Chapter 8
A tired and exasperated Thaddaeus waited with sword in hand on his familiar battleground. I thought I was done with those crazy chores. Why did I have to carry countless buckets of water to throw on those sticks this morning?! Thaddaeus quietly fumed in his confusion as he awaited his usual sparring partner. He looked past the camp at his handiwork, he was really a little embarrassed. He felt he had built a bit of muscle with those insane jobs but that was about it. All he could see was huge piles of the most ordinary things in the world drowning in puddles of water. He wondered if it had all been a joke to see what sort of silly things he would do. Ultimately, he knew Lux wasn't that kind of person, though, which just sent him back in circles of wondering what it was all going to accomplish. In any case, he continued his inward rant, any strange job is better than what we did the second day. I can't believe I let Solis chase me with a sword through the forest. He tried to convince me that it was good survival training, but I know he just wanted to see me run for my life. I'm going to teach him a lesson when he gets out here!!
"I was unsure if I should interrupt you, you must have all the answers after so much thinking." Lux' voice rang out of the silence.
Thaddaeus whipped his head around, surprised to see that he wasn't alone. "When did you get there? Also, where is Solis? Aren't we going to finish training?"
"The others are there," Lux pointed with his left hand toward the other four who were seated on the ground as they had before. "There will be no more training, however, it is time to ascertain your level of readiness. I cannot allow you to continue with us if it will result in your untimely death. It is time for your test."
"The test already?" Thaddaeus nervously questioned, "Can't we get Solis out here for one last lesson?" He turned to see Solis waving energetically with a big smile. "On second thought, what is this test?"
"You must defeat me." Lux answered nonchalantly.
A worried look crept onto the young lad's face, "Defeat you? Is it possible? How many powers do you have?"
"My abilities are without number. My nature is lightning related, though, so it could be claimed that I only possess one." Lux was being very stoic, he almost seemed bored. "It is possible you could defeat me in a true battle, but the probabilities are effectively zero in reality. Therefore, I will only operate at a small fraction of my speed, and I will use no spirit energy on lightning. So, your chances come up to about half. We calculate it is the same probability of you defeating a third level Damnum."
Thaddaeus was shocked, "I don't really understand all that, but I guess I have to try. What do I do to defeat you?"
Lux touched his chin with two fingers and seemed to be in thought, "I have just remembered an issue. It truly has been some time since we have dealt with someone like you, I continue to forget things. It is true that you can not generate enough force to destroy me at the moment. I will accept a single cut as affirmation that you are prepared to move forward." Lux concluded his instructions and moved to his stance which was reminiscent of a martial arts master. Thaddaeus, on the other hand, was not quite so ready. What on Atlas is this guy made of if it is impossible to do more than cut him? Shaking his head to get back to reality, he turned to focus on his test. With determination in his eyes, he raised his blade.
Lux decided to go on the attack to see how Thaddaeus would handle it. He knew his movements would be visible to him, but it would be very blurry and impossible to match unless Thaddaeus planned his moves carefully to predict his attacks. To test his reflexes, Lux shot forward with a straight punch aimed for his chest, but Thaddaeus leaned slightly to the right and blocked with the side of his blade with his other hand behind it to cushion the blow. Then the young swordsman was able to take this opportunity to strike using the recoil from the attack to boost his speed, the force pushed his left side which he used to spin and attack with his sword backwards and coming from the right. During the attack he had dropped a few inches to aim the strike for Lux' midsection. The blade was inches from its target when it stopped suddenly. Thaddaeus looked up to see that Lux had caught the blade at the tip between his index finger and thumb.
"What a clever attack," Lux praised his student, "It would certainly have been successful if I had used an alternate fighting style. This one covers my weak points during each of my attacks."
"I figured I wouldn't end it that easily, but it was worth a try." Thaddaeus responded as he stood up.
"Certainly!" Lux exclaimed as he jumped backward to put some distance between them. He changed his stance to one that was a little more difficult for Thaddaeus to read. "I cannot let up just yet!" He called out as he rushed forward for another attack. A blurry figure approached the defending swordsman quickly from his right side, it looked like it was going to be a high attack. He started to duck and bring his sword around when he felt a powerful knee connect with his forehead. The force sent him reeling backwards and his thinking grew cloudy, it made him feel fuzzy. He had no time to regain his sense, however, as he caught a glimpse of Lux darting in from the left side now. He was too fast and there was no predicting this attack. Thaddaeus knew he had to react quickly, but it seemed as though he was cornered. Almost purely from instinct, his body reacted to a powerful elbow aimed for the top of his left shoulder. As he felt the wind from the blow, he was already in an evasive roll to the opposite side. That was too close! He noted as he came to his feet, but he was relieved that he had dodged what could have been the end of this terrifying bout.
Truly remarkable, Lux thought as he witnessed the once bumbling Thaddaeus expertly dodge an attack he couldn't even see. Solis accurately described his growth, his mind is now functioning as a true warrior without confusion or hesitation. He has corrected for an incredible speed difference by simple observation, planning, and the instinct of a well-trained soldier. Lux finished his thought, then he decided to give him a chance to attack to see if the young warrior could really destroy an enemy as well as dodge incoming attacks. As Thaddaeus was coming to his feet, Lux propelled himself forward so he could perform a sweeping attack which the boy might see if he is careful enough. But, just as he was nearing his target, Thaddaeus shifted in a way that Lux thought was strange. Then, just as he was beginning his attack, a sword was in his close peripheral vision to the left. Thaddaeus had initiated an attack without looking or giving a sign. Lux reflexively raised his left arm to block the incoming attack which connected with impressive force and shattered the blade on the antique weapon. The young attacker turned to see a small red line on his teacher's forearm.
"Looks like I passed," He grinned as he fell to his knees and then passed out on the ground. The others were on their way over to congratulate him, but they were a bit too late.
"How hard did you push him, Lux?" Solis giggled as he looked over the unconscious Thaddaeus.
"I believe I maintained third level Damna abilities. Although, I landed an attack that was a calculated risk," Lux laughed, "but he evaded the rest even better than expected. He is ready."
Telu softly reached for Lux' arm, "Shall I heal it, My Light?"
Lux smiled at her, "Thank you, My Dewdrop, but I should allow him to see his achievement." Then, turning to the others, he announced, "We will leave him to rest for the moment, let us prepare for departure. Ignis and Solis, I would like you to relocate our young friend to the camp so that we might present him with the weapon once he awakens. Luna, you might be the only one who could acquire all the pieces of the broken blade," Lux turned to look at the scattered parts of the weapon, an expression of concern on his face. "Gather the pieces, and bring them over with us. Telu and I will collect the remaining supplies and equipment and ready them for departure." With their instructions, the group split up to accomplish each of their tasks.