While the sleep that took Aura came from a combination of exhaustion and stress, it was still a deep one. It was merciful that it wasn’t plagued with nightmares of her situation and thus served as a means for her to mentally recharge for what was to come. She already had uneasy feelings about the settlement and its people and would need to be on guard going forwards. Even among the group that she was meant to fight alongside, the behavior of Maul and the other natives of this world didn’t inspire confidence. She at least had Kaelen on her side as another player, but there was only so much he could do.

  And so, as a new day began to dawn and others began to wake, she continued to sleep. Curled up in her bedroll as best she could, she was a picture of vulnerability. Still, two of her squad mates murmured in hushed tones as they made their way over to where she slept. With malintent, one of them reached down to the top of the bedroll, intent on pulling it away from her sleeping form. Gently as they were acting, even that slight movement was enough.

  As a firefighter, waking up quickly was something Aura was quite adept at. Combine that with being a light sleeper, and the feeling of her bedroll being pulled down her shoulder was enough to have her eyes snap open as she woke. Not even taking in her situation, she quickly sat up and threw the rest of the bedroll off, instincts guiding her to be ready to move out before the sound of cursing and someone falling back snapped her out of it. As she focused in, she easily recognized her situation.

  While she didn’t know most of her squad mates, given how Maul seemed to draw most of the attention, she at least knew their names. The one who fell back and was sitting in front of her bedroll was Brad, while the one looking down at her with a disappointed expression was Heath. Aura briefly noticed the fact that they were without their shirts, before addressing Heath who still loomed over her.

  “If you wanted to wake me up, then saying my name would have worked better than whatever Brad there just tried to do.”

  “Wake you up? You should be the one waking us all up. Or at least you should be giving us a show like you did to the other squads.”

  A moment of confusion, followed by realization passed through Aura. Given the increase in other soldiers at the Herbalists last night between when she arrived and when she had left, other squads had stopped by. Which meant that they had seen her in a minor state of undress as well. Brad had recovered from the surprise of Aura springing awake and began to stand over her alongside Heath.

  “Exactly, you are our squad’s woman. It’s not fair that the other squads got to see your breasts before we did.”

  “Excuse you, but I am not this squad’s ‘woman’, I am a soldier just like the rest of you. I didn’t show my chest to anyone; they must have peeked on me while I was being treated.”

  “Please you are just playing at being a soldier. Whatever the place you came from before was like, in Fortress we do things different. Heck, I bet even now the other squads are having fun with their woman.”

  Both Brad and Heath had expressions on their faces that were a mixture of anger and lust as they gazed down on Aura. They weren’t speaking in hushed tones anymore, which caused the others to stir. She, however, didn’t intend to continue this argument while sitting. The expression on their faces caused some unease and the need to get into a less vulnerable position filled her.

  “I’m not playing at being a soldier, I am one. I killed a Giant Spider all on my own, just like everyone else here did. And if my memory is right, I have higher STR than the both of you.”

  Getting to her feet, Aura maintained a glare that flickered between the two men. They looked like they were going to reach out to act, but the mention of her higher STR caused them to hesitate briefly. Even with her standing, they didn’t back down.

  “Oh please, you didn’t even fight your monster properly. You used that magic that you can do to weaken it first.”

  “Yeah, and you missed the first time as well. I saw you get pinned by that thing. I bet that if you hadn’t hit it, that you would have needed to be saved. Heck, it was probably all just a fluke.”

  “Yeah, and even if it wasn’t a fluke, you still got beaten down pretty bad. You’ll probably be too hurt to fight properly when we go out again and need saving.”

  “Exactly, so you know what you better start shaping up and acting better. Because otherwise when it comes time for you to repay us for saving you, we won’t take it easy on you.”

  Both Heath and Brad seemed intent on belittling what Aura accomplished in her fight, something that just caused her anger to rise. What was worse, was the blatant way they were stepping closer with dark looks in their eyes. While she didn’t feel the pain in her side or shoulder anymore, it was a two on one situation. She could possibly force her way past them, but then there was the rest of the squad to worry about. Kaelen would probably help her but the rest…

  Before anything else could happen, two hands gripped Brad and Heath’s shoulders. The men winced as a surprising voice spoke up.

  “You idiots are spending more time thinking of what you will do, that you aren’t paying attention to what is going on. Looking here, I don’t see an injured soldier, do you?”

  Maul was standing behind the two of them, a neutral look on his face. He had been woken up by the argument that had started to brew, and from the looks on Brad and Heath’s faces, his intervention wasn’t what they expected. While a little confused at the save, Aura jumped at the opportunity.

  “He’s right, I’m not exactly injured anymore. So whatever fantasies the two of you are thinking up will stay that. Because going forwards I am going to start sleeping with my club in hand. And I will start swinging first if you try something again.”

  To emphasize that, she moved her hands in the air and caused her Stone Club to appear from her inventory. While she did, she made note that her HP had risen back to [95/100]. Which made sense since the only area that had not been treated by the poultice had been the bite on her collarbone. That sleeping didn’t heal all wounds was to be expected and meant that she’d need to do it later.

  Focusing on the current situation, both Brad and Heath took a step back as Aura withdrew her club. Rather than focus on her, they turned their attention to Maul.

  “Come on Maul, you have to admit that it isn’t fair that the other squads saw her breasts before we did.”

  “Yeah, and besides that she’s way too arrogant. I mean she stood up to your father and said more than needed at the Awakening Day ceremony. She needs to be put in her place!”

  While Brad was still focused on the unfairness of the situation, Heath it seemed was trying to appeal to Maul’s pride. Aura was still tensed and ready to go in case Maul changed his mind. But rather than that, the man sighed heavily and shoved the other two to the sides. While they stumbled, they didn’t fall as Maul responded.

  “First, if you think that Fortress was offended at what she did then you are mistaken. He would not have let her get away with what she did if he was. Second, you are right that it isn’t fair. The other squads saw something that should only be shown when she proves that she is not strong enough to be a proper soldier. But she fought off her Giant Spider without needing help, so she is strong enough.”

  While his words were somewhat supportive, there was still something else as well. Aura didn’t miss the implication either. About how she was only getting this reprieve because she had proved herself as strong enough. Still, Maul wasn’t approaching her and both Brad and Heath seemed to be defused for now. She noticed Kaelen had stood up as well, and was giving her a supportive smile, but that he had not come to her aid.

  “Well, I intend to keep showing how strong I am. But for now, it is probably time to get up. I am guessing the rest of you were already told that Matthew will be meeting with us all this morning. Is there time to eat or…”

  Directing her question towards Maul, who being Fortress’ son was likely to be the most in the know, Aura finally put her club away. With the adrenaline of her sudden wake up and the possible fight fading, it made no sense to keep it out. And while she wanted to change into something other than the padded pants that she had accidentally passed out in, now was not the time.

  “Hmph, I guess you wouldn’t know since you were at the Herbalists last night. Runners will come by with our meals. But yes, we have been told that Matthew would be coming to talk with us all more about what will be expected of us.”

  Confirmation given, Maul made his way out of their squad’s sleeping area. Both Brad and Heath were quick to follow, as were the other three that had stayed out of the whole confrontation. With everyone gone now, Kaelen made his way over to Aura with a somewhat bashful expression.

  “Hey… I’m sorry for not stepping in. I only woke up when you all started arguing, and Maul was already there before I could do anything.”

  “It’s alright, I just hope that it isn’t something I’ll need to get used to.”

  “It sounds like you won’t need to since Maul set them straight. Which honestly was surprising to see happen.”

  “Please, you heard what he said right? About how what those idiots wanted will only happen if I’m not strong enough? He’s barely any better than they are.”

  Letting out an exasperated sigh, and not wanting to draw more attention, Aura slipped her shoes on and made her way out of the sleeping quarters alongside Kaelen. Heading into the main area of their barracks, she saw that her squad was already seated at one of the tables. From the sounds of it, the other squads were waking up. With no food yet, and no privacy to really keep talking, she silently took a seat to wait.

  Gradually, the other squads began to filter out from their rooms. Doing so, the leers sent her way were not missed. Even the other players were sending looks in her direction. It took a fair bit of effort to keep her expression neutral through it all, and she could tell that the leers were getting to the members of her own squad. Through all of that, she noticed how downtrodden the two other girls looked. And given how they were being practically led out of the rooms, concern for them grew.

  It didn’t take long before Jackie emerged from her squad’s room. Unlike the native girls, she looked to be more pissed than anything, with her squadmates looking rather annoyed. Her expression changed at the sight of Aura, with a relieved smile growing on her face. Inclining her head towards the door that led outside as if asking for a talk, the expected talk was put on hold as more people came in through the door leading outside.

  Matthew entered in, with the members of everyone’s squads that had been left at the Herbalists trailing behind him. As soon as he was spotted, all the natives quickly stood at attention, and Aura along with the other players were quick to do so. Matthew made his way to the end of the room, watching and waiting as the injured squad members reunited with their squads. With a nod as indication, people began to take their seats, and he started to speak.

  “First and foremost, a congratulations to you all. While some of you were injured, you all survived your first encounter with a monster. Which means that you have all done a great service to Fortress and his people. A service which you will continue to perform. I am sure that some of you are eager to go back out there, to continue to fight, to grow strong. But you will not be doing so right away.

  Being a Soldier is a dangerous thing, and over the years Fortress has perfected the method to make sure that lives lost is minimal. That is why you are in squads and why you are sent out with a more experienced soldier. It is also why, all the years of soldiers will only go out on one monster hunt every seven days. This way the injured can heal, and the XP is spread among all of Fortress’ soldiers.”

  While things had been quiet up to that point, on being told that they would only be going out once every seven days, murmurs broke the silence. It was very apparent that this was not something that the natives expected, and even Maul looked to have a frown. Aura, meanwhile, grew worried

  We only got 20 XP from killing one Giant Spider. And if we only go out every seven days, that means it will be a month until we get enough XP to hit level 2! I suppose he has some point on wanting to let people recover, but can we afford to wait that long? A day has already passed, so people will notice we are all missing soon. But I’m worried that waiting around to be saved is a bad call…

  “Silence!”

  With a single word, the slowly growing murmuring quieted down. Even she was drawn from her thoughts. She noticed, out of the corner of her eye, how Jackie didn’t look pleased about the situation either. Which meant that it was probably going to be something else for them to talk about.

  “Fortress has made this decision for the betterment of the soldiers. Rest assured that should you prove your strength that it will be recognized. And with that recognition will come more chances to grow stronger. Which brings me to what I am going to address next. You were told yesterday during your hunts, of what the Essence Crystals you have gathered are to be used for. Some of you have spent them, while others lost them due to someone else saving you. As a piece of advice to you all, I would suggest that you always keep at least one. Your equipment is your responsibility to maintain. Should the durability of either your weapon or armor reaches zero and they be destroyed, you will have to replace them. If, however you have a Crystal then you can take it to a tailor to have it repaired.

  Beyond that however, it is highly recommended that you use your Essence Crystals to get poultices. While it is not required for you to train during the days between when you go out, it is recommended. Strength doesn’t just come from your stats, but your skills as well. Grow them and you will find more chances to prove your strength.

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  You are free to spend your time as you wish. So long as you do not disturb anybody else who is doing their work, you are free to wander Fortress and do as you please. Runners will come by at the start and end of the day to deliver your meals, as well as to take any soiled clothing to be cleaned. It is recommended that you leave your equipment to be cleaned the day before you are sent out on a hunt. Monsters can be drawn to the scent of blood.

  And once more if you have any issues then bring it up with your squad leader. If they are unable to resolve it, then you can bring it up to me. Now, eat and be on with your day new soldiers. Remember all that I have said.”

  After finishing his speech, Matthew let out a sharp whistle. As soon as it sounded, more people entered their barracks. Likely the Runners with their food, Aura quickly spotted Violet among them. Outside of looking a little tired and frazzled, she seemed to be in an okay condition. Catching each other’s gaze, another brief incline of the head towards the entrance of the barrack was all the communication that was needed. They needed to have a talk, soon. For now, food was being delivered to each of the squad’s tables. It was the same porridge looking gruel as yesterday. On being taken out of the inventories of the Runners, it was still fresh and steaming. Which told Aura that their inventories could keep things preserved.

  As the Runners handed out the food, Matthew made his exit without another word. Conversations resumed at this point, interspaced with others eating their meal. With a conversation in mind, Aura was quick to start eating/drinking her meal as she had done yesterday. One Runner a piece had gone into each of the squads’ rooms, presumably to pick up soiled things for cleaning, while the rest were waiting around.

  Finishing eating the food, glad that doing so quickly meant she didn’t have to taste it, a Runner came by to take her bowl. Offering a smile and a nod, she stood from her table and walked towards the exit of the barracks. The action drew attention from her squadmates, who still look displeased with what happened this morning. As well as from Jackie and Violet. The former ate her own food quickly, while the latter began to say something to the other Runners.

  Stepping outside, the crisp morning air greeted Aura. Away from the rest of the settlement, it didn’t smell as bad out here. And with the sun steadily rising on the horizon, it painted quite the beautiful scene. Taking in the image didn’t last long, as Violet exited the barracks shortly after. The girl, or rather guy turned girl, looked to be more relieved now than moments ago.

  “Do you mind if we step a little out of the way? After Jackie gets here of course. I’ve had to deal with guys staring at me all day yesterday.”

  “They do tend to do that, but yeah I could use some space from them as well.”

  A brief exchange of words was all they had for each other right now, both wanting to wait for some more privacy before continuing. Jackie joined them soon, and without saying anything the trio walked away from the barracks a little way. The entrance was still in sight, but they were no longer able to be seen or heard by anybody within. What surprised Aura was how Jackie was the first to act with this privacy. That being quickly embracing Aura in a hug.

  “Fuck I was worried last night. Some of the asses in my group were talking about how you were at the Herbalist being treated. And making perverted comments because of what they saw. You are alright, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I took a pretty bad hit from a Giant Spider is all. It could have been worse, the one I fought bit me. I am lucky I didn’t get paralyzed or something.”

  Offering reassurances, Aura still didn’t break the embrace right away. Spotting Violet standing by hesitantly, she even extended an arm to her and allowed the embrace to grow before speaking again.

  “Is… everyone doing okay? I wanted to say something yesterday, but I’ve been getting a bad feeling about this place.”

  “I’m a little sore, those Giant Spiders were pretty tough, but otherwise I’m okay. I get what you are saying about a bad feeling. Those asses in my group tried to have me do shit for them last night and this morning. They got pretty pissy when I threatened to punch them like I did a Giant Spider.”

  “Wait, you punched your Giant Spider? Weren’t you given a Stone Club?”

  “Well yeah, but when… when this was still a game, I wanted to be a martial artist kind of character. My second innate skill thing helps with that kind of fighting.”

  “I see. Violet, have things been okay with you?”

  Having broken the embrace to talk, both Aura and Jackie didn’t miss the way that Violet remained silent. Or how she had stiffened up when Jackie mentioned what her squad had tried. Noticing the looks both girls were giving her, Violet took a deep breath before speaking up.

  “I… I’m doing as okay as I could be. Like I told Aura, some guys have made comments or stared at me as I ran around yesterday. These… things on my chest bounce around enough that they draw attention. Nobody has done anything, but I get what you mean Aura. This place feels… oppressive is the best way to put it. When I was running through town, I didn’t see any taverns or inns like you would expect in a fantasy setting. Just buildings where people worked or slept.”

  Getting a confirmation that she wasn’t the only one to feel off about Fortress as a settlement did little to assure Aura. It kind of made her question just what Matthew had meant when he said they were free to do as they liked around the settlement, so long as they didn’t disturb others. From where they were standing, it wasn’t hard to see the other soldiers gradually filtering out of their barracks. The other barracks, containing the more veteran soldiers, were experiencing a similar thing.

  “Yeah, this place is not the kind that I want to stay in for a long time. It is way too strict with how things are done. I mean, we will be stuck at level 1 for another month if we listen to what that Matthew says!”

  Jackie’s complaint got an understanding look from Aura. The prospect of sticking around this place for that long didn’t appeal to her either but just running away felt wrong.

  “Oh, I agree with that, but we can’t just run off either. There are a lot of things we would need to do to prepare first. Supplies, information, and we should probably get the guys involved as well.”

  “Yeah, no chance of that. Darek, somebody who should know better for the modern day and age, jumped on the bandwagon with the rest of my group to try and get me to do shit this morning. And from the sound of things last night, the other two are probably already going native.”

  Hearing that caused both Aura and Violet to frown. The implications of what she was talking about were clear, and Aura could not help but wonder if another player had been part of the people that had seen her. Either way, even if they were acting terrible right now, they were still people.

  “Maybe it is just their way to blend in or something. Kaelen has been acting kindly at least. And then Calen seemed to be okay from what I briefly talked with him yesterday. Look, I think we all just need to set up a time to meet or something to work all of this out.”

  “I might be able to help with that. Since I’m a Runner for this place, I probably will run into Calen and… Ryse was the other guys’ name? Yeah, I can talk to them about setting up a big meeting and you two could work on the four guys?”

  “Honestly, that sounds like the best way to take things for now. I think that trying to plan to meet up within the next week sounds like a plan. Not just a big meeting, but something like this as well.”

  With a plan starting to be made to go forwards, the girls started to relax. They didn’t go unnoticed by the various soldiers, though they were given privacy at the very least. Using this privacy, Aura took the chance to finish healing the bite on her collarbone. Letting out a sigh of relief as her magic got to work, at least this time it seemed fully functional.

  “So, what exactly do you two plan to do then? All of us Runners overheard what that Matthew guy said about you having free time until you must go out again.”

  Violet posed a good question, and it had Aura thinking back on that fight against the Giant Spider. There were a few ways she could have ended the fight sooner. From landing her first Mana Bolt spell, to moving out of the way of the things charge. The issue for both, came down to her stats themselves. But there was also what Matthew said as well, about how skills were a big part of strength. Her own Innate skills didn’t seem that helpful right now, and she drew a blank on how to train them. But she recalled seeing how some of the older soldiers had been sparring yesterday.

  “I think I’m going to see if someone can teach me how to use the weapons they gave us. Like, maybe there are weapon skills or something that we can learn to use?”

  “Eh, that’s not a terrible idea honestly. I don’t really need help with that since, like I said I plan to use my fists. So, I’m going to try and just exercise. Since we got a quest yesterday to fight those spiders, maybe a quest will show up for doing an intense workout or something?”

  Both Aura and Jackie seemed to have different plans for how to go forwards with the day. Really, it was only today they were talking about here. They had until a meeting between all the other players, or another hunt, to figure out the best way to grow stronger here. And there was no reason they could not just switch things up on different days.

  Sadly, the time for conversation seemed to be dying down. What looked like another Runner started to come their way, and on seeing her Violet let out a sigh.

  “I’ve got to go now. I asked if I could spend some time with my friends while we waited for everyone to finish eating. I’ll catch up with you both again tomorrow.”

  Waving good-bye, Violet was quick to meet the other Runner halfway. From there, both Aura and Jackie watched as she gathered with the other Runners and began to head into Fortress proper.

  “I guess we should probably get on with our plans as well huh? Just… stay safe okay Aura? I don’t know who you plan to ask, but if the older soldiers are like the ones in our squads, then they probably are going to be scummy.”

  “Yeah, I won’t be surprised if that is the case. But I need to at least try to see if I can learn anything. Don’t worry, I’ve dealt with some sexist guys before.”

  “Heh, you’ll have to tell me about it later.”

  Heading back to the barrack themselves, both Aura and Jackie bantered lightly. A friendship was already forming between the two, and with Violet despite her already having departed. Even if they hadn’t known each other long, in stressful or dangerous situations like the one they were in bonds would form.

  Passing by the barrack itself, it wasn’t a far walk to the somewhat fenced in area. The grass had long since been ground down from people walking over it. Some other soldiers were already inside the area, their activities varied. Some of them were doing exercises like they were in a bootcamp from the movies. While others looked to be dressed for battle and facing off against one another. Both received glances as they crossed into this training field, but they ignored them.

  With a brief parting word, Jackie separated from Aura to stretch in preparation for some exercise. Taking a deep breath, Aura approached one of the groups of soldiers who look to be sparring. As she grew closer to them, it was easy to tell that they know what they were doing. While the clubs made contact with an opponent, the impact from the blows didn’t seem that harsh. She had heard of how people pulled their punches in fights before and was now witnessing it for herself.

  “Excuse me but can I—.”

  “What’s a girl doing in the training grounds? Did you wander off and get lost or something?”

  “No, I didn’t. I’m not lost either. I’m a soldier as well and I was-.”

  “Ha! You think you are a soldier girl? Your meant to be a bedwarmer for your group, not a fighter.”

  “Go back to your group girl, before we tell your senior that you snuck off from whoever saved you in your first fight.”

  “I wasn’t saved by anybody when we fought Giant Spiders. I killed it without any help!”

  “Then you got lucky girl. You won’t be as lucky the next time.”

  Letting out a growl of frustration, both at being cut off so easily as well as having her accomplishment dismissed, Aura decided that this group was a lost cause. Stomping away from them without another word, she heard a low whistle come from behind her. Surely, not all the older soldiers would be like that right?

  Sadly, that ended up being the case. If she isn’t dismissed or cut off, she was laughed off as if she was a child asking for something. There were a couple of groups of soldiers that heard her out long enough for her to ask for help training. Only, the dark looks on their faces and mentions of how she could ‘help them with something’ had her turning away from them. Rejection after rejection was given to her, and her frustration was starting to grow.

  The sun had fully risen at this point, and even as more soldiers came into this training field, she continued to gain dark looks and rejections. She noted how some were directed towards Jackie, but the other girl was too absorbed in her exercise to notice. Cody eventually came in for some training of his own, and Aura tried to see if he would help. He was the senior in charge of looking after her squad, so he should have some motivation.

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t have the time to train you. I already lost a full day looking after your group. And even if I did have the time, I know you have nothing I want. Ask someone else.”

  “I have asked pretty much everyone else here! If they don’t laugh me off or ignore me, they want things that I am not willing to give.”

  “In that case, you need to either prove yourself or get something that they may want in exchange. They are not obligated to help you out. And as far as they are concerned, you have done nothing to prove your strength to them.”

  While his rejection was less severe than the others, it was a rejection all the same. Aura’s frustration was reaching a boiling point, and she began to look around the training grounds in thought.

  I could do what Jackie is doing and start exercising. It will be a pain without any support and will probably just give the more perverted ones a show. I could maybe start firing off Mana Blast. It would at least get their attention, but then they may not want to train me because I have magic. Come on think, think.

  While lost in thought, she wasn’t so far gone to not hear footsteps approaching her from behind. Turning to look, she spotted Maul approaching her with a firm look on his face. Dressed in his armor, he looked ready to train. Some of the other soldiers in her barrack were wandering around in the training ground at this point. But they were giving herself and Maul some distance.

  “What exactly do you think you are doing out here?”

  While his voice had a measure of derision in it, there was also a hint of curiosity. Aura remembered how he acted this morning, of how he seemed to respect her strength in fighting a Giant Spider at least somewhat and so answered.

  “I’m looking for someone to train me in how to use these clubs properly. I’ve watched how the other soldiers are practicing with them, and I know that I need to get better.”

  “You don’t look like you are doing much looking just standing around here. Right now, you just look like you are in the way of people who might want to train.”

  “You think I don’t know that? I’ve been asking soldier after soldier for some help and all of them are looking down on me.”

  “That isn’t that surprising, since you are a woman. Women don’t have a place in a fight.”

  “Oh for the love of— I have been told that so many times already that I am sick of hearing it! I killed a Giant Spider on my own yesterday. And I’ll kill another one in six days when we go out again! Neither Jackie nor I are as weak as you all seem to think women are.”

  “They won’t believe you even if that does happen. You need to prove to them that you aren’t as weak as they believe.”

  “And how exactly am I supposed to do something like that?”

  “You fight someone and win. Strength is the only thing that can be respected.”

  “Like I stand a chance against any of them in a fight. They probably have a couple of levels on me, and while I’m confident, I don’t like my chances.”

  “In that case, fight me.”

  Aura’s response froze as her mind finally caught up with what was going on. Here she was, ranting to Maul. Someone who she knew was waiting for her to slip up so that he could ‘claim’ her in some way. Her temper must have really been rising if she allowed herself to rant to someone like him. Still, much as she hated to admit it, he had a point. Much as this world was real, it was still very much game-like. Some kind of hidden reputation system was a real possibility.

  “And why would I fight you?”

  “Because, fighting me is your best chance to prove your strength. I am the son of Fortress, and people know who I am. Plus, unlike the others in our group I do know how to use a club. So how about this then. You fight me and win, and not only will it earn you the respect of the other soldiers. But I’ll also make sure you are taught how to use a club properly.”

  The offer was decent, enough that Aura was biting her lip in thought. The look in Maul’s eyes wasn’t a charitable one. There was no question of what would happen if she lost a fight against him. Which turned it from a decent offer to a terrible one. But before she could deny him this a window suddenly appeared before her.