As soon as Novis and Paul entered the game. Paul could tell that Novis was an actual beginner. Novis was quite clumsy with controlling the character and seemed to have no skill with using the sword. Paul was a little disappointed as he felt that Novis was somehow special in some way.
Novis was currently using the same character that Arthur had used that was named Dragonslayer. While Paul had selected a character that was light in armour and held a rapier named Quick Syinc. The two of them had met in the middle and Paul was politely showing Novis how to use skills.
Paul and Novis walked to the side of the middle path, allowing the soldiers to freely fight each other. As long as the two of them didn't get involved it would always be a stalemate between the NPCs.
Paul started to demonstrate sword skills to Novis.
"Skills are in the game to make it easier for new players, each character has a set of attacks that are suited towards them. You can use the system to select the skill and it will force your body to make that movement. Once you get good enough you will be able to use the skills without the systems help.
"So why do you need to bother learning sword skills, can't you just rely on the system."
Paul began to demonstrate the skills. The first time he displayed attacks using the system. Each time he went from one skill to the next they would be a slight pause. Then paul demonstrated the same skills without using the system.
"Can you tell the difference?" Paul asked
"The second one was a lot faster, but not by much."
"In the pro world every little second count, let me show you something else."
Paul then started to move differently than before, he had demonstrated a different attack, a new attack that Novis hadn't seen before.
"If you learn how to use your weapon and character you can even make your own skills. Many pros study the great swordsman of the past and even practice outside of the game."
Novis couldn't tell why but his heart began to beat louder and faster, the last attack paul had shown him was flawless. It looked so clean so smooth.
Paul and Novis then quickly exited out of the game and were back in the training centre.
"I hope you can stay and watch some of our usual's play." Paul then left and started talking to other people.
Novis began to walk around the training centre looking at other peoples screen and seeing how they played the game. As he was scanning the room he saw a small crowd of people gathered at one table. Novis thought that the person must be skilful for people to gather, so he decided to go over.
As Novis got closer he could hear the crowd of people talking to each other.
"Berny's at it again."
"I can't believe he's bullying the poor newbie."
"There's another person we won't ever see again.
As Novis got closer he could eventually see the screen, Two characters were currently locked in combat in the middle. One of the fighters was clearly overwhelming the other, but not finishing him off.
Arthur was starting to feel his blood boil as he watched the game. One opponent was clearly better than the other. but rather than killing him or teaching him, he was just plain bullying his opponent.
"Novis, we have to challenge that man to a duel once he has finished that game," Arthur said.
"Huh, are you even sure you can beat him?"
Ever since Arthur had lost against his brother, Novis was afraid that Arthur wasn't as strong as he thought he was. Arthur was meant to be a great swordsman of the past but maybe modern sword skills were just too advanced, to old of a fighting style. humans had always evolved, even in sports new records were constantly being beat.
"I can not stand and let this man do this any longer, we must teach him a lesson."
The two had finally finished their game. As the two were taking off their helmets their expression where poler opposites. One was a fat man with blonde hair who had a huge grin on his face. While the other was an old woman who looked depressed.
"Maybe you should go back to knitting, you old sod." The fat man said.
The old women looked as if she was on the verge of tears.
"Novis now is the time."
As Novis was looking at the large man, he wanted to do something but was too afraid of losing. No one had acted up and complained about this mans behaviour and the simple reason why was because he was stronger than the rest of us.
"What are you all looking at clear off if you're not going to play against me."
The crowd of people quickly separated and went to do their own thing.
"Why didn't you challenge him?" Arthur asked.
"And embarrass myself like with my brother, no thanks it's best to just ignore people like that anyway."
"That's not true Novis, if no one does anything about that behaviour then the man will think he has done nothing wrong, he will continue to act out like that."
Novis knew what Arthur was saying was right but he was too afraid of what would happen if Arthur was to lose in front of everyone. Paul was looking at the whole situation and could see that Novis was upset. Paul wanted to teach the large man a lesson but knew it would mean nothing. The man would simply say it was unfair because paul was a pro while he was just a casual player.
Paul went up to Novis hoping to give him some words of encouragement.
Paul placed his hand on Novis shoulder and said, "One day someone will teach him a lesson, in fact, I think he comes here because he can't beat anyone but new players, work hard and maybe you can be the one to do that for me."
Novis could tell Paul was trying to comfort him so he gave a smile back, just the something popped into Novis mind a question he had wanted to ask but forget to mention while they were in the game together.
"Oh teacher, I was meant to ask, have you ever heard of a swordsman named Arthur Pendragon?"