Over the following weeks, the days melded into a consistent pattern of growth and camaraderie for Amukelo and his team. Each day was rigorously segmented between questing in the nearby regions and refining their skills—be it through personal practice or collective training sessions at the local grounds. The group maintained a disciplined routine, which, while exhausting, brought them closer together and honed their abilities significantly.
Some evenings, however, offered a different kind of ritual. These were reserved for recovery and reflection, often spent at the local tavern where the clinks of glasses punctuated their laughter and tales of the day's exploits. It was during these moments of shared stories and light-hearted jests that Amukelo felt a sense of belonging that had eluded him for so long.
About two weeks into this intensive regimen, Amukelo realized he had accumulated enough savings from their quests to join a renowned training facility in Llyn—a place Bral spoke of with high regard. The facility was known for its rigorous sparring sessions, providing a platform for warriors to measure and enhance their prowess against seasoned fighters. Seeing the potential benefits for Amukelo's growth, Bral suggested they take a day off from questing so Amukelo could register and acclimate to the new environment.
"Think of it as a sort of initiation day for you," Bral had said with a knowing grin, clapping Amukelo on the shoulder. "Idin and I are already members, so we'll introduce you to the trainers and some of the regulars. You'll fit right in."
Grateful for their support, Amukelo agreed eagerly. The prospect of testing his skills against diverse and potentially more experienced opponents invigorated him, offering a new challenge to conquer.
The morning they were to visit the facility, Bral and Idin were already waiting outside the inn at dawn. The crisp air carried a slight chill, hinting at the approach of cooler days, but the warmth of anticipation kept Amukelo's spirits high.
Amukelo finished tying his boots and straightened up just as Pao approached him, her demeanor a blend of excitement and nerves. The early morning light cast gentle shadows around the inn's lobby, lending a softness to her features. Her usual lightheartedness seemed tinged with hesitation today, and Amukelo noticed her shifting weight from one foot to the other—a clear sign of her unease.
"Amu, do you have some free time today in the late afternoon?" she asked, her voice slightly higher than usual. Amukelo, who was still adjusting the fit of his glove, paused and looked up, meeting her hopeful gaze.
"I don't think it will take us the entire day, so I think I will," he replied, genuinely curious about what she needed. "What's the matter?"
Pao bit her lip lightly, a habit Amukelo had come to recognize when she was thinking or unsure about something. She glanced down briefly before meeting his eyes again. "Would you help me in choosing a new magic staff, and some other items?" Her request came out in a rush, and she clasped her hands together as if to steady them.
Amukelo, ever oblivious to the subtleties of personal invitations, tilted his head slightly, puzzled. "Sure, but why do you need me? I don't know much about staves," he asked, his tone honest and straightforward. From a few feet away, Bao, who had been passing by, stopped and gave a pointed cough, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation at her friend's naiveté. She gestured slightly with her eyes, signaling to Pao that she was making it a bit too obvious.
Amukelo, still missing the cue, turned back to Pao, who managed to gather her composure. With a bright smile that lit up her face, she said, "Great, so see you then!" Her energy seemed to return all at once, and without waiting for his response, she turned on her heel and practically bounced back to her room.
"See you then," Amukelo said to the empty space where Pao had stood a moment ago, his voice trailing off. He shook his head slightly, a bemused smile playing on his lips as he turned to find Bral and Idin waiting for him outside.
As he stepped out into the cool morning air, Amukelo couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation about the day ahead—not just for the sparring but also for whatever Pao had planned. Even with his limited understanding of personal cues, he could tell that today was going to be more than just simple shopping.
As Amukelo hurried to join Bral and Idin, their expressions were a mix of amusement and curiosity. Bral raised an eyebrow, chuckling lightly, "Took you a bit there, mate. Everything alright?"
Amukelo nodded, brushing off the morning's haste, "Yeah, sorry about that. Pao caught me just as I was heading out. She wants my help with some shopping later."
"Shopping?" Bral repeated, his interest piqued. "And just what does Pao need your expert opinion on?"
Amukelo shrugged, slightly confused by the emphasis, "She's looking to buy a new staff and some other things. Asked me to come along this afternoon."
Idin exchanged a knowing look with Bral, leaning in to whisper but loud enough for Amukelo to catch, "Do you think it's what I think it is?"
Bral's grin widened, "I'd bet it is what you think it is."
They both faced Amukelo again, their grins teasing. "Looks like we'll have to cut your training short today," Bral announced. "You've got some important preparations to make. We'll even spot you some coin for dinner."
"Dinner?" Amukelo echoed, his brow furrowing. "What dinner?"
Idin clapped him on the back, laughing softly, "Oh, the naivety of youth. Don't worry, you'll understand by this evening."
With the morning's plans adjusted, the trio made their way to the training facility. The building that housed the facility was imposing in its own right, though age had clearly taken its toll. Large, grandiose in structure, it was marked by time with visible cracks and an ancient patina that spoke of decades of use and neglect.
"Are you sure this is the right place?" Amukelo asked, skepticism lacing his tone as he eyed the old edifice. "It looks like it could crumble any minute. Hard to believe joining here costs a small fortune."
Bral laughed, stepping forward to lead the way, "Trust me, it's what's inside that counts. This place might look old, but it's got the best sparring pits you'll find in the town. You're about to see why it's worth every penny."
As they approached the large, worn wooden doors, the sound of clashing swords and muffled shouts seeped through, hinting at the vigorous activity within. Bral pushed open the door, and as they were about to step inside, Amukelo took a deep breath, ready to immerse himself in what promised to be a pivotal part of his training.