Like Jason, Rufus, Gary and Farrah had all been carrying out contracts. Some they did together, others alone as they each pursued other projects. Rufus had preparations for his academy's joint venture with the Gellers, while Farrah had been undertaking work for the Magic Society. Gary had been exploring the use of local materials in crafting weapons and armour. He sold the work he was satisfied with at the trade hall, with no small success. The rune tortoise shield he made with Farrah had auctioned well, getting him a lot of attention.

They started with weights training, which left Jason feeling inadequate. Rufus was bad enough, with the strength of a late-stage bronze ranker, but Farrah and Gary were worse. Farrah had a strength power from her earth essence and Gary’s race were all physically powerful. They were lifting half-ton barbells in each hand, while at least Rufus had the decency to struggle with one. By comparison, Jason was an out-of-shape guy in his first week at the gym.

The others stopped to cool down as Jason headed inside, using his power to help the waiting patients. With clinic hours reduced by the expansion and Jason often away on contracts, the clinic was more busy than ever.

“Haven’t seen those friends of yours in a while,” Jason said to Jory. “The fighter didn’t get hurt too badly, did she?”

They had just healed up a pit fighter who had been cursed by an opponent.

“No, she’s out of the pit fighting game again,” Jory said. “Haven’t seen them in a while.”

Back outside, Rufus was waiting for Jason.

“Time to see if those skills have atrophied,” Rufus said.

“Actually,” Jason said, “I’ve been working on something. My martial art, the Way of the Reaper…”

“What’s wrong?” Rufus asked.

“Just saying it out loud makes me realise how over the top that name is. Where did you say that skill book came from?”

“I didn’t say,” Rufus said.

“Not like it matters,” Jason said. “I’m a kung-fu wizard of darkness and blood. The good ship Chuunibyou has well and truly set sail.”

“Were you approaching some kind of point?” Rufus asked. “Or were you just going to stand there and spout nonsense?”

“He’s done it before,” Gary said, prompting a hurt look from Jason.

“He’s done it a lot,” Farrah added.

“Farrah, you too?” Jason asked.

“You were saying something about your martial art?” Rufus asked impatiently.

“Right, yes,” Jason said. “So, my martial art has five forms. Different approaches, different situations. At first, I thought it was about choosing the right form for the right enemy. Then I spent a lot of time fighting people in the mirage arena.”

“I heard about that,” Rufus said. “Danielle said she had a recording to show me. I heard you were challenging all comers for most of a week. What did you learn in that time?”