After a few days of rest, it was finally time for class.
Sullivan barely had any sleep due to his anticipation for today's training. Even though he was specifically told to do exactly the opposite of that. However, for some reason, he felt that today will be special. Something he believed that his father cooked up behind that stiff face of his.
With that in mind, the boy turned his gaze outside the window beside the bed. Once he could see the vermillion sky, he will take it as a sign to get ready.
Lo and behold, the sky was a beautiful red. Therefore he stood up from his rickety old bed and walked to the door at the end of the room, finding a wooden tub and a bucket of water waiting patiently by the side. His mother had always placed these things discreetly without his knowledge, in fact, he never could catch her in the act. To normal people, it would be certainly scary to find random objects in his room scattered around. However, Sullivan was never surprised since his mother was an enigma by herself... and that he was used to it at this point.
He shrugged this thought away as he began to take the herbs hidden inside the tub out, putting the them aside except for one which he would use for his teeth. He scooped a handful of water and mixed it with the herb, which strangely melted into a paste-like substance which he then applied to his toothbrush. After a period of rinsing and scrubbing, he spat the bitter paste out into a small bucket by the side and then poured the bucket with water into the tub; disrobing and entering it shortly after.
While taking a bath, Sullivan's thoughts couldn't help but wander.
As his long-time bullies had said yesterday. He was a 'wordless'. A person who could not speak, a mute that was doomed to never converse with another individual properly and expressively. His only words are his thoughts and his only voice are his expressions.
But because of his God-like face, he is forced to wear a mask and hide himself from society - other than his family of course. A fate that is a bit cruel for a boy his age. 'The only way for people to talk to me had been stripped away all because I was born a little too good looking... sigh...' Sullivan sorrowfully sighed within his thoughts, not realizing that if someone had read his thoughts, they would've immediately strangled him to death.
After a while of thinking and thorough scrubbing, he finally stood up left the tub, drying himself with a towel made of an animal unknown to him. After making sure he was properly dried, he turned his gaze to a rack where his training gear was hanging from.
It was a set of thin brown leather armor made out of a fierce beast deep in the forest, at least that's what his father told him. To Sullivan, the armor set was fairly flexible, comfortable and covered his entire body; the ideal training gear in his opinion. Additionally, to some extent, it added a layer of protection for colder climates, something his father definitely thought about. After wearing all pieces of armor, he sat back down on his bed and waited.
Originally, he was going to do some light exercises in preparation for training, yet he felt a bit too tired. 'Not getting proper rest is already coming back to bite me..', he thought as he laid on his bed. Bored, he then chose to admire the craftsmanship of the armor that fit snuggly on his body. Slowly remembering what his father taught him in the past. Saying something pretty important about armor. Sullivan, without anything to do, massaged his temples desperately to remember the lesson.
'[Magic Gear] are usually made out the hides of powerful beasts or rare materials infused with arcane elements. They are convenient and powerful tools that many individuals covet and desire to boost their power level significantly. Making even the most rubbish of individuals become a powerhouse.
'Though trying to get these materials, however, is a lot harder since you can't look for them due to its incredible rarity, so you can only chance it by luck or buy an already made [Magic Gear]. Even if you wanted try and find these powerful materials, you will find that your time will be completely wasted since they are incredibly rare. They can only be chanced on, not sought after'
'However, if you DO find one, look and sense around the surrounding area to find traces of battle or energy. If you find bodies or even bones, then you may need to reassess your preparation. The threat will be prowling about and it will be strong and dangerous.'
'Yet, despite all the danger, brave or stupid treasure hunters would always take that risk without hesitation. But, who can blame them? The reward is too good to pass up. In fact, it is a risk that even I will take depending on the reward it may give. Keep in mind, however, that the more powerful and rarer a material is, the more dangerous it will be.'
After racking his mind for what seemed like hours, Sullivan finally remembered his father's deep monotone voice explaining the topic to him and his twin sister slowly, but not forgoing the key points.
'Enough of that topic for now. Let's talk about the effectiveness of the armor. Such pieces of fine craftsmanship are incredibly hard to penetrate without a weapon of equivalent value. So, cultivators often refer it as having a second life. It can protect you from fatal damage and cover your vital points. Even if you had a [Low-Quality Magic Gear] and get punctured by a steel sword, you will only feel a small impact at worse. Though, sometimes if it used to it's maximum effectiveness, you can catch your opponent unawares. Dealing the killing blow while they're distracted."
Durivan explained patiently to his cute students, stopping for a while so that they can take notes. After they finished, he resumed the lecture.
'If you can find a skilled Blacksmith, Armorsmith or any crafter capable of crafting [Magic Gear], you can commission them to make you something with hides or ores that you mayhap chanced on or earned during your adventures. Such a commission, however, can be incredibly expensive since you are trying to get armor tailored made for yourself...'
He stared at the half-asleep Eva menacingly, waking her up instantly.
'...Understand? Alright, I hope you two took notes when I mentioned 'elements' a couple of times, because this is where the armor gets complex.'
Sullivan remembered his father taking a short pause before continuing.
'If the armor just gave a boost in defense then it wouldn't be called [Magic Gear]... I see Eva has already realized it. Yes, If a particular craftsman is skilled or lucky they may implement an ability into the armor according to the element it is based out of! Sometimes more than one ability can be implemented if the craftsman was really skilled!'
Sullivan still remembered the shock that he and Eva felt that day as his father's voice pounded onto his head. It felt like cheating to them! At that very moment they had fallen into their dreamland of sunshine, already imagining their very own [Magic Gear]... until their father decided to pour a bucket of cold water on their fantasies.
'Naturally, [Magic Gear] are usually considered as 'borrowed' power. It does not represent a warriors abilities, just his wealth! If you rely on it too much, you will lose sight of your path and degrade in skill. Remember, to grow is through utilizing your own skill and learning from your mistakes. Stray from this path and you will forever be weak.'
He solemnly said. Clearly emphasizing the severity of it all. For a while, it seemed like he watched them for what felt like hours. Still giving Sullivan a cold sweat just from remembering it. This continued until his expression relaxed and the siblings began feeling comfortable again. After a short moment, he concluded his lecture.
'...Regardless, it can still save your life when you're in an emergency. So put this lesson to heart... Understand?'
The siblings nodded vigorously.
'Good! Eh...?'
'...Look, your mother is waving at us. Let's go get ourselves some dinner.'
The flashback ended as Sullivan can still recall the taste of the scrumptious meal. He slightly relaxed on his bed and began rethinking about his father's lesson, further digesting the teachings at a deeper level. Despite his silliness, he can be considered to be academically gifted since he was able to remember all of his father's words and classes. In fact, he has almost photographic memory that will allow him to remember anything so long as he thinks hard about it.
However, for a wordless boy, he can't actually demonstrate his talent anywhere. So, using this gift, he looked back on all his lessons and broke them down to a more fundamental level silently. Always finding key points of the lesson quick. Perhaps this is the reason for the boys mature, kind and considerate mindset. He thinks too much into a persons life and emotions based on speech and behavior. Always deciding on what is the appropriate action as he places himself in their shoes.
He always was thinking a bit too much...
... But does he have any other choice?
While he mostly wrapped up his thoughts. Someone suddenly knocked on his door heavily. However, Sullivan wasn't worried, he knew exactly who it was.
He stood up from his bed and headed towards the door.
Time for classes.