A vast training ground stretched out before the chieftain's home. It was modest—seemingly far too plain to belong to a chieftain—but somehow, that felt fitting. Perhaps it was best described as a training ground befitting the tiger clan.0

And at the center of it stood two men, a young human and an aged beastfolk. The young human held a sword in his grasp, while the beastfolk elder gripped a spear.0

"I like your attitude, Caron Leston. You sure do fit in well with our kind," Tauga Rugal, the chieftain said, smiling as he pointed his sharp spearhead at Caron. He continued, "Are you ready? If you win this duel, I will give you my daughter's hand."0

"You knew from the start that your daughter and I didn't really have any special relationship, didn't you?" Caron replied flatly.0

"Of course. She has no interest in a wiry lad like you. She prefers men who are far more brawny," the chieftain said.0

Perhaps because they had stepped into the training ground, Tauga no longer bothered to hide his true intentions. With a casual wave, he acknowledged his daughter, who stood off in the distance, watching with exasperation.0

"I do appreciate you saving my daughter," he said.0

"What an interesting way to show gratitude, beating someone up. Is this how the tiger clan expresses their thanks?" Caron asked.0

Tauga chuckled...0