Child of Wind North – Chapter 6: After the Duel
Several days had passed since the duel ended.
The quiet of the clinic was suddenly broken when Rawin, who had been unconscious, jolted awake.
"This isn't over yet, Valien!" he shouted, startling everyone nearby.
Valien sighed sharply.
"Hey, the duel's already over. Don't go yelling in the clinic, you idiot," he scolded.
Rawin blinked in confusion.
"Wait—Valien? Why are we in the clinic?"
"Don't you remember, fool? We fought until both of us passed out," Valien replied flatly.
"Passed out...? Then what happened to the duel? Was it a draw?" Rawin asked, puzzled.
"No. You were declared the winner by Master Warsen."
"What? But we both fainted! How did I win?"
"Apparently, you held your ground and stayed conscious for a few seconds longer. That's what Master Warsen said," Valien explained.
"Oh, I see… Wait—how do you even know that if you fainted too?" Rawin asked suspiciously.
Valien smirked.
"Miss Firsa and the young hunters came by earlier and told me what happened."
"How long were we unconscious?" Rawin asked.
"Six days since the duel began," Valien replied.
"Six days?! That long?" Rawin exclaimed in disbelief.
"Only for you. I woke up a day earlier," Valien said smugly.
"That's barely a difference," Rawin muttered, unamused.
Then Rawin crossed his arms proudly.
"Anyway, since I won, you owe me something—remember our promise?"
"Ugh… do you really have to brag? It was a close match," Valien said with a sigh.
"Close or not, Master Warsen made the final call. You wouldn't dare break your word, would you, Valien?" Rawin teased.
Valien chuckled and extended his hand.
"Fine. I'll admit it—you've improved, Rawin."
Rawin looked at him in surprise.
"Huh? Who are you and what did you do to the real Valien?"
"Tch. Don't push your luck, idiot," Valien replied, grinning faintly.
The two laughed, their rivalry momentarily forgotten. For the first time, the tension between them eased, replaced by a quiet understanding.
Moments later, Miss Firsa and the young hunters entered the clinic.
"See? I told you they'd agree," Firsa said .
"Miss Firsa… and everyone?" Rawin said, startled.
Firsa gasped and ran toward him.
"Rawin! You're awake! I was so worried!" she said, hugging him tightly.
"I-I'm fine now, Miss Firsa… but could you let go? I can't breathe…" Rawin wheezed.
Firsa quickly released him, embarrassed.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I've been waiting for you to wake up ever since the duel."
"Sorry for worrying you again," Rawin said softly.
"Don't be. I'm just glad you're safe," she replied with a warm smile.
Meanwhile, the other young hunters exchanged amused glances.
"Are we… supposed to be watching this?" Elvi muttered.
"Should we leave?" Arde whispered.
"This is a rare phenomenon indeed," Orpy said dramatically.
"Let's just go before things get even more awkward," Silvien sighed.
Valien groaned.
"If you two are going to flirt, at least do it outside the clinic."
Rawin's and Firsa's faces turned bright red.
"Ha-ha, right… Miss Firsa, could you open the window? I need some fresh air," Rawin said, flustered.
"O-Oh, of course!" Firsa replied—but as she moved to open it, she slipped, causing everyone to burst out laughing.
At that moment, the clinic's owner, Versy, entered.
"Firsa, what in the world happened? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, don't worry," Firsa said quickly, brushing herself off. "What brings you here, Versy?"
"Just to tell you that my patients are fully recovered—and they're free to leave," Versy replied with a smile.
"That's great news! I'll walk Rawin home," Firsa said.
"Actually, Miss Firsa, I still have something to discuss with Valien," Rawin said politely.
"Oh, alright. Then come to the Gritim Tavern tonight—we're celebrating your recovery," she said.
"Of course. I wouldn't miss it," Rawin replied warmly.
Firsa and the young hunters left, leaving Rawin and Valien alone once more.
A moment later, Rawin called out quietly,
"Master Warsen, we're alone now. You can come in."
A calm, commanding voice responded from behind him.
"Hoho… your senses are getting sharper, young hunter."
"They're still dull compared to yours, Master," Rawin said modestly.
"Perhaps. But you've come far, traveler from the Northern Winds," Warsen said with a knowing smile.
"So, what brings you here, Master?" Rawin asked.
"A message. The elders of Gondalwa Village have summoned both of you," Warsen said.
"Summoned us? Did we… do something wrong?" Rawin asked nervously.
"Hoho, not at all. They simply wish to congratulate you for passing the hunter's trial—and for defeating a Greata-tier Glossy Beast," Warsen explained.
"Wait—Glossy Beast? That was me, wasn't it? Don't tell me… Valien, you took down a Greata-tier on your own?" Rawin said, wide-eyed.
"Yes, I did," Valien replied calmly. "But Master Warsen, if the elders summoned us, does that mean they've acknowledged our strength?"
"Not quite," Warsen said. "They're merely… intrigued by your progress. Recognition comes later."
"So they're just watching us," Valien said, clearly dissatisfied.
"Exactly. If you're free, go to the village hall as I said," Warsen replied.
"Understood, Master," said both Rawin and Valien.
"Good. I have other matters to attend to. Until next time," Warsen said, leaving the room.
"Thank you, Master," they both replied respectfully.
After a short silence, Rawin spoke up.
"How about we leave in three days, Valien?"
"Three days… sounds fine to me," Valien said.
"Then let's meet at the town square" rawin said
"Deal," Valien replied.
That evening, Rawin made his way to the Gritim Tavern as promised, while Valien returned home—his mind already focused on training once again.