“Bad News?”

My brows furrowed as I looked at Samuel, demanding an answer.

“Dad said that big-sis Ursula and her party got themselves a troublesome mission this time and might get into some trouble because of that. And taking Dad’s standards for measuring troublesome things into account… it wouldn’t be something she can get out of with no injuries. It’s only a matter of how badly injured she would get. So… I’m a little worried about her.”

I went deep in thought, trying to recall anything about the name ‘Ursula’. But to my disappointment, I had no recollection of anything associated with this name whatsoever.

Thus, I asked, “Who’s Ursula? Your cousin? You called her big-sis.”

“Oh… She is someone my dad mentored for a while. She writes occasional letters to dad and mom from time to time, and is like an older sister to me, an actual sister, unlike a certain stinky brat.” During the end, Samuel’s tone turned indignant as he harrumphed.

Unsure of what to say, I had a lacklustre reply.

“I see. And what about the mission?”

Samuel shrugged, “I don’t know. Dad never told me about it. But from what I overheard from his discussion with mom, it is something in the nearby City of Frellesca. So maybe she will come here after her mission is done? What do you think?”

“Maybe.” I rubbed my chin in thought while I replied. With a rising curiosity, I asked, “What’s the City of Frellesca like?”

“It’s a big city with a dungeon. So we call it a dungeon city. As for what it looks like, I guess any other city? I don’t know how to describe that. Haha. But in any case, it’s bigger than this trash dump.”

With a wry smile, I said, “I see.”

A nearby city. And a dungeon as well. I wonder what it looks like.

My imagination ran wild as I imagined a city with various shops around a stone-laid street and chatting people. In a few moments, I painted a vivid scenery in my head.

A hand waved in front of my eye, bringing me back to reality.

“So, up for another one?” Samuel asked, getting up as he got ready.

I nodded, getting up and walking back into the ring myself, preparing myself mentally for what’s about to come while simultaneously thinking up various what-ifs and strategies to defeat Samuel.

As if reading my expression, Samuel playfully said, “Don’t worry too much. I just won’t use a hand in this one. It’ll be easier for you.”

Finishing his words, he placed one of his hands behind his back, whereas a faint smile hung across his face as he crooked the index finger on his other hand, gesturing to me to make a move.

It’s that smile again. What is he up to this time? Unease filled my heart. I curled and uncurled my fist a few times, unable to make a move.

No. It’s not the time to get cold feet. Get yourself together. And… CHARGE! Turning over the nervousness in my heart in an instant, rushed rashly.

Holding my left arm in front of my chest defensively, my right went out for a grab at Samuel’s shoulder.

Samuel twisted his body, putting his shoulder out of my reach. Next, he grabbed my right hand with his own, in an attempt to use my momentum against me.

I smiled as I used my other hand, swatting his hand away. Realising my attempt at a grab to be futile, I spun on my heel, turning my claw into a fist as I punched towards his face.

However, he shifted his body while tilting his head slightly, having my hand graze against his springy cheek.

Samuel’s brow furrowed, the air of playfulness diminishing around him.

Oh no, it seems I’ve done it. I remember him saying something like ‘Don’t hit the face’ and whatnot. I’m in for it this time. Thinking till here, my heart chilled.

In the next moment, Samuel lowered his head, backing away.

After taking a few deep breaths, he charged forwards, jumping in the air as he did a scissor kick.

While dodging to the side, I barely saw Samuel landing on his two feet as nimbly as a cat before lashing at me with a roundhouse kick.

Caught mid-motion, all I could muster was closing my eye while putting both my arms in front of my head protectively, hoping it would block the incoming attack.

However, the expected impact never came. Instead, I saw Samuel standing to my side, his back faced away from me. Afterward, I saw him twisting his body ferociously, his hand sweeping through the air in front, approaching me rapidly.

The next moment, a sweet taste filled my mouth. World around me seemed to spin as the remains of my breakfast, combined with the juices from my stomach, seemed to crawl out of my throat, as if about to vomit. Next, the impact registered and the pain sunk in, causing me to topple down on my knees, using one hand to keep my chest afloat while using the other to cover my mouth, attempting to stop anything from coming out.

Lifting my head up, I swallowed it all back down before taking large gulps of air.

“Are you… okay?” Samuel asked, concerned. “T-that wasn’t on purpose. It was an accident. I wanted it to be softer but it—”

While raising my hand, I mustered out a groan while nodding, “I-it’s alright. And ye... yeah. S-somewhat.”

Calming down as I watched Samuel stew in guilt, I said, “Don’t worry too much. It was a fight, and it’s normal to get injured during fights. Don’t think too much.”

“B-but it’s also—” Samuel’s expression froze, turning much more sombre as he asked, “Do you smell that?”

Is he trying to make a joke to lighten the mood? I couldn’t help but think.

However, in the next moment, a faint thrumming landed in my ears as my eye widened. Turning my head in the noise's direction, my eyes went wide. Spinning my head to the side stiffly, I found Samuel’s expression turning grim as he stared forward with hostility.