Condition Evolution 3: A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure by Kevin Sinclair (early readers .TXT) 📗

to the Uprising until everything is set up. Just send word and we’ll bring the ship down to Torax to collect the Suldr and our new crew members,” I said with a wink. Moulagg nodded and Calegg spoke up.

“Captain, may I have permission to stay planet side? I’ve a few things I'd like to catch up on, and I'll need to be here for my father's impending charges.”

“Of course, Calegg,” I said, patting him on the back, “But next time you think you can get more crew members, inform us of any customs that involve a brutal challenge.”

“Oh, yes. I’m sorry, I never even thought about that. But if it’s any consolation, I have ultimate faith in you.” I nodded acceptance to the troublesome Torax, then addressed Moulagg again, “Um, so, what weapons are expected in this battle? I can't really use guns, but I'll face anyone with my axe,” I said, trying to gain clarity on the rules of this fight.

Moulagg's eyes raised a little. “We don't want deaths; the bout will be weaponless of course.”

“Oh…,” I said, and felt my stomach drop a little. I felt invincible with Havok, but without him I really wasn't sure of my abilities. Yet I had committed now, and I wasn’t one to back down from the trouble my stupid mouth got me into. “Makes sense,” I said casually.

“You're a peculiar human, but I think I like you. I look forward to seeing your bout.”

“Yeah, I look forward to it, too,” I said stupidly, as I couldn’t think of another response.

Calegg and Moulagg led us back out into the stifling heat and walked back with us to the landing shuttle.

We were both worse for wear again by the time we made it back to the docking bay. Moulagg looked worried. “Will you be able to fight in our heat, if it has this effect on you just walking to your ship? I can try to arrange a Cool room for the match if you need it.”

“Oh thanks, man. Cooler will definitely be better for me. This heat is insane.”

“We’ll ensure there is somewhere cool to fight, Shaun. I’ll keep in touch over comms and let you know when to come back down.”

“Great. Now I’ll see you guys later. I want to get this damn door closed.”

“Ha, ha. Yeah, sorry Captain,” Calegg said.

“Goodbye for now, humans. It was a pleasure to meet you both,” said Moulagg.

“You too, Moulagg. See you both soon. Oh, and stay out of trouble, Calegg.”

He grinned as the door closed.

C3

Brains or Brawn Shaun?

Both Ember and I were relieved to get off Torax. Returning to the Uprising was a piece of cake, as the landing craft had its own return function. It was simply a case of pressing a button.

We went straight to the bridge, where Elyek was waiting for us, eyes questioning. “So, how did it go? You’re back faster than I thought you would be. And without Calegg?”

“He had some catching up to do. Apparently he has a few friends down there, as well as one particular enemy,” Ember replied.

“An enemy?” Elyek raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

“His father. A total wanker,” I answered this time, “tried to have us arrested for poaching people from the planet. Luckily, one of their guards was a good friend of Calegg’s. Anyway, long story short, his father is now under house arrest and awaiting trial for being in the pay of the Empire. While Calegg is working with the Torax head of security to gather some badass fighters for us.”

“Wow!” Elyek exclaimed. “As always with you guys, a lot has happened in a short space of time.”

“Yeah, and it’s hot as hell down there. We’re gonna stay on the ship until they’ve arranged our Suldr shipment and who’ll be coming with us. Then we just need to head down and pick them up.” I gave a tired smile. I had omitted the part where I had to fight the strongest, toughest Torax they could find in a duel. Not to worry though, Ember was more than happy to fill in that particular blank for me.

“Shaun has forgotten to mention that he’s agreed to an unarmed fight with the biggest, toughest Torax they can find. Because he’s a bloody moron.”

“Hey! I thought you had confidence in my hurting-people skills?”

“I do, mostly. That you won’t have to fight in that heat has certainly made me a little more confident. But there’s a difference between general carnage, at which you excel, and a stand-up toe-to-toe fight with a trained warrior who’s probably the toughest Torax on the whole damn planet.”

I was about to reply, but Elyek started speaking.

“I did not realize that was part of their culture, although many war-like races insist on combat trials,” Elyek said, then added, “If that is what we have to do, I’m sure Shaun can do it even without Havok. How is your unarmed combat, Shaun?”

“Um, should be okay. Though I should probably go and constantly train until I have to go back down there.”

“Yes. That might be wise, now I think about it. You did not fare too well against the Ang-bor when unarmed,” Elyek said with a concerned look.

“I’d just been shot! My damn arm was literally hanging off, Elyek!” I said, throwing my arms in the air in exasperation, “I killed a bloody Gro-bar with one knee!”

“You did, Shaun. I trust you to win,” Ember said, turning from disgruntled to soothing as my anger got the better of me, “I suppose you did what you had to do to get our crew. And I’m sorry for winding you up about it. I just didn’t like that we didn’t talk about it beforehand.”

“Sorry. I should’ve discussed it with you, but I didn’t want to look like I was scared.”

“Yeah, I get that. But next time, realize that you’re in a position of authority. You can calmly deliberate your choices without losing face,” Ember said.

“Okay. Fair enough,” I replied, then turned to Elyek, “While it's fresh