The group of four stood together in Alexis' office. Len handed the magic stone and their report of the battle to Alexis for evaluation.
"Surprising. You don't see many D grade stones outside of a dungeon," Alexis commented with a frown.
"It was a dire wolf, sir," Alice said quietly.
Alexis' frown grew deeper. 'How did a dire wolf spawn outside of a dungeon? And this group managed to kill it without serious injuries?' he thought to himself.
"Very well. You four have passed your field exercise."
Michael immediately spoke up. "All four of us? Master Alexis, Leo did nothing in the battle but fall over!"
"Enough, Michael. I've heard your report, and Alice's. If Michael had not warned the group, or pushed Alice aside, I highly doubt the four of you would have made it back alive, let alone uninjured."
'It's that damnable luck trait again, isn't it?' he thought to himself. 'Though finding a dire wolf at his level of power can't be said to be very lucky.'
Michael's face darkened at the Guardian's words. "He's a liability, sir. He can't fight, can't cast spells, and has no talent!"
"I said that is enough! In one weeks time, we will be heading to the capital. Alice, Ren, Michael, you are excused from training. Spend time with your families, pack your things, and prepare for the journey. You're excused.
"Leo," Alexis' tone changed as the others left the office. "He wasn't wrong about your current skills. You will spend the upcoming week training with me personally."
Leo looked downwards, ashamed at the brutal evaluation given by Alexis.
-
Leo stood panting, quarterstaff in hand, as Alexis stood before him smiling calmly, his staff held loosely in one hand.
"Again."
Leo darted forward, staff spinning in a tight arc. The sounds of clacks and occasional grunts from Leo as he attempted to land a single hit on Alexis. After a brief flurry of motion, Alexis' staff thrust forward sharply into Leo's stomach, knocking him flat onto his back.
"Ooof-"
"Better. Again!"
He had been practicing for hours. His body was drenched in sweat, covered in welts from the practice staff. 'This isn't training, it's high end torture!' Leo thought to himself.
"Master, wait. This isn't working. I need a break, please."
"Oh? And what would you suggest we do to train your muscles, reflexes and endurance? Do you think the dungeon will give you a break when you're tired? That a monster will stop because your arms are sore? Do you think that someone stronger than you will back down because you say please? Again!" Alexis pointed his staff at the young boy.
Leo took a deep breath, and slowly stood up. He closed his eyes, thinking back to those strange body movements he practiced with Alexis in the evenings. Unconsciously, he shifted his stance into the first movement, and altered his grip on the staff. Leo's eyes snapped open, and in an instant he felt his body flow from the first stance into the second, his quarterstaff snapping forwards at Alexis' head.
(*Clack*)
Alexis blocked the attack with his bare hand. His eyes were wide, and a large grin appeared on his face. He pulled Leo off balance for a moment, and immediately incanted the words of a scan ability.
---
Stats
Rank - 1 (5%)
Strength - 11 (E)
Agility - 16 (E)
Dexterity - 5 (F)
Wisdom - 21 (E)
Intelligence - 11 (F)
Charisma - 7 (E)
Constitution - 26 (D)
Luck - 17 (E)
Blessings:
Script of Aranyani
Mark of the Lady of Spring, Aurora
Severed Fate
Skills:
Nature's touch
Traits:
Hunter's Sight
Abilities:
Body Movement Art - Novice
Staff wielding - Novice
---
"Excellent!" Alexis roared out, laughing. "You finally did it!"
Leo looked confused. "Did what?"
Alexis set aside his quarterstaff, and immediately placed himself in the beginning stance of those strange motions they performed each evening.
Leo recognized the stance, and immediately followed suit, holding his staff to one side. He slowly performed the motion, and the staff flowed smoothly into an attack identical to the one he had just performed.
"This stretching exercise... is a combat ability?"