Houmei trails after him, like a tiny, scrawny bald shadow.

"...It would be easier if they were."

Then he could at least fight them and get it over with. He's heinous in a bout, despite his malnourished, bony little frame.

Not only can he route several adults at once in martial arts, and with a variety of weapons, but he has magic, too. Being able to use chi without having to chant first has resulted in him labeled a monster, but it's also very useful.

Which he's starting to think might be part of the 'problem' people have with it. Like that quiet kid he'd met earlier today's inability to feel any pain.