-Callen-

  Arriving at the competition, I was greeted by Grandmaster Slate, who eagerly invited me up into the high-ranking stands to join him. Feeling a bit like I was just given a free front-row seat to a sports game, I happily took a seat.

  “So, young man, what brings you out to watch the melee? Secretly supporting someone, or are you just studying for inspiration?” Grandmaster Slate, as inquisitive as ever, eagerly waits for my answer.

  “Ah well, my sisters are participating. It looks like the first one up will be Reesia; she was recently adopted, but Mom has been taking care of her since she was little. The other is my twin sister, who it looks like is set to be one of the last in the first round.”

  As I point out my sisters, he takes a careful look at each, and a smile of anticipation creeps onto his face. My interaction with Grandmaster Slate had built for me the persona of someone who cherished opportunities to learn or to teach. The only time he was upset was when something was ‘normal’ or ‘standard.’ He was the kind of person who wouldn’t be satisfied without special effects on everything he saw. I commented as much, and the grandmaster broke into a fit of laughter, admitting I might be a little too accurate with that statement. The first competitors reach the field as the Grandmaster declares his observations from when he examined my siblings earlier.

  “Runic armor for one and something on the bow for the second,” He clearly spots my runes but doesn’t know their effects. I just smile and nod as the fights begin. Reesia has a couple of great matches, and the experience should be quite valuable because she rarely has to fight anyone slower than her. A number of her skills focus solely on keeping up with faster opponents like Sis. Reesia’s last fight was quite the thriller. Then it becomes Callia’s turn after getting both Byes. I can’t help but wonder if it’s going to be the knife or the bow for the last fight.

  I watch as Callia completely stomps her unfortunate opponent. At least this time she held back enough not to break his bones. The head judge takes to the field and hands Sis a golden trophy, and she holds it up to show off to the crowd. I cheer out for Sis and am belatedly joined by the roars of the audience. I think everyone else had trouble realizing the match had ended so decisively. Especially after Reesia’s match, which had been a serious slugfest, and the crowd had absolutely loved it.

  “Thank you, everyone! Now quiet down a bit before we go on!” The cheering dies down. “I think I speak for everyone when I say nobody expected such an extraordinary fight! Callia may well be the deadliest fighter in the history of our town, and as such, the town's officials have communicated, and a decision has been made. . . It may be distasteful; however, Callia has completely outclassed all competitors, and as such, we have decided she will now be restricted to the adult competitions in two days. She will have free access to all adult competitions; however, she is no longer permitted in the later competitions today and tomorrow!” Immediately the crowd begins to boo; however, the decision is left unchanged.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  I look over to Callia, but she doesn’t seem concerned. Well, being her favorite sparring partner, I was well aware that she was beyond the reach of any of today’s competitors, and that advantage would only be magnified after she got a decent meat shield to distract her enemies.

  “The stance-strengthening runes was an uncommon decision, but clearly it worked well for her. Truly promising, but your twin was truly something else! She never needed to use your runes, but she dismantled her opponents with such ease!” Grandmaster Slate was excitedly chatting about the event. He was clearly upset he didn’t learn what Callia’s runic weapon did but also impressed. We continued to talk briefly before I bid farewell to catch up with my sisters.

  We stayed up late holding a celebratory party for Sis. The party continued till late, and when Sis declared we were going to train all day for the team events the day after, I and the others immediately rushed to bed in regret. If I had known Sis planned on punishing us for her victory, I would’ve tried to sleep hours earlier.

  The next day I learned that Sis had discovered the wonders of punching people. Which, unfortunately, while her Empower Motion made her far more effective, was still far from satisfying her. Sadly, it fell on me to function as the punching bag. It wasn’t just for an hour or two; no, Sis saw this as the perfect exercise for not just her new punching skill but also a great chance for me and Crescent to refine our healing skills.

  It also wasn’t just punching. Reesia wanted practice attacking an opponent who could endure her attacks, and Reesia had a moral creed of ‘Get the heck out of Dodge,’ meaning never let a hit in if you can dodge it. So I was not just a punching bag for Callia but also Reesia, and Reesia wouldn’t even let me try to avoid her hits. The only silver lining was that I and Crescent made some good progress, and she seemed to be in a great mood, even if the idea of beating me up initially was something she vehemently rejected.

  Infection

  In a corner of the town, nobody noticed the uncertain swaying of a body getting up onto its feet. The skin showed clear bulging lines beneath which worms wiggled about impatiently, undulating but also moving in unison to awkwardly simulate walking. The body kept to the darker alleys, occasionally bumping into the sides of houses. Each time the body deflated slightly, leaving behind a worm burrowing into the wood.

  Eventually the body lost so many that it collapsed onto the ground, looking like a withered husk. A brief moment passes before the worms burst out from the fallen body, scattering in every direction. A late-night drinker barely has a chance to respond before worms swarm him, forcefully penetrating every orifice and trying to burrow into his skin. His screams are muffled and left unheard. By morning no body is found, and nobody recognizes the tragedy that happened in the silence of the night. Unaware that in the peace of their homes they are no longer alone.