"Clang!,Clang!,Clang!,"
The clash of steel resounded through the air, echoing in the alleyway. Alex swung his sword relentlessly, but Chase effortlessly evaded each strike with graceful agility. Alex's movements grew increasingly erratic, his slashes becoming haphazard. In a swift maneuver, Chase circled around Alex, turning his left shoulder towards him and delivering a powerful blow that sent Alex hurtling through the air.
The clash of their swords was like a thunderstorm in the confined space of the alley, each strike creating sparks of light that danced in the air.
"Ting!"
Alex's sword clattered to the ground before he followed suit, crashing down in defeat, As Alex fell to the ground, defeated and broken, his sword sang a melancholy tune of failure.
"Bang!"
"It appears that Alex is on the verge of defeat!" one onlooker exclaimed.
"Should we intervene and help him?" another questioned, concern etched on their face, if Alex failed to defeat Chase he will turn his anger from his loss onto them.
Ava stepped forward, her small dagger glinting in the light, causing Alex's friends to retreat cautiously. "You dare to intervene, and I will make sure you regret it!" Ava's warning hung in the air, her eyes filled with a dangerous intensity, her words were like sharp daggers, warning off anyone foolish enough to challenge her and Chase, Alex's friend install back away couple of feet away from Ava worried they will be stabbed by her.
With measured steps, Chase advanced toward the fallen Alex.
"You claimed you'd destroy my body," Chase taunted, a smirk dancing on his lips. "Are you really giving up already?" he added with a tinge of mockery in his voice, savoring the moment as Alex had taunted him enough and he wanted him to taste his own medicine.
"Ahh!"
Summoning his last ounce of determination, Alex rose to his feet, snatched his sword from the ground, and charged at Chase, Alex's desperate charge was like a wounded animal, lashing out in one final attempt to survive, as he never had anyone talk to him like this before.
Chase calmly sidestepped Alex's desperate attack, effortlessly evading the blade as it whizzed past him. Alex's momentum carried him forward, and in that split second, he felt an excruciating pain in his stomach. Clutching his abdomen, he saw his hand coated in dark red blood, which soon began to flow freely.
"Bang!"
As the world around him started to fade, Alex's eyes lost their color, and he sank to his knees before collapsing face-first onto the ground.
"Alex has fallen!" the crowd gasped in disbelief.
"Is he... dead?" someone murmured, their voice laced with a mixture of shock and sorrow.
Alex's friends stood frozen, unable to comprehend the defeat of their companion.
Disregarding the fallen Alex and his distraught friends, Chase confidently approached Ava, a triumphant smile gracing his face. This victory marked his first-ever fight won, and he relished the sensation of savoring the taste of success.
"You did it. You defeated him," Ava beamed with excitement.
"I told you, didn't I?" Chase replied, satisfaction evident in his tone.
Ava's gaze shifted to the motionless figure behind Chase.
"What about him? Is he... dead?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. The implications of his death would be severe a kingdom-wide search for the killer, followed by a lengthy imprisonment for fighting in the city and committing manslaughter.
"He's still alive, but he won't be attending classes for at least a week," Chase replied, a hint of smugness in his words. While he didn't appreciate Alex's attack, he also didn't harbor hatred toward him. Instead, this encounter boosted his self-confidence, proving that even in moments of weakness, there's a way to overcome someone stronger.
"Won't he tell Miss Freya?" Worry flickered across Ava's face momentarily, but Chase dismissed it with confidence.
"He can't report anything to Miss Freya, and he knows it. But for now, let's forget about him and enjoy the rest of our day," Chase declared. He understood that if Alex did report the incident, he would also face punishment for engaging in a fight outside the academy.
Extending his hand to Ava, they walked away, paying no heed to Alex's friends who frantically checked if he was breathing.
In the following week, Chase and Ava explored the city, relishing their freedom until it was time to resume their weapons training.
Eagle Training Ground, 7 AM.
Chase and Ava decided to walk to the training ground that day. As they arrived, they noticed the students lined up in neat rows from left to right. However, Alex was conspicuously absent from the line, confirming Chase's prediction of his one-week absence, as he got to heal from his injures.
Chase didn't dwell on Alex's absence. Instead, his attention was drawn to the assortment of weapons displayed behind Freya a dazzling array of swords, bows, axes, maces, and spears.
"For the next two months, we will be training with the weapon of your choice," Freya announced, her voice projecting across the training ground as she surveyed her students.
Pointing to the weapon rack, Freya continued, "As you can see, there are different types of weapons. Each one of you may choose your preferred weapon. You have ten minutes to decide." while knights mainly use swords however, some may find solace in the reach of a spear, the precision of a bow, or even the close combat skills of a dagger.
"Go!" Freya's command resounded, setting the students into motion.
Excitement and discussions filled the air as students rushed forward, eager to claim their weapons.
Chase and Ava approached the weapon rack together, Chase decides to pick up a metal spear.
"Why didn't you choose the sword, aren't you good with swords?" Ava asked with curiosity, the fight she saw in the alleyway indicated that he was good with swords as manage to defeat Alex who was stronger.
Chase flick the spear, testing the weight in his hand, feeling light in his hand he turned back to Ava.
"Yea, I'm ok with swords, but I want to try a different weapon," Chase said, confidence. Despite having practiced with the sword his entire life, a restless yearning for exploration tugged at his heart. Maybe swords weren't meant for him alone, and he would never truly know unless he dared to step into the unknown.
"Ok, You choose a weapon for me," Ava said to Chase in a trustful tone, she never used any weapon before she don't know what she want for herself.
Chase's uncertainty lingered in the air like a soft whisper, and he couldn't help but question Freya's decision. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity. He wondered why she had chosen this approach, as he had always believed that each knight should wield the weapon they naturally favored. After all, wouldn't they perform better with a weapon they were already skilled with?
"Okay, I trust your choice," Ava declared with a firm nod.
Chase's gaze lingered on the weapons before him, considering his options. After a few moments, he found the perfect weapon.
"I choose these," Chase said, picking up a pair of dual short axes.
Ava looked at the axes, her curiosity piqued. "Why those?" she asked.
Chase's words carried a sense of thoughtful consideration as he presented the axes to Ava, recognizing her unique strengths. "Given your speed and agility, these axes should work perfectly. They don't require excessive strength," he explained, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. With her remarkable speed and nimbleness, these light-weight axes seemed to be made for her.
"That makes sense. Thank you," Ava said, a hint of excitement in her voice.
"Give them a try," Chase suggested.
Ava began swinging the axes, her movements fluid and elegant. Her long hair danced beautifully in the wind, adding to the captivating display.
Ava's excitement bubbled over as she wielded the axes, the joy evident in her voice. "These are perfect, just as you said. They'll complement my speed and agility," she exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm. It was a revelation to find weapons that not only felt right in her hands but also matched her natural speed.
As Chase and Ava conversed, their attention was drawn to Freya's voice echoing across the training ground.
"Now that everyone has chosen their weapons, please line up again," Freya commanded.
As Freya's authoritative voice resonated through the training ground, the knights responded promptly, forming a disciplined line. Each warrior stood tall, their chosen weapons at the ready, anticipation and determination etched on their faces, Most held swords, while others grasped axes. Chase's gaze landed on his roommate, who stood there holding a mace, having arrived late once again.
"He's always late," Chase mused to himself, wondering what could be the reason behind his consistent delays. A sense of mystery surrounded his roommate, making Chase all the more curious about the person who shared his living space.
Freya addressed the assembled students, introducing the upcoming training.
"For the next two months, I will be teaching you the Blue Eagle Style," Freya announced, capturing everyone's attention.
Chase couldn't help but wonder how a single style could be taught with different weapons.
As Freya addressed the students' skepticism head-on, her voice carried a tone of reassurance and wisdom. "I know what you're thinking. How can the same style be taught with different weapons?" she acknowledged, her perceptive gaze meeting theirs.
She understood their doubts, for it was a natural question to ponder. The idea of a single style applied to various weapons might seem implausible at first glance. But Freya, with her vast experience and knowledge, was quick to provide an explanation.
"You need not worry," she continued, her confidence unwavering. "The Blue Eagle Academy has spent the last 300 years studying and adapting the Blue Eagle Style to each weapon." Her words left the students in awe.
"Once this session is complete, each of you will receive a book on the Blue Eagle Style, tailored to your chosen weapon," Freya promised.
With the training session concluded Chase received a concise five-page book on the Blue Eagle Spear Style before making his way back to his dormitory.
Sitting on his bed, Chase eagerly opened the book, revealing black-and-white illustrations of a man wielding a spear. Intricate descriptions accompanied each image, providing guidance on executing the attacks.
-Ding! Does the host wish to learn the Blue Eagle Style for 20 Knight Points? Yes/No,- the system notification chimed.
Startled by the sudden interruption, Chase realized that the Knight System could facilitate his skill development.
"The Knight System holds many mysteries that I need to explore," Chase mused.
"Yes, system. Learn the Blue Eagle Spear Style," Chase affirmed.
In response, a crimson light emitted from Chase's eyes, enveloping the Blue Eagle Stylebook. As the light receded, new information flooded his mind, detailing the intricacies of spear techniques. The names Eagle Thrust, Aim, and Blue Eagle Style etched themselves into his memory, while a surge of power coursed through his being.
"Wow, this Blue Eagle Style is incredible," Chase exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement. He glanced at his stat template and noticed a remarkable increase in all attributes each had received a boost of 10 points, to his strength, Agility, and Physique.
Chase started moving his body around feeling the strength, vision, and blood in his body more pumping.
-Congratulations, host, on learning your first skill. Reward: Battlefield Adaptation,- the system announced.
"Nice, and I've acquired another skill," Chase acknowledged.
Eager to explore his newfound abilities, Chase delved into the system, studying his latest skill Battlefield Adaptation.
-BattleFieild Adaption-
-Grade: Exalted
-Quality: Superior
-Current Level: Normal/Expert/Master/ETC-
-Helps increase physical and mental, also helps you in battle become good on the battlefield able to survive the attack currently of 100 to 300 soldiers, and more-
"This adaption should be good when I'm ready for war."
Chase spent the rest of the day digesting the blue eagle spear style.
"Battlefield Adaptation... This will prove useful when I'm ready for war," Chase remarked, contemplating the skill's potential.
"Oh, I forgot about the special reward for entering the elite class," Chase said, excited about the extra reward he got from entering the elite class.
Chase enter the system inventory and selected his extra reward.
-Congratulations, host on obtaining, Presence of Courage,- the system announced.
-Grade: Profound
-Quality: Rarefield
-Presence of Courage: Certain Knights possess an innate Presence of bravery and courage that inspires those around them. This Presence can boost the morale and resolve of allies, instilling fear in enemies, currently for 5 Minutes-
As Chase marveled at his newly acquired skill, the Presence of Courage, excitement surged through him. "Another good skill for the battlefield," he exclaimed with fervor, envisioning the potential impact it could have in combat. The thought of inspiring his comrades and striking fear into his enemies with his mere presence filled him with a sense of purpose and anticipation.
However, he knew that to fully unleash the power of the Presence of Courage, he would have to wait for a true battlefield encounter. Until then, he resolved to practice and hone his mastery of the Blue Eagle Spear Style.
Exiting the system interface, Chase's focus shifted to his training. For the remainder of the day, he immersed himself in the study of the Blue Eagle Spear Style.