Chapter 30

Nyx's POV

Staying in the forest watching Ian, Dorrien and Kael train with Roshan and Zimri together with Johnn and Nick was intense and inspiring.

So far, Johnn has been teaching me defence moves and i even developed some new skills in my arsenal though i was no way on their level.

I knew i shouldn't feel down cos for one they weren't even human but i was determined to do my best.To help Ian as much as i could and also pay back my treacherous step mother with my own two hands.

I realised Johnn really knew alot about fighting. His moves were swift and he bulldozed through you with his brute strength and sharp intuition.

"AGAIN! Johnn shouted and i swung my legs and fist in a series of movements. Today i was learning how to strike and Nick was my opponent. Though Nick was lacking in the strength department, his body moves in odd ways allowing him to dodge my attack at the last minute.

But i was wasn't going to give up either.

Think !! I screamed in my head. What would Ian do....

He'll probably do something he cannot dodge, but what..?

My thoughts landed on a move I've seen being done many times before. But would i be able to do it?

Is that what i think it is? Zimri said watching from the sides.

"An illusion punch!!, Kael said joining to watch the show.

"Its more than that", Dorrien said analysing the situation.

"The Apex fist", Ian said shocked.

"Our own personal copycat ninja", Roshan said smiling.

I did it...., i screamed in my head happy as i fell to the floor panting and gasping for air. Ian must really have a lot of stamina.One punch and i was out.

Ian, Dorrien and Kael came to help me get on my feet.

"Copy mine next, i can show you personally how it works", Kael said winking.

"Give the girl a break kael", Ian said then turning to me

"That was incredible", he said smiling.

"But not as good as yours", i answered smiling too . I was about to add something when Roshan spoke.

"We have visitors", Roshan suddenly said.

I couldn't hear or see anyone and i realised Johnn was just as lost as me.

Just then, a group of strangers emerged from the trees. They were dressed in leather armor, with different weapons slung over their shoulders. A burly man with a thick beard stepped forward, a sneer on his face.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here? A group of thieves, perhaps?"

My eyes narrowed . "We're not thieves."

The bearded man chuckled. "Save it, kid. We're the Hunters, from the city of Listonne. We've been tracking a group of bandits through these woods, and you lot look like prime suspects."

Kael snorted. "You're not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed, are you?"

The bearded man's face darkened. "Watch it, kid. I'm Gorm, the leader of the Hunters. And you are...?"

Johnn stepped forward, a dark look on his face making me step back al little. To be honest, I'm not sure I've ever seen join look so...so Loathful ... "I'm Johnn."

Gorm's eyes lit up. "Ah, the leader of the group, I presume?"

Nick's eyes widened in surprise. "No, wait, that's not—"

Roshan cut him off with a subtle shake of his head.

Gorm sneered. "Well, Johnn, you and your friends are coming with us. We'll get a nice reward for bringing in a group of thieves."

Ian's eyes flashed with anger, but Roshan just smiled lazily.

"Oh, I'm shaking with fear", Roshan said smiling.

Gorm's face darkened. "You should be. We'll take you in, and you'll face justice or something like that...."

The Hunters moved to surround the group, their weapons at the ready. Roshan's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement, but he didn't resist as the Hunters bound his wrists with rope.

My eyes met Roshan's, a question in their depths. Why was he letting this happen?

And I'm guessing i wasn't the only one but Roshan just kept his characteristic annoying smile plastered on his face making none of us move a muscle.

Gorm turned to another one of his men who had a scar on his face from his right eye to his left cheek making him look a little scary.

"Send the news, we have people for the tournament".