—— ? ——

  Ever had a day where things just refuse to go your way? No matter what you do, the world seems intent on kicking your teeth in. You barely survive getting thrown into a new world, yet you still manage to claw your way to something resembling normalcy. So, of course, someone in town accuses you of being a hollower, which results in you being banished, being forced to fight a literal nightmare, and then your friend dies.

  But how could life stop there?

  You head up a mountain, intent on just watching your friend be buried and then moving on with your life, and BAM.

  The god responsible for the majority of your shitty situation sends a damned army to conquer the town that banished you.

  Even if you wanted to help, how could you? You watch as one of the town assholes bashes in your other friends in town. The army descends, and everyone fights for their lives.

  Some days you just can’t win.

  So what do you do?

  Jump off a fucking cliff.

  In the plan’s defense, it was a solution to some of the problems Simon was trying to address.

  The only way Simon could see making any difference on this battlefield was if he was able to take out the ballistae that were currently whittling down Varnholt’s barrier.

  The problem was, how does one sneak up on an army? Simon’s skill set wasn’t sneaky in any meaning of the word.

  In fact, his version of violence had to be one of the least inconspicuous ways to fight. His skills literally used sound to cause damage.

  Stealth was out of the equation.

  Ideally, Simon would run in, turn the ballistae to piles of debris, then run like the fucking wind.

  So that's how Simon found himself plummeting towards the ground after leaping off a cliff.

  He had seen a video once, so long ago, of some crazy skier who had dove off a cliff into the snow and fallen hundreds of feet before landing safely.

  He had debated with himself whether it was possible. But he couldn’t just sit back and watch.

  People were dying.

  And it was because of that fucker, Maelis, and the off brand protien powder god Varrax.

  Wind rushed past as the snow-covered ground grew larger with every heartbeat.

  Adrenaline pumped through Simon’s sore body as he raced towards victory or, more likely, an achievement for one of the dumbest deaths in the new universe.

  He glanced toward Varnholt, its glowing barrier dimming with every bolt that slammed into it.

  Simon knew that once that barrier failed, everyone in Varnholt was doomed. He knew he had to do something from the moment the battle started.

  He wasn’t going to stop.

  Well.

  Until he hit the ground, of course.

  “Shitttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt”

  —— ? ——

  Maelis’ focus on the operation of the ballista was shattered as his head snapped towards the noise.

  There was a blur of movement as something …

  The sound cut off as snow erupted from above the portal. The cloud of snow glittered in the morning light as it drifted back to earth.

  His eyes moved up the cliff, searching its face for any indication of what had just fallen from above.

  What was that? The phestun asked.

  “I don’t know.” Maelis frowned. “Send one of your vessels to go see what it was.”

  As you command, servant of our master.

  One of the bulky beings the Phestun controlled hefted a large spear and jogged up the mountainside.

  It had only moved for a few seconds when another sound echoed out.

  *CRACKThtrummmm*

  Snow exploded from beneath the cliff, blasting out in a wave. The wave of powder was cut in two by the portal as part of it was sucked into the other realm.

  Maelis instinctively ducked, his eyes frantic as he searched.

  What the hell was going on? What was happening?!

  The wave settled, fine powder still hanging in the air as it slowly descended.

  Had something exploded? What was…

  “Holy SHIT. That was such a stupid fucking plan.” A loud, obnoxious voice carried down the mountainside. “But it fucking workkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeeeeeed!”

  Rage boiled in Maelis as he recognized the voice.

  The voice of the blasphemer. One cursed by his god.

  The man known as Simon stepped forward. He wore that ridiculous outfit, the one that looked like it was made by haphazardly sewing the bodies of Aurora hoppers into something resembling clothing.

  Simon’s hood was up, his large white ears flopping as he confidently strode towards them. The idiot was grinning, his eyes practically glowing behind the aurora lenses sewn into the hoodie. In his hand, he held a black and red metallic guitar, the instrument buzzing with some strange energy.

  The man’s eyes scanned the area as he walked. They stopped on Maelis, the idiot’s grin growing wider.

  “Morning Maeli–” The words were cut off as Simon peered toward the smith. “What the fuck happened to your face? Did I do that? Shit. I meant to headbutt you to make you shut up, not cause your face to look like it went through a blender.”

  “What are you doing here, you blaspheming filth?” Maelis snarled back, his voice carrying across the snow.

  “Damn. Someone’s grumpy.” Simon paused his approach, cocking his head. “Although I guess if I looked like that, I would probably be more of an asshole too. Well, I’m here to– hey RUDE!”

  Simon's words were cut short as a spear-wielding vessel lunged forward. Glee filled Maelis as the lumbering creature bore down on the insufferable man.

  The little shit stepped to the side, then jumped back, avoiding the Phestun’s vessel's attack.

  “Can’t you,” Simon called out as he dodged. “Let a guy.” The bunnyclad man ducked under the spear point. “Finish.” He rolled to the side, avoiding the vessel’s follow-up lunge. “His damn entrance!?”

  More vessels grabbed weapons and moved toward the fight. Maelis watched, a wave of satisfaction filling him as they closed in on the heretic.

  “Fuck. FINE!”

  Simon swung his guitar.

  *CRACKThruummmmmmmmm*

  Maelis and the Phestun’s vessel's eyes followed the spearwielder as they were launched into the air. They rocketed back, their weapon falling as they flew down the mountainside. Then the creature slammed into the ground and rolled dozens of feet before sliding to a stop.

  Gazes turned back to the man standing just behind the portal.

  The maddening man grinned toward his audience.

  “You asked what I’m doing here,” Simon belted out, his ridiculous ears bouncing as he spun the bucking, vibrating guitar.

  “It’s simple, really.”

  He grinned, a mad gleam in his eyes.

  “I’m here to fuck up your day.”

  “KILL HIM!” Maelis screamed, and Vessels charged towards the insufferable man in a bunny onesie.

  Laughter filled the mountainside as Simon dashed forward, momentum building with every step.

  —— ? ——

  *CRACKTHRummmmmmmmmmm*

  One of the big ass, fur-covered things was blasted away as Simon finished his swing. He dropped to his knees and slid under the axe blade of another.

  He slid down the mountain, then kicked out a foot to launch to the side, trailing the guitar with his momentum.

  *CRACKTHRummmmmmmmmmm*

  Another one of the vessels flew back from the explosion of force as Simon regained his center of balance.

  Snow shot behind him as he launched forward, his gaze set on his goal. He just needed a few seconds and a swing or two to turn those ballistae to splinters.

  He shuddered as his eyes met the melted face of Maelis. The smith had taken up a stance and watched him carefully. The asshole gripped that big hammer he had sucker punched Simon with the other night.

  Why wasn’t he moving towards him?

  Simon’s eyes searched as he dodged to the right, just out of the reach of a rough-hewn sword.

  He swung in return.

  *CRACKTHRummmmmmmmmmm*

  The large furred creature was launched away from the impact.

  Simon turned his focus back to the smith, then his eyes went wide. With a grunt, he kicked off his right foot and dove to the side.

  Pain exploded from his leg as the bolt sheared through part of his calf.

  Using a BALLISTA on me?! REALLY?!

  His wounded leg glowed gold as Simon shot upright and continued his charge.

  His legs pumped faster as the distance between them shrank. He dodged the last vessel between him and the smith, eyes meeting across the diminishing distance.

  The yoreboon’s melted lips twisted in a wicked smile. His eyes glowed bright, a sickly energy filling them. Simon skidded to a halt, steps away from the smith. His face had gone blank as he stared into the distance.

  “Kneel,” Maelis commanded.

  “Ok…” Simon replied, slumping to the snow in front of Maelis. The vibrating guitar lowered into the snow.

  The smith’s eyes burned with glee, a disfigured tongue licking his lips. He stepped towards Simon, tapping his hammer into the palm of his free hand.

  “What a fool.” Maelis stood in front of Simon, pulling back his hammer to strike. “To think, you went through all of that just to di–”

  Maelis’s words died as he looked into Simon’s wide grin.

  “So long, asshole!”

  *CRACKTHRummmmmmmmmmm*

  Simon whistled as he watched the smith fly away. The yoreboon slammed into the snow and rolled nine times before coming to a stop.

  Simon laughed as he reread the notice that had appeared.

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE—-

  > SKILL ATTEMPT - FAILED

  > The skill “Malleable Mind” has failed to take hold. You have resisted.

  ——————————

  He nodded to himself.

  God damn right it failed. No one’s allowed to fuck with my head.

  Simon moved toward the ballistae, limping despite the gold energy of Anima Control reinforcing his legs.

  His hand ached as he gripped the thrumming instrument in his hand.

  There was a bellow as one of the horned creatures operating a ballista left its post and charged him. Simon could do but stop and watch as the fur-covered, muscled being picked up speed and thundered toward him.

  He flexed his legs, grimacing from the spike of pain, but still readied himself. Both hands gripped the vibrating neck of the guitar as he pulled it back.

  The creature bore down on him. Simon sidestepped the predictable swing of its large hammer, then swung in return.

  *CRACKThrummmmmm*

  His guitar shook as it connected with the main mass of the minion’s body, and a wave of force blasted out. Snow flew into the air as the creature shot away.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  Simon moved again, his steps increasing in tempo as he accelerated toward the first balistia.

  *CRACKThrummmmm*

  The retort of his swing echoed out as the ballista exploded in a shower of wood splinters and metal shards.

  Another creature charged Simon.

  “Really?” He muttered.

  *CRACKTHRUMMMMM*

  Simon watched the being fly away. He shook his head as he ran for the next ballista. Another swing and the weapon vanished as it shattered into component parts.

  Swing after swing, Simon dismantled each weapon, pausing only to bat off defenders.

  By the time he made it to the last ballista, his arm muscles felt like jelly as the instrument, gripped by both of his hands, bucked and tried to escape from his grip.

  *CRACKTHRUMMMM*

  The last defender blasted away as Simon pulled back to swing for the final weapon.

  Simon barely heard the whistling sound.

  He ducked at the last moment, and the small hammer collided with his shoulder, the impact making him grunt.

  Simon took a quick backstep, dodging the wide sweep of the hammer.

  Maelis snarled as he adjusted his swing and backswung the hammer towards Simon.

  Simon pushed off his right foot, moving himself out of the smith’s range. The motion seemed to extend as his reckless skill carried him further away.

  Simon grinned. “Welcome back, asshole.” Simon pulled the guitar to his side, then stepped forward and swung.

  Maelis’s hammer shot out and slid under Simon’s swing. With a flick of his wrist, Simon’s blow carried past him.

  Simon quickly stepped to the right as his arm was yanked forward, barely dodging Maelis’s hammer as it slid off his instrument and flew towards his chest.

  He shifted his stance and recovered, stepping back and then forward. Simon swung again.

  His blow failed to connect again as the smith’s hammer whirled and deflected. Maelis’s free hand blurred into his cloak and then whipped out, a small hammer shimmering into existence.

  With a meaty thud, the weapon thumped into Simon’s shoulder, who took two quick steps back.

  The pulse of pain from the impact nearly made him lose his strained grip.

  Fuck. Why can’t I hit him!?

  There was a momentary pause in the battle as Simon eyed Maelis.

  “Where’s your cocky attitude now, trash?” Maelis said, a grin on his face. “Did you really think your pathetic excuse of a combat style was really going to work?”

  Simon grimaced. Fucking Smith. He pulled back and then started his swing as he stepped forward. His stride seemed to blur as he closed the distance to the grinning asshole.

  But once again, his attack was deflected, and he frantically moved out of the way as Maelis nicked his other shoulder. Simon grunted as it felt like the bones in his shoulders rattled from the impact.

  “Pathetic.” Maelis spat. “I’ll admit that skill is powerful. But it’s useless if you never connect.”

  Simon sucked in large lungfuls of air. He needed to figure out how to beat this asshole, and soon. His legs still glowed, Anima Control holding his damaged lower body together. With every second that passed, he could feel that hollow feeling growing.

  But… did he need to beat him?

  Simon kept his eyes on Maelis, who lazily watched him. He wouldn’t give away his intentions with a sidelong glance, instead looking through the edges of his vision.

  He steadied his breath as he focused.

  Simon stepped and swung. Maelis rolled his eyes as he casually brought his hammer over. Once again, Simon’s blow was deflected, its momentum directed away from Maelis.

  Simon grinned. He took two quick steps and blurred behind Maelis. With a grunt, he twisted his sore wrists and drew the momentum up, then down.

  The guitar bucked as it descended on the last ballista.

  *CRACKTHRUMMMMMmmm*

  Simon suddenly felt a spike of danger and threw himself to the side. He screamed as Maelis’s hammer slammed into his ankle and felt it give. He swung his instrument towards the smith, but Maelis redirected his blow and then yanked his battle hammer up. The spike on its back hooked his guitar, and Simon was yanked to his feet, his hands still tightly gripping the guitar.

  Maelis kicked Simon in the chest, and his grip failed as the instrument ripped from his hand, and he tumbled into the snow.

  His ankle felt like molten metal as it throbbed with pain. Simon scrambled to his feet as Maelis shot towards him, hammer descending in a wide arch.

  Simon barely got his feet beneath him to step back. Reckless movement engaged, and he rocketed away from the blow.

  The hammer slammed into the snow, then was pulled out as Maelis pursued. The smith charged at Simon.

  Simon stepped away, keeping several feet between them. He focused on his summoning skill as he dodged.

  *Pop!*

  A long instrument, looking like someone took a violin, then squished it to look vaguely like the number eight appeared in his hand. Wooden with metal strings, and a cloth shoulder strap attached to its back.

  It withstood a total of two hammer strikes before shattering into splinters.

  Simon decided defense was the best choice at this moment and panted as he continued to step away from Maelis. He was able to continue to keep out of the smith’s reach, which made the yoreboon snarl in frustration.

  Simon grinned at him, then had to take a couple of quick steps to the side as other enemies joined in the fight. The creatures around him, Vessels of Phestun, according to a quick Identify Simon had spat out, tried to circle and pin him down. Simon kept moving, keeping the line of vessels from getting a complete circle.

  Then disaster struck.

  Simon had just stepped away from Maelis and was looking for an opening to run away when a vessel charged him.

  He waited for the last moment, then side-stepped. Reckless Movement didn’t work, and he was left in range. The creature’s large axe tore into his shoulder, and Simon spun like a top, slamming down into the snow. He let himself roll, pushing off with an elbow to extend it, then leapt to his feet.

  “Ah… I see,” Maelis’s slick voice slid through the air.

  The same vessel turned and chased Simon as he struggled to stay ahead of it, until another vessel tried to cut him off. Reckless Movement reengaged, and his steps ate up distance again.

  Then the second vessel just… stopped.

  His steps slowed.

  Simon looked around, confused. His eyes stopped on Maelis, who had backed away.

  The look on the smith’s face made Simon shiver. His melted eyes glinted with understanding, then rolled back in his head.

  What the fuck?

  All movement had stilled around Simon, the semicircle of creatures having all stopped in their tracks.

  Then the first vessel, the one that had caught his shoulder with his weapon, shuddered. Its eyes rolled back for a second, then snapped back, focused on Simon.

  It charged him, and Simon desperately retreated. Reckless Movement wasn’t working, and his steps were normal.

  Then another creature charged him. Simon barely sidestepped its blade as it swept through the air.

  Then another vessel came from behind him.

  Soon, there were half a dozen hounding him, and Simon dodged in every direction, barely staying ahead of their attacks.

  *POP!*

  A large metal wind instrument appeared in his hand. Simon swung at the closest one.

  *Crackthrumm!*

  The creature was knocked back dozens of feet. It seemed like the vibration that had built up over the fight had lessened dramatically as Simon had just focused on dodging.

  But it was still enough.

  He swung towards the next one, then blinked in surprise as the creature deflected it.

  The flat face of the vessel grinned. Simon’s eyes shot between it and the non-moving Maelis. The smith was surrounded by several vessels, and his eyes were white as he stood still.

  Is he controlling them!?

  Simon exchanged blows with his grinning opponent, and every single one of his was deflected.

  Yup. Fuck this. Time to get the hell out of–

  Simon’s thoughts were cut off as he whipped the metal wind instrument above him. His other hand gripped it as metal rang.

  He grunted, his arms bulging as the axe head stopped inches from his face. He pulled back, stumbling in the snow. Simon dodged to the side, rolling, then launched forward as he frantically looked for a way out.

  More vessels had moved towards the fight, but stayed dozens of feet away. Simon realized too late that every one of them looked… young.

  He glanced back at the axe-wielding vessel, and it looked young as well.

  “Identify”

  His eyes scanned through the prompt, then his heart dropped as he read a line.

  > Level: 8 (Approximate)

  “Shit.”

  Simon moved out of the way of another Vessel’s attack, then he ran.

  But that was when he realized what the vessels on the edge had been doing. His eyes scanned in all directions.

  It was a wide circle, but they had encircled him.

  And his Reckless Movement skill was silent.

  “Shit, shit, shit.”

  Simon charged towards the circle, his eyes focused on the gap between them. The creatures on that side tightened the gaps and became a wall. There was no way he was going to get through.

  Simon skidded to a stop and looked to the other side. He sprinted, but then slowed as he saw the vessels adapt and close. He dodged to the side as the first of the four that were now chasing him caught up and swung its axe down on him.

  Simon shifted to dodge it, but his retaliatory strike was deflected as he was caught off guard. The axe swing had been a feint.

  It was fighting just like Maelis had.

  Simon pulled back and ran out of reach; there was nowhere for him to run. The large circle of vessels tightened with every second.

  He just had to break through then. Hopefully, he would still have all his limbs after that.

  Simon yelled as he picked up speed, barreling towards the wall of vessels.

  The vibrations of his skill had nearly built back to their peak, and Simon’s knuckles were white as sore muscles clung to the bucking instrument.

  Ahead of him, the central creature’s eyes rolled back, then snapped back. Simon’s muscles bulged, and he swung hard.

  *CrackThrummm!*

  Simon yelped as he was blasted backwards. His brain stuttered as he tried to figure out what had just happened.

  The instrument had slammed into the vessel’s axe, and it looked like the strike was good. But then the two vessels on either side had swung their weapons and clanged into his instrument. The combined force of all three had resulted in the instrument deflecting back into Simon. The resulting impact had rocketed him backwards.

  Simon tumbled through the snow, losing his grip on the metal wind instrument. He pulled himself to his knees, then a shadow fell over him.

  A flat-horned face looked down on him. A massive fist descended.

  It slammed into Simon, and he was knocked backwards. A furred foot caught him in his stomach and forced the air from his lungs as he spun to the side.

  Simon couldn’t even groan as he rolled through the snow, his lungs empty. Everything pulsed with pain. He shoved with his arms and moved out of range of a kick.

  Gasping, he struggled to his feet. The circle of vessels was now almost complete, and the four that had chased him moved slowly towards him.

  “How pathetic. You really thought you were going to be the hero?”

  The circle parted as Maelis strolled in. He spun the large hammer in his hand as he eyed Simon.

  “You just don’t get it, do you? All you have done is just delay the inevitable.” Maelis gestured behind him up the mountain.

  Simon glanced up the hill, still keeping the four non-moving vessels in his vision.

  His heart sank.

  Dozens of vessels were moving large carts from the portal; one of them was already being unpacked.

  Ballistae.

  “Ahhhh goooooood.” Maelis let out a sick, almost purr. “That’s the face of someone who has realized just how worthless they are.”

  Simon gritted his teeth as his eyes locked onto the yoreboon.

  “Fuck you.” He spat.

  “Really?” Maelis shook his head, then snapped his fingers. The four chasers advanced on Simon.

  He tried to dodge. He really did.

  But his reckless movement skill wouldn’t work. His body was bruised and broken, and Simon was just tired.

  His vision spun as a fist caused him to stumble back into the snow. The creatures didn’t even use their weapons; they simply punched or kicked.

  With every blow, Simon’s despair grew.

  But he wouldn’t stop.

  He was kicked back.

  Simon pulled himself to his feet.

  A vessel punched him in the gut. Simon staggered back, gasped for air, then straightened.

  *Pop!*

  A flute appeared. Simon tried to use it. It was quickly ripped away by the axe-wielding vessel, which was being piloted by Maelis.

  Simon stumbled back and fell on his back. With a grunt of pain, he twisted to the side and pushed himself to his knees. A large foot kicked him in the spine, and he face planted into the snow.

  Simon lay there for a moment, ragged breaths melting the blood-speckled snow beneath him.

  “Pathetic.”

  Simon turned his face to see Maelis looming over him.

  “Fuck you,” Simon said.

  —— ? ——

  The martial god Varrax looked through the eyes of his servant. The mortal lying on the ground was barely holding on.

  “What a waste.” He muttered as he watched the mortal, Simon, spin away from the vicious kick to his face.

  The body tumbled, a trail of blood joining the countless drops on the snow. Simon moaned in pain, but still his hands dug down into the snow.

  His servant moved towards the mortal.

  “Stop. Hold where you are.” Varrax commanded, his voice echoing down to his servant.

  The viewpoint froze as Maelis heard the voice of his master.

  Varrax felt some of his divinity vanish as the system’s price was paid, but it was a drop in the sea of his power.

  He wanted to see what this mortal would do.

  The man in the snow, bloodied and broken, rose. Simon pulled himself to a knee, then two, then stood.

  His face was bloodied and broken, yet his gaze hadn’t faltered. Even though his body shook with pain and exhaustion, his defiance had never faded.

  Varrax mused over that expression. When he had first encountered the mortal, he had been enraged by it. The cocky speck of existence refused to accept its place in the universe.

  Despite himself, Varrax smiled.

  This mortal had what it took. It was one thing to shout off insolence while protected by the system; it was another to shout it at death’s gates.

  Varrax nodded, then pulled up the list of combatants and found the mortal’s name.

  Simon Starfall.

  “Hear me, servant,” Varrax commanded. “Do not kill him. Let him know I will send him an offer.

  Varrax paused, then added. “If he doesn’t accept, I want you to beat him to death.”

  —— ? ——

  Simon heaved as he readied himself the best he could. He racked his brain to try and figure out a way out of this.

  But nothing came to him.

  This was it.

  He was dead.

  Despite that, Simon grinned, then opened his mouth. “What are you waiting for, asshole? Come on, I’m still standing.”

  Well, barely. But he was.

  The yoreboon in front of him had frozen and wasn’t moving. Maelis’ face was going through a mixture of emotions as he seemed to be listening to something.

  “Hello? Paging Mr. Asshole.” Simon taunted.

  Maelis ignored Simon, gnashing his teeth.

  “I have been told to deliver you a message.” He finally said.

  Simon frowned. “What?”

  “My master… has an offer for you.”

  This made Simon blink.

  His master? Varrax? The martial god?

  “Excuse me?”

  The system answered Simon.

  *Ding*

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE —-

  > A DEITY HAS OFFERED A BOON

  > Deity: Varrax the Unyielding

  > Traits aligned: Combat Prowess, Willpower, Resilience, Tactical Instinct

  > Boon: Blessing of the Martial God

  > Effects: Varrax the Unyielding will remove their curse from you. All martial advancement paths will be opened to you, and any blocked skills will be gained. Martial energy will be able to be used and channeled. You will be able to use martial weapons and weapons of war. Additionally, the blessing will boost all martial abilities. This boost will reduce the requirements for skill acquisition, allow martial skills to grow at increased rates, and make physical conditioning more effective.

  > Conditions: This patron does not tolerate insubordination. Growth is possible within limits set by Varrax the Unyielding. Followers of Varrax the Unyielding cannot surpass the deity. Limitation enforced by divine law and contract. Your actions will be known to the god and you will be designated as his subordinate.

  > Will you accept this blessing? Yes - No.

  > Note: If you accept this blessing, your status on the current battlefield as “unaffiliated” will change. You will join Varrax’s forces for the purpose of this event.

  ——————————

  Simon stared at the prompt.

  “My master has instructed me to beat you to death if you refuse,” Maelis said, his face impassive.

  Simon just shook his head.

  So this was it? Join or die?

  Fuck that.

  “About that.” Simon grinned as he steadied his stance. The gold of Anima control blazed as he got ready. “Like I said before.”

  Simon selected no.

  “Fuck off.”

  *Ding*

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE —-

  > OFFER REJECTED

  > Deity notified.

  Good luck.

  ——————————

  Maelis smiled. “Thank you. I really hoped you would.”

  The four vessels moved in.

  Simon dodged the first three blows.

  Then blood burst from him as a fist caught his face. He fell over, and a kick cracked a rib.

  Simon bounced back and slid across the snow. He pulled himself to his feet in time for a fist to collide into his face.

  He fell back onto the snow, and his vision closed in.

  No.

  He struggled and pushed himself to a sitting position. Another fist slammed into his face.

  Simon pushed himself to his knees again, but another blow didn’t follow.

  A shadow fell over him.

  He looked up at Maelis, who held his battle hammer aloft.

  “What was it you said?” Maelis cocked his head. “Right. So long, asshole.”

  The hammer descended.

  —— ? ——

  — AUTHOR NOTICE —

  wahooo.

  Some cool news, work on the official cover has been going well! super excited to reveal that here soon :)

  explode if it gets cold enough? Fun fact!)

  Hope everyone is staying warm!