Book 3 Chapter 24: The First Challenge

Book 3 Chapter 24: The First Challenge

The Kaijins chief Bastien, took the spear hed just killed the mutated gator with, and tossed it back to his attendant that had initially thrown it to him. It was clear that the spear was meant only for the finishing blow, hed intended to beat it barehanded first. He wiped his brow of sweat, and leapt up the edge of the pit, grabbing it with his hands then launching his body to land directly in front of me.

Angela and her Ren squaddie flinched, but I remained in place, meeting Bastiens gaze. There were few people I could look directly in the eye, but he was almost exactly my height, and his muscles made him about two of me wide.

He raised an eyebrow and turned to the patrol that had guided us to him, saying several words in Kaijin to her. She responded briefly, then he turned to me, looking me up and down and smirking.

Youve come to challenge me?

I nodded. Yes. I gestured to the pit. Want to hop back in there with me and get this over with? We can do full kit, spears, barehanded, clubs, hell we can take turns throwing gators at each other if you want.

Bastien and his peoples eyes widened as I spoke and I heard Angela chuckle as I spoke, though I hadnt been joking.

Bastien himself let out a booming laugh when I finished speaking. You are bold, challenging me in spite of our clear difference in strength. Luckily for you, I am in a good mood after my exercise. He moved away, grabbing a small piece of cloth and wiping the sweat from himself. As you have challenged me, I will decide how we shall measure our strength. Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

He looked performatively thoughtful for a moment, and I took a moment to check his class using my Eyes of the Law ability. I was grateful to find that unlike some Kaijin, he was in the system. Id had a hunch when hed spoken perfect english, literacy and language was one of the primary purposes of the system after all. His class was Actor. I watched him, seeing his musculature ripple as he gesticulated to everyone, that made about as much sense as it didnt.

He turned around, to face me. We shall have a three fold challenge. Strength cannot be measured by only one method after all.

I cracked my neck and adjusted my hat. Name them. three was more than I wouldve preferred, but meeting them head on was likely to be the quickest way through this.

Bastien gestured to the gator. First, we shall which of has the greatest appetite. All know that ones appetite is a sign of their strength.

I looked down at the gator and found myself running my tongue over my sharp teeth. I could eat. I responded simply.

If you defeat me in this way, then we will move onto the next challenge.

No best of three? asked Angela. He has to beat you at all of them?

He chuckled, clearly confident. We eat, if we break for more than a sip of water, we lose. You may choose a judge, and I shall as well.

I looked over to Leandros, who was starting to cool down, and pointed. You, youre my judge.

He drank another cup of water, then nodded. I shall perform this duty with honor. He went to stand at the center of the table, and the Chiefs choice stood opposite.

Bastien lifted a large steak with his hand, and I did the same. Lets begin! He opened his mouth revealing an impressive set of teeth, but not as sharp or long as my own, and bit down.

I did the same. The meat was rich and flavorful. The spices were heavy, and I wasnt sure if that was a strategic choice to try and make the food too hot for me to handle, or simply the way they preferred to eat. Either way, it didnt matter. After the bite Id had of the First, a spicy meal wasnt enough to deter me.

We tore into the meat with furor, the sounds of our eating more akin to wild beasts tearing apart prey than civilized people enjoying a prepared meal. Idve preferred to eat the meat raw, but it didnt matter. It could taste like bile and Id still have had a job to do.

We made it through several pounds of meat without slowing, and at one point I looked up to make eye contact with Bastien, and I saw surprise on his face. He had clearly expected an easy victory. He redoubled his efforts, and I did the same. I ran out of food within reach, and stood up, walking next to the table and tearing into the meat as I moved. The Chief started to do the same and we began closing in on one another. We moved by inches, each pound of meat bringing us closer to one another until we were close enough to be hit by one anothers spittle. In the end we both reached for a final steak at the same time. We both tore at it, and it broke in half, with perhaps a sliver more of meat on my end. I shoved it into my mouth and forced it down.

Bastien, whod clearly slowed, chewed his portion carefully then swallowed. We both looked at the table. It was clear, but for the stains left behind where the meat had been. We looked at the judges.

Leandros looked a little pale, and green. Clearly the sight of us eating hadnt sat well with him, particularly not with the combination of the food hed had trouble with earlier. He pointed at me. Donovan ate more. I believe him to be the winner.

Bastien looked to the judge hed selected.

She looked apologetic, then pointed to me as well.

The Kaijin booed and cursed in their muddy tongue, but the Horde members let out a roaring cheer that nearly overtook them in spite of their smaller number.

Leandros looked at me. Do you consider my duty fulfilled?

I nodded.

He gave a slight bow, took a few steps away, and vomited into a bush.