Darin adjusted his grip on the warhammer, taking a deep breath as he prepared for another swing.

His mind was still reeling from what had just happened.

He had moved without thinking. His stance had shifted, his attack had corrected itself mid-swing, and he had almost hit Vincent.

And it hadn't been his doing.

The Overlord had helped him.

And he hadn't even noticed until after it happened.

"Don't look so horrified, Darin."

The Overlord's voice slithered through his mind, sickeningly pleased.

"This is a good thing. You're actually competent now."

Darin swallowed hard. "You moved my body."

"I adjusted your movements. There's a difference."

Darin exhaled sharply. "I don't like this."

The Overlord chuckled.

"And yet, you haven't told me to stop."

Darin's grip on the warhammer tightened.

Because…

He was right.

Enjoy the story by reading on M|V|LE%MPYR.

He hadn't told him to stop.

Because for the first time since training started—

Darin had actually felt capable.

Vincent and the sorceress had both been watching.

Vincent, as usual, looked amused. The sorceress, however, was calculating.

"Alright," Vincent said, still grinning. "Again."

Darin forced himself to focus.

He swung.

And again—

His body adjusted itself.

The movement was smoother, the control instinctual.

Vincent barely dodged, letting out a low whistle. "Hoo boy. That was fast."

Darin lowered the warhammer, trying not to look shaken.

The sorceress finally spoke. "Darin."

Darin froze.

Her voice was calm, but her eyes were sharp.

"Where are you getting this from?"

Darin's breath hitched.

"What do you mean?"

She took a slow step forward. "Your movements. They're too clean now. Too practiced. You were struggling with basic control earlier, and now you're adjusting mid-swing like a seasoned warrior."

Darin tried not to panic.

"Uh—muscle memory?"

Vincent hummed. "I mean, yeah, maybe. But that was a pretty big jump."

The sorceress didn't look convinced.

Her gaze flicked over him, scrutinizing. "It's not just that. Your aura feels different."

Darin's heart skipped a beat.

Oh gods.

Could she sense it?

The Overlord hummed in amusement.

"She's sharp. I'd be impressed if she weren't such a nuisance."

Darin internally screamed.

Vincent stretched. "Well, whatever it is, it's working! I say we don't question it!"

Darin nodded aggressively. "Yes! Let's not question it!"

The sorceress narrowed her eyes.

She didn't believe him.

Darin could tell.

But she let it go. For now.

"Fine," she said. "But if something feels wrong, tell me."

Darin nodded quickly. "Of course! Yes. Totally. I'll definitely do that."

The Overlord chuckled darkly.

"Liar."

As Vincent continued blabbering about his "amazing teaching skills," Darin had a very intense mental debate.

Darin: You are NOT allowed to move my body again.

Overlord: "Oh? And what will you do if I don't listen?"

Darin: I'll— I don't know! But something!

Overlord: "Relax, Darin. I told you, I don't control you. I simply… nudge. A little correction here. A little balance there. I am making you better."

Darin gritted his teeth.

Darin: I don't want your help.

Overlord: "Really? Then go ahead. Try fighting on your own. Let's see how that works out for you."

Darin hesitated.

Because he knew exactly how that would go.

It would be messy. Sloppy. Uncontrolled.

The Overlord sensed his hesitation.

And laughed.

"That's what I thought. Face it, Darin. You need me."

Darin hated that he might be right.

Vincent clapped his hands. "Alright! One more time!"

Darin sighed, stepping forward. "Fine. But I swear, if you dodge again, I'm going to—"

"—do absolutely nothing, because you still can't hit me?" Vincent grinned.

Darin scowled.

The sorceress watched closely.

Darin adjusted his grip, inhaled—

And swung.

WHAM!

The hammer came faster than before.

And this time, Vincent actually had to work to dodge.

His usual relaxed smirk dropped slightly as he pivoted out of the way, the hammer grazing the air near him.

Darin felt the shift immediately.

That had been dangerously close.

Vincent landed a few steps back, blinking.

"…Well, that was interesting."

Darin lowered the warhammer, breathing heavily.

Vincent grinned. "Alright. You might actually last longer than five minutes in the duel."

Darin perked up. "Really?"

Vincent nodded. "Maybe seven."

Darin groaned.

The Overlord laughed.

"A generous estimate."

The sorceress stepped forward. "That was better. But I have a feeling you're still not telling us everything."

Darin tried to smile innocently. "What? Me? I would never!"

She didn't look convinced.

But she let it go. For now.

Vincent stretched. "Alright! We're done here."

Darin nearly collapsed in relief. "Oh, thank the gods."

Vincent smirked. "Better rest up, Lord Disaster. Your duel is tomorrow."

Darin froze.

Oh gods.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, he was going to fight Duke Varian.

Tomorrow, he was probably going to die.