Last days of preparations & Blood Sword concept

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Taking note of Inorra and Kipset's place to sit, soon Vlad's and Robert's reached their turns to ask for some food as their hunger started to be felt. In the meantime, Robert asked Vlad some questions about the food, which later sent him, contemplating for a bit. He was in that state until he got to ask for the food.

Hearing the staff member ask what he wanted, he instantly awakened from his stupor, and, looking at the staff member's familiar face dealing with the food distribution, he said. "The same as usual for me and also the same for the kid next to me, Aslak."

"Sorry, can't do it so fast. I need to follow the procedures. You know that Zagreus." The man shook his head when hearing Vlad say this.

"But no one even bothers with the procedures. Oh yeah, the kid is new. Go on, Robert, show this uncle your badge. Haha, he will gladly give you the usual."

"Sigh, Zagreus, what are you even talking about." not ending altogether, he received Robert's badge and said in a higher tone. "Damn, yet another wierdo came inside the camp. Hey kid, what plans do you have to get yourself as famous as the guy next to you. Prepared to break his record of guards killed in just a single fight? Or Is that fat guy really in this kind of fetish? When I heard that you initially tore down his finger when you were only ten, I could believe my ears for one bit. But, sure (The same it is, I guess)"

"Ohh, so now you understand, you really shouldn't even bother yourself asking for the boy's badge, now look at the line, there's so many people waiting because you're taking your time to follow "procedures". That's what you get Aslak. You started a commotion brewing with the retards. I would move faster if I was in your boots."

The crowd behind Vlad started laughing initially but not for long. Figuring that he was instead insulting them, they began to boil themselves, swearing and cursing Vlad in all sorts of ways. In short, probably all his ancestors were fucked in the ass by these maniacs. Meanwhile, Vlad was weaving his hands while giving some that he didn't like him a middle finger.

With two plates of food containing some rice and a fish, and brushing off the small commotion he created. He started walking toward where Kipset and Inorra got seated, followed by Robert in the back. Placing the plates on the opposite side of the sitting young men, Vlad took a seat. Robert followed in tandem, only greeting the two.

Still remembering what he asked Vlad before asking for the food, he reiterated the question. "So what's going on with the food? Why are those slavers giving us this kind of treatment?"

"Truly a great question Robert. First, I also wondered when I got here why the food is warm and still tastes decently? If you asked a dumbfuck like those arguing about their food and being bothered by the smallest insult, they would just say that it is to build up their strength for another day. Otherwise, the bosses would run on deficit. But does it really matter to that pig the losses of the slaves?"

This time Robert interjected, saying a bit angry. "No, that Mayer guy only knows to flaunt his money. Probably he wouldn't give a shit even if the entire mine was out of slaves."

"Exactly, but not a full truth. That pig isn't really so stupid as we initially thought. He's tricky enough to stay on the top of his game, even if he has good assistants, that's also an asset to use for his good. While also he's susceptible to manipulations, those servants of his are the ones pulling strings behind him.

But here comes the problem, what if an army of angry slaves decided at one point to rally themselves up against this fatty guard or mercenary army? Chaos would commence. Maybe the slave side would even win. And here comes the next question I ask. Where would this angry mob of people target next for revenge?

Thinking for a brief moment, with a severe face, Robert said. "That would be Mayer. I see, so they feed those slaves with good food to not have them revolt in large amounts."

"That's right, there are only 180 or so guards for 2000 or more slaves. That's one cheap method of keeping people in check without having to spend money on additional guards."

Kipset and Inorra watching the two talk, also joined the conversation, a bit late, but added their point of view on this entire plot. The first to add to Vlad's comment was Kipset, who was eating his food calmly and slowly, saying. "Though this camp is on its feet for more than 13 years, there's been many people trying to escape the camp or take revenge. And it is known around that not many succeed because of one single person, that one being head guard Belpel. "

Inorra tagged in, adding to what Kipset said. "It's like Kip said that the Belpel guy rose in ranks because of his efficient way of dealing with the revolts made by the slaves. Damn, and he was quite young at that time, but look at him, now he's at the peak of his powers."

Vlad chuckled and replied to Inorra's comment with a smile. "You said that as if you watched him grow Inor. Yet, you guys are overthinking, I've never fought the guy, knowing that the old man is capable of crushing that guy, and the fact that I managed to face in a decent manner the old man, gives me the confidence to not bother myself to much with such individual."

Remembering something Administrator Pholbor said, Vlad continued. "To top it off, he seems to get in the graces of that fat pig for that reason, he's good at keeping people at bay, but until when? He reached a status where even the administrator can't do much to him, that's quiet sad for the administrator and funny for us slaves. I found out last night about this, so that's quite bothersome. "

"But hey, that's for other times to discuss, let's get down and finish this food. Go on little Robert, start eating before it's getting cold, and regrets start to build up." Chuckled a bit, Vlad staring at the food before starting to wolf it down with a great appetite. His powers also cheered along as Vlad got the nutrients necessary to fuel the blood power's entire mechanism.

Sensing a euphoric sensation from his body, he leaned back on the chair and only smiled, delighted with himself. Kipset and Inorra were confused for a bit at Vlad smiling for no reason. Still, they figured out that it may be another change of the devil powers he mentioned.

They initially thought that maybe he was content with the food, but it was less than probable because it's been four years since they knew each other. They rarely saw Vlad smile like this, with a satisfied expression on his face.

After a short while, the sound of a burp came from Robert. He was pleased with the food, but now after hearing Vlad and the others say the reason, it was like this. He started calming down from all that satisfaction.

"Kid, if you want to smile, do it. So what if there's a deeper meaning to this? If you didn't know this from us you probably would be like the rest, happy and content with yourself for having such a meal."

'That's not true at all, I can think by himself. I can smell when things go really wrong. Even your shady things, I can sense something you're planning.' thought Robert when he heard Vlad's comment that targeted him specifically.

Remaining in the canteen for some time, Vlad decided that he had enough and said to them after discussing for a while. "It seems we need to go. I need to train for this day. You better also do the same. Right, Robert, you'll train with me. I'll teach you some tricks."

The boy could only nod his head. At least things worked well for him. He was able to eat and also have someone that could teach him something useful in life.

Getting up, the group of four, after giving the plates used for food back, went back to their shack. The sun slowly started fading in the shadow of the moon. Darkness balanced the sun yet again, like how it should be.

After that, they only took 15 minutes to reach their shack. Getting inside, Vlad was met by Aerius, who stood quietly in his bed, without moving even when the 4 entered the shack.

Looking around the shack, he found that nothing was missing, yet the little guy was behaving weirdly.

'Argh, don't tell this little bastard eat all my storage food?'

"Hey Aerius, how was you day so far? What's wrong with you, do you not feel well? Want me to check you?" asked Vlad with a worried expression, while Aerius, who was sitting with his belly down on Vlad's bed, only looked down as if he tried to fake sleeping.

As Vlad approached Aerius, the little gryphon sensed Vlad's approaching hand and thought.

'I fucked up big time. Why didn't I listen to him and made my way inside his food storage. Let's plan an escape plan, I'll search for the old man to stay with him.'

In only some centimeters away, the little gryphon rose on his feet, showing off his bulging belly, and started running away.

Vlad sneered at the little thief's attempt at escape and only said to Kipset and Inorra. "Guys catch this little bastard who eat our food. You can be serious, I don't mind teaching him a lesson."

Kipset nodded his head quietly, turning his attention at Aerius, who was moving towards the exit. Meanwhile, Inorra started laughing evilly, finally happy that he could teach the weird creature a lesson without being held accountable by Vlad for his pet damages.

"Finally, I can teach you a lesson little shit. Just you wait until I catch you, we'll cook you alive."

When Inorra said that, he rushed towards the little gryphon with evil intent. Kipset also moved close to the door cutting the little creature the exit access.

Aerius, who was close to Inorra rushing at him, only sneered and said arrogantly. "Boy do you think you can stop me a mighty Gryphon King? Taste this attack of mine."

In a serious manner, Aerius attacked him with a jump that focused on his body. Using his beak as a weapon, he gave Inorra's a strike in his body, sending him lying down on the ground.

Seeing that outcome, Robert stared in shock at this Aerius and thought. 'This creature is really no joke. Being able to take a young adult in such a manner. So gryphons are really a strong species.

Vlad only snorted when he saw Aerius bypass Inorra with such a cheap trick. But as the gryphon passed Inorra, he arrived in front of Kipset, who only said.

"Give up Aerius, just take your punishment as a man. Don't make me hit you, it's not something I want to do against good people or animals for example."

"Hmph, nice words from you. They are appreciated but Vlad most likely doesn't plan to let me easy."

Then from where Robert was next to Vlad, he saw that Vlad was about close to the fleeing creature.

Aerius, who wasn't focused on his back, only heard a cold voice. "How do you know that I'll not leave you alone?"

All of a sudden, Aerius's face turned scared, and he tried to run faster and bypass Kipset to go towards freedom, but Vlad already captured him.

"Arghh, he will skin me alive, help me." yelled Aerius for help, then he looked a bit at Vlad's eyes, who looked at him calmly.

"Heh, why are you so scared little guy. Let's go towards the food storage and see how much you eat. After that we'll have to calculate how much indebted to me you are to me."

"No, no. I didn't eat anything from there."

Still in denial, Aerius saw as Vlad opened the storage and observed multiple of his cured meats missing some parts, not a big chunk, but it was visible missing some parts.

"Little guy, did you really had to taste all 11 cured meats? It took me 5 months to get a those 11 cured meets from the canteen raid. Yet you eat form all of them."

"Sigh, what have I told you before I left?" Asked Vlad in a slow manner as if to make Aerius feel even worse.

"Don't touch the food from the storage." said Aerius in a quiet manner.

"And what did you do?" asked Vlad again.

"Touched the food. Argh, fine. I get it I took some food because I got hungry and bored while waiting. What do you now to shave me or pluck my feathers?"

"Don't worry Aerius, aren't we friends, as a pay for that food, you'll have to work for me even more. Training and other aspects such a sneaking on people, skying on people and so on. I'll teach you plenty of things, I wish I could've taught my dog back home."

"You, you. You compare me with a dog? How dare you! I'm a gryphon for Lady Sea sake."

"Yes you are a gryphon, but can you fly? No. Can you attack using powerful attacks such as wind attacks, sonic waves? No. In this sense as you are right now, you can't be of much help. I can only hope you recover to your adult form or you grow up since I don't know exactly the side effects you're going right now. "

Noticing that Aerius' face turned a bit sad, he said to him when looking at his golden eyes. "Don't worry, little guy, I'll not do anything to you, just that you'll be my little guinea pig when I train my blood abilities."

"NOOOO!" screamed Aerius when looking at Vlad's dark-green eyes and his crooked smile. Then Vlad, as not to be bothered by him, dropped the little guy on the floor and went to change his clothes, only taking some trousers, leaving the top of his body naked.

The cloth still tied his hair. He was glancing at Robert and the others as to suggest that they should train. Instead, he only saw Robert eager to train with him. Inorra and Kipset got seated on their bed and lay back to rest a bit from their working day.

Kipset only said to Vlad. "We'll join you later, once we rest a bit. Have fun with the little kid."

When hearing that, Vlad could only smile evilly at Robert and Aerius, taking both with him at the back of the shack, his small training, or a refuge for his mind.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm Robert, but first, I need to know if you know how to wield a sword or any weapons?" He started a series of questions to get the general idea of what he should teach Robert.

"Not much, once when I was home I played around with my family heirloom, it was a black sword that was really sharp. But when I was found by my father, he forbade me from training in swords until I reached 13 years old. His reasoning is that I'm too small for real swords." explained Robert while scratching his head while thinking of that moment in time.

He still remembered the moment vividly when he snuck in his father's library and found that sword held on display in plain sight. When he touched that sword, he felt a jolt in his arm, like the sword was alive and greeted him or some short. He played a bit with that sword but was found fast by his father. And so came his punishment of not being allowed to wield a sword until a certain age.

"I see, he said 13 years old? Your old man seems to have some screws loose. Learning swords starts from a young age. To become a master of swords, you need an entire lifespan to reach the perfection, something that even myself haven't reached. But don't worry, I will teach you some basics, and as we go forward, you'll soon reach a decent level of mastery."

"But before that, I'll ask you. What do you think the sword is?

"A weapon used to fight against your foe?" answered confused Robert, not knowing how to respond to Vlad's question.

'What's with this question? Isn't that obviously already? Ehhh, why did he start laughing?'

Vlad started laughing when hearing Robert but still didn't let the boy get in suspense and said. "Sure, the sword is a weapon to fight. But it has two roles, at least for me. One is to protect others and his master, and the other role is to kill to its master's will. You can think of it as a noble weapon that can be pure like iron and cold like its material. That's all in how you should think of the sword if you want to protect someone, the sword will be there to help you out, giving you an extra hand, while at the same time it can kill as easily as slicing a piece of meat."

"I'll also show you what a sword can do once you reach a certain level of balance in your swordsmanship and physical abilities. Watch closely around you."

Ended Vlad explaining to Robert what he thought the sword was for him, and with the wooden sword in his hand, he used his blood powers to strengthen his body. After some seconds passed and feeling his tensing up, with a sensation of boiling that empowered them, he unleashed a sword slash in Robert's direction.

Robert could see that as Vlad cut the air, something similar to a gust of wind got sent in his direction. Vlad's wooden sword was powerful enough to have influence over the air.

The sound the sword made when slashing through the air was similar to a strong wind passing by one's ear. Robert heard that sound from a distance. Slowly he started to feel something moving towards him that he could see accurately. All of a sudden, he got pushed back when the wind passed by. His hair also rose a bit, regardless if it was medium size.

Robert initially heard the sound of winds passing by in his ears, but as soon they passed, he regained his clarity. Later he heard Vlad saying. "So how did that strike of mine felt? Amazing, right?"

"Damn right, was it really you who made that wind? With only your sword?" asked Robert with an excited face and continued hurriedly. "Can you teach me that? I will be so strong being able to do that."

"Haha, I'm still far from my peak kid, I'm far from what I look forward to in the future. Once I grow older and train more, I will eventually be able to summon storms with only a strike of mine, engulf my enemies in a chaotic space. But hey, I'm not a piece of shit to not teach you the basics, and if you are really working hard, you might reach far with the sword. Otherwise, I can also teach you spears or other weapons, but my mastery of them is lacking. I always scoff when people say that the spear is the king of weapons. I trained in spearplay too, but it's not for me. It's a boring manner of fighting." Ended a bit angry, Vlad, when he remembered a fragment of his past on the battlefield, leading a cavalry charge having to use a spear in hand.

"For starters, you should exercise your body, and later I'll teach you how to use the sword. Sounds good, obviously is fine." Vlad didn't even let Robert say something.

"You'll do as many push-ups you can do until you feel your body can't push anymore. After that, you'll do some squats, same as with the push-ups, until you drop down. Following that, do some stretching and call me, I'll also train for a bit in the meantime. Good luck, if I feel you are tired, you're done for today, no sword for you." finished Vlad assigning the training for Robert in a severe tone.

Like this, he also started training using this time combined swordplay with his devil fruits.

At one point in his training, he started covering his wooden sword in the blood to train his [Blood Manipulation] the general ability of the powers. Staring at the slowly covered bloody wooden sword, as if it had a small layer of blood covering it without any drop of blood dropping on the ground. He, with a thought of his mind, willed for the blood to solidify, turning the wooden sword into a genuine red sword.

Still, the general look the sword gave to the outside was that it was fragile. Vlad knew the reason and tried to add more layers to the wooden sword. With time, he added two more layers of blood. While looking at the bloody sword in his hand with a serious face, he tried adding another layer of blood to the sword.

Blood started flowing from his hand, spreading along with the sword's handle. In no time, it covered the entire bloody sword making the sword shine with a brighter red compared to the solidified crimson color.

'Harden'

When Vlad thought that, the fresh layer of blood started to solidify, following the example of the first three layers.

Vlad frowned when he noticed that this layer took so much to solidify. The layer became unstable as if it was close to shattering. Yet, Vlad's eyes grew a bit colder, and the layer stabilized, reinforcing the other layers upon the wooden sword.

"Hah, that was exhausting. The process of coagulation takes to much time for me to complete in real fight time. I need more training to make this process as quick as possible."

"Hey Aerius, how long did it took me to complete all those layers? I didn't count how much time I spent."

"Maybe one minute or two? I wasn't really focused on what you were doing, I was mostly focused on the little guy." said Aerius while being seated lazily on the ground.

"Good enough." nodded Vlad, his head with a calm face while having some sweat on his forehead.

"So if it takes me 1 to 2 minutes to enforce my weapons with blood as I'm right now. If I train my control and mastery it would be possible to reach about 20-30 seconds to turn my blood into a weapon or even less. Sigh, ancestor you really had good intentions when saying to have patience with this power."

With his blood sword, he started his swordplay practice, training all his attacks while having his sword enhanced by his blood powers.

Time passed in the camp, and Vlad continues to train his blood powers without a break. It felt like he was possessed by someone, to be more exact. The time it usually took him to activate his Blood Powers also shortened by some good seconds.

It was getting close to the escape attempt period. Vlad trained Robert in his spartan way. At first, Robert, at his first session, wanted to give up halfway. Still, he remembered the faces of his parents and little sister and continued pushing his body to the limits, with the hope of one day reuniting with them. Slowly he started to get used to the pain of having his muscles tear and later repair using Nius's fish ointment. It affected his working days at the mine that were at the deepest point those following days, but he couldn't complain. Vlad said to him to take it as a training of his willpower and body. Robert could agree that his changes were noticeable in those six days of hellish training.

Even Inorra and Kipset suddenly joined the training when Robert was close to dropping out from exhaustion. Usually, they would spar with each other and sometimes even ask Vlad to spar with them, ending badly for them. When sparring with Inorra and Kipset, Vlad didn't use his Blood Powers, instead only his basic form, which also improved over time.

As for his Blood powers, he trained in them whenever he could and wasn't disturbed by others. He would do it inside the mine using the blood powers on his body. He would train when getting to his shack using the [Blood Manipulation] ability to enhance various objects such as branches, his outside body, and so on. Truly as if he was a maniac, he would even train in his bed and dropping from sleeping. His strong heartbeats would make Aerius scratch him trying to turn him to normal for once when sleeping.

Yet Vlad didn't care and continue working on his heart and blood circulation technique.

As much as Vlad wanted that his training to be a major difference in the overall abilities of his devil powers, in fact, in those six days, he trained like there was no tomorrow. The changes could only be said to be in just some seconds. His mastery improved a bit, even his understanding of what certain abilities of his Blood Powers could achieve for him.

With an improved speed on his [Blood Summoning] and [Blood Manipulation], he was sure that his abilities would be enough to deal with Belpel and the rest of the guards guarding the exit.

A new day arises at the camp. It was, to be exact, the last days of the boys inside this hellish hole that gave Vlad all short of memories. The sixth day looked the same as the rest of the days, at least for the other slaves. For Vlad, this was a moment full of silence, the silence of waiting for the chaos to start when anyone would look in the other direction. Inorra and Kipset were also worrying over the possible future and worse case scenario. Simultaneously, Robert could also feel the room's tension, feeling that his guess about what those three were trying to do in this day.

But he was bound to find out soon enough if his guess turned out to be truths.

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