The aftermath of the fierce battle left both the Emerald and Azure armies battered and bloodied. The clash of swords and the roar of magic had taken a toll on both sides, but the resilience of the Emerald soldiers had won the day. As the sun set on the battlefield, the Azure army made a strategic retreat, regrouping and reassessing their plans.
Amidst the celebrations of victory, Commander Rian approached Lucas, a sense of pride evident in his eyes. "Lucas, you fought with bravery and skill today, and your dark practitioner abilities were instrumental in our triumph," he commended. "In recognition of your valor, I have prepared a letter of recommendation for you."
He handed Lucas a sealed letter with the official stamp of the Emerald Army. "Take this to the city of Rasgard and present it to the General of Rasgard Fort. I believe your unique abilities will be an asset to the Emerald Army, and this letter will ensure that you get the guidance and recognition you deserve."
Lucas accepted the letter with gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Commander. I won't disappoint you," he vowed, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes.
In the days that followed, Lucas, accompanied by Sir Joey and a few trusted comrades, made their way to the city of Rasgard. the journey was a mixture of anticipation and reflection. The path ahead seemed both promising and uncertain, and Lucas couldn't help but reminisce about the life he had left behind.
The rhythmic trotting of their horses echoed in the surrounding woods as they rode through the verdant landscape. Lucas gazed at the vast expanse of nature, its beauty a stark contrast to the harsh realities he had faced not long ago. He couldn't shake off the memories of his past life, etched deeply into his mind.
His thoughts drifted back to when he was just a teenager, fighting for survival in underground illegal arenas. Back then, every day was a struggle, and the fights were not for glory but for the food that would sustain him for another day. Those arenas were ruthless, filled with desperation and brutality.
He recalled the scars, both visible and hidden, that adorned his body, reminders of the fierce battles he had fought. There were moments when he felt like giving up, but an indomitable spirit pushed him forward. He refused to let the darkness consume him, determined to find a way out of that grim existence.
he couldn't help but reflect on how different his life could have been if that lady hadn't offered him a clerical job. In his mind's eye, he saw a grim alternate reality, where he remained trapped in underground arenas, fighting for survival with no hope of escape.
As the journey continued, the landscape changed gradually as they approached Rasgard, and with each step, the weight of the unknown world they now found themselves in became more pronounced.
Amidst the greenery of the forest, he couldn't help but wonder how he had come so far from the alleys and underground arenas to him getting that clerical job and then life had brought him to this mystical land where battles were fought with spells and swords, and where destiny seemed to have other plans for him.
As they approached Rasgard Fort, a towering stronghold that guarded the borders of the Emerald Empire, Lucas felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was his opportunity to carve a new path for himself and to prove his worth as a dark practitioner.
Inside the fortress, they were greeted by the General of Rasgard, Sir Alistair, the General of Rasgard Fort, an imposing figure with a commanding presence. His strong and well-built frame was clad in prestigious emerald-adorned armor. He had sharp eyes that reflected wisdom earned through battles and sacrifice. Despite the pressure he exuded, there was an approachability that endeared him to his soldiers.
"So, you're the young soldier with dark practitioner abilities," the General said, his voice measured and commanding. "We've heard about your feats on the battlefield. Impressive, but raw. I hope you understand the responsibility that comes with wielding such power."
Lucas nodded respectfully. "Yes, General. I am aware of the dangers, and I'm determined to use my abilities for the greater good."
The General's stern expression softened slightly. "Good. We don't take dark practitioners lightly. They can be a double-edged sword, as you must have already realized."
Lucas recalled the warning from Sir Joey and the commander. He knew he had to be cautious and disciplined with his abilities.
The General continued, "Prove yourself here in Rasgard Fort, For your valor and defeating a rank 4 practitioner of the Azure Empire, I hereby appoint you as the new Commander of the 3rd Infantry Corps."
Lucas was taken aback "Thank you, General. I won't disappoint you or the Emerald Army."
With the General's appointment as the new Commander of the 3rd Infantry Corps, Lucas felt a surge of responsibility and a deep sense of honor. The soldiers around them acknowledged the General's decision with respectful nods and whispered conversations.
As the official announcement echoed through the fort, General Alistair took Lucas to the training grounds, where military personnel were engaging in friendly sparring sessions. The clash of swords and the sound of spells filled the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
As Lucas observed the soldiers' training, he noticed two skilled practitioners locked in fierce combat. One of them, a muscular and arrogant man named James, emerged victorious in the previous bout. His reputation as a genius had preceded him, and he relished any opportunity to flaunt his skills.
Spotting Lucas standing beside the General, James' eyes glinted with mischief. He approached Lucas with a smug grin. "Ah, look who we have here," he taunted, drawing the attention of the nearby soldiers. "The newcomer with dark magic. I heard you defeated a rank 4 practitioner in battle. Impressive, but I wonder if it was just a stroke of luck."
As James mocked Lucas, the new commander's expression remained stoic, and a faint smirk played at the corner of his lips. He didn't feel the need to explain or defend himself against James' taunts. Instead, Lucas decided to give a response that would catch James off guard.
With a sly grin, Lucas leaned in slightly and spoke in a measured tone, "You know, they say the only reason your sword swings so fast is to compensate for something else."
The soldiers who overheard the remark burst into laughter, trying to stifle their amusement. Even James, known for his confident demeanor, found himself momentarily speechless, his face turning slightly red from embarrassment.
Lucas didn't let up, enjoying the moment of witty retaliation. "Oh, but don't worry," he continued, his voice laced with humor. "Maybe one day you'll find a sword that won't betray you in battle."
The soldiers erupted into more laughter, some covering their mouths to suppress their amusement. The unexpected turn of events left James momentarily humbled, and he couldn't find a comeback for Lucas' quick wit.
Amidst the laughter and banter, Lucas remained composed, maintaining his air of authority.
As the laughter subsided, James, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and determination, collected himself and straightened his stance. "Enough of the jokes, Lucas. Let's see if you can back up that sharp tongue with your skills," he challenged, clenching his fists.
Lucas, ever composed, accepted the challenge without hesitation. "Very well, Let's settle this in a friendly spar," he replied, his eyes locking onto James', ready to face the formidable opponent before him.
General Alistair, observing the exchange, remained silent, clearly interested in seeing how his newly appointed commander would fare against James. He recognized the importance of this moment, not just for Lucas but also for the soldiers present. It was a chance for them to witness their leader's abilities firsthand.
The soldiers gathered around, forming a circle as Lucas and James stepped into the center. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and the training ground fell silent as the spar was about to commence.
Referee: (enters the arena and raises a hand for attention) Attention, everyone! Before we begin this friendly spar, I must remind all participants that the use of abilities is strictly prohibited. This match is meant to be a display of skill, so let's keep it fair and respectful. Any violation of this rule may result in immediate disqualification. Now, let's have a clean and enjoyable match!
As the spar between Lucas and James began, the soldiers were already captivated by the exchange. However, what followed left them utterly astonished.
Unlike any combat they had ever witnessed, Lucas unleashed a unique style that combined elements of mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He seamlessly transitioned between strikes, grappling, and ground techniques, catching James off guard with every move.
The soldiers watched in awe as Lucas effortlessly dodged James' strikes, parried his attacks, and countered with swift and precise maneuvers. It was as if he was bending the laws of traditional combat, leaving James perplexed and struggling to adapt.
Whispers spread among the soldiers, filled with amazement and intrigue. "What is this fighting style? I've never seen anything like it!"
"It's like he's flowing through the air with those moves! How can someone be so fast and versatile?"
General Alistair and Sir Joey were equally astonished, their eyes fixed on Lucas' every motion. They had witnessed countless battles and trained numerous warriors, but never had they encountered a martial art as unorthodox and powerful as Lucas'.
As the spar intensified, Lucas executed a swift takedown, bringing James to the ground with an expertly applied Brazilian jiu-jitsu technique. The soldiers gasped, witnessing the efficiency and finesse of Lucas' ground game.
With controlled grace, Lucas maneuvered into dominant positions, applying joint locks and submissions with precision. The soldiers were mesmerized by the fluidity and effectiveness of his techniques.
"He's like a master of combat from another realm! It's like magic!" one soldier marveled.
"You can see the years of training in every move he makes. This is martial arts on a whole new level," another soldier commented in awe.
As the intense battle reached its climax, James, lying on the ground defeated and humiliated, couldn't hold back his bitterness. Despite the resounding victory achieved by Lucas and the admiration he received from the soldiers, James couldn't bear the thought of losing like this.
Gasping for breath and seething with anger, James spat out his taunts, "You? Worthy of being the commander? Ha! You're just a lucky imposter who showed up out of nowhere! If it weren't for you, that title would be mine!"