"Why doesn't it work?"

If frustration had an aura, it would probably be the sighs that currently filled a certain alley in one of the streets of Fergo.

After much searching, Vayne found an empty space to learn how to harness his Blessing. The alley was bright, it only went one way since the other side was blocked by crates— it was the perfect area to practice.

The sun was still very much scorching the already dried lands; and partnering that with the cold breeze, it would have probably been refreshing to the feel if the alley didn't smell like piss and feces— but that was probably the reason why the alley is empty in the first place.

Vayne chose to ignore the smell, however, as the caravan will be leaving in an hour or so. He wanted to at least know how to activate his Blessing, 'less he wanted to hurt people.

He would also be vulnerable and wouldn't be able to protect himself in the long journey they have ahead.

2 weeks, anything can happen then

But why…

…Why can't he activate his Blessing!?

"One more time… Attempt number 69," Vayne uttered as he looked at the crates at the end of the alley. And with a very long and deep breath…

…he ran towards it at the blinding speed of a turtle; hopping and limping for several seconds until he reached the crates.

"..."

"..."

Vayne's fists started to close as he gritted his teeth in frustration. A few seconds after, however, he took in another deep breath and calmed himself down.

"..."

"...Let's do it again."

Vayne then once again walked towards the entrance of the alley, taking his position as his eyes focused on the crates.

"Run…" He whispered to himself, "Just run and don't think about anything e—"

"So, you're the weird fuck that's been walking around the streets."

"..."

Vayne turned around to see who it was the voice belonged to, only to see a group of 6 men approaching him.

"..." Vayne took this as a sign to quickly leave. But alas, before he could even take a single step, the 6 have already surrounded him; almost like they have done it a hundred times before.

"...Gentlemen," Vayne sighed as he looked at each of the men. 2 of them were reptil, and the rest were human,

"I was just about to leave, I don't want any trouble."

Vayne once again tried walking past the reptil that was blocking his path, but he was suddenly pushed back, causing him to fall buttocks first on the slightly soft ground.

"You a cripple, smooth skin?" The reptil thug hissed, "Why do you walk like that?"

"..." Vayne blinked a couple of times, before looking at his… damp hands. Judging by the overall smell of the alley, it wasn't water that made his hands wet.

Vaynes' eyes started to twitch as he looked at the nasty liquid trailing down his hands. A few seconds later, however, he once again calmed himself down.

"If I said I am a cripple, would you continue to harass a man with a disability?" He then let out a loud sigh as he stood up; not knowing whether to wipe the dirt in his hands on his shirt.

"You, a man? You're a munchkin, kid," one of the humans to his side started to laugh as he looked down at Vayne; his friends, also joining him as they all burst out in a fit of laughter.

"Ha…" Vayne could not help but blink a couple of times as he looked at the men, "I believe there's a sense of morality that is lacking here. You know I am a cripple, you know I am half your size, and you know there is only one of me and 6 of you— I do believe it to be quite… unethical to proceed with whatever it is you are planning to do with me."

"...You guys hear this dude? Mowralitey," the reptil in front of Vayne once again hissed at him, "Why are you acting tough and spouting words that you made up, eh smooth skin? Are you not scared of dying?"

The reptil then tried pushing Vayne again; this time, however, Vayne was able to support himself and stand his ground.

"Hm," Vayne sighed; slightly sucking in his breath as he slightly shook his head, "I am scared of many things, gentlemen. Death… just happens to not be on that list."

"..."

"..."

"...Pft."

"Come on, man. Let's just leave this fucker alone. This dude no fun… and he doesn't have a copper on him. Look at him."

"No, no. This fucker seems to be looking down on us just because we live here."

"...What?" Vayne slightly squinted his eyes, "I don't really see how you arrived at that conclusion. If anything, I am just baffled by the cliche. I've read many books that contained people like you; I thought it was… unrealistic. But perhaps it is to be expected…

…you feel safe in your numbers."

"..." The thugs could really only look at each other as Vayne started yapping; slightly confused and amused at the same time.

"Now if you would excuse me, fine gentlemen," Vayne then said as he attempted to take a step, "Your chief is expecting me to be in a caravan that is leaving as we speak. If they found me absen—"

"You're not going anywhere, wise mouth!" The man behind Vayne suddenly grabbed his shoulders and gripped them tightly,

"We're gonna break your fucking legs and you won't be able to— !!!"

And before the man could finish his words, several cracks suddenly reverberated in the musty air. The thug that had his hand on Vayne, now gone.

The crates at the end of the alley that were once at peace, now all in pieces as everyone could hear groans of pain buried underneath them, as well as a hand that seemed to be seeking help.

"W… what just happened!?" The thugs could really only look back and forth amongst themselves as they see one of their companions now buried underneath the crates.

They all then looked in unison towards Vayne… only to see his silhouette now unrecognizable— like a blur.

He could see him appear from time to time; mostly, however, it was as if he was veiled in a mist.

"Fuuuck," a long whisper then hummed from this blurred silhouette, "I told you…

…you imbeciles should have just let me go."