System Break

There was mucus leaking out of every orifice. "Water," I croaked but no one could hear me - they were too far away. The massive qi core rolled ahead of me like a giant beach ball and the sight of it made me feel like it was all worthwhile.

When a core was severed from a creature that creature was surely dead. The moment this core moved far enough from its well the Gargscarab died, even though it was still inside its massive head. 

It was sure a hell of a lot easier ripping its core from its roots than chopping off the Gargscarab's head. It was just a messy, disgusting task.

Gisael was the smartest women in the world because she loaned me her waterskin and tsked while she wiped me down.

"There is a river," she said and titled her head in a northerly direction; we'd passed it on our way. Rivers large and small were abundant in the plains surrounding Salastria which is probably why it had become a city in the first place.

The three of us moved north and because we took the core - everyone followed. Demon Bird flew above us and was my eye in the sky.

We rolled the core for now, but eventually we'd have to make it a sling and drag it. One jagged rock in the wrong place and we could lose the precious contents.

"Is there a better way to deal with these things?" Sakaala asked.

"The Qizhu," Gisael said. "They used to make legendary artifacts which can store qi."

"Those guys are like the super nerds of this world," I said. Gisael didn't understand the term so she ignored it, which was her way.

I removed my leathers and bathed in the river. With great relief the mucus washed away in the flowing water. When I rose there were many red faced women who turned away at the sight of my nakedness in all its glory. It made me laugh.

The whitecloaks had brought my pack and weapons. "You're naked," Ying said. 

Sakaala and Gisael weren't fazed. Gisael guarded the core while Sakaala cleaned my leathers. 

"What did you expect?" 

Ying shrugged and flicked his head back towards the others. "The protectors want to speak with you."

Sakaala held out my leathers. "They're still wet."

"Thanks, they'll dry," I said and threw them over my shoulder. I donned my pack and weapons while making the protectors wait. They stood atop the embankment and pretended to be patient.

The young blond turned only to find out I was still naked other than my pack. Her cheeks flushed red again and she turned back around quickly. "It's still naked."

"Go back to the city Peppin," Brione said. She huffed but did not move. The leader of the protectors turned to me. "My apologies for the intrusion and our thanks for killing the Gargscarab. I am Brione Protector of Salastria." He sounded educated and his words were formal. He did not hold out a hand, he just gave a nod of his head.

I nodded back. "I am Benzhi Protector of the Forest."

"The one in the north?"

I nodded.

"There is a forest to the east by the sea do you lay claim to that?"

"Nope, first I heard of it. We don't lay ambit claims to lands that are far away and that have nothing to do with us." I traded his slight for a slap in the face.

A thin smile appeared under his moustache. "We are appreciative of your efforts, but I fear the prize of the core does not belong to you. You will have to petition the duke for a reward. I hope we can resolve this in a peaceful manner."

"Sure," I said. I glanced at Sakaala and she stared at me blankly, so I continued. "If you want peace then we'll be keeping our core. But in consolation we will discuss the matter with your duke."

Brione eyed the core and it was significant to everyone that his hand rested on the hilt of his sheathed sword. "You were not given permission to hunt in our lands."

I nodded at Sakaala and she said, "Something we can discuss with the duke because we were given permission. We have a treaty stating exactly that and I quote … The forestfolk shall protect the farmlands belonging to, and under the subject of, the Duke of Salastria..." She cut the quote at that juncture on purpose.

Sakaala held out a leather tube. "Do you want to see for yourself?"

Brione shook his head. "I am not an aide; you can present your claim to the Duke."

Peppin scoffed. Her back was still turned, and I admired her from behind. Her blond ponytail ended on the curve of her back where her finely shaped ass began. It was round and I was sure it was supple.

Most of the protectors shifted nervously while I was close. I towered over them in height and my arms were as thick as their legs. It probably helped that my wooden antler mask looked alien and scary as hell. Or it could be the fact that I was not one bit fazed with my massive dragon hanging out in the open making them all feel inadequate. However, Brione met my gaze without flinching.

"That's settled then," I said. I lifted my leathers into the air and gave them one final shake. Water droplets flew everywhere landing randomly on Svartalfar and city folk alike. I wiggled my legs into them and tied them up.

The protectors stood uncomfortably until Brione announced. "We will go. I trust your word that you will present to the Duke this day."

"Why don't you tell him we're on our way?"

Pepping scoffed. "We are not your messengers!"

I laughed. "That's not a message. It's information – or field report. Surely that's your duty as protectors? But that's none of my business - if you want to act like a spoiled child, go for it."

She turned and her eyes blazed in anger. I took one step up the embankment and stood in front of her. Now her eyes were level with my chest and her view was filled with my rippling muscles. Her hand went to her sword and gripped the hilt so firmly her knuckles turned red.

"If you draw your sword you'll be sorry," I said. My qi reacted on reflex, it flowed from my core and filled my streams. Moments later my muscles and wooden endoskeleton were covered with the qi patterns for strength, agility and speed. 

The way I prepared for any challenge had been evolving as I worked on more effective and efficient patterns. But it was the same body enhancements for all fights.

She must have felt pressure or sensed something from my qi because she had a physical reaction. Her eyes widened and she took a step back. 

"How do you have so much reserves?" she asked.

I looked at her core and her streams. Then I scanned the others from the Duke's protectors and adepts. They were low compared to the Dawnharbour protectors. There was something amiss with their development. Either they weren't as experience or …

"Are you starved of qi?" I asked.

Her mouth opened and shut. She was lost for words.

"Home," Brione ordered and glared at me. The protectors and adepts left promptly, all except Peppin and Brione.

He continued to glare at me and took a step closer. "Explain," he said.

I shrugged. "I can sense qi, can't you?" And my eyes never left Peppin.