Chương 85: Have You Found Your Purpose?

Leah pressed Felicity relentlessly, her green-hilted sword slicing through the air in a flurry of swift strikes. Felicity remained expressionless, doing nothing more than parrying or dodging, seamlessly alternating between her twin blades. Leah feinted. Felicity saw through it and shifted to intercept the real attack, but that, too, proved to be a deception. Without warning, Leah thrust forward. Felicity's blade stopped the attack at the very last instant.

"Two feints in a row…not bad", she remarked.

"And yet I still haven't managed to hit you", Leah replied, frustrated.

"And you won't be able to for a long time". The two sheathed their swords and took a moment to catch their breath. Xia approached them at a slow, steady pace.

"Any news?" Felicity asked.

"None", Xia replied. Leah studied Xia for a moment before looking back at Felicity.

"I've been wondering…if it were just swordsmanship, who's stronger between the two of you?" If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. A faint smile crossed Xia's face.

"That's a good question", Felicity said with an amused grin.

"I'm a mage, not a swordswoman", Xia answered calmly.

"True, but you're still incredibly skilled", Leah countered. Felicity tilted her head.

"I'd say there's only one way to find out, isn't there?" Xia slowly cracked her neck.

"Are you sure, Feli?"

"I am. Are you scared?" With one smooth motion, Xia drew her sword. Felicity did the same. The two stared at each other in silence, neither moving an inch, the air heavy with tension. Then the sound of footsteps shattered the silence. All three turned. Ethan and Agnes emerged from the tall foliage. Ethan stretched an arm out in front of the little girl to stop her. He carefully observed the three women before recognition flashed across his face.

"You…you're the ones who took my legendary sword". Felicity stepped forward.

"It would be more accurate to say we're the ones who spared your life. Remember?"

"I remember. And I've already repaid you", Ethan replied.

"I gave you my room and we slept together. Remember?" Leah glanced at Felicity and blushed faintly.

"What?"

"Not like that", Felicity replied. She then walked over to Ethan.

"So, have you found your purpose in life, traveling with that little girl?"

"I'm not a little gi-". Ethan covered Agnes's mouth before she could finish.

"No", he said coldly.

"Living has made me realize that my only purpose is to protect myself and do what's right. Nothing else". Xia stepped forward and crouched slightly in front of Agnes.

"What's your name?"

"Don't tell h-".

"Agnes", she answered without hesitation. Xia smiled.

"Agnes…what a beautiful name. Are you hungry?"

"I'm starving".

"We've got plenty of meat and vegetables", Xia said.

"Why don't you join us?" Ethan looked at Felicity for a moment before turning back to Xia. He hesitated. If he had been alone, he probably would have refused the invitation. But since Agnes was with him, he decided to accept.

"Alright". And so, they joined the group.