NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29 (The Woodcutter)
My feet fell against the wooden floor of the shop, the sound seemed to dissipate in the air when I landed, as if something was absorbing the noise.
My movements were imitated by the nearly perfect reflections flanking my body. My gaze lingered on them, though I knew that a distraction could cost me. Every motion they made, down to the way their hair flowed as their heads tilted to look at a non-existent version of themselves. And there lay the problem. It was far too unreal; even in a world far less extraordinary than this one, it wouldn’t take a person with two eyes to figure out where to aim. I could feel a kind of connection between them that seemed to want to offer me more control, but for now It was like a constricted artery. Mairam’s grandpa had apparently also picked up on this discrepancy as he deftly sidestepped my blow, his eyes tracing over my original body. His expression of shock contrasted with his brow twisting upwards as he raised an eyebrow in my direction; apparently, this course of events was outside his expectations.
Following his steps down the narrow path between the row of tables in the middle of the room, I barely caught his left hand stretching out before suddenly a blunt impact crashed into my side, sending me stumbling over to one knee. Looking up with a groan, only partly from the pain, Shattering the hope that perhaps the things could at least act as shields: Although, I supposed it might be better for my mind if I didn’t have to constantly put images of myself into the line of fire.
Hurriedly rising to my feet, the faint sound of coughing made its way into my ears. My head tilted slightly as the old man’s free hand slowly reached into his pocket, pulling out a plain rag and slightly rubbing the lone drop of sweat on his forehead, his lips parting in a light frown.
[Mariam’s Grandfather] “No, there’s no need to step in, I’ll handle this myself, check on My daughter for me, though this one is quite stubborn I fear too much fighting has rotted their brain”
The murmur barely reached my ears, I couldn’t make out what was said but it didn’t sound like he was talking to me, as with a click of his tongue, the old man neatly folded the rag, bending down to look at me. However, when he went to put the rag away, a glowing silver medallion with the head of a beast carved on it fell into view for an instant before it was covered by the rag. Looking up at the still faintly glowing staff, I had to hold back from yelling out as the meaning of his words hit me.
Hey, what do you mean dull senses, you old bastard!? It’s not like I was the one who started threatening people. Was mugging just a hobby in your generation?
Pushing my thoughts, occupied with hurling half-hearted insults, aside, I looked around, trying to create a plan. By now, it was clear to me that I was outmatched in terms of strength. It was honestly a miracle I was able to keep up with the geezer. Judging by the fact that I had been knocked down so easily, if this continued any longer, the ending would be whatever he wanted it to be.
Sighing internally, I glanced towards the door. I would have to sneak back to explain what happened to Mariam. I owed her that much, at the very least. But for now, I was out of the very few options I had left. Why does everyone in this world have to be so violent? Had their parents never told them to keep their hands to themselves? Just about to activate the teleport skill for a second time, when I noticed something that caused my movements to come to a halt. The old man was speaking once again, this time directly looking at me. But it wasn’t his voice, nor the words he spoke, that caught me off guard. His hands, were now clasped together entirely empty. His words sounded almost unnatural, It was like he had rehearsed them a dozen times already.
[Mairam's Grandfather] “Now you seem like amateur so I’ll extend an olive branch to you, if you’re after my secrets I’ll make it clear they’re a lot harder to get from my daughter than from me, so just name your price and I’ll triple it, for you to walk away from here, ahahah I doubt they’re paying you much anyhow”
Lightly scratching his head, he continued.
[Mairam's Grandfather] “ As far as anyone will be considered, you just got thrown out by a crazy old man. Oh and if you do decide to scamper off to whomever sent you, do try to remember that, not everywhere a rich man walks has gold under it..”
Hollow laughter echoed into my ears. Looking at the narrowed, expectant eyes opposite me, I couldn’t help but stare back in shock, my thoughts still in turmoil. As confusion contrasted with acceptance, we reached a silent understanding. Nodding sagely, I couldn’t help blurting out my thoughts as my body began to blur once again.
[Iris] “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!?”