Outcast Hunter

"Remember, don't let your anger be the fuel to your power. It will lead to your own destruction."

Day two of Leo's training with Grim. Grim would always tell him that line. Don't let the agitation rule his other emotions over and control him. Leo's morning begins with Grim's lessons. He would talk all the time, about how to control his emotions and how he should fight a stronger opponent. Not only he was teaching Leo mental strengths, but also he was pointing out Leo's mistakes when wielding his sword. And also the way he dodge the attacks. He pointed all of that out and lectured Leo even more. He was rushing him, he knows. But that was because his time nearing to its end. He needs to teach him all that he knows before he rest in peace. It has been so long..

The two of them were having another spar. Aophy and the others were entertaining Grim's guests and were with them to fetch the materials, the expedition's purpose. Jayce know his way around the kingdom. They can avoid encountering dangerous wild monsters on their way. But their awareness of their surroundings were still there. Jayce knew exactly what the materials Alexander's group were looking for. They have lots of them stored inside a shed, protected with magic barrier. It's to keep monsters from destroying the shed. They have everything there.

"I hope that all of the items here are enough." For a guy, Jayce has a soft voice. Though he looked really manly. "If you have something else you need, you can tell me."

Alexander's group shook their head. "It was more than enough really. Thank you for all of this!" Alexander have a spatial storage that they need to store all the items they collected. They were delighted by the fact that they does not have to look for all of the materials. Jayce was picking up some materials and had it put inside a bag.

After storing all of the things Alexander were looking, they went back to the Dark Palace. It was past 11 in the morning and Priscilla decided that he will cook for everyone. And she will make her best meal they will ever taste. Suppose it as a payback to all the things Grim had done for them.

Leo and Grim's lessons weren't still finish. The others arrived back and Priscilla went to the kitchen right away to start cooking.

"You're still tensing up!" When it comes to teaching someone, Grim's so strict. He wants every word he say to his disciple to carve it deep inside their head. He does not want to teach someone who's thick-skulled and hard to teach. He has short temper when we're talking about the dimwits. "How many time do I have to tell you to stay calm?!"

Leo let out a deep sigh. "Let's fight all out. You said that you're going to die soon? Before that, fight me with all of your strength. That way, I'll listen to you."

"Haa?! Is that the reason why you haven't been listening to me the entire time?!" He dumped his forehead to his palm in extreme annoyance.

"I thought you knew?" Even Leo was surprised that Grim, the Death was unaware of his childish request. "Don't tell me you didn't notice, or sensed at the very least?!"

Grim shook his head, his face was still dumped on his palm. "I wasn't aware. I'm just another being, I mean, I ain't perfect, just like you!" That was more than of an explanation. He tried to calm himself down and when he was finally calm, he sighed. "We will eventually get to that part. For now, listen to me and remember it all. This is not just for your sake, but also for the sake of those whom you love."

"Oh, o-okay. If that's the case then."

They continued their sparring. Grim's lectures also continues. The air in the atmosphere had changed. Leo became serious, so is Grim. Leo was not using his skills. Grim told him not to. He said that they will arrive to that stage where he will be using his skills. It was a spontaneous battle between the two. No one seemed to land a hit to the other. It looks like it was hard for the two.

Leo and Grim became hungry when the delicious scent in the air went under their noses. It was coming from the kitchen. It got their attentions causing them to collide against each other. They were about to change blows. Aophy and Devi came, the two were eating something that smells really nice. It's delicious fragrance was like a drug that famished them.

"Priscilla's done cooking. You two should have a break and have a taste of her cookings! It's superrrrrrrrrrrrrr delicious!" Aophy wasn't exaggerating when she said that it was really good.

***

After eating the delicious meal of Priscilla, everyone rested for an hour before going back to what they were going to do. It was beyond their expectations. Priscilla must really love cooking, for her to cook such a delicious food. No one would get tired of eating what she cooks everyday. She made a heck lot of food. Though, Leo and the others ate all of what she made.

Grim and Leo went back to their training. They will be moving on to the next stage of Grim's lessons. They were sparring again. This time, Aophy and Devi was watching. They does not have anything to do.

Both were now using their skills. And Leo had already learned what Grim was trying to teach him. All that was left was for them to take it top notch and fight with no restraints. With all their strengths.

"You learned really fast." The two were on a short break. "I guess it is now time for us to show to each other what we really got, huh?"

"Yeah, that is what I have been waiting for. Ever since I set foot here. I haven't forgotten my real purpose here though."

"Good. You came mentally and physically prepared."