A quakey burp left the back of Dashiel's throat. Being done with his means, he wiped his mouth and pushed this plate aside.
"Even after the eight long years I've been here, I can never get tired of the food. There's always something to satisfy my craving."
"I don't know a whole lot about the food out in the world, but I know this taste is to live for." Having finished a plate of pasta, Mary moved on to dessert. A small cake with just the right amount of frosting, not too much, not too little. When her teeth sank into the texture, her eyes almost shined like beams.
Dashiel asked, "You don't know alot about food? Haven't you been to any of the big towns or cities?"
Mary washed her food down with a creamy glass of milk before answering.
"I haven't been to many places, aside from smaller towns. I spent the majority of my life at the church, my home. It was only a couple days ago that I got to see the capital of Ashetira for the first time."
"Oh, I bet you're one faithful person to teachings and prayers." said Dashiel. If anyone spent that much time isolated from the world, they must be one dedicated person.
Mary shook her head and the look in her eyes became reminiscent.
"Honestly, it was forced on me. Father always told me that the world was a bad place, he forbid me from going anywhere too far from home."
Dahsheil grew to regret his question when he saw that it triggered a sad memory for her. Before he could apologize, the cafeteria doors swung open. A trainee, drenched in sweat rushed in. He caught the attention of everyone around with an urgent shout.
"Everyone!...A formidable girl defeated Henry in a sparring match..a-and she's accepting any challenger!"
A green-haired trainee stood up with a wide confident grin.
"Oh? She's that great, huh? Tell me, how many matches has she won already?"
"She was on her tenth match when I left to bring the news to you all."
"Hah, maybe this is worth my time."
That green-haired trainee wasn't the only one interested, nearly everyone in the cafeteria stood up and rushed towards the training floor.
Dashiel smacked himself with his palm.
'Don't tell me that's you, Sapphire. I clearly said to go easy on them. Now everyone wants to try you.'
About to get up from his seat as well, Dashiel's eyes almost popped out when he saw who else was interested in the commotion.
Armor that would protect against the strongest attacks, a mythical weapon at his hip, long red hair. But the key features that made him stand out were his cold killer eyes. This was War Knight Alan Fabelin, he was feared even if he wasn't an aggressive man.
Dashiel tried so hard not to gasp.
'Oh no, She's really in for it now. She caught his attention. Damnit Sapphire, you got everyone in the tower trying to challenge you.'
Mary became aware that this 'person' that everyone wanted to challenge was most likely Sapphire.
"Do you think Sapphire is that person they're so hyped to challenge? I guess it would make sense if that's the case, she did tell me that she was a strong adventurer before."
Dasheil sprinted up the many stairs, behind the many challengers.
(Floor # 10)
When he finally made it to the training floor, he was more than impressed and surprised. There, he could see every trainee in sight waiting for their turn to battle. That alone wasn't the surprising part. What really surprised Dashiel were the many healers off to the side, attending to over 50 injured.
'If she won against this many people, it's only a matter of time before some of the other War Knight's take interest. Then she'll be 100% doomed for sure.'
Of course, it didn't take long. A hand grabbed Dashiel's shoulder and the voice of War Knight Ava spoke.
"Isn't that one of the friends you brought along? She's got some skill in combat. Pretty fast. Even my own eyes can barely see her movements."
She pointed at the glass window, where Sapphire defeated her next opponent in a flash.
Dasheil nodded. "Yep, that is, in fact, one of the friends I brought. I'm sorry I let this happen, I'll put an end to this commotion."
He wasn't allowed to go stop it all, Avan grabbed his wrist.
"It's fine, actually. I'll be the one to put a stop to it. I'd like to face her."
Simply stopping all sparring sessions for the day would be the best solution, but it was obvious that Ava was craving a fight. Formidable or not, Sapphire wouldn't stand any chance against Ava Dracilice, arguably the most skilled War knight in terms of completed missions.
She walked on ahead towards the sparring room, each trainee moved out of her way, not even daring to fight for their place in line.
Once she was in, she shot a glare at Sapphire.
"The word of your strength traveled so fast that I decided to come see it for myself. Are you ready?"
"Well, I am sort of getting tired out. I might not be able to fight someone as great as you right now. But, I'll certainly be a pain in your rear."
"Then, this shall be our sign start. On guard!"
With that, the sparring match was set in motion.