Upon entry into the moderately sized library, he sees many digital files being pulled out as thin holograms that can somehow give the illusion of touch, as he spots others reading and searching for books using a filter option. He can quickly learn the gist of how things are run.
The library allowed access to any bit of information inside as long as one could find it themselves, some books cost merits while others were free. If anyone tried to walk out of the library with a book it would last about an hour or so before disappearing. After getting accustomed to the environment he decides to investigate the library computer search function which prompts itself before Ashur as he approaches.
"What are you searching for today?" The computer automatically asks.
Ashur pauses a moment before responding.
"Counter-attack oriented sword styles."
"FILTERING."
"FILTERING."
"Search Complete, please see results."
He's inwardly hopeful as he begins to read about various sword styles relying on parrying and using the opponent's force against them. He scrolls to the top and presses on the highest-rated counter sword style, "Black Sun and Moon, Total Eclipse Sword Style." As he excitedly clicks read in anticipation the button suddenly blackens and another screen pops up.
"Insufficient Merits, (15) more merits are required to purchase basic knowledge for this style." His excitement is quickly doused.
'I was a fool for believing I could find such a style so easily..' He sighs and continues scrolling through the free selection with low expectations. Bored he clicks on the coolest sounding name he can find.
'Hmm… Flowing Snake Riposte Style."
'A corny name.."
He scrolls through its information and is slightly hopeful when he reads that this style had been recovered from ruins' recently, the explorer who brought it back had died of his injuries but the book remained. The style was still under evaluation and in the process of being evaluated. People like him, looking for an opportunity to get a leg up had named the style after its core ability, Vital point precision targeting. This was evident from the numerous videos people had posted of themselves trying to show off the style or give tips in return for merits.
Naturally, he ignored these clips to avoid being misled and he found the basics page, detailing the stance, sword position, and the natural movements one would take with the sword. After getting an idea of what would need to be executed he knew he still had the problem of lacking a sword. Pocketing the holographic book he reluctantly exits the quaint library and he heads back to the Sword group to receive a sword.
On his way there he finally manages to spot Davis, which he discovers is predisposed to the scout group, which he can guess is due to his innate stealth ability. He waves at Davis and he waves back grinning, before turning around and continuing to practice his acrobatics.
'That still leaves one problem unsolved, where is Joshua? He had not heard any new rumors or stories ever since last night which surprised him, could he be lying down low? He took note of this peculiar behavior and kept his eyes peeled just in case he managed to see him.
After a while, he gave up as he had reached the Sword group already, his search fruitless. Purposefully searching for him would probably agitate him nonetheless, so he ignored the issue for now altogether. He continues along the path to the tent of the sword group and spots the same guards posted there, annoyed he checks the training grounds but is luckily able to catch the black-haired woman in time.
Approaching her he begins to speak, "Excuse me ma'am I'd like to join this Sword Group as a disciple if possible!"
She suddenly stops attacking the training dummy turns around and glares at him with a frown on her face.
"How arrogant, to wish to join this "Sword group" without even knowing the name. Hmph. But I suppose it can be excused since you are just processed. We are called the Highlander Sword Masters. My name is Patricia Breiner, the current headmaster of the Sword Masters. If you truly wish to join us, you both prove your skill and show extreme loyalty to our division, which can easily isolate you from other divisions, do you still wish to join?
"It's Ashur, of course, I'd like to join, what needs to be done?"
She bends over a box and picks up a few wooden swords.
"First of all, as you can see not many entrants are actually interested in close combat with mutants, thus the lack of popularity of the sword division. As long as you can show some potential in swordsmanship you will qualify to become a member and receive an actual sword the day you deploy to ensure your loyalty."
"I understand."
"Good, then let's proceed with the evaluation." She throws a wooden sword at him and he manages to barely avoid dropping the wooden sword and tries to copy the form from the book.
"James, get over here and spar with the kid, just test him." She presses the wooden sword into his chest and while grasping the sword he slightly recoils from the strength.
James appeared to be a fellow disciple due to the lack of a real sword, he was wearing a white robe and his appearance looked to be above average, well above Ashur's average anyway, he observed while following James to the dueling grounds. They each took their designated spot in the arena in battle stance.
Ashur was quite nervous as he hadn't truly practiced the sword style at all and he adopted a sloppy version of the stance, quite embarrassed he tried to harden his face to not show any signs of nervousness. As they eye each other he can easily tell from first glance that James is at the very least experienced in swordsmanship, who's entire body radiates confidence. Ashur knew he had a slim chance of achieving victory, but he still held onto hope.
Patricia begins to countdown, "3..2...1... BEGIN!"
Taking a defensive stance Ashur prepares to receive James' attacks. James rushed towards his position in a dash bounding left and right towards him, Ashur raises his sword with both hands and attacks him with a sideways slash but James manages to spin and dash in a sidestep to the left aiming his sword for his torso. Ashur manages to bend his arm back and block the blow barely by using the side of the the sword and is pushed back by James' strength. Making distance between each other again.
"Strong!" He exclaims.
Their blades clash once again but Ashur tries to aim for a place to counter-attack, as suggested by the book. Unfortunately his understanding of the book is still too low, and he only guesses a certain area of his arm to attack, Ashur can only risk it all in one attack to even have a chance of success against a much more experienced and strong James. James send a large arcing attack toward Ashur, and he can feel the immense power behind the blow. James' eyes widen as he sees Ashur duck directly beneath his blade and dashes towards his left side and Ashur decidedly strikes out at his left arm.
But before he can strike suddenly he can feel the grip on his sword loosening.
'FUCK, NOT NOW!' He panics inwardly as the sound of his wooden blade clatters to the floor...
"Um.. could I have some bindings please?"
"..."