The next morning, we were woken earlier than usual.
The capital was already buzzing:
people carried stones, repaired roofs, washed blood from the walls.
Water mages created tall arches of rain to clean the streets…
at least officially.
I decided to help quietly.
While no one was looking, I raised my hand and created a light drizzle right over a group of workers.
Unnoticeable, gentle — the kind you could blame on a passing cloud.
The workers looked up at the sky in surprise and went on washing the pavement.
At least like this…
Later, we were escorted to the parade ground.
Norris was already waiting for us there — and two others stood beside him.
The first was impossible to miss.
A huge man.
Huge — like two doors stacked on top of each other.
Height — about two meters twenty.
Shoulders — as wide as two Finns put together.
Hair — white, like snow.
Face — covered in scars, like a map of battles.
On his back — a black axe the size of half a man.
On the ground beside him — a long spear, almost as tall as a house.
He looked at me as if he were seeing an old friend.
And I understood why.
He was the one whose arm I had regrown.
The second newcomer was… not as loud, but no less noticeable.
A woman.
Red hair, bright like fire.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
About twenty-one years old.
You could tell from her face: she’d seen enough battles that she’d stopped counting.
Scars on her arms, callused fingers.
She stood straight, calm, but her eyes — like a predator’s, assessing everything.
Height — around 1.77.
Slim, but strong, like a drawn bowstring.
Norris began the introductions:
— So. As you can see, two people are joining your team.
The first — Haras Jog. A living legend.
Haras gave a slight nod, as if greeting us at a funeral.
— And the second… — Norris paused, — Seteya Varn. Two years of combat experience.
Light infantry, close combat, suppression.
I bowed slightly.
The others did the same.
Seteya looked at us with an expression that said:
“Is this a joke?”
Then she opened her mouth — and said exactly what she thought:
— Are you serious, Norris? These are the so-called “talents”?
She pointed at me.
— Look at him! Thin as a twig. Did he just accidentally wander past the battlefield?
I nodded to her with the most polite face I could manage:
— Nice to meet you too.
She blinked, clearly not expecting an answer.
Then she jabbed a finger toward Elinia:
— And this one… she’s shaking all over. She’s about to collapse.
— I’m just cold, — Elinia said quietly.
— Sorry, princess, there’s no warm fireplace here!
Finn snorted.
Seteya moved on to the next — Siren:
— And this pompous pretty boy even understands that a sword isn’t an accessory?!
Siren calmly adjusted his hair and said:
— I do. And do you understand that tactics aren’t an axe?
Finn burst out laughing.
Seteya narrowed her eyes.
— And this one, — she pointed at Kairen, — a wind mage? Seriously? A breeze-blower against demons?
Kairen shrugged:
— Well, at least I don’t attack children to boost my ego.
— What did you say?!
Haras, who had been silent until now, finally stepped in.
In a deep bass voice:
— Seteya.
— What?
— Shut up.
She closed her mouth immediately.
Haras turned to us, and for a moment the giant looked almost kind:
— I saw what you did.
— Yes, you’re green kids.
— But — you’re strong in spirit.
— Your hands shake, fear sits inside you — but you still move forward.
— And people like that, I respect.
We stood silently.
Norris clapped his hands:
— All right. The team is complete.
— Next — training.
— A lot of training.
— And yes… Seteya will be training you.
In unison:
— WHAT?!
Seteya smiled like a predator:
— Oh, kids… you’ll be begging me to send you back to the demons.
Haras nodded:
— You’ll still be alive — and stronger.
I had only one thought:
We’re doomed.
