As promised, the next day?
All hell broke loose.
I marched straight to the palace training grounds and started swinging my sword like the dummies personally owed me money.
Not because I needed training.
Not because I was rusty.
But because frustration needed somewhere to go that wasn't the Emperor's face.
Slash.
Thud.
Crack.
"Take that. And that. And especially that."
A poor wooden dummy exploded in half.
Oops.
Oreo was sprawled on a bench nearby, snoring like a retired war hero. Tail flicking lazily. Living his best summoned life.
I wiped sweat off my brow and turned, only to spot a familiar head of light-colored hair passing by the edge of the training grounds.
Callestine.
He was clutching a book to his chest, shoulders slumped, walking with the enthusiasm of someone heading to his own execution.
Nope. Not on my watch.
I shoved my sword back into my inventory and sprinted.
"CALLLEEEESTIIINE!"
I waved both arms like a lunatic.
