As John has been observing this city that stood tall because of his own power, he began to wonder how big the world actually is. He began to space out when familiar voices snapped him back to reality. "John, we need some assistance in town. There's a problem with the guard division. A fight has broke out and we can't bare to have casualties in the city." Henry pled. "I'll stop this one." John responded. John started making his way through the city into the guard district. Upon his entrance everything slowed down. Everyone was staring at him, amongst the stares, John notice guards gripping each other. Faces bloodied and bruised, John let out a command. "All those involved in this quarrel step forward and lay down arms!" The guards quickly released each other and dropped their arms to their sides and stepped forward. "What's the meaning of this?" John demanded while staring at the guards. "Sir, they're demanded our family should treat their family as royalty." One of the guards whimpered. "Royalty?" John asked. "This is a city where royalty will treat miners as equals. The king doesn't see a single one of us as beneath him. We are all equals and we all have jobs to do to keep this city standing and out of reach from the oppressive kings. You dare to speak of royalty and you don't even know how this city operates." John stated. John glanced around to the guards around. "Starting tomorrow after sun rise, we're going to hold a competition for the guards. It will be a fighting style competition where each of you will face off against your brother in arms. We will be using wooden swords and headless spears. Everyone will compete. It will be held in front of the wall's gate. Failure to appear and you will be removed from the city." John stated. "Yes, sir." the guards shouted at once. John spent the rest of the day gathering the harmless weapons and moving them to the allocated area. John slept with ease that night.
John woke before morning sun, and made his way to the competition area. He sat in the middle of the field and meditated, clearing his mind and strengthen his bonds with Ampol and Doren. John could feel the sun rise as the beams hit his face bringing warmth. John opened his eyes and stood to his feet. As John reached his feet, he could hear the guards marching to his location. He could hear the townspeople following as well. As they reached the field, all they could see is John standing with a few racks of wooden weapons around the area. They began lining up in front of John waiting for orders. "Guards, this will be a friendly competition, severe injuries and death is not permitted. With that being said form a circle around me." John stated. The guards began moving to form the circle he demanded. "Townspeople, if you wish to witness then please stay behind the circle." John stated while the guards were circling. "Guards, you are being tested today, there's going to be multiple expectations from you today and I will explain them." John stated. "Yes, sir." The guards chanted. "First of all, you will notice the citizens of this city want to witness this competition, you're first and most important job. Protect them from any harm, if harm comes to them, they will have control of the guards closest to help with chores for a few days. Second, this will be a match between 2 people, the victor will return to the circle. The defeated, please return to barracks for injury treatment and further orders. Third rule, if you notice a fellow brother in arms breaking the friendly competition rule you may intervene with no consequences, to any of those who has intent to break the rule of protection, will be immediately restrained by me. Lastly, I will not be the decider in this competition, my mother, Rose will be the decider. Victor's will report to me after matches for injury assessment before returning to the circle. Any questions?" John listed. "No, sir." the guards stated. Rose made her way to the middle if the ring. "Men, grab a weapon of your choice. The guards moved to the weapon racks, selecting their weapon of choice and took their place in the circle. Rose began choosing men from the circle at random. With the sound of wood striking wood echoing through the field and trees, the competition was dwindling down. John has seen some great swordplay and counters during this competition. With 5 guards remaining, John stepped into the circle. All eyes shifted to him waiting for a statement. "Continue." John stated. The matches were not quick and were well fought, but alas there has to be a victor. "The last two guards, come forward." John announced. As the guards were catching their breaths and moving forwards, all the other guards returned. "As victor, you shall lead and take charge of these men. You shall be known as the guard commander. As the next skilled person in line, you'll be the commander in arms. You'll be in charge of your commander making sure he doesn't abuse his power over the people. His job is to make sure we keep the city safe. You're job to keep these men safe. You two are dismissed, I'll arrange for you're new attire during sun fall. The first five defeated, step forward." John stated. The two guards backed up to the line up and the first five defeated stepped forward. "I would like to announce you five will be undergoing training. Pack a bag for essentials, you five will be accompanying me tomorrow at morning sun. You're all dismissed." John stated. John had help from the townspeople cleaning up the wooden weapons and returning them to the training grounds. After leaving the training grounds, John headed for the barracks. Making his way inside he could feel the tension in the air. "Men!" John exclaimed catching them off guard. The guards immediately snapped up into a straight tall standing. "Commander and commander in arms, step forward and present your helms." John demanded. The two guards stepped forwards with helms in hand. Extending their helms to John as if it were a note. John placed one hand on each of the helms. One the commanders helm came a dark jet black light, followed by a stench of hot metal. From the commander in arms helm came a bright pure white light followed by the smell of hot metal. John removed his hands to reveal his work. On the commanders helm was an insignia of a jet black wing, almost like there was a crow forged into the helm. On the commander in arms helm was a soft white wings, as if a dove was frozen inside. "These helms represent your positions, however anyone in this building can take your position. Every day and last sun you may challenge each other, no teams, just friendly competitions. The challenge could be for realistic practice or for a chance at positions. The fighters have to agree on a judge together. You two may bare the mark for now but it can be taken from you. The five leaving with me tomorrow, be at the city gates by first sun. I will be taking my leave now." John stated. As he was making his way through the barracks he could feel the tension lifted.
John made his way through the city to his family home. As he walked through the door, he found his mother and father waiting for him. "I see I was expected." John stated. "Of course, you never make rash decisions and explain yourself." Henry stated. "Reguarding tomorrow, I'm taking 5 guards on a journey with me. I'm unaware of when I may return but those men will be under my guard and me theirs." John stated. "You're going to leave the city you built from nothing? Who going to lead our army?" Henry asked. "I will return one day, however there's still people out there needing help. There are other qualified people to command the army." John answered. "..." Henry was speechless. "I will excuse myself to bed then." John stated. Making his way to his room and fell to his bed in exhaustion. John quickly drifted to sleep with ease.
John woke and got prepared, packing his bag and grabbing his sword. After gathering his gear for travel, he made his way to the castle gates. The five soldiers also packed and waiting. "Men, you're going to return stronger than you have been. I will personally be training you and learning more about each of you. We will be going on a journey leading to no location. We will be hunting our own food and gathering our own resources. I will protect you men and ask you do the same for me." John stated. "Yes, sir." the men shouted in unison. The gate began opening and the small group made it's way outside and the gate shuts behind them. The group began heading south into the barely lit field. There wasn't much talk during the walks but there was plenty of tension. The next adventure was underway.