Ingred's Journal Entry 7: In the Arena

*The old journal has been replaced with a new, leather-bound one. It is very simple, and at first glance could be mistaken for an ordinary book. The inner cover is dated in common, below it stamped in green ink with the Phifforn family insignia, a snail with a sun inside the shell. The first page has been skipped, and a new entry waits to be read with its familiar goblin lettering.*

## *Lily:*

Good lord, I am so glad this woman is on our side. She is one intimidating lady... well, not really. Her fighting style is scary but as a person she's a big softy. I'm still amazed by how she handled those two fights, but *especially* that last one. Shit, I've never seen anything like it! Fucking magic users are on a whole 'nother level. That chick didn't have a chance! You would have loved to see it, seriously. I mean, even I couldn't take my eyes off the fight and I was still reeling from the previous round. whenever I feel weird about having a leader that's younger than me, all I gotta do is look back to that fight and remember that she could probably one-shot me if she ever wanted to. No thanks, I think I'll stay on her good side.

## *Seipora:*

Seipora seemed pretty weird at the arena. I didn't realize that these guys had a personal grudge with her until she actually mentioned it. I did have my suspicions when they appeared to single her out, but... And when she stopped casting all of the sudden? I... I don't know. She looked to be heartbroken about it. I really don't understand the significance of losing your magical abilities, but... the way that everyone else reacted to it? It must be rather serious. These people have relied on magic for so long, it must be tormenting to live without it. I'm conflicted. Part of me wants to think it's an over-exaggeration, but another part of me is... empathetic.

Mage Fire. I'm very curious about this poison. Drug? Whatever it may be, it's definitely an odd concoction. If some outside force can have such a strong impact on a magic user's abilities, then it may mean that there's a link between magic and the physical body. Now *THAT* I am interested in learning about. I... I wonder how to go about this. If there's a way to be better prepared for something like that, it's worth looking into.

## *Marisol:*

Gee, I thought I was having a hard time with the crowds. She is really not having it. Kind of acted like a loose cannon there for a bit. I hope that the tea helped calm her down, even if she didn't actually drink it. It's alright though, I find that holding warm things can be therapeutic, too.

It's too bad that she didn't join us. I mean, I understand her reasoning behind it, but man- I didn't think she was actually going to skip out. I figured she would have some fun beating people up? Her loss, though! I'm sure she's very not happy about failing to earn gold from this trip. She's probably going to be even more antsy about getting a job, now.

## *Anthos:*

Hmm. He fought very well. Quite impressive, I must say. His tactics carry a good balance with both K and Lily. I'm not sure I want to get too close to him during combat; I don't know what that was surrounding him but it didn't feel too great. A heads up would have been nice, but he did apologize so I won't hold it against him. Plus I should have noticed before diving into that field. Great job, Ingred. Always learning the hard way.

I did find it amusing that he gave me a high-five. I haven't gotten one of those for quite awhile...

He holds himself strongly. Makes me a bit embarrassed that I was taken out so quickly in both rounds... Not... Not like I'm... *self conscious*. I'm not. definitely not. He just... has more experience... yeah. That's it.

## *K:*

Speaking of... K seemed pretty upset that he lost the first round. Saying that he had to "redeem" himself. I didn't understand how seriously he takes honor until now. I thought he did a wonderful job. I couldn't have been able to handle that sorceress any better, I think. I would've just been hiding and running away the entire time.

I hope he feels better after that last round. Getting a taste of victory. I remember when Lily told me about the relationship between Anthos and K; how they were kind of "frenemies". I don't believe that, though. The boys seem to act more like brothers, especially when Anthos held K's arm up after the fight was over. It was very touching.

**Side Note**: I uh... wow. I miss Bo... a lot... That image really hit me hard... Hopefully we meet again someday. I need to make fun of the big oaf for losing 7 times.