Yes.

I took the earring out of my pocket and looked at it. The other, in my opinion more powerful, one was still pinned to my ear.

Merc had a point. If I went rogue for a while I could become a lot stronger. No, longer would I be a bouncing ball of fate. Instead I could write my own history. On the other side I would have to leave Soifon and all of my accomplishments this far behind.

I would be a deserter, even if everyone else would accept that because of the earrings I would know. It went against my nature. ‘Remember what we talked about when I first let you into the castle?’ Merc asked, feeling my uncertainty.

‘Yes, to stop being the perfect soldier and become a leader instead.’ I answered. Before me split a path. Either stay and become stronger by the usual means or seize the opportunity to grow my strength by any means necessary to be powerful enough to protect my subordinates.

Protect the person I loved.

I hardened my resolve and answered ‘You are right, we will have to become stronger.’ The projection of Merc vanished. ‘A good choice, so when are we going to leave?’

I thought about it for a second. ‘Tomorrow. I don’t have to leave with the Ryoka, I know where they live. Also there is that date I want to have beforehand…and I need to explain that I will leave somehow.’

‘Very well.’ Suddenly silence filled my mind, Merc had gone to do something else. Meanwhile I started to move again and walked towards the training fields. I had some things to do today but first I would have to kill some hours by training.