Restart Again: Volume 1 by Adam Scott (pocket ebook reader TXT) 📕

The blade was polished to a mirror-like finish which shone beautifully in the morning sun. It had a wide crossguard that swirled upwards like the petals of a water lily and a simple knuckle-bow running down along the leather wrapped grip. As she turned the weapon in her hand, I could tell the balance was impeccable. Hark certainly lived up to his reputation. Lia looked over her bounty with a dumbfounded expression and misty eyes. As much as I wanted to let her savor the moment, I knew we had more pressing matters at hand. “Let’s see if it fits you.”

I showed Lia how to strap on all of her new gear while trying to teach her the tricks she would need to equip it by herself should the need arise. As I expected, the set fit her perfectly; every piece sat sturdy in its proper place when I ran her through a quick range of motion test. Once her armor was on and her new weapons belted to her hip, I stepped back to give her a final appraisal. I let out a low whistle. “It really suits you, Lia. Now you look like a real adventurer, just like me.”

Lia’s face flushed as she looked away. “Thank you, Lux. This is all so...amazing.”

The knot in my stomach tightened with a pang of guilt. “I’m glad you like it.” I paused, cringing for a moment before continuing “Lia, I’m sorry to have to do this now, but I have some bad news.” I pulled out a chair and took a seat, motioning for her to do the same. She sat down across from me with a solemn look, watching me in silence.

“I don’t know how it happened, but the guards have finally caught up to me. You might have noticed two of them in the common room when you went to retrieve your package.” Lia’s eyes lit up with recognition as she nodded. “There are eleven of them in total. Judging by the size of the deployment and the fact that they cleared the street, they’ve already decided this is going to end in a fight.”

Lia cocked her head to one side. “How do you know all of that?”

Although I knew the question was coming, I still didn’t have a great answer. “I know that this isn’t a satisfying answer, but I don’t have time to explain. You’ll just have to trust me.” She nodded quietly. “Now that you have that armor, they’ll know you’re with me as soon as they see you. If you wanted out of this...now’s your last chance.” I knew what Lia’s answer would be, but I felt obligated to give her the option regardless.

“I told you before, I’m not leaving you. No matter what,” Lia said, her expression serious. She reached across the table and took my hand. “I made you a promise, and I’m not going to break it now because things are getting scary.” Even though I expected the response, it was still comforting to know I wouldn’t be alone in the coming trials.

“Thank you, Lia.” I gave her hand a squeeze before standing to begin my preparations. “In that case, you’re about to have your first real combat test. I don’t imagine the guards will allow us to leave, even if we ask nicely.” Pulling my sword from the ether I sheathed it on my hip opposite my dull sparring longsword. “Once we go downstairs, the two inside will follow us outside, meeting up with the man by the door to cut off any retreat. I’m going to leave those three to you.”

Lia’s eyes widened. “Three? You want me to fight three of them, at the same time?” She shook her head as she scanned the room vacantly. “You really think I can do it?”

I remember that feeling...the pre-battle nerves when you start doubting everything you’ve ever done. Shoving Lia’s old dagger down into the back of my belt, I turned and gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m sure you could handle more than that, but we’ll start there. They’ll never expect you to be trained in combat, so you’ll be underestimated the whole time. You’ll be at a major advantage in that regard. Just remember what you’ve learned these past few weeks.”

I crossed to where she sat at the table and put my hands on her shoulders. “I know that it’s scary, Lia. The last thing I ever wanted to do was put you in any sort of danger, but danger has a habit of following me around. I’m truly sorry for that.” Taking a deep breath, I let out one final sigh as I began to transition into a tactical mindset. “I swear that I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I have promises to keep, too.”

Lia nodded with determination as she blinked away the tears in her eyes. “Okay. I’ll do my best to keep you safe too!”

I smiled and gave her a quick hug. “Alright. Stay close to me and don’t draw your sword until you need it. We don’t want to kill them, so make sure you dull the blade before you use it. Otherwise just stay alert, and don’t be afraid to call for help. I’ll be right beside you.” With that, I opened the door and headed into the hallway with Lia following close behind.

My breathing quickly fell into a deep, measured rhythm as we made our way down to the lobby. I can’t lose control in this fight like I did in the prison. A level head and measured response is infinitely more effective than rage and instinct. My hand rested comfortably on the pommel of my manasteel sword with my thumb absentmindedly circling the small golden band at its base. Mana was flowing freely throughout my entire body as a result of my breathing technique, some of which I sent down to the runes carved into my blade.

Heighten Senses. Combat Acceleration. I felt the familiar lag of time somewhere in