After I had taken Dashiel and Jean for medical help, their conditions stabilized within an hour. It took only a couple days for them to fully recover. As for the whole situation in the forest, Ace went to assist the other camps with some of the well-trained force of War Knights. They were successful at fighting the threats off.
That brings us to now. In a carriage, headed for the tower of the War Knights. Of course, I had to bring Emi and Marry along, there was nobody to look after them.
"Which of the War Knight do you plan to spar with?" Dasheil asked.
Honestly, I didn't know any of the War Knights, aside from him and Jean.
I also remembered that guy Ezume, the guy who saved me when I first came to his world.
"Um. What about Ezume?" I asked.
Dhasiel's face brightened in surprise.
"You want to learn some lessons from him? I have to warn you, he is among the most skilled of us. It's a rumor that he can keep up with Ace, head on."
I almost wanted to rethink my choice, I had a scuffle with Ace once and lost almost right away. I wouldn't want to fight someone with strength like that.
But, I sort of was curious if Ezume would remember me. Though, he probably wouldn't because of my disguise.
I still remember it clearly, the way he beat that demon easily. This would be a good opportunity to test myself.
"I think I'm willing to accept the challenge of sparring with him."
"Okay, then. I do wish you the best of luck." Dashiel replied.
The carriage stopped at a giant, silver gate where two knights stood guarding. Dashiell identified himself, and we were all let through.
I carried Emi on my back and we set foot inside the courtyards grass.I was nearly stunned by the beautify of everything. There were exotic flowers, planted all round, some even glowed purple. But the most amazing part was the actual tower, it was beyond anything I've seen. It was over 500 feet tall and it had windows that reflected the sun's light. There were knight's all over the place, training, conversing and doing other stuff.
"There's a lot more War Knight than I expected."
"Oh, those aren't war Knights, those are just the trainees. Most of the War knights use the indoor training area. I'll introduce you to some of the other's."
We headed through the tower's great red doors. I followed Dashiell, until he was stopped and greeted by a fellow knight, I assumed.
She wore a purple uniform, which went really well with her long brown hair.
My favorite feature of hers were her eyes, they looked really cool as they were shining red.
"Dashiel, good to see that you're back in good health. I heard you had some pretty rough injuries."
"They weren't all that severe compared to Jean's." Dashiel replied.
The woman looked around, seeing that Jean wasn't present.
"Speaking of Jean, she doesn't seem to be here. But it does look like you've brought a couple others along."
Of course, she was referring to me, Marry and Emi.
Dasheil nodded, "Yeh, they're good friends of mine. I figured I'd give them a tour, since most people dream of seeing the inside of this place."
"That's fine, just don't go above floor eighteen. Visitors aren't permitted to go higher than that.
She pointed out that she had business to attend to elsewhere, so she said her goodbyes for now.
"I'll be seeing you all later. I have some important work to do."
Her eyes glanced at me in particular, but she didn't say anything. Finally, she walked off. It was honestly strange, but it didn't look like something I should be too concerned about.
"That right there was Ava Dracilice. She ranks at #5 among us." said Dashiel.
He for sure wasn't lying, I was able to sense that 'Ava' girl's power at a glance. It was too bad that I didn't take the time to analyze her stats.
'Maybe next time.' I thought to myself.
We moved on with the tour of the tower.
(Floor #2)
A floor with multiple restaurants inside. There were tables all around where the trainees were having lunch. My nose recognized the smell of many foods. There were rice bowles, Steak, Curry, Lobster and much more. But the favorite scent I picked up on was the scent of fried chicken. I didn't even know this world had come up with that yet.
My stomach was already rumbling.
I looked over to where Mary was standing, she was obviously feeling the hunger as well, she was practically drooling.
"Looks...so...good.." She mumbled in a daze.
Dashiell smiled, "You guys must be feeling hungry. Would you guys like to eat once we're done with the tour?"
"Freak yeah!" I shouted, unable to resist the offer.
Mary was a little shy about admitting to her hunger, but she managed to get her words.
"Umm..I...Sure.."
"That settles it. We'll get something good on our way here again." said Dasheil, giving us all a thumbs up.
Going floor after floor after floor, we finally made it high above.
(Floor # 10)
This looked like a floor dedicated to training. There was a huge pool area. Then, there was also an area with tons of workout equipment. Last but not least there was the sparing area. The only thing keeping up away from the attacks of the people inside was a giant glass window.
"If we can find Ezume, this is where you guys will be having your sparring match." Dasheil stated.
I couldn't wait. From what I could see, the sparing area had some sort of environmental magic to it. Four different spaces that could transform into any terrain, chosen by whoever's inside. Currently, I was staring at a cool waterfall environment.
"If it's okay. I'd like to try out the sparing area. If that's okay." I said.
"Are you sure? I mean, aren't you guys hungry?" Dasheil asked, concerned.
I looked at Maryy's expression. She didn;t say anything, but I knew she was starving. So I threw out an idea.
"I'm fine. But If you don't mind, I could stay here and spar while you take Marry to get something to eat. Also, if you could take Emi off my back for now too."
"Hey, at least I know that fox girl's name now. Emi, huh. Cute name. But yeah, I don't mind, I got it."
He walked over, lifting Emi off my back.
After doing so, Dasheil pointed at a line of trainees standing against a wall.
"Those over there are the sparring partners. You can ask one of them to spar with you and I'm sure they'll agree, just go easy on them, will you."
"Don't worry I will." I replied.
"Good, I will leave you to it."
Once he left, I didn;t have to ask around for a partner. Someone approached me right away. Someone with a cocky looking face. I could nearly smell the confidence on him.
"I haven't seen your figure here before. A cute face like yours. What is your name?"
I wasn't sure if he was trying to push my buttons or if he was hitting on me.
Either way, I couldn't tell him my real name 'Amaya.'
"I'm Sapphire, I'm form the kingdom of-"
"My name is Henry. Seeing how you were just speaking to Dasheil, you must be a new trainee."
"I am." I played along.
He cockily brushed his hair out of his face. "I noticed how you were staring through the glass. You must be wanting to spar with someone, right?"
"Actually, ye-"
"Forget about it. The majority of everyone here has been training for months, years or longer. They are far more experienced than someone who has just arrived. However, if that doesn't discourage you, then be my guest. I'll even be the one you spar with. Hopefully, you'll see the skill gap then."
From the way he was acting and from the way he cut me off twice, I think giving him the fight of his life was necessary. I did a great job at hiding my anger with a smile.
I spoke joyfully. "Wow. Really? You'd be willing to spar with me even though I'm new? I must thank you. Should we get started right away?"
Henry widened his eyes, a little baffled by my response.
"I-If you want. Just know I won't hold back for you, even though you're new."
"I would never request such a thing. Please, do your best."
"Pfft. I will."
When we entered the sparing area, it was a plain white space of emptiness, before turning into a greasy flatland.
Henry took up a wooden sword, before handing one to me.
The other trainees halted their activities and started to watch us.
I even heard one of them whisper, "Henry Wills is going to spar against someone? Is that even fair, he could almost already be considered a War Knight."
Everyone definitely thought highly of him. But was someone with such an attitude worthy of respect like that? I didn't think so. Let's just say everyone will have a new image of him when it's over.
"As you realized, we will be using wooden swords. I can't risk giving you a fatal injury." said Henry.
"That's so kind, taking my well-being into consideration."
"Yeah, anyways, the match will begin when you make a move. Take all the time you need. Thinking of a strategy to beat me should take you some time."
"No need. Let's start now."
Fwsh!
I struck his chest and returned to my standing place instantly.
Henry flew back, hitting the glass. Good thing it didn't shatter.
Bmp! Thump!
A confused look appeared on his face, he couldn't comprehend what hit him. When stood back up, his balance almost gave out.
"I don't know how you did that, but that was beginner's luck for sure."
If I had a dollar for every time I heard that in a movie. The only thing different was that this wasn't a movie.
I shrugged, "Yeah, must've been."
"Here you'll learn the gap between us."
Henry lifted his sword, a bright haze started to cover it. Charging up a swing, he cut the air, sending a ripple of light towards my skull.
Still, it was too slow. I would get bored waiting for it to actually hit me.
"Yah yah."
I stepped behind him, shattering my sword over his back.
Wack! Crackle! Slam!
From the second I hit him, he fell flat.
Thump!
I threw my broken sword to the floor and turned my head. That's when I realized, I might've overdid it. The room returned to its white color, and I could see everyone's reaction through the glass. Each of them had their jaws dropped.
I laughed nervously, scratching the back of my head.
"Haha.. I didn't know I had it in me. I must be a natural..or something."