Chapter 26:

The Final Test

Harvey followed Duncan through the training grounds, his boots kicking up dust as they moved away from the usual sparring rings. The last year had been relentless—brutal training, constant discipline, and endless drills that left his body aching every night. But he endured.

Duncan, as always, remained silent for most of their walk. That was how he was—no unnecessary words, no wasted breath. When they reached the gated entrance of a small arena, the older soldier finally turned to him, crossing his arms.

"You've done well, boy," Duncan said, his voice as firm as ever. "You've built your body, your mind, and your discipline. But strength alone isn't enough. Today, you prove your resolve."

Harvey met his gaze without flinching.

"This is your final test. No practice weapons, no second chances. You go in alone, and you either walk out victorious or you don't walk out at all."

Harvey nodded, already accepting whatever challenge lay ahead.

Duncan gestured toward the wooden gates, where muffled shouts and laughter could be heard from inside.

"Your opponent is waiting. Kill it, and you pass."

With that, Duncan stepped aside.

Harvey took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and pushed the gate open.

The "Fierce" Opponent

The moment Harvey entered the crude wooden arena, a wave of laughter and jeering rolled over him.

He expected a massive beast. A wolf. A boar. Maybe some sort of mutant bear.

Instead, standing in the center of the ring was a crimson-feathered ostrich.

Harvey stared. The bird stared back.

It was at least seven feet tall, its long, muscular legs shifting slightly as it took him in. Its beady black eyes glinted with something far too intelligent.

The thing puffed out its chest and gave a loud, guttural honk.

Harvey slowly turned his head toward Duncan, who was now leaning against the arena wall, arms crossed, watching.

"This… this is a joke, right?" Harvey asked, motioning to the bird.

The surrounding soldiers snickered.

"Don't be fooled, kid!" one called out. "That bird's taken down plenty of recruits before!"

Harvey frowned.

"It's just a damn ostrich," he muttered.

And then the announcer shouted, "BEGIN!"

A Perverted Menace

Harvey barely had time to react before the ostrich lunged forward—aiming directly for his crotch.

His eyes widened in horror.

"WHAT THE HELL?!"

He twisted his body just in time, barely dodging as the razor-sharp beak shot past his thigh.

The crowd erupted in laughter.

"Oh, this one's got some fight in him!" someone shouted.

Harvey stumbled back, his heart pounding.

"WHY did it go for—THAT?!"

The ostrich tilted its head at him, then flaunted its tail feathers dramatically, as if mocking him.

Then, without warning, it attacked again.

This time, it jumped, bringing its massive clawed feet forward in a savage kick—aimed, once again, right between Harvey's legs.

Harvey yelped and rolled sideways.

The bird chased him.

The Fight Becomes Serious

"WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?!" Harvey shouted, dodging another deadly peck.

The ostrich flared its wings, let out a deep, sinister honk, and charged again.

Harvey gritted his teeth. Enough of this.

This wasn't just some oversized chicken. It was a menace.

He planted his feet, waiting for the next charge. The moment the ostrich lunged, Harvey sidestepped, spun, and slashed.

A deep gash opened along the bird's flank.

The ostrich let out a screech, stumbling slightly.

The laughter in the crowd died down.

The fight was shifting.

Harvey took a steady breath. I have to end this.

The Final Blow

The ostrich, bleeding but enraged, lunged one last time, beak open, claws extended—

Harvey moved first.

A clean, precise strike to the neck.

The bird collapsed, twitching once before going still.

Silence.

Then—cheers.

Proving His Resolve

Harvey stood over the fallen beast, catching his breath.

Duncan approached, his expression unreadable. He nodded once.

"You did well," he said simply.

One of the soldiers tossed Harvey a knife.

"Take proof."

Harvey hesitated for only a second before finishing the task. He didn't flinch.

As he turned away, the roar of approval followed him.

And with it, Harvey took another step toward his future.