As Ava finished instructing her group, they joined back into Austin‘s group. Austin started to feel self conscious about his ability to instruct when they joined back in. Austin still had plenty of people who were unable to use creation, but Ava was able to teach her entire group how to perceive Essence. Despite his doubt, Austin was not deterred from his goal. While everyone was enthusiastic about the contest, Austin was interested in getting everyone in fighting shape. He was determined not to allow another tragedy to happen to the people of the camp.

  ?

  As Austin watched the flow of everyone’s Essence, he started to get a better grasp on how to help. It was like his ability to perceive Essence improved as he looked over the group. He could see the points where people used too little or too much Essence, but he could even make out the structures people tried to use to create an item. This gave him a greater understanding of the points where people failed to create an item.

  ?

  Austin started to provide individual instruction to people. The first person he started with was Josh. He placed his hand on Josh’s shoulder and stopped him from continuing further.

  ?

  “You have a good idea of the method to create an item. There are just a few points that you can improve on,” Austin instructed. “The first point is the amount of Essence you use. You are using too little Essence. This is preventing you from creating solid Essence lines. Why don’t you give it a try with just a little more Essence?”

  ?

  “I seem to be struggling to gather it. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong,” Josh responded with a frown.

  ?

  “It may be your affinity. You said that it was hard to control before. Try to change your mentality,” Austin said. “Your Essence is a part of you. So dominate it and force it to do what you want.”

  ?

  Josh raised his hand and tried to do as Austin said. Ever since he started to grasp his affinity, he felt like he struggled. It felt like his Essence was fleeting and hard to control. Like he was constantly chasing it but could never catch it. Every time he used his Essence, he felt like it was hard to use a substantial amount of it. But after Austin’s advice, Josh realized he was using the difficulty as an excuse. He created his own mental block, and he needed to tear it down.

  ?

  The Essence inside Josh’s chest took a strange form. It scattered and flowed around, never staying in the same place. He was not going to let that deter him. He focused on the Essence and forced it under his control. As the Essence focused together, it took the shape of a rapid whirlwind. It was still hard to control, but now he did not have to worry about it being scattered and weak.

  ?

  Josh grabbed a hold of the whirlwind and forced it down his arm. The Essence came at a rapid pace as it flowed from his arm into his hand. Once it reached his hand, he needed to make the structure quickly, or he would lose his Essence. Luckily, after several tries, he had an idea of the shape he needed to make. The Essence filled the shape rapidly, and in a flash of light, it appeared. A white spear appeared in Josh’s hand. The color was reminiscent of a fluffy cloud.

  ?

  “Whoa! I did it!” Josh exclaimed as he looked at the spear with wide eyes.

  ?

  “See, you just needed to make a couple adjustments,” Austin smiled. “Can I take a look at it?”

  ?

  Josh nodded his head quickly in excitement and handed the spear to Austin. The first thing Austin noticed was the weight of the spear; it felt much lighter than Austin expected. It was so light that if Austin was not looking at it, he wouldn’t believe that he was holding something. The lightness would be okay as long as the spear was structurally sound. Austin flicked his finger at various spots across the spear.

  ?

  “Looks good,” Austin smiled as he handed the spear back to Josh. “You are released from my instruction.”

  ?

  “Can we train some more later?” Josh asked eagerly.

  ?

  “Let me think about it. I have to finish this first,” Austin said.

  ?

  “Right, got to give everyone an even playing field,” Josh winked mischievously as if he expected special treatment from his friend.

  ?

  After Josh left, Austin felt more comfortable instructing people. He gave the remaining people specialized instruction and managed to help them through their mental blocks. Even with the addition of the group that needed to learn Essence perception, Austin was able to successfully get through the group much quicker than before the lunch break.

  ?

  Austin tracked down Ava after the group disbanded. She was one of the first of her group to finish creation training and was already watching over the children. As children ran and played, she sat to the side. Her eyes were intently focused on the children, as if they were the only things that mattered in the world.

  ?

  “Hey, Ava!” Austin smiled cheerfully as he approached her.

  ?

  “Oh!” Ava let out a gasp as her concentration was broken. Her tone quickly turned quiet as she responded, “Hello.”

  ?

  “I really appreciate your help today. I know I sort of put you on the spot, but you really helped out,” Austin said.

  ?

  “You’re welcome,” Ava said as she turned her attention back to the children.

  ?

  “Can I ask you something?” Austin asked nervously. He started to get the impression that he annoyed Ava.

  ?

  “Go ahead,” Ava said flatly as she did not take her gaze off the children.

  ?

  “You seem to have a lot of talent when it comes to Essence use. Why don’t you fight? I’m sure you could be a greater fighter,” Austin asked.

  ?

  “I don’t see a reason to. Unless I’m absolutely forced to,” Ava said.

  ?

  “But you could do really well! Not to mention, it would be a great help to all the people here,” Austin protested.

  ?

  “Watching the children, creating elixirs, and other duties to maintain the camp also help out,” Ava said coldly as she turned to look at Austin. She was almost expressionless as she looked at Austin. “Besides, do you know how I became aware of my Essence?”

  ?

  “I assumed most people in the camp used an Essence fruit. Was it not through one?” Austin asked.

  ?

  “I wish I were that lucky. I got to experience the other way to become Essence aware. On the day the Survival Game started, my family was attacked. I’m sure you know about people who tried to rob others for supplies. During that attack, my husband was killed,” Ava’s hands shook as she gripped her knees tightly. “In that moment, I became Essence aware and killed our attackers. But you know, there was something worse about it than watching my husband get killed. The expressions on my daughter’s face. I think she thought I was a monster.”

  ?

  “Oh, I didn’t realize,” Austin was almost speechless. “I’m sorry.”

  ?

  “It’s not your fault, and I understand that you didn’t know,” Ava said. “But if I can help it, I don’t want my daughter to see me like that again.”

  ?

  “I guess I can’t blame you,” Austin said. “I’m sorry if I was insensitive.”

  ?

  “You didn’t know,” Ava said. “Just try to remember there is more than just fighting, and those who don’t might have a good reason.”

  ?

  “You’re right,” Austin nodded. “Speaking of, I appreciate you looking after Elliot.”

  ?

  “It’s no problem at all, I enjoy watching over the children,” Ava smiled gently. “I think Maya wants to get strong enough to fight. So, this gives her the chance to train.”

  ?

  “Did she really seem that interested?” Austin asked.

  ?

  “Very interested, I’m not sure if she wants to fight or just spend time with you. She talks about it a lot,” Ava said. “You should probably go see her. I think she’d appreciate it.”

  ?

  “Thanks for the advice,” Austin smiled.

  ?

  “No problem at all. But one more thing,” Ava’s eyes turned sharp in a serious expression. “Don’t ever put me on the spot like that again.”

  ?

  “Oh, sorry. Yeah, I won’t,” Austin said as he was taken aback by Ava’s expression.

  ?

  “Good,” Ava’s expression turned to a smile almost as quickly as it turned serious. “That’s all I ask. Now go see your wife.”

  ?

  As Austin left Ava, he looked for Maya in the camp. She was part of the participants in his instruction, but he was not able to give her much time because of all the people. As he glanced throughout the camp, he saw her in their spot in the camp. She was heavily focused on a book.

  ?

  “Uh, hey,” Austin said awkwardly. He was not sure why, but he felt disconnected from Maya as of late. He almost felt nervous as he approached her. “What are you reading?”

  ?

  Maya put her finger up as if she were telling Austin to wait for a moment. She continued to read her book for another minute before she said anything. Once she finished reading, she placed her hands on both sides of the book and closed it firmly.

  ?

  “A pretty compelling story,” Maya answered Austin. “It follows a mother who lost her children and sought revenge for them. To get stronger, she fights more and more powerful monsters until she can confront the killer. As she does this, she starts to lose sight of herself and what separates her from a beast.”

  ?

  “I mean, who could blame her? Someone took her kids from her,” Austin said.

  ?

  “Oh, I can’t blame her at all. I think I would do the same.” Maya said. “But as she starts to lose sight of herself, she isn’t sure if she is still seeking revenge for her children or the thrill of the battle.”

  ?

  “What do you think?” Austin asked.

  ?

  “I think she is in it for the thrill. I left off where she was about to finally get her revenge. So, I’m guessing I’ll see soon,” Maya answered. “But I can’t blame her for her feelings changing.”

  ?

  “Why is that?” Austin asked as he raised his eyebrows in confusion. “Don’t you think fighting should be avoided?”

  ?

  “I mean, I guess so. Fighting is dangerous, but it also sounds so thrilling,” Maya lowered her head as if she were ashamed of her feelings. “I want to be able to do it.”

  ?

  “I know. Ava told me,” Austin let out a deep sigh. “I want to keep you and Elliot safe, but I think I have been ignoring your feelings. I put myself in danger and leave you clueless.”

  ?

  “Exactly, I don’t want to be left clueless, and I don’t want you to carry that weight alone. But there is something else. I want that power,” Maya’s eyes were filled with determination. “It may be selfish of me to think this way. But that’s how I feel. I want to be able to fight.”

  ?

  “I don’t think you are selfish. I feel the same,” Austin looked at his hand as he spoke. His hands had started to become tools for battle. So much had changed since the Survival Game had started. And if he really thought about it, he did not just fight for Maya and Elliot. He enjoyed it. “If you want to fight, I won’t stop you. I’ll help you become the fighter you want to be.”

  ?

  “You’re really okay with that?” Maya seemed shocked by Austin’s response.

  ?

  “I mean, I would rather you and Elliot be safe. But I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy fighting and getting stronger. I think it’s only fair you get the chance to do the same,” Austin said.

  ?

  “Thank you,” Maya let out a breath in relief. “I was so worried you would be mad.”

  ?

  “I’m not mad at all,” Austin smiled. “If anything, this can be good husband-wife bonding.”

  ?

  “Like a date,” Maya laughed.