As we approached the training grounds, I could hear the shouts of battle, the strikes of blades on wood, and the thuds of arrows. The training ground was a large field, filled with guardsmen honing their skills. From archery, to spears, duels, to weights, the fervor of the guardsmen to improve their martial ability was contagious.
When I entered the field, I was stunned at the passion and dedication they put in. But just as I was staring and appreciating their commitment, they were staring right back at us and our procession. The eyes of every person we passed followed us, stopping what they were doing to watch us go.
When we entered the center of the square, Chad stopped.
"Well then John. Time for a test run." Chad said, facing me. "Lose the sword. Let's test your hand-to-hand skills first."
I nodded, then handed my sword to Francis. Now everyone on the field was watching us, as I prepped myself for the match.
"Alright, I'm ready." I said.
Chad nodded and gave me the 'come over here' hand signal.
I rushed forward aiming a punch for Chad's face. Chad brought his arms up to block my fist and I shifted the trajectory of my punch to his stomach. My right fist impacted his exposed abs, eliciting a grunt of pain as he leaned over.
Damn, that felt like I hit a wall. Chad threw an uppercut, pushing upwards with his body. I leaned backwards onto my hands, barely avoiding the punch. Using my backwards momentum, I lifted my legs and kicked out at his chest, the force of the kick allowing me to complete the circular motion of my body, and land back on my feet.
I took a boxer's stance as I looked back at Chad. It looked like my kick managed to push him back but that seemed to be about it. He looked at me and gave me a feral grin, to which I responded with a smile.
I rushed back in, and Chad punched out. I ducked to the left of his fist, balanced on the sole of my left foot, and kicked sideways with my right leg. Chad blocked the kick with his other arm and leaned his body forward on his right leg, kicking out with his left leg.
With great effort, I brought my body up and away from his kick, but then felt a great punch to my gut, as his fist plowed into me. I flew 10 feet away and landed on my side. Fuck! It felt like I was hit by a fucking truck. After a few moments, I got back onto my knees, clutching my stomach.
Chad was standing there with his arms folded, a smirk on his face.
"Not bad, not bad." He said.
"W-what are you t-talking about? You just kicked my ass." I wheezed out.
He shrugged. "I've been training for a long time. Considering you've never even used a weapon before, a real weapon, and have no training to boot, not bad."
"T-thanks, I guess."
"You have a good range of movement, are quick as hell, and pack a mean punch. Even Marcus isn't strong enough to hurt me with his bare fist. Also, you didn't die or pass out." Chad complimented. "Some training and sparring and you'll beat me down easily."
Marcus walked up to me and gave me a hand up.
"Nice punch. It's been a while since I heard the captain react to a hit." Marcus said with a grin.
"How the hell is he so strong?" I groaned.
"That's what 30 strength stats will do. Add onto the fact that he trains constantly and has built his body to the extreme, the stats give him a major boost. This is why most blessed focus on training themselves to suit their stats." Marcus explained.
"If he hadn't focused so much on building his body, he would still be strong, but nowhere near this level. Stats alone aren't enough." Marcus continued.
Damn, so as a multiplier it really kicks in the stronger your body is in general. How much work did he have to put in to get here?
Marcus gave me a consoling pat on the back.
"Like the captain said, that was a hell of a fight. There were some moments you moved so quick I swear I lost sight of you." Marcus praised.
"Considering your stats are practically evenly split, we'll train you in every way we can. This'll work everything you have, except for your magic skills of course." Chad said, after walking over to us.
"How do I improve those?" I asked.
"Hell, if I know, I'm not a pansy mage." Chad replied.
"I'm sure we can ask the mages we know." Marcus answered.
"Well for now, why don't we get you working on building up your body. That's probably what you need most right now." Chad recommended.
I nodded and joined Chad in a strength building routine once I got over the pain of the sparring match. We worked out until the sun set, then proceeded to the mess hall for dinner. Once again, I was the topic of the guard, but the whispers were much softer since I was with Chad and Marcus.
"Well, thanks for letting me stay here today and last night. I'll go into town now and find an inn for the rest of my stay." I said.
"Huh? Just stay here." Chad said.
"You are more than welcome to stay at the barracks." Marcus said.
I shook my head. "Thanks, but no thanks. I've imposed on all of you enough. Plus, I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression about what I plan to do. By staying here indefinitely, it makes it seem as though I've decided to join the King's service."
"Do you want to be an adventurer?" Chad asked.
"I'm not quite sure, but more than likely. While staying here would probably allow me to get stronger, I still feel the need to explore."
Chad and Marcus nodded knowingly.
"Well then, we won't insist you stay. But if you can't find a place, come back here." Marcus said.
"And be back in the morning for training." Chad said.
I agreed to their terms, bid farewell to them and Francis, then headed back into town. I was recommended a reasonable inn by Marcus. Evidently the inn was very comfortable and gave major discounts to blessed people. Most businesses did give discounts to blessed people as it turned out, except for Phaistos of course.
I arrived at the inn before long. It was a nice place with beautiful décor but not overly done. I entered the inn to find it filled with patrons. Everyone was drinking and merry. I went up to the barkeep, who was the owner, and negotiated the price of my stay.
Marcus was correct, the minute I told him I was a blessed, he basically gave me the room for free. I gave him 3 silver for 3 months. If I ever left town, he would rent out the rooms as usual, but when I was in town, he would have one for me until I'd stayed for a combined total of 3 months.
I was taken upstairs by a very pretty waitress, who took me to my room. The room was a suite. It had a living area with comfortable couches, a bedroom, and even its own privy.
"If you'd like to take a bath sir, please just let us know and we will prepare one for you." The waitress said.
"Thank you for your help." I said, to which she blushed. Well, I know what I'm doing tonight.
We returned downstairs where I sat at a table in the corner and ordered a drink.
The waitress returned with my drink and I slowly drank it, enjoying the atmosphere of the inn. There was a musician now, singing a raunchy song while playing the lute. Eventually the waitress came back to the table.
"Anything you need sir?"
"Other than you, I think I'm well." I said with a wink, causing her to blush again. Man, cheesy pickup lines work here.
She leaned into me and whispered. "I hear that you're a blessed sir."
I leaned into her ear.
"Stay the night with me and I'll show you." I whispered into her ear, giving it a little lick.
She giggled and straightened; her face flushed. "Oh sir, you jest."
I reached out and caressed her arm, goosebumps rising where my fingers touched, staring into her eyes.
She started rubbing her legs together. "I'm not finished until later." She squeaked out.
"I'll wait for you all night." I said and removed my hand.
She nodded then quickly turned around and left.
I stayed there for a few hours, slowly drinking. Eventually, I went up to my room. I sat on the couch, enjoying the soft cushion. There was a timid knock at my door.