The morning sun caught something fluttering against the pale sky as I approached the training yard - a black flag dancing in the breeze, its skull and crossbones design somehow looking both threatening and suspiciously amused. My steps faltered. That red flag was only supposed to fly during throwing practice, and Captain Reed had clarified that I wasn't to throw so much as a bread crumb within Haven's Cross's walls after the "Great Dining Hall Incident."
Koren stood beneath it, reading from a suspiciously official-looking scroll with barely contained mirth. Mac, beside him, wasn't even trying to hide his grin.
"Ah, Brendan!" Koren's voice carried that tone that meant I would not enjoy whatever came next. "We received an interesting communication from Jay this morning. Would you like to hear it?"
"Not particularly," I muttered, eyeing the flag's empty sockets as they seemed to track my movement.
"'Considering recent developments,'" Koren read anyway, his voice taking on a theatrical flourish, "'the black flag shall fly as a reminder of imminent peril. Not that any harm will come to the subject in question - that would be far too quick.'" He paused for dramatic effect. "'Consider it a more warning that each day might bring new... learning opportunities.'"
"Learning opportunities?" I didn't like how those words seemed to echo ominously across the training yard.
"There's more," Mac added helpfully. "'The flag serves as a reminder that distance is no barrier to proper educational procedures. And that some lessons require extensive preparation.'"
The morning suddenly felt significantly colder. "He wrote all that just because of..." I trailed off, not quite ready to admit to anything.
"Oh no," Koren's eyes twinkled with unholy amusement. "This was just his opening statement. The full document details several pages of, shall we say, theoretical training scenarios. Though I particularly enjoyed the section titled 'Advanced Relationship Management Through Strategic Trap Deployment.'"
Somewhere above us, a bird that looked suspiciously well-organized made a note in what I could have sworn was a tiny ledger.
It was going to be a fascinating training session.
Bron's shield gleamed in the morning sun as he reset his stance. "Remember from yesterday, watch how each weapon speaks. The mace thunders through defenses, while the shield creates opportunities."
I adjusted my grip on my training weapons - a blunted rapier in my right hand, a practice mace in my left. The yard's packed earth held the morning's chill, grounding each step as I circled between my two opponents. Bron stood like a mountain, mace and shield held in a classical defensive stance, while Diana prowled to my left, her spear point weaving hypnotic patterns above her shield's rim.
We danced around each other, testing defenses, probing for weaknesses. Bron's shield moved with deceptive speed for its size, deflecting my initial probes while Diana's spear kept me from committing too deeply to any single attack. Sweat began to bead on my forehead as I searched for an opening, any gap in their coordinated defence.
Their experience showed in how they moved together - when I focused on one, the other would press forward, forcing me to divide my attention. Three times I thought I saw an opening, only to be forced back by their synchronized responses. The morning air filled with the rhythmic clash of wood and padded steel, our breathing falling into the familiar cadence of prolonged combat.
Finally, after what felt like hours but was likely only minutes, I caught the pattern I'd been waiting for - a slight overlap in their defensive coverage, barely there for a heartbeat.
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
The blade found its mark with surgical precision, slipping past Bron's shield like water through stone. The familiar surge of skill activation painted the moment in shades of possibility, even as my mana reserves dipped.
"Feel the rhythm!" Bron called out as he advanced. Diana's shield caught me mid-recovery. I rolled with the impact, coming up with the mace already in motion.
Skull Crusher activated!
Target Disoriented for 2 turns
The overhead strike connected perfectly, catching Diana just as she transitioned between stances. Her momentary disorientation created an opening for my blade.
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Check: Success!
Target Staggered!
The combination flowed like a well-practiced duet - the mace's power, setting up the blade's precision. Diana's recovery was still graceful, but the stagger effect had done its work.
"Now that," Bron approved, "is how you make two weapons sing together." His shield shifted, creating new angles to solve. "Let's see you do it again."
The morning stretched on, each exchange writing its lessons in sweat and effort. My mana regenerated slowly, forcing careful choices about when to attempt skill activation. The yard filled with the music of combat - steel on steel, the thud of shields, the controlled rhythm of trained breathing.
Training Progress - Blunt:
-
Successful Disorients: 1/5
-
EXP Gained: 45/200
-
Opponents defEated: 0/3
-
Mana Management: Improving
-
Style Integration: Advanced
Training Progress - Piercing:
-
Critical Hits: 2/15
-
Staggers Achieved: 1/3
-
EXP Gained: 50/200
-
Precision Rating: Excellent
For the next few hours, the training yard echoed with the rhythmic clash of weapons. I carefully paced my skill activations, allowing my mana to regenerate between attempts. The Resonant Mana Pendant's steady pulse helped, but managing resources remained crucial.
Bron and Diana took turns testing my defenses, creating opportunities to practice both Skull Crusher and Precise Thrust combinations. We paused whenever I needed to regenerate my mana. Each successful disorientation brought me closer to mastering the blunt weapon techniques, while critical hits with the blade steadily accumulated.
By the time the sun climbed high overhead, sweat had soaked through my training clothes, but the progress was undeniable.
Morning Training Summary:
Skill Mastery Progress:
-
Blunt Weapons
-
EXP: 95 EXP
-
Successful Disorients: 3/5
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
-
Opponents Defeated: 1/3
-
-
Piercing Weapons
-
EXP: 110
-
Critical Hits: 6/15
-
Stagger Effects: 2/3
-
The morning's intensive training had pushed both skills forward significantly. Both weapon disciplines were showing marked improvement, with techniques becoming more refined and controlled with each passing hour.
Koren approached as we broke for the midday meal, his expression holding that mix of satisfaction and mischief that usually preceded something unfortunate. "Rest up," he advised, eyes twinkling with poorly concealed amusement. "This afternoon's session will introduce some... special challenges."
"Special challenges?" I didn't like how those words seemed to echo ominously across the yard.
Afternoon light transformed the training yard into a crucible of shadow and sun, the heat rippling off packed earth like invisible waves. My muscles still carried echoes of the morning's lessons, each movement a negotiation between determination and fatigue. The black flag above continued its ominous dance, casting a mobile shadow that seemed to follow my movements with deliberate intent.
Renna emerged from the armoury carrying what appeared to be an entire arsenal of exotic weapons, her expression suggesting both amusement and anticipation.
"Afternoon challenges," Koren announced, his voice carrying that tone that meant I wouldn't enjoy what came next. "Today, we test adaptation. Every three minutes, a new set of weapons. Every failed defence, new bruise."
The first weapon they handed me was a war hammer and a rapier. The hammer seemed to drink in the afternoon light. Its weight demanded respect, each swing a commitment that could either devastate or leave me vulnerable.
Lucked out on the first swing - the war hammer connected solidly with Diana's shoulder as she brought her whip around. I'd seen no one wield a whip in combat before - it was both terrifying and fascinating to watch. The moment felt right for a follow-up.
Koren must have noticed my reaction. "Jay actually wanted us to use a real cat-o'-nine-tails for this part," he said with a dry chuckle. "I decided the training whip would be less likely to accidentally kill our recruit."
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
Target Staggered!
Diana recovered quickly, her whip creating a deadly web of motion that forced me to give ground. Bron circled to my left, his halberd's reach keeping me honest. Several exchanges followed, the clash of steel marking near misses and deflections.
"Keep moving!" Koren called. "Use the weapons' complementary nature!"
After catching my breath, I saw my opening. The rapier deflected Bron's strike while the war hammer's momentum carried me inside Diana's guard.
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
"Time!" Renna announced. "Switch to stiletto and mace!"
My arms felt the strain as I traded weapons. The stiletto's lighter weight was a relief, but its shorter reach meant more risk. Mac stepped in with a partisan, while Diana continued her assault with the whip. Several minutes passed in careful probing attacks, neither side finding advantage.
Finally, an opening - the mace intercepted Mac's partisan.
Skull Crusher activated!
Target Disoriented for 2 turns
While Mac struggled to regain his bearings, I closed the distance. The stiletto found a gap in his armour.
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
"Rotation!" Koren called. "Piercing dagger and war club!"
The new weapons felt different - the dagger's precision contrasting with the war club's raw power. Bron advanced with his halberd while Diana's whip sang through the air. I parried and dodged, looking for an opportunity but finding none. Minutes ticked by as we exchanged glancing blows.
When Bron finally overextended, the war club parried his strike.
Skull Crusher activated!
Target Disoriented for 2 turns
The combination proved effective enough to score my first opponent's defeat as Bron yielded, respect glinting in his eyes.
"Dirk and flanged mace!" Renna announced. "Mac, you're up!"
Mac's partisan seemed to be everywhere at once. Three times I thought I saw an opening, but each attempt was thwarted. Patience finally paid off as the dirk's maneuverability allowed me to slip past his guard.
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
Diana joined the fray, her pike forcing me to duck and weave. Several exchanges followed, the flanged mace missing more often than not. But experience had taught me to wait for the right moment - it came when she overextended.
Skull Crusher activated!
Target Disoriented for 2 turns
Sweat poured down my face as Koren called another rotation. "Boot dagger and morning star!"
By now, my muscles screamed protest with each movement. The morning star felt twice as heavy as when we'd started, but I forced myself to maintain proper form.
Koren raised a hand, calling a momentary halt. His eyes scanned his notes with increasing interest.
"Let's see where we stand," he said, running calculations in his head.
Training Progress:
Skill Mastery Progress:
-
Blunt Weapons
-
EXP: 200/200
-
Successful Disorients: 5/5
-
Opponents Defeated: 3/3
-
-
Piercing Weapons
-
EXP: 200/200
-
Critical Hits: 11/15
-
Stagger Effects: 3/3
-
Physical State: Near Exhaustion
Mental Focus: Razor Sharp
A slow smile spread across Koren's face. "You're closer than you think," he said, that familiar twinkle in his eyes growing stronger. "Who's ready for an extended session?"
Diana and Mac exchanged knowing looks while Renna began arranging a fresh set of weapons.
Koren glanced at his notes. "Four more critical strikes with piercing weapons and you've got it. Let's be efficient - dual stiletto and dirk."
Diana stepped into the circle as I gripped both weapons. I waited for the right moment...and missed.
I circled, waiting out the three-turn cooldown while conserving energy. Diana's pike kept me moving, but I bided my time.
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
"Three more!" Koren called. "Take a minute to regenerate some mana."
I stepped back, breathing heavily. After a few minutes of rest, Mac stepped in. The partisan's reach made finding an opening difficult.
Mac would not make it easy every attempt he either dodge or knocked away with his partisan.
"Low on mana?" Renna asked.
I nodded
"Rest again then, ", she said
Another couple minutes, and I was ready to go again. Bron entered with a halberd.
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
"Two more!" Koren encouraged after a few failed attempts "But you need another mana break."
The pattern continued - brief, intense exchanges followed by necessary rests to rebuild mana. It wasn't glamorous, but it was methodical. Each attempt had to count - we couldn't afford wasted mana.
I faced Diana again. This time she held a glaive, its curved blade gleaming as she established her defensive perimeter. Patience had become my ally.
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
"One more!" Koren called. "Take another breather."
The few minutes felt eternal as I caught my breath, watching my mana tick up to full. Mac stepped in, this time wielding a bardiche, its heavy blade weaving a complex pattern.
I missed again, and again this last hit was being a pain in the rear.
Bron faced me, a war scythe held ready. Everything hinged on this attempt - I couldn't afford another miss with mana this low.
They keep switching weapons; I thought. Almost like they want me uncertain about what they'll actually use in the field.
The moment stretched as I waited for the perfect opening...
Precise Thrust executed!
Critical Hit!
Koren's face broke into a rare grin. "That's it! All masteries complete!"
I sank to one knee, exhausted but satisfied. The black flag above seemed to wave in approval as the afternoon light began to fade.
Final Training Summary - Day's End:
Skill Mastery Progress:
-
Blunt Weapon
-
EXP: 200
-
Disorient Requirements: 5/5 Complete!
-
Defeat 3 enemies using blunt weapons: 3/3
-
-
Piercing Weapons:
-
EXP: 200
-
Critical Hits Achieved: 15/15
-
Staggers Achieved: 3/3 Complete!
-
Physical Status:
-
Mana: Depleted (1/34)
-
HP: 48/52 (Minor training bruises)
-
Fatigue: Significant
-
Battle Clarity: Exceptional
-
Recovery Time Estimated: Significant
Notable Achievements:
-
Demonstrated Weapon Adaptation
-
Survived Yet Another Day of Jay-Inspired Training
1H Blunt Reached (Common 3)
1H Blunt (Common 3)
Effect:
-
Attack: +6
-
Defence: +3
-
Blunt Weapons: 10% chance to deal +2 damage
-
Skull Crusher Enhancement:
-
Disorient chance increased to 30%
-
Damage increased to base + 5
-
Now deals 20% extra damage to disoriented targets
-
Requirement for Uncommon 4:
-
EXP Requirement: Gain 300 additional EXP
-
Skill Usage Requirements:
-
Successfully stun 10 enemies
-
Win a battle against multiple opponents
-
1H Piercing Reached (Common 3)
1H Piercing (Common 3)
Effect:
-
Attack: +6
-
Defence: +3
-
Piercing Weapons: 10% chance to deal +2 damage
-
Precise Thrust Enhancement:
-
Damage increased by 5%
-
Now has 5% chance to stagger enemy
-
Requirements for Uncommon 4:
-
EXP Requirement: Gain 300 additional EXP
-
Skill Usage Requirements:
-
Land 25 critical hits with Precise Thrust
-
Stagger 10 opponents with precise thrust
-
The numbers told their own story - a tale of boundaries pushed and limits tested, each point of experience earned through sweat and determination. Tomorrow would demand more, but for now, the progress spoke of growth earned through persistent effort and occasional terror.
The black flag above us snapped once in the evening breeze, as if offering its own approval. Or perhaps it was just Jay's distant influence, noting one more verse in this ongoing tale of training and torment. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new aches, new lessons written in sweat and determination.
But for now, there was just this - the perfect clarity of complete exhaustion, the satisfaction of boundaries pushed and limits transcended. Even the suspicious birds seemed to watch with something like respect as we finally lowered our weapons.
Koren's voice cut through the gathering dusk: "Well done. Though I suspect tomorrow's session will be... interesting." His eyes twinkled with that gleam that suggested Jay's influence reached further than mere distance would suggest. "Rest well. You'll need it."
The evening air carried promises of both recovery and future trials as we made our way from the yard. Above us, stars began to pierce the darkening sky like distant watchers, each one possibly taking notes for an absent spymaster's eventual return.