Chapter 1: The Players Revealed
-Somewhere near Perion-
The Land of Wild Boar is a part of Perion inhabited by Boars, which while not too difficult an enemy, gained a reputation as dangerous due to their vicious nature and overwhelming numbers. Added to the treacherous terrain and unstable footings the whole area itself was little more than an advanced training ground, or at least that's how the locals saw it. Thus only the hardiest of aspiring swordsmen attempted training there, but those that did came out just a little quicker and a little stronger…provided they came out at all.
Cecil entered said area, his broadsword in hand as he'd learned long ago few places were safe from the raging boars. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the coast was clear, when he noticed why. His jaw slowly dropped in pure astonishment at a sight the nineteen year old Swordsman would have never dreamed played out before his eyes. A thief, of all classes, stood in the middle of a pack of boars, eyes closed. 'What in blue blazes? What in the name of Ereve is a dagger-wielding rogue doing here? He barely looks eighteen!'
A loud squeal interrupted that train of thought as two boars charged at the motionless figure. The Dawn Warrior-in-training prepared to rush to the aid of the suicidal thief, when the teen's eyes snapped open, revealing chilling blue eyes that caused Cecil to freeze on the spot. A dark aura flashed briefly around the teen before he gracefully avoided the first boar's assault by a hair's breadth before whipping out his dagger and gutting the beast. Without slowing down in the slightest he leapt into the air with an impressive back flip, avoiding the other boar while quickly stabbing the beast twice. The teen barely touched the ground before he charged towards three boars to the side and amazingly enough whipped out a second blade and unleashed a flurry of precise strikes that left the beasts dead beyond a doubt.
Boars, despite their limited intelligence, actually are capable of more than just aggression. Thus it wasn't surprising that when the dual-wielding thief looked over at the remaining two beasts, they promptly squealed and took off as if Black Bull himself was after them.
The dual-wielding thief flicked the blood off his weapons and sheathed them in one swift motion. He turned to the Dawn Warrior and eyed him for a moment, before the teen vanished altogether.
'Well the kid knows Dark Sight…not much of a surprise given his class…' Cecil's thought process was cut off when the teen reappeared directly in front of the startled warrior. "O-oh! My apologies on interrupting your training. I must say though, I've never seen bandit that forsake his shield for a second weapon!" the Dawn Warrior exclaimed heartily. "Even more surprising is seeing one without means of attacking from a range or protection from the deadly tusks of these foul beasts!"
The thief tilted his head to the side slightly, glad his face mask hid his amusement. "Hmm? I suppose one could say I rely on my agility to defend myself, although I'm no bandit" the eighteen year old youth replied, a hint of amusement lining his tone. "I am what you may call a Dual Blade. To be specific, a Blade Recruit."
The Dawn Warrior blinked in surprise, never having heard anything about a third type of thief. "Really now? I've never heard a third type of thief! Is this a recent change?" the other youth asked rapidly, shocked that a new type of class had become available. Changes and new areas were constantly being discovered in their world of Maple, but something as momentous as a new type of adventurer should have been big news!
The Dual Blade let out a chuckle, amused at the warrior's exuberance. "Not really, the principal idea was founded quite a while back, but before it was officially released a complication stopped its release" the thief responded. He gave a sigh and looked up before continuing, "The inventor of the style had created a single copy of the manuscript detailing the path of the Dual Blade, or so it was thought. However a second copy was made in secret, and given to his son, in the hopes he would be able to show the world the power of his greatest achievement" the thief said, reminiscing.
"…and I assume you are this legacy?" the Dawn Warrior inquired, tone soft in respect.
The Dual Blade nodded, "Indeed, I have spent years training my body into perfection, and I grow stronger each day. Just recently I have started my journey, and I vow I shall show the world the power of my father's work, and one day be recognized as the greatest thief of all time!"
The thief radiated confidence, yet the Dawn Warrior felt he should believe this so-called Dual Blade. Something about him made the warrior shake deep inside. "Well met then Dual Blade. I am called Cecil. Should you ever need assistance I would be glad to offer my help" he stated, offering a hand in friendship.
The Dual Blade eyed the hand for a moment, conflicted whether or not he should walk his path alone. 'Strength…father…I suppose I could give your way a try…' "Very well Cecil, I am called Azure" the teen responded, shaking the warrior's hand while lowering his mask and pulling his hood back. He looked the Dawn Warrior over carefully, noticing the warrior was well toned, and seemed comfortable with his weapon, unlike most new recruits. He had silver hair combed back, and wore mostly white and light blue armor. "I accept your friendship, and am sure we shall have many adventures together."
"Indeed", Cecil replied with a carefree grin. Azure's eyes seemed much less cold now, and the teen seemed more at ease now. The Dual Blade was clothed in a black top and bottom, which wasn't too unusual for one of his profession. What stood out, besides the teen's eyes, was his dark blue hair.
"Well then, shall we do a little population control?" the warrior asked, heaving his sword up and resting the blade upon his shoulders.
Azure smiled lightly, the first time in a long time. "Sounds good to me."
-Somewhere near Ellinia-
"Magic Bolt!" a young girl called out, blasting an Illusion Slime. She panted in exhaustion, having defeated her fiftieth slime, but took satisfaction in being the first in the class to do so. She brushed a strand of her long light blue hair away from her face as she looked around at her fellow cadets.
'It's still hard to believe how little control these other recruits have at this point. I was so surprised when Grandmaster Grendal picked me as one of the few to train with Master Hyurin, but now I see it was just slim pickings…' The fledgling mage was snapped out of her thoughts when she noticed said Master standing beside her.
"Very good Hime, you're making excellent progress!" he spoke with a smooth tenor, proud of his student. "You're progressing faster than I did back in the day even!"
The seventeen year old girl blushed at the praise, before responding, "Thank you Master Hyurin, but surely it is your teachings that allow me to excel so quickly!"
The master gave a hearty laugh and rubbed the girl's head. The poor lass blushed up a storm whenever compliments were involved. "Nonsense, you have a natural grasp of the magic!" he proclaimed. Much like the Grandmaster… "Anyways" he continued, "care to try your luck an Illusion Slime Boss? I know it's not traditionally a cadet training exercise but I think you could handle it."
The girl blinked in surprise. "Illusion Boss Slime? I've never even heard of it sir, but if you think I'm ready then let me just take a potion and I'll give it a shot" she said with a cheerful smile.
Master Hyurin nodded and waited until the girl gave the signal. He started chanting in the language of magic and moments later a giant, yet slightly transparent slime appeared.
Hime exhaled slowly before snapping into action. With a short yell she shot a barrage of magic bolts at the beast, eliciting a loud roar. The beast gave a mighty leap and crashed into the ground, knocking the mageling down. The beast then summoned three more regular Illusion Slimes, making the battle fairly lopsided.
The girl gave a growl and focused for a moment before releasing a massive magic bolt. Just as it was about to strike the boss slime she snapped her wrists forward and cried out "Magic Claw!"
Master Hyurin gasped in surprise at the advanced combo his apprentice used, as the Magic Bolt exploded into a swarm of smaller bolts. The regular slimes were quickly decimated, and the boss slime roared in pain.
"Hmph…farwell" she muttered, casting yet another Magic Claw, tearing the apparition into pieces. The girl bent over, out of breath from her heavy spell casting and cheered internally. 'Yes! All that studying paid off! Master Hyurin said that even some Mages can't control their spells like this!'
"A-ah, errr, that is to say, great job Hime! A truly impressive display of magic!" he praised. "I think that covers practice for you today, feel free to take the rest of the day off" he said with a genial smile. 'I suppose I'll have to talk to the grandmaster about this…'
Hime nodded and turned around…and was promptly tackled.
"Wahh! Ohmygod I'm so sorry! I was in such a hurry and tripped over a tree branch!"
Hime winced in pain and opened her eyes, wondering who, or what, could possibly be talking so fast. In front of her stood a nervous, fidgety archer, probably about the same age, but had an air of…kiddishness to her. "It's ok…umm…can I help you?" the mage-in-training asked. The Archer wore the traditional grab of a green top and skirt, with white leggings.
"Huh? Oh yeah! I was looking for Master Hyurin and have been wondering this huuuuge forest for like two hours!" she wailed. She looked at the female mage and blinked. "Oh yeah! I'm Pocki nice to meet you!" she exclaimed. The mage wore faded jeans and a light green shirt, complimented by a rather large and silly mage hat. "Hey they let you wear normal clothes here?" the young archer complained.
Hime laughed and shook her head. "Not really, but I decided to focus my energies into INT and none into LUK. I have a theory that mages could benefit by doing this, despite the lack of equipment they would suffer from" she stated. "Anyways it's nice to meet Pocki, my name's Hime" the mage continued, shaking the girl's hand. Perhaps we should hand out some time?"
"Absolutely!", the girl exclaimed, glad to have yet another friend. "Anyways, sorry again Hime, but I'll be sure to be in touch!" The archer then skipped over to Master Hyurin and started talking with the senior mage.
'Interesting girl…Well, never hurts to have more friends!' thought a certain young lady-mage, as she headed to her room, intent on taking a nap.