Viktor saw Aelita and her father, Tamo, discussing something very intensely. Since they were a bit far away, he was about to use his vampiric senses to catch what they were saying.
But suddenly, Umilia placed her hand on his knee and whispered, "Don't do it. I forgot to mention that Nyissa had told me not to use our odic force before these people. She doesn't know the exact reason other than the fact that the people here won't take kindly to it. So it's better for us to be on the safer side. That's why you can't reveal your non-human side at all."
Viktor yet again felt that this was odd, but he nodded as he continued eating. But he wondered how can these Regulars know if anyone else was using odic force or not. Do they even know about odic force? Viktor felt that this might not be an ordinary community as he guessed.
He realized that this small community had placed so many restrictions on themselves but also on their culture, making him wonder why they were cutting themselves off so much from the rest of the world.
Soon they all finished eating when Viktor saw Tamo walking toward him with a warm smile.
"What is it, Chief Tamo?"
Tamo rubbed the handle of his staff with a soft chuckle before saying, "I hope you don't feel strange but would you mind having a duel with my daughter?"
Taya and Umilia were as surprised as Viktor upon hearing this sudden and unexpected request.
Viktor glanced at Aelita, who was standing on the other side, helping her people clean up after everyone had finished eating. But as if she noticed Viktor's gaze, she briefly looked at him with a mysterious smile before glancing away.
"Uhmm…A duel as in you want me to exchange fists with her?" Viktor asked just to make sure.
Tamo's expression became slightly awkward as he said, "I know this might seem strange to you, but my daughter is a woman who is passionate about training her body and mind. She actually duels with her own people every day. But since you look strong and healthy, she simply wants to have a friendly duel for fun. Nothing serious, and you can refuse if you do not want to since I have to warn my daughter is trained in our own martial arts."
Taya and Umilia didn't expect them to have their own martial arts and looked at Viktor, wondering if he was going to accept this challenge.
"Of course. I don't mind," Viktor said with a smile, making Taya and Umilia sigh, knowing that Viktor would never back away from a challenge.
Even if Tamo said he could refuse, they knew Viktor would feel like he was admitting defeat.
Viktor was also curious to learn more about these people by at least fighting one of them. At least, this would be an icebreaker for him to talk to Aelita.
"I am sure Aelita would be happy to hear that you accepted. But since the morning is still fresh and bright, let's have the duel around the evening so that you three can enjoy this beautiful island in the meantime. Feel free to explore anywhere except for the north and south side, though I wouldn't advise going too deep into the forests. The north is a very sacred place for us which even I don't visit unless necessary. So I hope you all understand though Taya already knows about it."
Viktor looked towards the north and saw the huge, tall mountain with two stony projections that resembled the upper half of an 'X'. He already knew that the mountain was considered special by these people, though he had to ask, "Sure. But what about the east side?"
Tamo's expression became taut for a moment before saying with a subtle heaviness in his eyes, "That place is dangerous. There are vile creatures hiding over there though they wouldn't dare venture out from their hiding. Even if they did, we have our people stationed around those areas to take care of them before they could cause any trouble."
Umilia looked at Talia, indirectly asking her if she knew anything about this but Taya looked puzzled as if she was hearing this for the first time.
"So you two want to climb this mountain?" Viktor asked as he stood below a 1000-meter-tall grayish-white mountain. He never expected these two to be interested in climbing a mountain.
Taya and Umilia smiled and said, "Come on. You have to climb with us. We won't let you laze around."
"What's so special about this mountain? Is that a cave up top?" Viktor asked as he squinted his eyes upon looking up.
"Yes. That cave is the special thing about this mountain. According to the natives here, the Nameless Knight had a legendary creature as its pet who made this cave its home. I am actually surprised that Chief Tamo let us come here this time," Taya said with an excited glint in her eyes while fanning herself due to how hot it was.
"Maybe these people are starting to trust you. But now that you said it, I am also curious to see what this cave looks like. But wait…Umi, I can understand, but Taya, you are going to climb with only your bare hands? Are you sure?" Viktor asked since he knew mountain climbers usually had their equipment for safety, though he also knew people who dared to climb with bare hands only.
Taya's expression didn't change as she patted Viktor's cheek and said, "I know, but you must not have known that this isn't my first time. And even if I were to fall, I know you will catch me."
Viktor smiled as he shook his head briefly, "You really have so much confidence in me, not that I am complaining. So, go ahead. I will be right after you two."
Taya and Umilia climbed one foot when they looked down and realized something, "You naughty boy. You are going to enjoy yourself while climbing, hmph," Taya said as she saw Viktor ogling at their butts with a mischievous smile.
