'It's over... that quickly?'
Ravu thought, stupefied at the outcome. However, deep inside, he knew that was bound to happen. He was the one to find Ethan, he was the one to tend to him for a small period of time, He knew Ethan was a warrior.
His body was not one of a farmer, strengthened by the field, nor was it one blessed by the very gods; it was one earned through effort, one built with discipline and relentless hard work. The physique of a man who was striving for something great, since his very birth.
Ravu knew Ethan was strong, but he did not know he was 'this' strong. Even if Ilika was an amateur, he was still a wolf-kin. He had a variety of blessings from the Beast God... and he lost like that?
He knew Ilika would eventually lose, but not this quickly, not this... pathetically. Ravu was stunned, and so were the villagers who were taking a peek. Ilika did not rise; he kept clutching his neck with one hand, and dug the fingers of his other into the mud. However, remarkably, the boy did not cry.
Ian laughed as he watched someone whack some sense into his nephew, and said.
"See? I knew this would happen. You rushed in like an idiot and lost quickly? See? The other guy is a real swordsman! Ahaha!"
Ilika didn't respond; he merely stood up with his head low. Ethan pitied the poor boy; his uncle had been a little mean...
If he didn't adhere to the principles of a Knight, He might have gone a little easy on the boy... But those principles were everything to Ethan.
Ethan grabbed his blade and put it back in its scabbard, scratching the back of his head. He didn't think much of it, simply viewing it as an uncle who wanted to educate his nephew. Furthermore, he needed Ian's approval to survive in this foreign continent. Igimo had stated that Ian was an important figure.
He would, unfortunately for Ilika, not raise a single complaint with Ian... thankfully, this did not go against the principles of a Knight.
Ethan was prepared to go back, but Ian stopped him.
"Where are you going?"
Ethan turned around, confused... and then, Ian proposed.
"Let's see... you're staying at the village, and although Igimo doesn't mind it, I kind of have to, being the chief, you know? Also, Igimo told me a few things..."
Ian stood up from his hammock, stretching his body as Ethan's eyes narrowed into slits, wondering if Igimo had betrayed him. Subtly, his hand moved towards his sword. He made it as if he was putting both hands on his waist, waiting for Ian to complete his sentence in an aloof manner.
"Let's see... You need my approval for identity, and for the matter at the adventurers guild... Hmmm, let's do it like this...
Teach my nephew for a while, proper swordsmanship and everything else, you know? And I'll give you my approval for identity, the adventurers' guild matter can be handled later... You know?"
Ethan... was stupefied? He didn't think someone as cautious, or rather, as battle-hardened as Ian would trust him enough for this kind of job. But then, the paranoid side of Ethan, the one that arose from his being stuck in this place, spoke to him.
Does he... want to find out some other things? Based on my swordsmanship? What ulterior motive does he have? Does he want me to teach Ilika my swordsmanship, and then find something about Ethan?
For a moment, a bizarre thought emerged in Ethan's mind.
'Does he know I'm from Vakuma?'
It was like the voice of the devil, plunging him into great despair. For a single moment, Ethan considered jumping at Ian and slitting his throat before running away. But that was stupid, that would be stupid.
He could not betray Igimo's goodwill, and he had next to no information about this continent. Besides, he would never teach his grandfather's unique sword to anyone on this continent. He could teach something else, or even create a new style to teach Ilika...
Ethan calmed down, and the next moment, Ian smiled.
"Oh come on, it won't be without pay, now would it?! I'm sure Ilika's parents would be happy to pay you a good amount, how about three Alapir a week? That's an average sum!"
"Huh?"
Ilika raised his head, outraged, and Ravu did as well, looking at Ian with confusion... however, before they could say anything. He approached Ethan, and patted his shoulder.
"You need a job, don't you? Good then! This matter is settled, discuss with Ilika the schedule! Now, I have a lot to do!"
He roared with laughter as he approached Ilika and gave him a stern warning.
"Now! That's your new master, all right!? Treat him with respect! Now, I'll be off... need to call my sister, Ugh, your mother..."
He left, leaving everyone dazed.