The second day of bodyguard duty passed without incident. In the evening, they set up camp in a clearing nearly a football field’s length from the road. While most of the others socialized by the campfire, Liam wandered off into the woods in order to practice his new skill. Both Nora and Scath followed him.

For several minutes, he tried to figure out how to activate the skill without success. Eventually, Nora asked how much mana Liam had. All he could do was close his eyes in frustration since he still lacked the mana mastery skill. Scath growled in good humor as though he expected such an outcome. The situation cemented the need in Liam’s mind to obtain enough SP to unlock the skill.

Disappointed, he led the return to the campground. Excited hollering could be heard even before they set foot in the clearing. Strangely enough, the mercenaries were sitting on logs and watching two of their members duke it out. Some obviously placed bets on a winner. Even the elvish woman joined in. In fact, she yelled louder than anyone, rooting for whoever she placed a bet on.

The only person not taking part was Cairnech, the eldest member. Rather than participate, he simply relaxed by the fire. Approaching the man, Liam asked, “What’s going on over there?”

“Two of the newbies had an argument while you were gone and decided to settle it with their fists,” the man answered.

“And it turned into a betting game?”

“It’ll likely turn into a tournament before long.”

Raising a brow, Liam asked, “You aren’t going to participate?”

“Heh. Can you imagine an old guy like me getting into a brawl with those youngsters?”

“I’d imagine your experience would give you an advantage.”

“Perhaps. Anyway, if you want to join in, now’s the time.”

“You should totally join, Liam,” Nora said, eyes glimmering with anticipation.

Rubbing his chin, Liam thought, I suppose it would be a good opportunity to see what it’s like fighting other people with this leveling system, not to mention it’s a good way to get to know the others better.

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to join in,” he said after pondering for a moment.

As soon as he decided to join, he heard the small crowd roar. The fight had ended. A red-haired young man stood triumphantly with a fist in the air over his opponent, another young man about the same age with black hair and green eyes lying on the ground. Both of their physiques looked about the same. The bruises and cuts on both of them indicated the closeness of the fight.

Then, Conor jumped from his seat and exclaimed, “I’m next! Fight me newbie!”

Instantly, the young redhead backed off and waved his hands in front of him. “I’ll die, man. Give me a break,” he said.

Then, his first opponent sat up, wiped blood from his forehead, and said, “Beat the shit out of ‘im, Conor.”

“You feel like fighting too, kid?”

“Uh, no…”

“Conor,” Ekram interrupted, “fight someone else. Those two need to rest for now.”

“Tch, ruining the fun.”

“I can heal them if they want to fight again,” the elf woman offered. Based on her silly grin, she won the last bet.

Neither of the lads showed interest in fighting Conor, though. Noticing their attitudes, Ekram said, “Thanks, but someone else should fight him. If you don’t mind healing them anyway, we’d appreciate it.”

“No problem. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” the woman replied. Then, she faced the two young fighters and said, “Come here.”

The two nodded and walked over to her, though the redhead young man needed to give the other one a hand. Although none of the others displayed interest in it, Liam watched with avid curiosity as small white-colored glowing particles drifted from the elf’s outstretched hand and converged on the two battered combatants. Within moments, their bruises vanished and their cuts closed. The magical aspect of it caused Liam to wonder just how much that magic could heal and how it worked.

Meanwhile, Conor raised his arm into the sky and exclaimed, “Who wants to fight me?!”

A few members looked close to accepting the challenge, but before they could decide, Liam stepped up and said, “I’ll give it a shot.”

The nearby mercenaries looked surprised, though a few sported excited expressions. One even whistled in anticipation.

“You sure about this, friend?” Ekram asked. “He’s one of the strongest members.”

“As long as he doesn’t kill me, it’s fine,” Liam replied, sauntering into the imaginary ring. Nora took a seat near Kael and Scath lied down next to her. Noticing it out of the corner of his eye, Liam wondered if Nora felt more comfortable around Scath now.

“I’ve gotta be honest,” Conor said, “I’ve been curious about how good you are in a fight since yesterday.”

“I suppose I could say the same,” Liam replied. “Are there any rules?”

“Yeah. No magic. No skills. No weapons. We start when the boss says so.”

“Sounds good,” Liam said. In accordance with those rules, he removed his weapon and sheath from his belt and tossed them toward Nora. Although her eyes widened in surprise, she caught it and hugged it close to her chest. With that out of the way, Liam turned his attention to Conor. Although the man stood about half a head taller and outweighed him in bulk by a good margin, he figured technique could close the gap as long as the level difference did not overwhelm him.

Raising a hand, Ekram asked, “You both ready?” The two men nodded. Then, swinging down his hand, Ekram exclaimed, “Begin!”

Instantly, a huge fist barreled toward Liam’s face. The sounds of the cheering crowd died down. In his own view, they practically ceased to exist as he focused on the threat looming in front of him. Adrenaline kicked in. His heart began to race. He leaned sideways. Conor’s fist swept past his ear. Wind whistled from the jab as it passed.

Despite the dodge, the big guy didn’t bat an eye and threw another punch aimed at Liam’s gut. Muscle memory kicked in. Liam chopped at the wrist of the incoming fist, deflecting the punch. From there, he followed the momentum of the block and spun on his toes. The spin ended with him planting a backfist against Conor’s left ear.

Normally, such a hit would have caused a lot of damage, but the man simply backed off a few steps and squinted in surprise. The two eyed each other. Conor raised his fists. Liam lowered his stance.

In less than a second, Conor lunged forward, closing the gap. Although he predicted the movement, Liam barely deflected the following jab. A throb coursed through his blocking arm. If the punch landed, it would definitely break a few bones. Despite that, he leaned in and thrust his knee upward, targeting just above the hip. A large hand slammed down on his thigh just before it could land.

The hit forced him to plant his foot on the ground in an awkward position. Predicting a counter punch, Liam focused on his peripheral vision. A fist throttled toward his ribcage. Hoping to lessen the impact, he hopped backward and guarded with his left arm.

The powerful blow landed on his forearm. A sickening crack echoed around the clearing. The impact sent him hurtling through the air almost a bus-length away. Although he landed on his back, he immediately rolled to his feet. Since the hit nearly knocked the wind out of him, he took a few deep breaths. Most likely, the hit fractured his arm. Adrenaline prevented much pain from affecting him, but deflecting punches would prove difficult if they continued to exchange blows.

Conor dashed toward him, giving him no quarter. The big guy closed the gap in four massive steps. Each stomp sounded like a thunderclap.

When a jab flew toward him, Liam ducked. The fist brushed through his hair. Before the man could retract his arm, Liam stomped on his front foot and smashed a fist into his side. Even so, the man thrust his rear arm toward Liam’s face. Despite the throbbing in his left arm, Liam whipped it against the man’s wrist. It barely prevented the punch from landing on his face. As the punch passed by, he could see the hairs on the man’s arm and the beads of sweat flying from it as though in slow motion.

Liam attempted another punch toward the man’s gut but the man swung his front arm down and blocked it. Then, the guy lifted the foot Liam stomped on and disturbed his balance. Using the same foot, the guy roundhouse kicked him on the shoulder of his injured arm. Again, the impact sent him flying several meters. Anticipating the result, he prepared for a landing roll. He landed close enough to the audience to notice them but quickly focused on Conor again.

When the big guy stomped within arm’s reach, he jabbed again. Liam saw it coming a mile away. He ducked to the side. Hoping his newfound strength would allow it, he crouched, wrapped his good arm around the back of Conor’s knee, and spun on his toes. Grunting due to the exertion, he pulled the man’s legs out from under him. Then, he yelled while spinning like a top and released his grip, throwing the man away from the crowd almost as far as the initial punch sent him flying. Honestly, the distance surprised Liam.

Despite the impressive move, Conor grabbed at the dirt and pulled his feet to the ground. Soil exploded around him upon impact. This time, Liam closed the distance most of the way but halted just outside of reach. The two of them eyed each other warily. Despite that, Conor grinned out of sheer excitement. Likely because of that, he lunged forward without much thought.

Every punch flew past Liam as he dodged or deflected them. As soon as he spotted an opening, he threw a counter into the man’s gut once more. Conor winced, but his punches did not slow. Liam’s breathing quickened and sweat poured from his forehead in droves as he struggled to dodge and redirect the thrusts. Finally, the big guy threw in another roundhouse.

Liam’s lips cracked into a grin since he had been waiting for it. He lowered his stance further and tackled. The man’s leg sailed overhead. Then, his shoulder slammed into the underside of the man’s thigh, throwing him off balance. He wrapped both arms around the man’s hips. With everything he could muster, he lifted the man from the ground and slammed him back down into the dirt. Conor coughed and sputtered.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Liam let go of the man’s legs and spun in midair. With precision, he planted an elbow in the same area he already landed a few punches. Conor lurched and grunted. However, despite losing his breath, the guy threw a punch into Liam’s ribs, throwing him off. Now it was Liam’s turn to cough and sputter. Both of them struggled to rise. Conor rose first.

Before Liam could react, a fist slammed against his ribs again. Several of them cracked, sending a searing pain through his chest. At least he only flew a couple meters before landing this time. For a moment, he stayed down. He focused on the pain in his chest. It seemed like none of his ribs pierced his lungs, so he rose to his knees.

“Not done yet?” Conor asked, closing in at a relaxed pace.

Refusing to respond due to the burning in his lungs, Liam forced himself to stand. Focusing on the big guy, he thought, I forgot I jumped into this to figure out the system more. At this point, I just don’t feel like losing, but I don’t think I can land enough decisive hits in this state… Actually… He opened his status to check his HP. About two-fifths gone from just this. Something about it doesn’t feel accurate.

“So, you still wanna go at it?” Conor asked, stopping just out of arm’s reach.

Sighing, Liam closed his eyes. The adrenaline began to wear off and the pain in his arm, shoulder, and ribs intensified each moment. Despite the unwillingness to lose, he replied, “I think I’m done for now. Not sure I can safely take anymore hits.”

Conor laughed and exclaimed, “You fight pretty good!” Then, he pointed at the crowd and said, “Even they think so.”

Most of the spectators were clapping or cheering. Liam glanced at them, but didn’t really feel anything. Only Nora’s gaze of admiration meant anything to him. Then there was Scath who yawned in disinterest. Apparently, fights did not appeal to him.

Then, Conor faced the crowd and exclaimed, “Who’s next?!”

Immediately, Kael stood, stretched, and answered, “Look’s like it’s my turn.”

“You think you can even out our record do you?”

“Absolutely.”

While Kael waltzed into the imaginary ring, Liam started toward the spectator seats. However, a sharp pain pierced his chest. One of his broken ribs pierced a lung.

Shit… Liam thought as he lost consciousness.