Bael's body ignited in flames. Shin shot out of the explosion, partially burnt. He dusted himself off.
Shin's eyes widened in shock. Bael walked out of the smoke with nothing but a few burnt spots and partially burnt clothing.
Bael's right hand had gone black, leaving only his red pupils. He walked out of the flames grinning.
"Not bad, human," Bael said as he tossed Shin's sword towards him. Shin picked up his sword and prepared once more.
Bael charged at Shin, cackling. Shin swung his sword, but Bael jumped up. Bael rushed down with his sword, and Shin blocked it.
The momentum from the attack forced Shin down onto one knee. Bael continued grinning as he boosted himself with mana.
Shin moved to the side, and Bael fell. Just as Bael turned his head, he instinctively leaned back, barely managing to dodge Shin's slash.
Bael jumped back and created distance between him and Shin.
That was close.
He put his blade above his left shoulder. Red flames engulfed his sword.
"Destructive Art: Form 3: Annihilation!" Shin swung his sword, and a wave of flames rushed at Bael.
Bael dodged the attack by jumping to the side.
Wait… isn't that the sword technique the Sword Clan showed me?
Just as Bael was lost in thought, Shin appeared in front of him and placed his sword at Bael's throat.
"What!?" the chief yelled in shock. "He beat Bael?"
Satel smirked and began triumphantly laughing. The chief sighed.
Bael smiled as his eyes returned to normal. He put his hands in the air, dropping his sword in the process.
"I yield," Bael said, surrendering and accepting his loss.
Shin lowered his sword, panting heavily. Bael let out a sigh of relief. He put his arm around Shin.
"How about you get some rest," Bael said as the two walked towards the others.
The two reached the others. Satel gave Shin a big hug.
"You did well, Bael," the chief said, shaking his hand, "but I have two more jobs for you."
Bael smiled. "Yes, sir."
They walked into the center of the cradle of houses as it shifted and the homes spaced apart.
"Daughter, get the young one to a bed. He needs to rest," the chief said as he laughed.
Satel playfully frowned as she and Shin walked off into the main house, a large cottage.
They entered a room, and Satel laid Shin down on a bed. Shin winced as he grabbed his now-healed right shoulder.
"Oh, come on now, Shin, that wound healed a while ago," Satel said, teasing him.
"Still hurts," Shin replied as his mask seeped out of his face and covered it.
Satel looked at Shin.
"Really? You're going to hide your face?" she asked in a sarcastic voice.
"Yes," Shin answered, his voice sounding distorted.
Satel laughed at him as she got up.
"I'm going to have a chat with my father. I'll be back in a few minutes," Satel said as she walked out of the room.
Shin responded with an almost inaudible groan. Satel closed the door behind her.
Shin fell asleep, succumbing to his exhaustion.