Today my training officially started. It was pure hell, and Vlad was the Devil himself.
During the small pauses, Marian told me some useful information about the so-called warpath.
Warpath was the general name for all the battle-related occupations.
And there were many battle occupations.
"I guess that the most generic classification should be short-range, long-range, and magicians." – Told me Marian, while I was recovering. – "Under the short-range, we have basically the classification based on the weapon used and the barehanded combatants. We can even do even a more detailed classification based on the specific stiles and sets of techniques, but it would be too troublesome since there are just too many of them. In the long-range, there are gunners and archers."
"And what about mages?" – I asked.
"The most basic division among mages is based on the element they use. Along with the element, there is also the specialization." – Seeing my slightly confused expression he explained further. – "For example, one has fire as his main element, and he is specialized in enchanting things. This one will be a fire enchanter. Easy."
"But many talented mages have more than one affinity and more than one specialization, so everything becomes messy at that point."
"And we can't forget about bloodlines, which are a completely different thing with many random powers impossible to classify."
At this point Vlad interrupted him. – "Stop wasting his brain cells. The most efficient way to classify everything is based on their strength."
"I was just going to explain it too…" – Mumbled Marian, clearly unsatisfied.
Vlad scoffed. – "Always complicating things from the start." – Then he looked at me. – "Every warpath has a basic principle. Everyone must train their energy. Differences are in the application, and characteristics of the energy."
He stopped remembering something. – "Let's start from the basics. There is a raw energy in the air around us. The first step of every warpath is to sense the existence of the energy. After becoming aware of the energy around us, you will notice that the raw energy flows in our bodies. Here comes the training technique. The training technique is basically a map which you use to guide the energy inside your body."
"The energy produced by the training technique is easier to control and it the only energy you can call your own."
"As your mastery increases, the energy capacity of your body will also slowly increase. Different techniques have different "levels" of mastery but there is also a generic classification of warpath: thirteen levels for warriors, and thirteen hexes for mages. Mages have a very specific type of energy with can be trained alongside the warriors one."
"Wouldn't one become super powerful if he can reach the thirteenth level both as a mage and as a warrior?" – I asked.
Vlad shook his head. – "Just training as a warrior or as a mage is very difficult. To reach the peak in both is probably impossible."
"And what are your levels?"
Marian smiled. – "Some advice for the future. You should never directly ask the level of people. We live in a brutal world where such information can be really important."
I immediately understood that my question was very indiscreet. – "Right. I'm sorry."
"Actually, it's not a problem if we tell you, but you should never tell this to anyone." – Said Vlad. – "I'm a third-level barehanded fighter."
Marian sighed. – "You trust people too easily, Vlad. We know him only for two days…Anyway. I am II Hex Elemental Battle Mage."
"Sounds powerful."
Marian smirked. – "It is. With my II Hex I can beat Vlad's third level." – Vlad coughed. – "Only because you're so slippery. I need one hit to kill you."
"But it will never land on me." – Laughed Marian.
"Anyway, you've rested enough, weakling. Back to training!" – Roared Vlad.
[…]
The training lasted until the evening. I was destroyed.
More mentally than physically since Marian continuously made me drink recovery potions.
They told me another important thing.
There would be a huge tournament among the different Barracks and Training Camps a month later.
So, they decide to forcefully push me towards the first level. I was worried about my future, but Marian somehow tranquilized me.
"Don't worry, if you die because of weakness you will have no future at all."
This explanation made a lot of sense.
Before going to sleep I tried to sense the raw energy in the air around me.
Marian told me to meditate. – "Empty your mind."
But Vlad immediately cursed at him. – "Shut up. You were able to sense energy literally from your mother's womb. You have no idea how normal people do it."
"Well, I don't think that pushing yourself until basically dying eaten by the beast while being a 10-year-old kid is considered normal!" – Rebutted Marian.
"Anyway, I think that you must try and sense that purple fire of yours!"
Marian fell into deep thought for a second. – "It can be a good method. Actually, you've already experienced your flame two times, so maybe it would be easier."
Both solutions were based on meditation. And so, I meditated…
With no success.
'If I manage to use the purple flame, I will higher chances to survive the upcoming competition…'
Suddenly a very stupid idea appeared in my mind.
'This may work…'
_______________________________________________________________________________________
*Vlad's POV*
Vlad was very surprised by Eliot's idea. – "This…may work." – He paused. – "But it will be very taxing on you. I've seen guys who were broken by much less."
There was some hesitation in Eliot's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.
"I will absolutely die if there are guys as powerful as you in the upcoming tournament. Maybe I will have more chances if I manage to control my ability."
Vlad nodded. – "That's for sure."
"Ok, you go, and rest, and I will talk to Marian."
[…]
"WHAT?!" – Marian's eyes were wide-open. – "Is he an idiot…no…does he want to become an idiot?!"
Vlad signed. – "You know, and he also knows, that without being on the first level, he will probably die. That flame of his…well, even I felt some danger from it when he subconsciously activated it."
"What?! It's so strong?" – Marian's eyebrows went up.
"Yeah. He may have a chance if he controls even a small fraction of it."
Marian stopped talking. Vlad also was silent. In the end, the mage signed. – "Damn it. Ok. I will prepare a few options to boost perception."