In this chapter, DB finally receives the training he's been looking for, but will he be able to comprehend him...? and will Reynold finally pass the test and be able to earn the favor of the duelist? find out now :)
Chapter 37:
Shattered Pride...
Next Day,
Feoh, Niall's headquarters...
Days to war remaining: 3
Today would be the day to be tested by that strange new knight, after acquiring the book from Niall, Reynold's been training relentlessly for the last couple of days, remembering each new hold and stances as well as strikes from those stances...After getting the morning practice in, he stopped and went to his armor, fixing it on before grabbing his sword, 'If I succeed today, it'll tell me how far this has gotten me...and if I do, I'll be able to challenge the duelist next...' grinning to himself, as he left his room.
In the field, the golden knights were training on horseback as Sylla was on her Funeral Steed, charging at each other.
"Nice going!" Niall, standing nearby, complimented.
Rey arrived at the field to find the scene of her training the knights on the field, watching one of them nearly get knocked off by her, 'Looks like she's already at practice, I hope I'm ready...' approaching Niall, "Hey commander, they look lively today,"
"Hey there kid." Niall greeted, "How're you feeling?"
Rey smiled, "Much better, thanks for asking, and ready for today's test," looking back at the lesson, "Whenever she's ready..."
Niall whistled, getting the attention of the others.
"What is it?" Sylla asked as she approached him.
"The kid said that his ready." Niall pointed to Rey as the other knights groaned.
"Great, now our training is stopped because of him."
"I just wish that he drops dead."
"Annoying weakling."
Sylla sighed before dismounting and changing her weapons to her Katana and the Wakizashi.
Rey had a sweatbead on his face, "Uh...Commander...I could've waited until they were done...I wasn't in that much of a rush..."
"She has a busy day, so the earlier the better." the commander pointed, "Besides, I'm interested to see how far you got."
Rey was about to retort until he sighed, "Very well commander, I would hate to keep her from the rest of her busy day," watching Sylla approach, "Hello again," he greeted.
"Just get ready." Sylla got in position, 'I'd better finish this quickly.'
"Very well," Rey concurred, drawing his sword, and taking a new neutral stance, 'Once again, there's that same cold stare...I better give this my all or it'll be for nothing...' he mentally drilled himself.
Sylla planted her katana in the ground, creating a pulling wave, pulling and destabilizing him, leaving him open for many attacks. with both of her weapons.
Reynold was not expecting the gravity magic, but threw his sword up to block, barely evading the other with a backstep, before taking another stance this time gripping the sword as he held it low, swinging upwards at her.
Sylla used the Wakizashi to parry the hit, leaving a huge opening for a powerful kick that sent the boy to a wall.
He smashed against it hard, getting a few of the gold knights to wince after he made contact, he struggled to stand back up, hand on his head, shaking off his dazed feeling, before heading back to her, taking his a neutral stance, before seemingly going for a thrust, only to stop short and go for a reverse swing with his sword...
She quickly swung her katana, colliding blade with the blade, leaving an opening to get struck with the pommel of the Wakizashi. However, the Tarnished didn't stop there as she jumped knee his face, sending him a few feet away.
Instead of going into something, he stabbed the sword into the ground, stopping him from sliding away further, as his nose bled, 'Not taking it easy at all...it's like she's trying to kill me almost...I'm starting not to like her too much..." Wiping the blood from his nose, as walked back, taking another stance this time, his sword raised over his head, as he moved in with a barrage of attacks, which were evaded and parried effortlessly by his examiner, switching the sword into a reverse grip, he swung toward her left side, which got evaded, before switching his grip back to normal and swung downwards towards her, 'Got her...' as the strike neared her.
'What a pathetic attempt.' Sylla sidestepped before using the back of the blade to help in the momentum of the attack, plunging the sword further. She then elbowed him, stunning him enough time to deliver a flying kick.
When Reynold took the full force of that kick, he flew and went sliding into a pile of barrels, destroying them when he made contact, causing a large dust cloud, a groan being the only thing heard from behind it.
Niall whistled before commenting, "You finished it in a flying manner." some knights chuckled as Sylla walked to the down knight, brought a trinket that looked like two fingers, and knelt while a golden circle appeared around her.
Rey started to come too from the healing aura of the incantation, before looking up at Sylla, sighing, "So much for thinking I could pass...ow..." sitting up.
The knight clad in black armor said nothing as Niall walked toward him, "Heh, you couldn't even get her to be serious. In fact, she had the occasion to kill you five times-"
"Seven times." Sylla corrected.
"Right, what she just said." Niall sighed before adding, "Look, kid, if you couldn't pass her test, you wouldn't be able to stand my training. These boys suffered hell for years and years before being the killing machines that they're now."
That feeling of confidence he had was now on the ground as he was, sighing as he got up, "I understand Commander, I'm sorry for wasting everyone's time..." with a bow and left the field.
"Well, we can continue the training." the Tarnished summoned her mount as the other knights exploded with joy.
With Swain...
Swain walked around the Gnoll city, looking at the many stores.
'Such architecture... reminds me much of Shurima.' he then noticed the smell of the food cooked for the slaves, 'These aren't slaves since they have a job, protection, a way to earn money... they have lives... the only downside is that they can't leave this town.'
A High Elf slave was sewing cloths in a shop.
'Still, I remember that the High Elves escaped east of Thorn, not toward the west... so how did they get here?' Swain continued until he stopped in front of a shop that had many spices put in barrels, as well as dry fruits.
"Welcome." a female Human slave approached him with a smile, "Are you visiting this city for the first time?"
"Yes." Swain answered, "I was hoping that I could ally with the Gnolls. After all, a lot of changes will happen in the seven kingdoms."
"You mean that you're a noble?" she asked with a frown.
"In a way." Swain smiled, "But, not like those who sold you and your mother."
The young woman looked startled as she took a step back, "How did you-!"
"I'm not your usual noble... or human for that matter." Swain pointed as he approached the spices, "Let's say that I have my own loyalties."
"Still, why are you really here?" the young woman narrowed her eyes.
Swain sighed before saying, "I believe that I already answered your question; I seek allies of quality to form some sort of an empire formed with various kingdoms that are independent, but that are ready to help each other in a real sense of the way."
"That's... very ambitious." the young woman replied.
Swain chuckled before saying, "I take that as a compliment." he then added, "How much gold to get some of these?"
"Well, 1 gram can get you quite enough for a month." was the reply he got.
"I see..." he then gave her a heavy bag full, "I want from everything that you have, as well as some tea."
"R-Right!" she ran to the back before that growling and crackling was heard.
'Now that I have some tea for me, I believe that I'd better check some things for Celestine and Olga.' Swain smiled as he looked at the girl gathering bags of spices.
Meanwhile, At Yamakhroz...
Market district...
Despite it being so early in the morning, the markets moved on as if it were midday, serving customers in and out...Traysek was wandering the district, looking for the shop he had purchased the scythe from, in hopes of finding its original smith to have it ready, while not being tempted by all the food being cooked around there...
Eventually, he found the same shop where he had gotten the scythe upon coming here, before he found the same orc blacksmith there, smiling at him, "Hello there, we meet again, I'm here about the scythe you sold me,"
"What about it?" the Orc asked, "It took me millions of tries, blood, and sweat, so much dedication to make that masterpiece."
Traysek blinked twice at that, with a nervous smile, "Oh...I see...well...Funny story actually..." he began with, "How do I put this..."
The Redguard went on to tell him what had happened to the weapon during his last contract, what was done before the scarlet rot, and what had been told to him by the other blacksmith...the reaction is what you'd expect...
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?" the roar could be heard from the outside of the mountain, "Why did you trifle with it?! It was my most perfect weapon!"
At this point, the Redguard was hiding behind a barrel with a nervous smile, "Look I'm sorry, in my mind, there's no telling how long since it's been sharpened and I like to be prepared," he defended.
"Are you saying that my weapons are faulty?!" the Orc roared, breathing heavily.
Traysek quickly waved him off, "No no! Far from it, it's not broken or anything, it cut like it was supposed to, I just have a personal habit of preparation, nothing to do with your craft, in fact in a lot of ways, it's better than mine,"
"Then why did you-!" before he could continue, a hand belonging to a Dark Elf woman patted him on the shoulder.
"Come now, dear, he maybe isn't that smart to know how good your creations are," she said, making the orc look from her to Traysek.
"Sure, but that doesn't mean I'm dumb either," The Redguard deadpanned, sighing, "It's just I'm used to maintaining a weapon before and after use, I thought that was key in weapon discipline, I made a mistake assuming it worked like that here, I have it on me now and it's in mint condition, haven't used it since it got cleansed of the rot, according to Iji, the damage is minor,"
"See, it's not so bad." the Dark Elf pointed, "He's just a simple-minded individual who can't think outside of his world."
"If you say so..." the Orc said with a calm tone.
Traysek narrowed a stare at her, before taking a deep breath, 'Don't get offended, don't get offended...' repeating it to himself, as he reached into his haven bag and brought out the scythe, lying it on the table, "Here it is, as I said, it's not in pieces nor are there holes in the blade,"
"The problem with internal damage... is that it's inside the weapon... which means... THAT I NEED TO REMAKE IT FROM SCRATCH!" the blacksmith replied.
The Redguard blinked, "Oh...okay, I had no idea that's what it'd take..." sighing at that, "Look, I'm willing to pay double the amount I purchased it for on repairs, since I imbalanced it with my attempts of caretaking, maybe I can learn from you how to truly take care of it properly, because my way of doing it is damaging it internally, and I'd rather not have this happen again or put you through another repair session,"
"We can perform services, but our secret, don't go out." the Dark Elf pointed, "Besides, the only thing that you'd need to do, is to clean it with water since the sharpness doesn't go away with time."
Traysek slowly nodded, "I see...So only water then, good to know for next time, how much for the service?" He asked.
"To remake it... 200 Diamonds." the Dark Elf answered, "Once we're done, we'll send it to you."
The Redguard nodded at that, "200 Diamonds...alright, I didn't know it would cost that much, I don't have it on me and while I could borrow the money, I'd rather earn it...but I know how much it costs to have it done, so I'll be back with it to do so," shoving it back into the haven bag.
"Whatever you feel is the right thing to do, customer." the Dark Elf smiled.
The Redguard nodded, "Very well, I'll see you both soon," with that, he left the store, heading towards the academy...
Combat Academy
Lee Sin's class...
Once again the class was gathered in front of the instructor, most of the crew save for Yuriana and Recorder were there as well, as Lee sin got up from meditation.
"Well, it seems like it's time to begin." the blind monk turned his head, "The first thing to do, is to find the balance between power, and soul. Each of you possesses power, whether it's weak, or strong. However, no one has... a hold of it. It has control over you."
While the class was trying to figure out what he meant, the crew was also deep in thought over it, especially the Redguard who thought back on the events of their last contract, humming at that...
"While having pride over your powers is a good thing, it's a dangerous weapon." Lee Sin began to walk between the trainees, "A lot of pride can give birth to arrogance, and arrogance is a sign that you lost against your powers... that you're unworthy to have them."
Traysek rubbed his chin at that, 'That makes sense, lose control of your power, lose control of yourself...been there, done that...' slightly shivering.
"One shouldn't feel shame, nor fear, either." Lee Sin continued, "One needs to be wary of himself, as one day, he can hurt others that are dear to him before regretting it. This is why, you need to learn how to disconnect yourselves from your powers, to set a barrier on how much you truly need, and not exceed your limit."
The crew glanced amongst themselves as the class began to murmur about the lesson, Lucien raising an eyebrow at the Redguard.
"Do you know what he means by this lesson...?" He whispered.
"Almost...we're bound to find out in a minute..." Traysek whispered back in a low tone.
"Now, you'll all begin with a meditation exercise to cut yourselves from your power." Lee Sin said, "Once everyone can do it, we can advance to fighting with your Life Force."
The class soon sat in meditation poses, the crew also seated as the captain had a perplexed expression while doing so...
'Fight with only lifeforce...? This almost sounds like the life foci gauntlets from Spellsiphoning...but I can tell this is different...' A smile on his features, 'If I can master this way of fighting...I won't HAVE to depend on the thu'um or even my magic all that much...even better, I'll be able to spring it as a surprise if I do it right...' closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
"Even if it would be a hard thing to do, you won't regret that decision." Lee Sin continued, "After all, a humble soul is stronger than a proud one."
Even though the men of the crew remained in meditation, they felt that one, especially the captain...having a quick flashback of the end of their last contract, causing a small sweat bead to appear on his cheek.
'Stronger than pride...huh...I'm beginning to wonder...' he mentally questioned, until he shook it out, 'No no no, focus... separate from your power first, then question that...' focusing on disconnecting himself from magic, taking a relaxing breath.
"No matter how you feel about your powers, you need to throw the in a crate and lock it up." Lee Sin continued to walk, "Fight any temptation and show to yourselves that you're capable of fighting anything with your strength, the strength without magic, and know what the real you can do."
Traysek remained still, breathing in and out, as he felt his magic and power dim more and more as he pulled his spirit away..eventually he could no longer sense magic nor could he generate it, indicating the magic disconnection, 'Can't feel anyone's power now...or even my own...weird...' frowning at himself, 'This feels...strange...I feel...dimmed in a way...'
Lucien was also working on that, focusing on pulling away from his magicka, having a harder time with it after getting used to feeling magic, however when he felt the pull off his back, he could no longer sense or generate magic either...
"Once you're disconnected with your powers, the barrier between your soul and your body, you'd be able to reconnect them as they were to be, to be able to use more than the limited amount of your true strength." Lee Sin walked to the front before stopping, "Of course, there could be a backlash, but it will be proof that the connection was established."
The lightheadedness of separating from his magic was beginning to die down along with the dim feeling, making the Redguard frown, 'Wasn't kidding about the backlash, head felt real light earlier...'
"Whatever you do, don't accept the feeling of void, you need to feel it with your own body, let it be the basis of your connection between your soul and your body." Lee Sin added.
With that said, most of the class continued with meditation, Traysek feeling out his senses without the extra magic, as Inigo and Erik continued the exercise.
"Enforce to your body, which was dependent on powers to stay alive, that it can survive with its own strength. After all, a human body is fully resilient and can surprise anyone." Lee Sin looked at a Dark Elf who was in a deep meditation before saying, "Looks like someone is doing it."
Once again, the crew along with the class were now in deep meditation, the Redguard having no thoughts as he focused on his power, feeling a large wall between him and his spirit and yet, could reactivate the magic at any time...for Lucien, it was harder locking that focus in and keeping his power separate from himself, feeling it trying to return...Inigo and Erik were still unmoving in meditation as well, but whether or not they managed remained uncertain...
Meanwhile, back at the house...
After taking a shower, the Redhead woman now stood in front of a mirror with her hair completely covering her eyes, sighing as she picked up a pair of scissors, giving a strand of her hair a pinch...
'Sooner or later I would've had to do this...' she mentally groaned, beginning the haircut with the sounds of snipping...
At the gym...
Moiroy finished drawing a circle in the ground before it opened into a portal.
"I hope I'm not late...I had to get prepared for today," A familiar voice said from behind him.
"You're not." the Dark Elf replied, "I just finished setting the portal." he then turned to see her, "Seems like you prepared yourself."
Yuriana stood with a backpack and a loose tanktop with hiking shorts and boots with shortened hair to her neck, covering her left eye, "Yeah...after that last lesson, I think I know to dress lightly, especially if we're going to a jungle,"
"And you know that the point of those lessons is to make sure that you adapt yourself to survive in those environments, right?" Moiroy had a sweatdrop, "Besides, with all the humidity of the forest, your skin would be slippery no matter what."
She nodded, "Of course, I'm aware it's not going to stop that, but if the point of the lessons is to adapt, then what I've got on, should be more than practical, right?"
"Well, you know yourself better than I." the Dark Elf shrugged, "The place where we're going to is very humid."
"I can imagine, not the first I've been to, but this might be different..." She sighed, turning to him, "I'm ready to go when you are,"
"Well then, let's go." he then went through the portal.
She followed him into the portal, with it closing behind him...
Once they got out of the portal, they found themselves in a dense forest.
Yuriana was taken away at her surroundings, looking around, "It's...beautiful here...untouched even..." with a smile, "You picked a really good place,"
"This forest is near the North Sea." Moiroy pointed, "This side is safe from the Mana-Tigers. But, there would be some harmless creatures, as long as we don't annoy them."
At that time, a bird-like creature landed on a branch near them.
Yuri spotted the bird, frowning at the strange antlers it had, before chuckling, "This world's wildlife is...strange, pretty, but strange..."
"A Dream Owl, now those are very rare." Moiroy turned to look at the bird, "If one can earn its trust, fortune will fall on them. Maybe that you should try; don't be too pushy, and try to give him either fish or meat."
She thought about it, pulling off her backpack, "I...might have something for him, I packed a couple of things," pulling out, smoked venison, slowly and carefully approaching it, stopping before she got too close, "Hey there~ you're pretty, I've got something you might like," offering it to the bird.
The bird looked at her before slowly approaching her.
Yuri waited patiently as the bird eased its way to her, getting closer to her hand... but he quickly snatched it and flew to another branch to feast on it.
"Let's wait if he returns or no." Moiroy said, watching the bird eating the meat, "From what I heard, they can see the life of a person by eating what was given to them, as well as their true person."
When the bird finished, he looked back at Yuri before flying to her shoulder and began to purr while snuggling his head on her face.
"Aww~ I like you too," she cooed to it with a slight blush and smile, "Well, I guess that answers that question," chuckling at its face rubbing.
"If you intend to keep him, you need to see things with the Beast Protection Bureau." Moiroy stated, "They won't ban you from having him, or force you to fill papers and papers to keep it, but to make sure that you don't end up giving him, or her, an inappropriate name... also, make sure that you keep him away from anyone. Dream Owls may like one person, but if someone else tries to touch them... they'll become very aggressive."
Yuriana sweated at that, "Oh boy...I live with five other people, I'm going to have to let them know this, also this is the first I've heard of Beast Protection Bureau, I didn't know they had an order that protects animals like these back there," gently stroking the feathers on its cheek.
"They're also living beings, same as us." the Dark Elf replied, "Most of those who are there are those born with the gift to get a Battle Companion. That gift allows them to understand beasts and to see if they're under a mind-controlling spell."
Yuri thought on that, "I see...well, I know a couple of people who could control animals at will like that, just one of them on a much greater scale..." letting the dream owl play with her necklace, "But that's up to this little guy or girl, I'm not sure what the gender is here," thinking about it.
"That's why you should go there." Moiroy added, "Unless you want to get the gender wrong."
She shook her head, "I'd rather avoid that and anger my new friend here," giving the feathers on its neck a gentle stroke, "So...what's the exercise today? You picked a decent location for it," turning to Moiroy.
"Unlike last time, you will get wet no matter what you do, or what you are... unless you're an Effigy..." he looked around before adding, "We need to walk a little further in to get to the training spot."
Yuriana nodded, "Getting the sense of water...but alright, let's go,"
"Sometimes, your opponent can change your environment to his advantage... to his liking... that's why you need to learn how to fight in every possible environment." Moiroy explained, "Did you fight before in a freezing tundra?"
"Yeah, in fact, I come from a cold homeland, especially further north up in the province, and I can survive out there with less clothing too," Yuri admitted, "As a Nord, the cold doesn't slow me down,"
"I see... that means that we won't go to the Peak of Freol." Moiroy stated, "Which leaves fighting in a sandstorm and during an earthquake."
"I...I see..." Yuriana concurred, with a sweat drop, 'I guess I should be grateful he didn't shove me in a volcano instead,"
The Dark Elf continued to walk as the Dream Owl was purring as he slept on Yuri's shoulder.
Meanwhile with Recorder...
Once again, Record was looking for the same assassin from earlier at the same alley she vanished from, frowning as she didn't see her, 'Not seeing her, did I show up at the wrong place...?'
Someone pressed their shoulder on her back as a sharp point could be felt on her back, "You're open to assassination, petite fleur."
Recorder went wide-eyed, frozen, cutting her eye back, "Oh...were you tailing me...? I didn't know you were here..."
"L'art des assassins is more than following and killing, it's also studying your environment to manipulate whoever's trying to get you." the assassin replied, "'L'observation recueille les faits ; la réflexion les combine ; l'expérience vérifie le résultat de la combinaison.' which means you must learn how to observe, think, and conclude the result."
Record nodded, feeling the object withdraw from her back, "I can get behind that, also, that felt like a hidden blade on me just now, is that what that was?" with a raised eyebrow.
Évelyne showed Recorder her wrist as a small blade came out, "Very useful for stealthy assassinations."
"I'm...familiar with them, just not from here, another place had them too, " Recorder pointed out, looking at them.
"Do you have one?" the assassin asked.
Record shook her head, "No, I've been using swords, daggers and in some cases, a rifle for most of those jobs...but I've always wanted a pair, it'd be more convenient than to draw out a weapon in broad daylight,"
"Well, I do have two spares in case the one I have breaks." Évelyne went in deep thought, "Tell you what; if you manage to become a good assassin, I'll give you one. Might be a little heavier than the one given by the Masters in the Île-de-France brotherhood, since the brotherhood of Compté de Foix wasn't the brightest at the time I was there."
Recorder thought about it, nodding "Alright! You got yourself a deal!" She agreed with a smile, "So, on that note, what's today's lesson?"
"I wonder, should I go find your man to throw you both in an empty room." Évelyne said with a smug, "That is if you can 'Take' him in."
Record sighed deeply, "No...that won't be necessary, and I think after what you did yesterday, I'm sure he's expecting that...And it's not like we don't get enough of that from the others back home..."
"You're no fun..." the assassin seemed disappointed, "Anyways, today, you're going to find a list of targets." she then handed her a piece of paper, you have six hours. Good Luck."
Recorder took the list, "Thank you, I'll get this done, but if these are targets within the city...wouldn't I be crossing the dark blades?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I just asked you to find them." Évelyne had a huge sweatdrop, "Why would I ask you to harm people?"
Record also Sweatdropped, "Okay, from where I'm standing, it sounded like a kill list at first...but I digress, what do I do once I find them?"
Évelyne smirked at that, "Then... you'd have to find me."
Recorder blinked twice, shaking her head, "Now I'm wishing I brought eagle vision glasses, no luck finding anyone without them...maybe I can finally learn it here..." slightly chuckling, "I'll get started on this now, take care, Mentor," with a bow before turning and leaving the alleyway.
Meanwhile, back at Lee Sin's class...
The class was now past the meditation phase, awaiting the next lesson, some taking time to adjust from putting a wall up on their magic, others had none, connecting to their life force was easier...it was now time for the next part of it.
"Now, try to connect your body... to the ground." the blind monk said.
The students began to adjust their chi into the ground, as for the four men, this new power was still strange to them, especially for the non-magic users...
Traysek was first in connecting his lifeforce to the ground, manipulating it into the ground as felt himself gain energy back from the ground, 'Interesting...so that's how that works...' watching a strange energy wash over him.
Lucien was next, also managing to link his newfound chi into the ground, before feeling merged with the ground, 'Feels like I'm part of the floor now and yet...it doesn't...' looking at the thin aura going over him.
As for the other two, it took them a couple of tries, Inigo finally managed to connect his to the ground after three attempts...As for Erik, it took several until he got it, sighing in relief after.
"By the gods...I didn't think I'd get that down..." He groaned, getting a chuckle from the khajiit.
"Eh, it was a bit challenging until I had to treat it like I would magic, it only took me three tries," Inigo pointed out, turning to the other two, "What about you my friends?"
Traysek shrugged, "Wasn't hard for me to do, I'm used to manipulating energy, just applied that with this,"
"Same here, once you learn how to control magic, moving any energy flow is easy..." Lucien added, "Gotta say this feels good but strange..."
"Now, you can see without your eyes. That's one of the many things that your Chi can do. Of course, everything comes to a cost as you sacrifice your own life force to achieve it." Lee Sin explained, "To fight with it, might be difficult as it eats according to your level of life force."
The Redguard hummed in thought, 'Makes sense, you'd eventually run out if kept going, much like the life foci gauntlets, has the same result from overuse...'
"The more you spend on one attack, the more powerful it becomes." Lee Sin tightened his hand as it began to glow, "However, spend too much, and your body can get hurt."
Inigo thought on this, his excitement on a fence with worry, 'So it'll take so practice to use...wonder if there is a way to extend lifeforce so this doesn't burn us out...'
"Never overestimate yourself; a mortal body has limits. Going the limits... can do permanent damage that can't be repaired." Lee Sin added.
'Good to know, I probably won't use this too much, but in the case that I'll have to...I'll be able to,' Erik nodded to himself, throwing a punch, noting the aura trail it left.
Lucien frowned upon that, 'Interesting...well I still have magic to fall back to, thank goodness for that, wondering if healing magic could reverse the effects of Chi,'
"I'm sure that some of you are wondering if you can use magic to heal yourself... and the answer is; if it could, I would have my eyes." Lee Sin turned and began to walk.
There were a series of gulps, including one from the imperial himself, 'Well that answers that question...gods...assuming I'll be using it, one will have to be careful in its use...' cutting his eye towards his captain, who was throwing kicks and punches, leaving crimson aura trails.
Traysek stopped at the last punch, sighing, looking at the glow on his hands, ' Powerful, it's even leaving behind trails, I doubt I'll ever have that worry, but seeing as it took his eyes away...it's not something to depend on...' he mused.
"Why don't I show you how it's done?" Lee Sin said, "Any volunteer?"
The class wondered who would go, as three of the men glanced at their boss, getting an eye-roll from him.
"Let me guess..." The Redguard began with, sighing, "You want me to go up there, don't you?"
"Well..." Erik chuckled, "Either you or Lucien, but I doubt he can take the hits,"
Lucien shook his head, "Not for too long, no..."
"Eh, I'll go, we did kinda leave the boss to Shibukawa last time, I can take a hit, and besides, despite how I feel about magic, I'm interested in learning this," Inigo grinned, before raising his hand, "I offer to volunteer!"
"Good, but try to not use those potions that you have. It will break the reason why you're here." Lee Sin smiled as the Khajiit made his way forward.
The blue Khajiit's ears flopped down, frowning, "H-how did you know I even had those...?"
'The better question is, does he know we ALL have some on us...?' Traysek thought, with a sweatdrop.
"I may have lost my eyes, but I'm not that blind." Lee Sin stood a few meters away from the blind monk with his hands behind his back.
Inigo nodded, "Fair enough, so what am I doing?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Try to defeat me." was the response given.
The khajiit loudly gulped, earning a few chuckles from the class, glancing at the others of the crew, finding them with their arms crossed and smirking, "I uh..."
"Oh no, Brojiit, this is all you," Traysek snickered, "Good luck my friend, remember, no potions," his grin widened.
"You got this Inigo!" Erik chipped in for support.
Lucien nodded, "Indeed, you are a man amongst...well khajiit men, you've got this!"
'You're all just saying that because you all KNOW I'm going to get my furry cheeks blasted...!' Inigo mentally cursed, eyebrow twitching, before looking back at Lee Sin, giving a bow, "Very well, I will try..." taking a stance with his claws extended.
"I'm waiting." Lee Sin didn't move, or get into a stance.
The khajiit took a deep breath, before rushing towards Lee sin, delivering a powerful punch, aimed at his chest.
Lee Sin simply rotated his body at the last moment, giving place for the fist to go forward.
Inigo's eyes went wide with shock, 'W-what...?' stopping himself from going more forward by stomping on his heels, before turning with a powerful kick, leaving a blue contrail, which got evaded, before moving in a flurry of cobalt claw strikes.
Traysek watched the battle, observing how easily Lee sin was evading him, 'He can't get a single blow in and I know for a fact had it been anyone else, at least one out of many of those claw strikes would hit with how fast he's throwing them...'
"That's good." Lee Sin commented as he continued to evade all the attacks, "But you need to improve." he then waited for the right opening before placing a palm on the Khajiit's chest and letting a Chi ball throw the Khajiit away.
The three men of the crew were in shock, as they watched the khajiit land after flying across the classroom...
Lucien gulped, "Is he going to be...?"
Traysek waved him off, "He's alright, it takes more than that to hurt him," nodding his head towards the downed khajiit sitting up.
"Still, what kind of ball was that? it wasn't magic," Erik added in, "If we get good at controlling this...Chi, are we going to be able to do that too?"
"Only time and practice can tell that one Erik, but one thing's for certain, it's nothing to sneeze at," The Redguard whistled.
Inigo shook off the dizzyness he felt in his head, standing up "Ugh...by the gods...that was...amazing! Was that ball that made of chi?" with a bright grin.
"It is." Lee Sin nodded, "It helps to track someone even if they evade a strike."
The blue khajiit frowned, but nodded, "I understand, I've got plenty to work on getting this chi down, thank you for the opportunity," giving Lee a bow and returning to the rest of his friends, getting a shoulder tap from Erik.
"For now you're all free to practice in any way and anywhere you want." the blind monk said, "After all; to have balance, one needs to be in peace."
The class all bowed, as the lesson came to an end...
Outside of the class...
After the lesson, the four men of the crew were now seated at a table, once again figuring out what they were going to do...
"Nice attempt Inigo, but he's right, going aggressive like that all the time, takes away from being careful," Traysek pointed out to him.
The khajiit sighed, "I know, my friends, I'm usually better at the bow than I am with my claws, I didn't think for a second I was getting anywhere there,"
"Ah Inigo, don't feel bad chum, look at it like this, we learned how to manipulate Chi today, that's a plus..." Lucien chimed in with.
Erik grinned, "And no to mention it probably could be used in many other ways as well, this is something we can use the next time in case someone hits us with another magic distorter..."
"I see what you mean, but at the same time..." Inigo trailed off, getting a nod from the Redguard.
"Yeah, blindness and and that's just the tip on that iceberg..." The Redguard sighed, "Using this, you'll need to be careful, which means we'll have to develop a way to use it...without it killing us...but until then, refrain from using Chi, only use it if the situation requires as such...because of those risks involved,"
"So no Chi use until we get a better handle on it, got it," Lucien nodded, "I think we can all agree with that...so where's everybody going after this?"
"I'm going back to the house for some personal training until it's time for Gronik's lessons, I'll need to strengthen my thu'um, but luckily that only takes meditation..." Traysek informed.
"Okay, and you guys?" the imperial asked, turning to Erik and Inigo.
"Eh, I'll do what I've been doing, take the archery and tracking classes, I'm passing those classes..." Inigo grinned.
Erik had a puzzled look on his face, "I guess I'll just take the defense courses I've been going through, it's been helping so far... No luck like the boss and girls in finding someone yet..."
"It'll come," The Redguard assured, standing up and stretching, "Just gotta be at the right place and time...eventually someone will see you or they won't, if they don't, just keep working on yourself, we've only got a few days left anyway," smirking, "Especially when you're trying to look cool for Zephyr~"
At this, the Nord was stammering, "I-I uh...um..." getting the three other men to chuckle at him.
Traysek snickered at his red face, waving him off, "Either way, I'll see you guys at dinner, take care," before leaving the combat academy...
Back in the jungle...
Both Yuriana and Moiroy finally arrived at the area he was talking about, an old temple surrounded by water and hidden within the jungle, making her frown, 'What kind of place is this...?' she mentally questioned.
"Well, we're here." the Dark Elf walked to a strange area where there were resting areas around a terrace submerged in water, "This is where we'll train."
Yuri gave her surroundings a good overall look, "What kind of temple was this...?" noticing the damages around, "And...what happened here? looks like it got hit,"
"This was an active pilgrimage temple of the Earthmother." Moiroy answered, "It was set by the tribe of the general as a way to welcome us, Dark Elves, as followers of the Earthmother. Both races worked hand in hand to make this temple, and it was also used by fighters to train for the war; a humid area like this can help in learning to have a sharp blade without rusting it, and for wrestlers like me to adapt to layers on an enemy. As for what happened... it was a surprise attack led by the Holy Knights of Feoh using a fleet to attack from the north, and from what I heard, a lot of civilians lost their lives."
Yuriana frowned deeply, nearly scowling, "Them again? What has the holy army not destroyed...to know they did it to a sacred place like this...no respect at all..." shaking her head, "It's...kinda sad and tragic when you think about it..."
"This place is the lucky one..." there was a long sigh, "Other temples dedicated to the gods that protect this world were completely annihilated."
"Gods...I can't imagine all the chaos caused during the time..." She sighed, "Still this is a wonderful place you've picked, might have to come back someday when we're done here today,"
"My family trained here." Moiroy stated, "They were among the best wrestlers, but I'm the one who was born to be the best."
Yuriana nodded, "So your training started here, nice~ did you ever go pro with it?"
"I was a soldier, and I fought first in the front lines." Moiroy said before adding, "I forgot how many enemies I broke in pieces... but that's behind me now."
Yuri blinked twice at that, I...see...I was wondering if you had gone pro in wrestling, but I guess that answered that question," she chuckled.
"We were, and still are at war." Moiroy pointed out, "There wasn't any time for entertainment."
"Very true, even though they've got arenas back at the city, I can understand there not being time either," Yuri concurred, stroking the feathers of the owl, "On that note, I'm ready to get started," taking off her backpack.
"Well, your skin should be wet enough." Moiroy turned to her, "This time, I'll fight too, to show you how it's done."
She nodded and took her new offensive stance, "Alright then, I'm ready when you are," as the owl flew off of her, heading to the nearest branch, watching them.
Moiroy quickly rushed and grabbed her by the wrist, but the way that she was grabbed was weird as she found herself lifted and going up before falling in his arms as he caught her.
"I hope that you understand what just happened," he asked, putting her down.
Yuri slowly nodded, "Just like yesterday, you launched me before grabbing and tossing me, quick throws, I remember," standing up.
"Not really." Moiroy sighed, "I lightly grabbed your wrist and then twisted my grip while tightening it, this way, layers could be removed, and then threw you."
She raised an eyebrow, "A light grab is what you used? I thought that would be the worst idea, given the moist skin and all, wow..."
"Compared to last time, the layers aren't formed using your body, but by the air around, that means that once the layer is removed, it won't be back if you keep your hand on the skin," Moiroy explained.
Yuri thought on that, "Interesting...so if I start with a hard grip, I won't get anywhere, and quick throws, were for endless saturation...okay, getting today's lesson now, I have to try to grab past those layers then..." taking her stance once more.
"If you understand, then try to do it," Moiroy stated.
Yuriana took a deep breath, and rushed forward, giving the same shoulder rush, before ending up at his side, going for a light grab on his wrist, and twisting and locking the hold, 'So that's how that works, I wonder...' she mused, pulling him in for a throw, attempting to use her leg as leverage.
"You got the technique, not bad." Moiroy nodded, unmoving.
She grinned, but was still unable to throw him, once again, being picked up and tossed away, landing in the water, "Nice to know...wishing I could do the other part..." sighing, getting back up.
"You're a quick learner." the Dark Elf observed, "But you seem to forget that I'm blessed by the Earthmother. Anyways, thanks to yesterday's training, you already had a small idea about dealing with layers of water on a body."
Yuri blinked at that, thinking about her accomplishments thus far, "Yeah...yeah you're right, I did learn how to do it, I may not be able to throw you but I can't say the same for anyone else," nodding at it with a grin slowly growing, "Okay then, I'd still like to get the grip down, without trying to throw, but I did have questions afterward about this place," looking around, "It does hold a lot of history here, despite how it ended up," furrowing her brow at the damage from a cannonball.
"This was the first temple of the Earthmother." Moiroy took a seat on a fallen pillar, "Priestesses and Elemental Priestesses were formed here, Elemental Magic was mastered here as it was the only place that allowed us to get a real connection with the Elemental Planes. After a while, a village was built by the Dark Elves nearby, and people there came to learn Farming Magic. For each sanctuary, protectors were needed; the first Kletzkrieg, who was named caomhnóirí an domhain (Earth Guardians), were formed to be the ultimate defensive fighters, that's why we need a specific blessing from the Earthmother; the Elemental Soldiers Blessing. Most Dark Elves nearly died because their bodies weren't strong enough to hold that power. Only a few could, but things as more Dark Elves grew stronger and stronger. But there's one Dark Elf who was so strong that she was in a league of her own... the Ravenous Dark Lightning. She was the first Deathbringer." he took a deep breath before continuing, "Her victories got the eyes of the surviving High Elves who didn't flee to the East, and they joined us. After some time, the High Elves began to call the caomhnóirí an domhain as the Kletzkrieg, which means 'Those who fight wars' in their native tongue. After a while, we discovered the existence of other Gods, and their connection to the Earthmother... but before that we could study them more... the Holy Knights attacked from the north, slaying any man and taking the women." there was something in his eyes as he said, "And there, the wrath of the Earthmother helped us to fight them off."
Yuriana slowly nodded, understanding, "I...wow...good to know I was right about the history...and here I thought we had met the first back at Ulak, gods...So...what happened to that Deathbringer? Did she survive the battle? because I'm hearing past tense when you mention her..." furrowing her brow.
"She's still alive." Moiroy nodded, "But she hides her face due to a scar that she received in a battle."
"I see, so she's still around, alright that question's been answered," She nodded, "As for scarred faces, I work for somebody with half his face like that, but he doesn't care if people stare...maybe he's the weird one...or just unashamed..." shrugging, taking a deep breath, "But at least I know the history here, it almost seems like it was here things started and not at the black fortress given how old this temple is,"
"This temple is indeed old... but he wasn't there at first." Moiroy pointed, "From what I know, it started in the City called Nebula; a Dark Elven city. Many slavers were captured and then killed... but the humans saw this as an opportunity to use the power of the Goddess Reborn against us."
"You know, from what I've seen of that power, It doesn't seem all that impressive, at the most, it's just watered-down holy magic," Yuriana sighed, "Not sure how they got one over you guys with how strong your blessings are, lest they did something cowardly to win, then that would explain things..."
"Actually, some knights dwelled into Dark and Blood Magic." the Dark Elf replied, "Not to mention the body modifications they went through just to equal some races."
Yuri frowned upon that, "I wouldn't have figured that, so they holy knights that sling more than just Celestine magic huh? well, that makes this interesting then...and you said body modifications? Are we talking about magic augments, or them etching bits and pieces of other races to earn that power...? I'm praying it's not the second,"
"From what I heard... it might be internal organs as it can help them in controlling more powerful magic... but I'm not sure." Moiroy narrowed his eyes, "There's more to it, that, I'm sure of it."
"I'm certain on that as well, getting the feeling this a group of them with it," Yuri concluded, "They have a name? that seems kinda...elite, compared to what we've seen,"
Moiroy took a deep breath and responded with, "It's been quite a while since I was outside... but I remember the name 'The First Dawn' popping up from time to time"
"Okay...so that's the name of their group or close to it, Are there any other groups we should be wary of as well besides them?" She asked, now curious.
"Only three that I know of; the assassins of the Order of Light, the mercenaries of the Silver Axe band, and the Inquisitors," Moiroy answered.
Yuri nodded at the mentions of them, "A group of assassins and mercenaries not tied to the dogs, that'll be something to look out for, certainly, as for the inquisitors, we've bested one already, Eh...Horak I believe? had this strange staff on him even,"
"He was only one of four." Moiroy stated, "There are two others and the High Inquisitor. Their ranks allow them to call in their service anyone they want as long as they're affiliated with the church."
She thought about that, frowning, "Huh, three more...well, if we ran into one by accident, we're bound to run into the others one of these days...let's hope we're strong enough to deal with them when that time comes,"
"Whatever happens, don't let the High Inquisitor capture one of you alive." Moiroy warned, "There's no worse thing than that... especially with how she is..."
Yuri slowly nodded, "Noted...doesn't sound like someone anyone would want to be caught by..." thinking back on the fort, "Especially knowing how they could end up..."
"For some reason, she appears to have the abilities and skills of some people who disappeared." after taking a deep breath, Moiroy added, "I believe that she has something that allows her to take or copy abilities... but that's all that we know about her."
"Interesting...probably a device or ritual that allows that to be done..." The Redhead concluded, "It'll be something to see if get that chance to...maybe then we'll be able to make sense of it..." with a nod, "That said, I would like to continue with the lesson unless we're done for the day?"
"That was the lesson." the Dark Elf looked at her, "And you learned it rather quickly compared to others I trained with."
She chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck, "It's...not the first time I've gone through this kind of training, I learned how to fight from my older sister...who's still stronger than me when comes to our powers...but it was through her I learned how to fight, and then traveling around with my friends too...so a bit of both,"
"A family is the greatest treasure there is." Moiroy got up before adding, "Losing just one... can be a devastation to us..."
Yuriana somberly nodded, "Yeah...I know what you mean..." Thinking back on something, looking away...
"I think that we dwelled in the past for a long enough time..." Moiroy sighed, "Ready to get back?"
She nodded, "Yeah, we can head back and besides," turning to the dream owl, "I can bring him with me to this agency to get him as a companion..." giving a whistle, causing the owl to flock to her shoulder, nuzzling under her chin.
Moiroy nodded before using his magma rock hand to draw a rune in the air that formed a portal.
After the portal was created, they both walked into it, closing it behind them...
Elsewhere...back in the city...
Recorder was scouring the rooftops searching for her list of people, now in the kitsune's district, watching the guards below patrol the streets... 'A bit out in force are we...? must be how they manage security here...' checking the list, 'Alright...who to find first?'
The name written was Ue Takemoto.
She raised an eyebrow, 'Ue Takemoto...Kitsune...okay, now if I had a face to match the name, this would be so much easier...' scanning the area with binoculars...
There were a few Onis among the Kitsunes, as well as some humans and racoon-like people.
Record scanned the crowds, sighing and putting the binoculars away, 'Won't be able to track him or her from up here, looks it's down into the streets...' making her way down the building...
Once she was down at street level, Recorder began to wander the district, wondering if she should ask around or not...
She noticed that everyone there was speaking the same language, even the humans.
Record frowned upon hearing it, 'I recognize the language...so most folks around here speak Japanese...okay...not too sure how fluent I still am in that...doesn't mean I can't try...' looking around for someone to speak to.
A lot of the civilians were either busy transporting bags over their backs, talking with one another, or training using wooden weapons.
'Even the culture similar here to it...if this is what we're expecting in rad, it might be worth visiting,' Recorder noted, until she spotted a couple, a male Oni and female kitsune talking on a bench, making her grin, 'Bingo... let's see if they know who this Ue person is...' heading towards them.
The two were talking until they noticed Recorder approaching, making the Oni raise an eyebrow.
"Excuse me...? I'm looking for an Ue Takemoto, was wondering if you knew anything about them," Recorder asked with a bow.
"Nah, never heard of 'em." the Oni shook his head, same as the Kitsune.
She sighed with a nod, "I see, I apologize, have a good day," Giving them a bow, before she left, pondering on where or how to find the first name, 'Well that didn't work out so well...this place is huge, I'm sure people don't know everyone here...I probably try eavesdropping, that works too...'
After a while, the only thing that she got was that Takemoto was an important family in Rad.
'A half hour has gone by since I started my search and all I got was that the name was an important one...dammit...at this point, I'm not going to find them before the hour's up...' She mentally groaned, her stomach rumbling, 'Hmm...getting upset isn't going to do me any good, and it's not like I can't take a minute to eat...' looking around, 'Now...which restaurant to go to...?'
There were a lot of restaurants with various food scents coming from them.
She took a deep whiff, grinning like an idiot, 'Looks like I've got plenty to choose from, especially the BBQ smell I'm picking up," taking another, a realization hitting her, 'Wait...not just BBQ...that's Teriyaki...fried too, I know that sweet smell anywhere...Think I found my spot...' heading towards the restaurant emitting it.
Once inside, she was met by an Oni cook behind the counter.
"Welcome." he greeted with a smile.
Record smiled back, "Hello~ I'll take a couple of sticks of your fried teriyaki with the sweet sauce, please!"
"Of course." the Oni answered as he began the preparation.
Meanwhile, a young Kitsune was sweeping the floor with a broom.
She waited awhile, taking in the area around her, many people, human, oni, and Kitsune ate there with their families, and a few kids laughing with their parents... After five minutes, the chef handed her what she ordered...
"There you go, okyakusama. (Dear customer)" the Oni responded.
Recorder nodded, paying with a ruby, "Arigato~" she thanked, dipping one of the sticks into the sauce and taking a bite, "Mmm! That's a taste I can't get tired of," taking another bite.
As she was eating, she noticed a strange kanji on the back of the Kitsune boy who was sweeping.
Record frowned at the logo, downing the food with tea, turning to the chef, "Excuse me? I'm not really from around here, but...what's the kanji symbol mean?" nudging toward the kid.
"It's the crest of the fallen house of the Takemoto clan." the chef answered.
Her eyes went wide at that, "Fallen house...? That's...wow that's sad...so who's the kid?" raising an eyebrow.
"The last surviving member; Ue Takemoto." responded the chef.
At that she nearly choked, having to down a bit of the tea to help it go down, before regaining composure, ""O-oh...I see, that's just...tragic, I heard that name come up a bit on my way here, damn..." sighing, taking a bite.
"Is something wrong?" the Oni asked.
"Nope! Everything's ok, especially the food," She grinned, dipping the stick in the sauce.
"Well, I hope that you're enjoying the food." the chef smiled before getting back to his cooking while talking with another customer.
She kept her smile, while pulling out the list and put a checkmark next to the first name, 'One down, five more to go...now let's see...There's another here in this District...Kotone Mochi...and he's an oni, means he might be here, somewhere, no luck running into that same stroke of luck in the same place though,"
"Mochi-dono!" a male Oni entered, greeting the chef, "How're you doing?!"
"Tanaka-sama." the chef bowed slightly, "It's nice to see you again here."
Record froze mid-way at putting away the list, blinking twice, before glancing at him and checking the name on the list, 'Oh my god, they were actually in the same place, If these were kill contracts, I would've gotten a 2 for 1...'
"How's your daughter?" the newcomer asked.
"Kotone-chan is enjoying her time at the dojo." the chef replied, "She does come to help from time to time, but I'd rather let her live her life."
Record nearly finished her food, putting away the list, 'Check that...two down, four more to go...'
Meanwhile back at the House of wings...
Once again, Traysek was in the backyard of the house, only this time, he was in constant meditation, unmoving as the dragon aura flowed around him in a gold and crimson light, taking a relaxing breath...the trees vibrating as he did so...
With his head cleared, he sat there as the sky got darker and darker...eventually, nightfall arrived and a ring came from his house, causing him to slowly open his eyes, the gold and crimson auras fading... He looked up and noticed it was darker than when he first started, 'it's gotten dark...been out here that long huh...? no wonder I'm hearing the stone go off...must be time now...' standing up and heading inside...
Back inside, he threw his crimson tunic back on and answered the calling stone, "Hello? Traysek speaking,"
"You have ten minutes to get here." it was Gronik's voice, "I can only spare you 30 minutes of training, so be quick."
"Very well, where am I meeting you, your office?" The Redguard asked with a frown.
A knock was heard on the door as Gronik said, "I sent some people to get you to my house."
Traysek turned to the door, "And they're right on cue, I'll see you when I get there," hanging up the calling stone.
He went to the door and opened it... and was greeted by two guards; one a male Minotaur, and the other a Beegirl.
He smiled at them, "Ah yes, Lord Gronik told me you'd be coming, stepping out and closing the door, locking it with the key, "I'm ready now, take me to him," with a nod.
They nodded and headed away.
At the Golden Hand District...
After passing by several houses, the trio of people finally arrived at a large manor, standing in front of the door. Traysek whistled at the size of it, nodding...
'Not bad old timer, this manor's pretty nice looking...' he mentally complimented, watching one of the guards head up to the door.
After they knocked, a Dark Elf maid opened the door, "Yes? How can I help you?"
Traysek gave a slight bow, "Good evening, I'm Traysek and I'm here for Lord Gronik, I'm expected,"
"Of course, follow me." she then guided him through the house.
The dark elf led him through the house to the backyard, the Redguard found an open field with a stone walkway, near both sides of the walls littered with target boards, benches, and training dummies, one of them in the middle, which Gronik happened to be standing next to, not facing them...
She gave him a bow, as the Redguard gave one back, heading back to her duties...
Now alone with him, Traysek frowned as it appeared that the older man was holding something, but he couldn't quite see... "Gronik? Hey, I've made it, didn't take long either," he greeted.
"We don't have that much time." he then created some sort of weapon made of a strange material and threw it at the Dragonborn, "First, I want to assess your abilities with a sword."
Traysek inspected the strange sword for a second, furrowing his brow at how light it felt, nodding, "Okay, I figured that was coming up..." taking his stance, keeping the blade in one hand and out, while the other was in front of him, "I'm ready anytime...!"
Gronik two-handed his weapon and said, "Come."
The Redguard took a deep breath, before quickly closing the distance with a quick dash, going for a powerful lunge with both hands.
the Imperial moved out of the way before lightly touching his shoulder before jumping away, "Not bad for a start."
Traysek blinked twice, sighing with a smirk, watching the latter land away from him, before he twirled the sword in his hand, taking a low aggressive stance with the blade held up, dashing at the imperial and rising with an outward slash.
"Impressive." Gronik evaded the attack before touching Traysek again.
The Redguard nearly stumbled, catching himself and getting back into stance, 'Again...not sure how he's doing that tapping with him holding the blade, but the point is being made here...' taking a calming breath, popping and rolling his shoulders, 'I'm coming off too stiff...way too stiff...I have to be more fluid, at least enough to get him to block with his sword...' he mused while popping his joints, taking a more relaxed stance, slowly easing his way over to Gronik, starting with an overhead slash, which was ducked, although this time the Redguard didn't stop his attempt, going for double slash, missing one, but closing the distance with the next...
"Could use a bit more finesse, but I'm impressed at how skilled you are." Gronik seemed to have moved quicker than normal, "Seems like I got your fighting style... not the kind to be mixed with Akavir style since it can unbalance it. But, there are other ways to do it... like the Grand Champion Style, created and perfected by the Grand Champion of the Arena, Kallan."
The Redguard paused, feeling his hands go a bit numb, "Seriously? And here I thought differently," chuckling, glancing back up after thinking about it, "Grand Champion style?" I didn't know she had invented her own during those pit fights, now I'm intrigued," with a grin.
"Her fighting style is wilder than you think." Gronik replied, "No one could predict her moves."
Traysek whistled out loud, "I see...so it's wild and unpredictable...okay then, how much time do we have left?" he asked
"We still have 20 minutes." Gronik replied, "You'd better be prepared for the most intense training that you'd have."
Traysek nodded, with a determined grin, "I expect that, I'm ready whenever you are..."
Gronik summoned some sort of automaton and said, "Try to defeat this creature. Do not fret, it won't attack, but you'll have one minute."
The Redguard frowned at the machine, which just only stared back at him, making him nod, "Alright, seems simple enough," taking his stance before giving a quick wide slice, striking the automaton hard, but barely leaving a scratch, making him frown, "What...?" before he swung hard again, this time downwards, attempting to cleave it, it left a small mark this time, but nothing too damaging...
"It's very strong." Gronik pointed, "Cleared an entire fort filled with bandits and could still fight three ogres and two minotaurs back in Cyrodill."
Traysek furrowed his brow, "That's...impressive... the only time I heard of a machine like that, was the numidium...there was one even in Skyrim but...I had to scrap it..." before giving another hard quick swing, this time leaving a long thin scratch, 'Okay...looks like randomly whacking this thing isn't doing me any good, but from the looks of it, I'm starting to leave scratches...I wonder...' taking a calming breath, 'Never failed me before...but lets see if I can still do this blow...' he thought out, taking a swing, having it bounce off, before giving another outward swing, it bouncing off as well...however, the more he hit it, the more the force he built up, the scratches getting deeper and denser on his fifth swing...
The machine only continued to stare at the Dragonborn, unmoving.
The Redguard gave a sixth swing, going upward this time, scoring a much deeper as the force, had finally built up in his hand, gripping the blade and giving the hardest downswing he could muster, a thundering boom rang out along with a large gust of wind when the blow connected...
Even with all the damage it took, the machine was still standing and staring at Traysek.
The Redguard huffed, 'Damn...even that couldn't finish it...and that was my strongest blow...' he thought out, looking at all damage on it, spotting a deep but small crack on its shoulder, 'Wait...if that blow made a crack like that...maybe I CAN break this thing before time's up...the key isn't to hit this thing into oblivion...I'll never get anywhere with that...but if I targeted that crack with enough force...maybe then...' building up the same charge once again, by quickly striking around it scoring hits on the heavier armor, but not caring as the force was slowly building up once again in the blade, once he reached the sixth slash, he went for the same strike again, but this time as he came downward with that force, he gripped with two hands, smashing straight into the crack, before smashing straight through it, leaving a large deep cut.
The machine stood for a few more moments before disappearing, "Time's up, and it was still standing."
Traysek now out of breath after pulling off that burst twice, panting with a hard frown, "What...the...hell...is that automaton made out of...?"
"To be honest, I don't know." the Imperial answered, "This summon is one of the spells that I got from the Astral Plane. Not among the strongest, but it's there."
The Redguard whistled, "Wow...and I thought the summons I had were impressive..." frowning at the realization, "But for some reason, I'm getting the feeling, you weren't expecting me to break it,"
"I wanted to see how well you are with your weapon." Gronik stated, "And it was impressive. Well, from now on, you'll face some serious summons, so you'd better be ready."
Traysek chuckled, "Well if they're going to be as durable as that summon, I'll have some work cut out for me..."
"First thing would be 30 bandits." a dark magic was cast as thirty armed bandits with Daedric, Ebony, and Dwemer weapons and armors appeared, "Good luck." he then cast an invisibility spell.
Before The Redguard could even voice his concern, the bandits had started charging towards him, prompting him to take his stance, ducking under the first swing from the dwemer bandit, blasting him a torrent of lightning before finishing him with a slash to the neck, turning around and discharging a fireball at a group of them, taking a few out with the explosion, more still oncoming...
Traysek grinned, blocking the downward swing from the dual-wielding ebony bandit, gritting his teeth and breaking the guard, giving a slash to his leg, which brought the ebony bandit down...The Redguard then grabbed him by the head and jammed the sword into the back of the neck, ripping it and kicking the bandit away, blocking the oncoming blow from the battle ax bandit, making him stumble back slightly.
While being hidden, Gronik watched Traysek fight with a smirk, 'He has a lot of potential. He might be the one who can bear her fighting style... I'll make sure that he can do it.'
The Captain regained his footing, evading a smash from behind with a quick side step, striking the bandit with a lightning-fueled knee and flipping him to the ground, finishing him with a downed stab... as more approached from the sides, he quickly vanished with shadow step, confusing them for a moment until...
"WULD, NA!" he shouted, blitzing past several of them with slashes, taking their heads in one go, blasting an oncoming one with a lightning bolt, causing him to levitate, only to be finished off with a leaping slash from the Dovahkiin, splitting him in two...
The Red Dragon landed back on the ground with his blade bloodied, slamming his hand on the ground at the next crowd, sending a stream of magma at the next group of bandits, managing to catch a few with the pool as they squirmed and burned in it.
Another bandit had tried to get close only to get grabbed by the neck and lifted, before being harshly slammed into the ground, denting it and knocking him out.
'He has a good stance, but needs to use his instincts more.' Gronik narrowed his eyes, 'Of course, it can be easily fixed.'
Traysek parried a stab going for his neck from a dagger-wielding bandit in daedric armor, avoiding his charge by spinning out of the way and retaliated with a backstab, piecing into the sides of his opponent, before ripping out the sword and with a deadly spin, decapitated the bandit.
With the last few remaining, The Dragonborn shook the blood off his blade, mouthing the words, "Gron" causing that quick sheen of magic to come back, using the draw spell on one of the corpses and getting a deathly chill element, discharging the ice storm at the last group, who tried to get out of the way from it, catching a couple, leaving them frostbitten as the rest charged at him.
However, it was then he smirked, mouthing those same words, causing a bound sword to form in his hands along with an icy blue glow outlining his body...When one of them got close enough and tried to smash him with his greatsword, the Redguard narrowly moved his body out of the way, giving the bandit a quick slash to the shoulder, causing a blizzard to erupt, trapping those caught within in ice...With those last few frozen, Traysek wasted not time eviscerating them with quick slashes to the weakest parts of their armor, causing them all to light up and shatter, the blizzard ending.
Clapping was heard as Gronik appeared slowly walking toward Traysek, "That was incredible. Could have been better, but it's good."
The Redguard stuck the blade into the ground, turning to him with a raised eyebrow, but smiling, "Much appreciated, I was trying to hold back though,"
"I see..." Gronik nodded before adding, "Which means that next time, I'll summon 120 bandits. No, 150 is better."
Traysek blinked twice with a small sweat drop, "Getting the feeling you spotted something during that..."
"You said that you were holding back; meaning that it wasn't enough of a challenge for you." Gronik nodded again, "Yes, 180 is way better than 150."
The Redguard went wide-eyed upon realization, waving him off quickly, "Wait no, I said I was TRYING to hold back, old man...not that I was...!" rapidly sweating now.
"What?! It was so easy that you were trying to hold back more?!" the Imperial hero recoiled back, "By the nine! The legends about the Dragonborn are true! You are indeed a god among men!"
"Hey now! let's not get too hasty here and-" He tried to defend with, only for Gronik to summon over 180 bandits, "-Ooooh by the nine, you've summoned an army, okay then..." gulping at the numbers, "Is it too late to tell you how "Exaggerated" some of it is...?" with a nervous grin.
"Don't worry, I know how disappointed you are with this number." he then gave him a thumbs up before disappearing with a spell.
Traysek blinked twice, eyebrow in a constant twitch...
'You know if I didn't know any better, I'd think he's trying to kill me on my first day...what was with that expression?!' he mentally cursed as all 180 bandits charged at him from all sides, 'And now this is happening...great...here's hoping I don't bring down the entire city...' as he took a deep breath, then inching closer and closer, "FUS, RO!" he roared, blowing the line of bandits in front of him away, redrawing his sword and leaping at them with a battle cry.
Haze heat shadow starts playing...
"YAAAARRRRRRGH!"
Meanwhile at Feoh...
To say he was angry was an understatement... feeling insulted and shamed from earlier, Rey trained furiously, not even caring that other knights were laughing or chatting nearby...if he didn't hate the tarnished before, well, that has changed...his resentiment for Traysek also grew, blaming him for the advice given to him, had it not been for that...he wouldn't have been in this situation, or that's at least what he thinks...
A couple of knight were walking and talking among themselves.
"Man! That new knight is so awesome!" one of them said, "Combat on a horse are normally hard, but with her, learning it is so simple!"
"I know," the second one nodded, "I thought of asking her out, but I don't know if she would accept."
"Beauty, skills, strength, and having the respect of the commander... the ideal woman for anyone." the first agreed, "Anyways, let's head out to continue our patrol on the eastern road."
"Sure." the second one nodded, "And with our new skills, we can now get on mounts."
They continued talking as they were walking away.
He rolled his eyes and shook his head, going back to his strikes, 'And now she's got a fan club...that's lovely...and then there's my brother's stupidity, where in the goddess's name did he learn blood magic?! how long has he had it? and why didn't he tell ME most of all? I would've covered for him...goddamn it...' gritting his teeth now.
"What's this? Someone's salty?" a voice Rey didn't want to hear said with amusement.
Rey gave on more hard swing, causing a small shockwave this time, before stopping and turning around with a sigh, "Jenelica...do you need something? I'm in the middle of training... and if it's about what my brother did, I don't care about him..." he said bitterly, going back to practicing his swings.
"I just wanted to see the failure of a 'Knight' playing with a stick, that's all." Jenelica replied, "Like he can change the world." she laughed before adding, "What an entertaining sight to behold."
Rey took a calming breath, closing his eyes after stopping once more, nodding, and turning to her, "You know what? you're right Jenelica...about me...I can't change anything, can't even stop what's going to come to my family thanks to my brother's stupidity...unless I take certain deals, but that's an offer I'm hoping I'll never have to take...So you weren't wrong, I am weak...today's test showed me...but that doesn't mean I have to remain that way..." Turning back around, "Mock me if you wish, but I'm going back to my training... it was nice talking to you," going back to his practice swings.
"How noble of you." Jenelica laughed again before adding, "You know what, you inspired me to sing." she then smirked as she took her lute, "People of Feoh! Hear and be warned, as this song is about someone who's wrong." she then began to sing as the people stopped whatever they were doing and began to listen to her.
In a realm of olden days, where darkness cast its veil,
There lived a knight with a blackened heart, his presence made hearts quail.
His name, Sir Reynold, known too well, a shadow 'mongst the brave,
But tales of his misdeeds and falls forever will engrave.
Sir Reynold rode upon his steed, his armor tarnished black,
With every step, his jaded soul left trails of evil's track.
His sword, once gleaming in the sun, now dulled with his disgrace,
For in his heart, the seeds of hate had found a cursed place.
Oh, many were the battles fought, upon the blood-strewn field,
But every time he clashed his blade, his fate was surely sealed.
For though he practiced darkened arts, his skill never did thrive,
Misfortune ever followed him, no matter how he'd strive.
The people loathed Sir Reynold's sight, his presence brought no cheer,
His deeds, a blackened tapestry, instilled an endless fear.
No victory adorned his name, no glory would he find,
For darkness cannot prosper where the light is well-defined.
He sought the relics and the tomes, to gain forbidden might,
But use of such forbidden power, would bring eternal blight.
For darkness, oh, it blinds the soul, corrupting its domain,
And as the shadows whispered truths, his heart brought only pain.
In every joust and every duel, he was forever worsted,
His black heart beat in agony, despair forever festered.
Despite his might, his prowess grand, success he'd never see,
For every step towards triumph, tangled in his misery.
And so, this knight with blackened heart, his wretched tale was told,
His fall from grace foretold afar, his fate forever cold.
A symbol of malignancy, his presence cursed the land,
A lesson learned of righteous hearts, where love shall always stand.
Let this ballad be a reminder, a tale of caution cast,
That darkness breeds no victory, nor joy that surely lasts.
For in the realm of noble knights, where honor takes its stead,
A blackened heart will never find the glory it might've wed.
People simply looked around, wishing that they'd evade such a person while Niall's men knew who she was talking about.
Rey stopped for a second and gave her an empty glare, going back to his training... As he did, a thought occurred to him, putting a slight smirk on his face...the war would be starting soon and there would be a good chance he'd run into Traysek and the others...maybe...there was some hope in this after all, maybe...he could get his family name cleared... maybe...he could take care of the annoying jester behind him without having to do so himself...he continued to train with those thoughts, knowing that things would soon take a change...and even Jenelica wouldn't be able to laugh after it...
To be continued...
With that "Friendly" song, ends the chapter... No Omake here, but there's a surprise in the next chapter over...With Traysek now learning from Gronik, what exactly is this "Champion's" style and can he learn it in that short frame of time? the answer is not what you'd expect...you'll find out in a later chapter, but for now, Merry Christmas and I hope you enjoy the special in the next chapter, stay tuned :)