It was morning as usual and Shuya was still learning the 'One Point Thrust'. The sounds of a wooden weapon was ringing across the air.
*clak
*clak
"Hmm, it seems like he will not be successful today. Shuya, if you want to, you can stop for the day."
"No need gramps, i can still do it."
"This kid. Okay, don't overdo yourself."
It was around 5 in the morning and some early riser were walking around. As few people were passing through the roads, they heard the sound of a wooden weapon hitting something. When they looked at where the sound came from, they were greeted with a boy who was constantly aiming and thrusting his sword on the tree.
Some were amazed by the boys determination, some were happy and some cheered him. After 7 people or so, Noma came to look at the sound too. He was slightly surprised at how hardworking and determinated he was. After watching him for a few more minutes, he asked Shuya,
"Excuse me for bothering you but, would you like to have a mock battle with me?"
Shuya was slightly surprised as Noma was 3 years older than him, so he asked back,
"But why me? You would clearly be the winner right?"
"Well the thing is, I don't really have anyone to spar with except for Numo and Eqee and some older men, so i wanted to fight with an outsider for once."
After his answer, Shuya thought about it for a moment then accepted.
"Thanks, well then, follow me. There is a place near Eqee's house so we can go there."
Hearing this Godo also got up, then followed them. After reaching the place, Noma also took a wooden sword that was lying on the ground, then they both stood in their positions.
"Sir Godo, if you don't mind, could you tell us the time to start?"
"Of course, I don't mind... Ready, set, fight."
Just then, they both quickly ran towards each other in a straight line. After almost reaching each other, they both swung there swords. The swords clashed and for a second, they were even but Shuya was slowly getting on the weaker end. Then Shuya moved to the side with his sword still facing sideways, then swung it towards his stomach.
Noma jumped up then swung his sword downwards. Shuya defended against it then slipped away. They were back in their original position, Shuya was slightly tired and was sweating even more than before. Noma was breathing a bit faster but was still full of energy. They then began to run towards each other again. Noma did a sweeping slash, Shuya used his sword to defend. He then did another slash from below to above. Shuya also defended against this but was slightly hurt by the slash.
Then Shuya quickly took a thrusting stance, seeing this Noma took a defensive stance. Then Shuya thrusted with his full power resulting in quite a surprising result. Noma was sent back quite a distance and his sword cracked a bit. Shuya was already exhausted and was resting on the ground. Then Godo said,
"It is Noma's win."
Noma helped Shuya out and also rested.
"That was a very fun match. Especially that last attack you did. It's power was quite extraordinary."
"Ah thanks. I started to learn it this morning."
"This morning? That's a very good result for an hour or two of training. Who taught you by the way?"
"It was gramps."
"Gramps? Oh you mean Sir Godo. I thought he was a mage."
"Well he is both a magician and a swordsman."
"That's very cool. I learn that it's incredibly hard to learn both swordsmanship and magic."
They talked for a bit more, then Shuya and Godo went back their tents. Noma thanked him again for having the mock battle. After reaching their tents, Folaei was already awake.
They told her about the battle then tend to their own things again.