Bennet and Hugo had spent countless hours in the training yard, determined to master the weapons General Mustafa had bestowed upon them.
For Hugo, the massive halberd proved to be a challenge by itself. It was an impressive weapon, its blade gleaming with a deadly edge, but its sheer weight tested Hugo's strength and stamina to the limit. For hours, he would swing, thrust, and parry, sweat pouring down his brow as he strained to wield the Halberd with finesse.
With each move, he couldn't help but consider the countless vulnerabilities it exposed because, against a seasoned warrior, his movements might become too predictable. Each swing of the Halberd, though powerful, carried a fraction of hesitation, a brief moment in which a swift opponent could exploit a weakness. Hugo was acutely aware that a trained adversary would see his attacks coming from a mile away.
On the other side of the training yard, Bennet grappled with a different kind of challenge. The dual blades that had been entrusted to him were lightning-fast and nimble, but mastering their use was proving to be quite complex. The coordination required to engage in a sword fight with two blades was unlike anything he had experienced before.
Bennet's brow furrowed in concentration, the blades flashing in intricate patterns that seemed almost like a dance. Yet, despite his dedication, he still struggled to find the rhythm and balance needed to triumph in a real combat situation.
As the sun dipped, Bennet found himself alone while the moonlight cast an eerie shadow. It was in these solitary moments that he felt the weight of his self-imposed expectations.
Hugo, who had managed to get a better grip on the Halberd, approached Bennet with a reassuring smile. "Don't be too hard on yourself," he said, wiping his own brow. "We both have our challenges, and we'll overcome them in time. Remember, General Mustafa trusted us with this for a reason."
"Since when did you become the smart one?" Bennet asked, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
Hugo chuckled, his usual easygoing self, and replied, "Well, you know, even the strongest warrior needs a wise brother like me."
Bennet couldn't help but laugh at his brother's quip. It was moments like these that made him grateful for their close bond.
"Well, come on now. I'm hungry!" Hugo said with a grin.
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up with you in a few," Bennet replied, wearing a faint smile.
Hugo nodded and continued on his way, leaving Bennet standing alone in the gathering shadows. As his brother's figure disappeared into the distance, Bennet moved with purpose toward the darkest corner of the area, where the cloak of night provided cover for his solitude.
"I need to talk to you," Bennet said in a serious voice.
"Who, me?" asked Toma, his spectral form shimmering into existence as if he had just awakened from an eternal slumber.
"Who else do you think I'm talking to? You're the only one I talk to when I'm alone," Bennet replied.
Toma chuckled, his spectral form shimmering with amusement. "Well, who knows? You might have started to lose a few screws."
Bennet sighed, his concern etched on his face. "Toma, I have a bad feeling about our next mission. I need another ability; I barely survived the last time."
"Thanks to the ability that I gave you," he said with a hint of pride in his ethereal voice.
Bennet rolled his eyes, but there was a glimmer of gratitude in them.
Yes, thank you for that. But I need something more, something that can give me an edge, especially if we encounter those giant goblins again."
Toma considered Bennet's request, his spectral form swirling thoughtfully. "Very well, my friend. I will delve into my knowledge and see if there's an ability that can aid you further. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility."
"Why are you even using that line, did you get that from Spiderman?" Bennet chuckled at Toma's response.
"I will not confirm or deny that we have a television in the afterlife," Toma replied playfully.
"But with all seriousness, the next ability that I will give you is something different," Toma said, his tone grave. "Once I give this to you, I will no longer be there to guide you."
Bennet felt a lump in his throat. Toma had been his constant companion, offering guidance, humor, and a sense of camaraderie during their adventures. The thought of losing that connection was unsettling.
"Why won't you be there anymore?" Bennet asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Toma explained, "The ability I'm going to give you is one that requires all of my essence. It's a part of the pact we made when we first met. It will grant you power, but it will also sever our connection."
Bennet nodded slowly, understanding the sacrifice that Toma was making for him. "What kind of ability is it?"
Toma grinned mischievously. "Ah, my friend, that's a surprise you'll have to wait for. But trust me, it'll be a game-changer."
Something puffed from the air, it was some sort of a round gem and it went to Bennet's hand.
The round gem rested in Bennet's palm, its surface glimmering with an ethereal light. It felt cool to the touch, like a soothing presence against his skin.
"When in great danger, but only when it is great danger, use that stone, and it will help you against your enemies," Toma's fading voice echoed in Bennet's mind.
"How will I use it?" he whispered, his voice filled with a sense of solitude.
There was nothing but dead silence in response. Toma's presence had vanished completely, leaving Bennet alone with the mysterious gem.
Bennet felt the weight of Toma's absence, a profound sadness that settled in his heart. Toma had been his constant companion for years, guiding him through countless challenges. Now, with the silence in his mind, he truly felt alone.
The night passed, and as the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, Bennet and Hugo made their way to the meeting place. They arrived an hour before the sun could rise, finding Captain Igor and the other warriors already gathered and ready for their next mission.
As they approached them, two cloaked warriors stepped forward and they were suddenly attacked. It seemed like a surprise assault, and the brothers instinctively went into defensive mode.
The cloaked warriors launched their attacks with ferocity, and the clash of combat filled the dimly lit alley. Hugo stood like an immovable fortress, his massive frame a formidable barrier against the incoming strikes. Muscles bulged beneath his skin as he absorbed their blows, demonstrating his incredible strength. His arms, solid as stone, became unyielding pillars of defense that deflected each punch with ease.
The other attacker targeted Bennet, punches after punches were thrown but Bennet's agility was a stark contrast to Hugo's unyielding strength. His lithe form moved like a dancer's, fluid and graceful. Each punch aimed at him was met with a choreography of evasion. His nimble footwork allowed him to weave through the onslaught, his body swaying like a reed in the wind.
Bennet's keen reflexes came to the fore as he anticipated every strike. His movements were not just about dodging; they were a symphony of calculated responses. He weaved, ducked, and sidestepped with precision and finesse, ensuring that none of the attackers' punches found their mark.
Their attackers, once confident, began to show signs of frustration as they couldn't hurt the two young warriors.
Amid the fight, Bennet's thoughts raced. The sudden attack had taken them by surprise, leaving them wondering about the attackers' intentions. Could they be agents sent by their pursuer? And the most unsettling question of all: Was Captain Igor somehow involved?
Suddenly, the attacks abruptly ceased, leaving them bewildered.
Laughter rang out, dispelling the tension in the air, and the instigator of the assault, Zaira, finally revealed herself. Lucio, who had reluctantly participated in the scheme, raised a hand in a friendly gesture to signal that it had all been a playful initiation.
"Sorry about that, Bennet," Zaira apologized, her mischievous grin still in place as she observed the brothers' surprised expressions. It seemed the initiation had served its purpose—to catch them off guard and test their combat skills.
Bennet and Hugo exchanged puzzled glances as they caught their breath after the initiation ordeal. Bennet was the first to break the silence, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"What was that all about?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
Captain Igor stepped forward, his expression thoughtful.
"Well... Most of the veterans aren't sure if we should include you two," he explained honestly.
Zaira and Lucio had already proven their worth a year ago, having successfully completed a lot of missions that showcased their abilities. For Bennet and Hugo, it was different—they were newcomers, untested in the field. Captain Igor believed that the best way to gain the trust and respect of their fellow warriors was to demonstrate their skills and abilities.
"The initiation was a way for you to show us that you won't be a burden in the missions to come," Captain Igor continued, his eyes studying the brothers for their reactions.
Bennet and Hugo listened attentively, taking in the information as Captain Igor explained their inclusion in the warrior group. To them, it seemed like a natural part of the process, and they nodded in agreement, eager to prove their worth.
As they settled into their newfound roles, a voice emerged from the shadows, catching their attention. A mysterious figure stepped forward, casting aside a dark cloak to reveal a handsome man with jet-black hair and a prominent scar across his face, evidence of a past encounter with a sharp blade.
Captain Igor introduced the man as Vice-Captain Kai, who would be co-leading their mission. While Kai's smile appeared warm and welcoming, there was an aura about him that left Bennet with a sense of unease. It was as if he could smell death from the man, a sensation that felt strangely familiar, reminiscent of his time in the underworld.
Unable to shake this eerie feeling, Bennet couldn't help but wonder what secrets Vice-Captain Kai held and what role he would play in their upcoming mission.