiya glanced at me.
Then, as if remembering something, nodded to herself and waved at Ves.
“Well, congratulations — not anymore.
Now scram!” “…” “Oh, what’s about to happen now…” I even took a step back.
And not in vain.
Instead of answering, Ves simply and artlessly slapped Hadiya across the face.
Without the Force, but spectacularly, causing her to recoil, almost fall, but she stayed on her feet.
“Watch your tongue.
Even if you were the Queen of Shikaakwa herself, no one will come between me and Shade!” Ves snarled.
“When I become queen, no one will dare defy my will,” Hadiya hissed back.
“Ladies, I’m quite the laid-back guy, but even for me this is too much,” I intervene, trying to separate the two sides.
I know I’m quite the suicidal idiot, but what does a condemned man have to lose?
And I think, not much.
“We’re on the main square of the temple, and you’re causing such a scene.” “Shade,” Ves threw a glance at me; Hadiya mirrored her.
“Hadiya, Ves is my girlfriend, period.
Insulting her means insulting me,” I pinned the first with my gaze.
“Ves, Hadiya may be stubborn, cocky, and sharp-tongued, but she and I have some agreements…” after a moment of thought I add, “though I myself had forgotten them.” “Well, I haven’t forgotten, and over two years I dug up everything and a little more,” the Twi’lek huffed, crossing her arms.
“Dug up?” Ves was surprised.
“Business partners,” I shrug.
“Nope.
I haven’t forgotten your words about me growing up!
Well, I’ve grown up, but you’re not only unhappy to see me, you have such a look on your face as if you’d rather I didn’t show up at all,” she turned away from me, lifting her nose.
“Actually, I am glad.
Just… a little surprised.
Very, very little.
And overall, I’m not happy with how you told Ves off.
Like I said, insulting her is insulting me.” Ves calmed down at that, and a look of triumph appeared in her eyes.
But without pride.
Just the look of a woman who’d proven to her rival who was in charge.
Hadiya simply sighed and rubbed her burning cheek.
“Fine.
I’m sorry.” “Huh?” Ves perked her ears, wanting to hear it again.
“Not you,” Hadiya waved dismissively.
“Sorry, Shade.
I’ll… try to watch myself.” “Good enough.
Come here, little one,” I hug the Twi’lek — who now reached up to my nose with the top of her head — and with my other hand, using the Force, I ease the burning sensation.
The swelling won’t go down; I’m a lousy medic after all, but at least it won’t hurt.
“I’m not little.
Not little anymore.
I’ve not only grown up myself, but on Shikaakwa I’ve made sure no one even dares think of calling me little.
You’re the only one left.” “And I don’t care.” “Hee,” Ves snickered into her fist.
“Alright, let’s go.
You’ll tell me what you’ve accomplished, what you found, and what you’re doing here.” “Mhm.” As we walked toward the fortress under the sideways glances of onlookers, I mentally wiped the sweat off.
Irbis, may the Force, health, and patience be with you — I’ll remember you forever!
Who would have thought that his lessons on reconciling two conflicting sides would save my life?
And in exactly this way.
I’d never have believed it, even if I’d seen it in Force visions.
And we’ve had worse in our practice.
I remember we once came across a married couple who were ready to tear each other’s throats out and destroy the company they ran together, just to keep the other from having it.
But we managed to work it out… But back then it was resolved without any lingering issues.
In my case, the situation had reached a temporary peace, with both sides drilling each other with their eyes as they walked on either side of me.
I felt like a singularity point — antimatter on one side, matter on the other.
And my job was to prevent a hug.
Yeah.
My face, whole and unharmed, especially in the company of Ves and Hadiya, managed to cause another bout of bug-eyes among our friends sitting in the dining hall.
Apparently they’d already buried me, the wretches.
And traitors.
Yes.
“What, you bastards, didn’t expect me?” I smirk.
“No, we did,” Zeng smiled.
“But in pieces,” Feng added.
“Ar-rg ear-r rirru,” Gris nodded in agreement.
“You’re bastards,” I sit down at the table, dropping my bag beside me.
The others had apparently already taken their things to the rooms.
“And me?” “No, dandelion, you’re weak and fragile and a proper lady, you shouldn’t hear such things, let alone follow their example.” “Hee…” “Hadiya, these are my friends.
Gris,” I nod at the Wookiee.
“Zeng and Feng,” the twins raised their hands in unison to greet the new acquaintance.
“Ramira,” the girl gave a shy smile and nodded.
“And Ves.” “Hadiya.” Yeah, there was still a lot of work to do with her.
A cold mistress among the high servants.
“Arru ru-ae erg?” Gris asked where we knew each other from.
I glanced at Hadiya and, receiving a nod, began the story.
“Well… In short, I met Hadiya on Shikaakwa.
It was our first joint mission with Irbis.
The now-defunct Shi Clan… I think that’s what they were called, but it doesn’t matter.
They decided to get stronger at someone else’s expense.
Marry Hadiya off, throw her father into the fire, put the girl on drugs — supposedly a tragedy had broken her.
An ordinary thing on Shikaakwa, actually,” I explain to my comrades’ surprised eyes.
“And then get rid of her too.
That way they’d get the whole clan, and the family would have nowhere to go.
And to keep it quiet, they invited me and Irbis… Actually, him; I was just tagging along in case things escalated, to cover the teacher.
He’s not a fighter himself,” I shake my head.
“But that’s not the point.
Anyway, everything was going fine, but the girl ran away, and there I was, strolling around the city looking dapper, because Irbis and I couldn’t see each other at that moment.
I found her and decided to help her, just because.
And she latched onto me.
Then I found out the whole story, sketched out a plan, Hadiya refined it and pulled it off.
That’s how we met.” “Whoa…” “You guys have some intense drama there,” Zeng clicked his tongue.
“Rar er-r-r iarg,” Gris nodded in agreement.
“That’s Shikaakwa,” Hadiya snorted, as if that said it all.
“You quickly develop the habit of poking your interlocutor with a knife there,” I sigh, and at Ves’s look I add, “Well, my mother is from there, and you know as well as I do how she likes to negotiate.” Vessira nodded in agreement.
“There you go.” “Well, I knew Shikaakwa had a special… atmosphere,” Ramira chose her words.
“But this much?” “This is nothing.
While I was with Hadiya, I saw some things,” I snort, nudging the grinning Hadiya.
“Whether on Shikaakwa or Tython, you can’t let your guard down.” “Got it.” “Listen, Hadiya, what’s the story with… the marriage?” Rami asked curiously; Ves immediately perked up her ears, her tail twitching back and forth.
“Shade hasn’t told us anything about that.” “Pfft,” she looked Ramira up and down, then threw a glance at me, but upon seeing my disapproval, sighed and decided to answer.
“Some people kept coming at me,” this little bitch began to spill with obvious reluctance.
“Anyway, I asked Shade to play my husband to fend off the rest.
We spread the rumor.
It helped.” “Only you caused me a lot of trouble with that,” I roll my eyes.
“Almost right away, they tried to eliminate me about five times, and only on the sixth did they calm down.
No imagination from those killers — poison, then a shot, then a bomb.
Amateurs, basically.
I won’t even mention how nervous Ves got during that farce,” I glance at the blushing Cathar.
“Wait a minute,” Ves suddenly shook herself.
“You mean they tried to ‘eliminate’ you?!” “Well, yeah.” “You didn’t tell me,” she twitched her ears and tail indignantly, frowning threateningly.
“Why?
It’s routine.
While I was on Shikaakwa, I regularly broke someone’s neck.
That’s where I learned to detect and disarm charges.
I’m not good with poisons, but,” I smirk, “the poisoners clearly didn’t count on the fact that the food we ate was cooked either by me, Hadiya, or two chefs I kept under surveillance.” “And you can cook?” Ves was genuinely surprised, looking at the Twi’lek.
“Well… ‘cook’ is a strong word, but I can manage,” the Twi’lek hesitated.
“Why?” “No reason… It’s just, for your status, it’s… strange, let’s say.” “Only for Shade,” Hadiya countered.
“Otherwise, you’re right.” “R-r-r-r…” “Ladies, calm down,” I immediately cut in.
“Hadiya, you said you rose up.” “Huh?
Oh, yes.
Father placed under my control the weapons and fuel sectors, plus a few related profiles touching on those two aspects.
Using fuel and some… losses, I crushed a number of competitors, bought up enterprises, increased revenue, and acquired shares of ‘Vortex,’ so part of the trade and transport company’s market belongs to me.” “Wait… Shikaakwa has its own company.
‘Hagarad,’ I think?” “It’s already mine.
Completely.” “I don’t even want to know how you did that,” I glance at this monster with lekku.
“Hey!
What foul insinuations?
I just put a knife to the throat, a sickle to the balls, and offered a pie.
A very, very big pie.
And filling.
One that was impossible to refuse.
I already said that with some losses… actually, costs, I took over a couple of companies.” I cut a sideways glance.
“Well, okay, a couple of dozen companies.” “And you’re not at all embarrassed to say that openly… in front of witnesses…” Ves gestured in the air.
“What’s wrong with it?” “Well, it’s illegal — court, all that?” “Oh, don’t make me laugh,” Hadiya waved dismissively.
“Ves, you can’t convict people like her.
You can only negotiate with such people,” I explain.
“Or take their heads off.
Along with the entire ruling elite.” “Yes, yes, Shade understands how business is done,” Hadiya nodded, edging her butt closer to me.
“Anyway, that’s only half of it.” “Half of what?” “What do you mean ‘what’?
Achievements, of course!” “…” “The second half is weapons.
I was already messing around with them, but when Father completely dumped all operations and control on me, I really spread my wings.
I wiped out a couple of companies from Nox… figuratively wiped out!” she quickly clarified at Ves’s open mouth — and I was a bit shocked too.
“And took their contracts, then bought up shares cheap.
There were, however, two tense moments,” she tapped the tip of her knife against her lips, “that, let’s say, really put me on edge.” “Hadiya, if something really put you on edge, it’s not a ‘tense’ moment — it’s a fucking disaster!” “As you say,” she shrugged and shifted her rear end even closer, sitting right against me.
“Anyway, they tried to take me out.
I bit back.
The Je’daii came flying in.
I hoped it would be you and Irbis, but no,” she shot a look at me.
“I explained the situation, said I’d handle it.
They nodded, but waited until everything settled down.
Well, I eliminated the competitors.
I mean, completely.
Serves them right.
No, can you imagine — they threatened to find my Shade!” Hadiya huffed self-righteously and banged her knife on the table.
“Ahem-hem!” Ves.
“Well, he is my husband,” Hadiya sang and hugged my arm.
“And they could have.
They had their own Je’daii, albeit former ones.
I brought those down from orbit to feel safe, and found the masters too.
Anyway, now I hold the main flow of weapons in the Tython system.
There are other big players, but I’ve risen to the top — even the Ro Clan doesn’t dare oppose me,” and after a moment’s thought she adds: “though not immediately.
But that’s just weapons.
And since weapons affect all spheres of influence, I managed to get to the drug traffickers and squeeze them.
I simply asked my colleagues in the trade to hold back their goods, and I raised the prices.
In the end, they came to me to make peace and seek protection.
I’m not against it — why refuse an additional source of income when it comes to you on its own, you just need to secure it?” Hadiya finished, as if talking about the weather.
“Shade…” Feng called to me.
“M?” “Which abyss did you drag this monster out of?” Zeng asked in a hoarse voice.
“Rugr aruee-er urur-ae.” “Guys, you’re wrong.
Hadiya, she’s just a little miracle…” the Twi’lek beamed.
“…monster.
And if she qualifies as a monster, it’s only in the political sense.
In that regard, she’s quite the little monster.” “That’s so sweet,” Hadiya sang.
“Sh-sh-sh-sh…” came from the other side of me.
“Hadiya, pull yourself together.
Ves, don’t fall for it, she’s provoking you.” “F!” “And anyway, how did you end up here?!” I huff righteously, turning fully toward the Twi’lek.
“Huh?
Oh, well… I contacted Irbis, and he told me you’re no longer his student and are wandering around Tython.
I got in touch with the Je’daii.
They, at my request, found where you were last seen.
So they gave me a likely place to look for you.
In Bodhi, alas, I missed you — didn’t make it in time — so I flew here.
And since I have contracts, including for weapons and spare parts, I came on a cargo vessel.
Actually, there were several ships, among them cargo carriers.
Some went directly here, others to other temples accordingly.
So that’s roughly how I decided to wait for you here.” “Yeah…” “Well, what else am I supposed to do when you don’t call, don’t write, and I have to find out where you’ve been through third parties?!” She poked me reproachfully with her little knife, flaring with genuine indignation and a hint of offense.
“What can I do, I really got swamped.
Sorry.” “Well, I’m not forgiving you!” “Hadi.” “Fine, so be it, I forgive you.” At that moment, out of the corner of my eye I noticed Ves’s eyelid twitch.
Whoa… And what was going on in her emotions — brrr.
“Ahem… Lady Hadiya, doesn’t it… worry you that you’re not on your home planet, surrounded by so many strangers…” Zeng started from a distance.
“A chance to eliminate me?” the Twi’lek asked directly.
“Yes.” “It won’t work.
As long as Shade is nearby, no one will lay a finger on me.” That even got to me, because Hadiya said it with such certainty, as if it were an ironclad, unshakable fact.
“Well… And how are you doing here?” the Twi’lek redirected.
“Well, how…” I raised my eyes to the ceiling, “I’m stoically walking the wanderer’s path, overcoming all the hardships and adversities of bearing this burden.
Something like that.
We stroll around Tython, sunbathe, admire the views, pop into famous places, meditate, and, er, interact with the wildlife.” “H-de?” She raised an eyebrow, took my left hand, and lifted it.
“And where did you get this?” “Oh, we ran into a storm, and I got hit by lightning.” Hadiya was already different from others with her somewhat pale-bluish skin tone, but here she turned completely white.
“It’s all right!
Alive, healthy, full of energy, don’t worry.” “Well…” Her face changed; she looked me and my company over, thought for a moment, but ultimately shook her head and let out a mournful sigh, while simultaneously entertaining me with the shifting cocktail of emotions.
“Heh-heh, I can clearly see you getting up and ordering me to fly with you, instead of wasting time on nonsense.” “Mhm,” she grumbled, placing her head on my shoulder.
“But what’s the point—scream at you or not, it’s all the same.” “Tell me about it, I suffer too,” Ves murmured quietly, turning away in the other direction and leaning her cheek on her hand on the table.
“Oh, I mean…” Vessira faltered.
“Ach, never mind.
By the way.
You mentioned mutual cooperation.
So Shade saved you, but what did you give him?” The Cathar perked up and narrowed her eyes predatorily.
“He asked me to find…” Bong!
A gong rang out, interrupting Hadiya.
“What’s that?” “Break.
The whole academy will be pouring in here soon,” I sigh.
“Alright.
Thank you for coming; I’m really glad to see you, and even more glad that you’re okay.” Hadiya didn’t reply, just smiled.
Like back then, with that sincere, truly kind smile she only showed to me.
“If you don’t mind, we just came from the road, so I want to grab a bite, drop off my things, and then we can talk about my request.” Hadiya nodded.
“Guys, did anyone tell you anything about a master, teacher, whoever’s going to be assigned to us?” “Nope.” “Silence.
They just asked us to wait here, said he’d come himself.” “Got it.
Then we’ll wait, find out the plans, and then unpack.” I glance at Ves; she nods in agreement.
“Hadiya, will you be with us long?” Vessira asked casually, examining her claws.
“Depends on the circumstances.
I brought a communications center with me, so I can work right from the ship.” “Oh…” “You’re not happy?” Hadiya asked, genuinely surprised.
“Well, how to put it… I’m just surprised.
Your visit itself is unusual.
And I worry about you.
After all, Tython isn’t a place where those not gifted with the Force will feel comfortable, let alone safe.” “You’re telling me that?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, Hadiya.
Because the moment you step outside the temple, out there beyond its walls, you’ll be torn apart within the first hour.” “Why go out?” “Because as soon as we’re done here, we’ll move on.” “Um… Why walk?
I can give you a lift,” she waved her hand.
“The Healing Temple, by the way, is in the middle of the ocean,” Zeng added thoughtfully, earning a very ‘kind’ look from Ves.
“No, I’m just saying.
I don’t really want to sail the sea in a small boat, to be honest.” “Gra-r-re uri.” “No one asked you,” Vessira muttered.
“No, but seriously?
I understand you’re on some kind of pilgrimage?
So let me give you a lift between temples — why would you walk?
The fact they didn’t give you a ship is the Je’daii’s problem, not mine.
Hmm?” Meanwhile, the first students and masters began entering the dining hall.
“Damn…” Ramira breathed out, looking at Ves with longing.
She understood it herself, but couldn’t just give up.
“Ves?” “R-r-r-fine.
I’m for it.” “There you go!” Hadiya cheered.
“Guys, remember this.
This particular girl,” I nod at Hadiya, “essentially took the economy of Shikaakwa by the throat with an iron grip.
Not all of it, but I suspect that’s temporary,” Hadiya nodded in agreement.
“So.
She has enough cunning, resourcefulness, and skill at weaving intrigues to outdo all of us combined.
So never, you hear?
Never argue with her.
She’ll always find a way to out-argue or out-buy you.” “And you?” Feng smiled.
“He doesn’t care,” Hadiya answered.
“It’s useless to argue with him — like throwing peas at a wall.
And he has enough sheer stubbornness to even go against his own interests, so I can’t influence him.” “Still sulking?” I grin.
“Yes!
How could you refuse… the…” Hadiya puffed up with indignation, and all those mountains of gold that had been promised to me flashed in her eyes.
“I don’t care at all,” I put my elbow on the table and watch this boiling kettle with affection.
“There!
There!!!
That’s what I’m talking about!
See?!
It’s always like this.” The group laughed, and even Ves smiled here and there, watching how expressively Hadiya complained about my sins to the guys.
And then our idyll was interrupted by Master Shaalin.
A Sith to whom our group was temporarily attached.
During a short conversation, we found out that his task was to determine our approximate levels of strength, capabilities, and skills, and accordingly redistribute us, assigning each group member to more or less similar talents.
Not to drag it out, we agreed to meet in the evening, and for now, as agreed, we dispersed to our rooms to unpack and rest from the road.
Hadiya also went to her quarters to issue instructions and check on her idiots.
Yeah, who would have thought… And in the evening, each member of our band had a demonstration bout with the master.
Our task was simply to knock him down at least once, and then play it by ear.
Zeng and Feng, probably fighting alone for the first time without their brother, performed so-so.
As a pair — yes, they could take down the master, but that was as a pair; what would you do if alone?
So the twins were split up and sent to different teams to hone their skills.
Ramira… Well, Ramira is Ramira; she’s not a fighter by nature, as they told her outright.
She was assigned to others like her who didn’t plan to tie their lives to fighting, but at least could defend themselves and be something.
Gris performed slightly better than the twins.
Yes, he couldn’t take down the master, but the tactic “I’m a tank and I don’t give a damn” also has its merits — it just needed to be perfected.
Though, what kind of tank… More like an IFV, since he was too fast and nimble for a tank.
Who performed well was Ves.
She managed to surprise Shaalin.
Since the master had relaxed with the others, Vessira took advantage and put him on the ground in the first minute.
Mmm…
Her mother trained her well.
In the second round, Master Shaalin was no longer half-asleep and much more serious.
And once he assessed Ves’s abilities, he kept her in his personal group.
With me, there was a problem.
Shaalin knew who I was, and he knew my mother.
When my turn came, he simply approached me and asked directly: “What don’t you master?” “Marksmanship.” “Anything else?” “Maybe you should evaluate me yourself?
I’m kind of at a loss here…” “Shade, Aala herself warned me that she taught you not to fight, but to kill.
So a real sparring session with you,” he shook his head.
“Moreover, you’ve been inseparable from your sword since you first picked it up as a child.
The only things I can offer are close-quarters combat and advanced training, but that course is taken when achieving the status of Master of Martial Arts.
You’re still only a pilgrim, so it’s too early to give you a profile, and I simply can’t offer anything at your level.” “Then I’ll just keep honing what I have,” I shrug.
“And unarmed combat, of course.
If possible, I’d still like to look into the Master of Martial Arts program.” “Alright.
You’ll also stay in my group.” I nodded.
With that, the training ended, and Hadiya, who had been watching us, congratulated us on our success.
She was especially happy for me, saying that even other Je’daii recognize how impressive I am.
And that I’m the coolest here and no one is my equal.
Yeah.
Ves flared up like a torch at that moment, but only in emotions; because of our connection, even the block she set up couldn’t hide them from me.
Ah well, I’ll have to talk to her before sleep…
It all helps promote the story.