--- Thirteen Years Earlier, Year of the Realm 927
--- Location: Chyros Desi, Grand State of Chyros
"Arthur! Arthur! Hey, get up!" were the voices Arthur heard.
He slowly rose, feeling the cold water that was splashed on his face.
"Do you yield?" asked a person who seemed to be a commander of soldiers, looking at Arthur while holding a bucket of water, which he had used to awaken him.
"Well, if you're not cut out to be a Vanguard, there's always work for you in the stables. Unless, of course, you think you can defend our master while sitting on your arse in a puddle of pigswill," the commander added, looking at a noble, Artemis, Arthur's brother.
"I'm sure he'll find a way," Artemis remarked with a smile, showing great confidence in Arthur. "
You can get up, can't you, Arthur?"
"Go on. You're sure to hit him eventually!" said a beautiful lady standing beside Artemis, watching Arthur rise and cheering him.
"Don't give up!" they continued to cheer Arthur on during his training. Along with them and Artemis there was a cute, small hound, barking as if it too wanted to encourage Arthur in his training.
Arthur smiled and seemed invigorated by the cheers of his friends and his brother Artemis.
Meanwhile, the commander tossed aside the bucket he was holding and prepared to continue Arthur's training.
"To arms then," said the commander, after handing a wooden sword to Arthur.
They crossed their swords, readying themselves for the continuation of their training session.
After crossing swords, they slowly backed away from each other, preparing for their respective attacks. Artemis and the others watched intently, offering their full support even though it was just a training session.
Arthur initiated the attack, repeatedly swinging his wooden sword, while the commander skillfully parried each of his strikes.
This exchange demonstrated Arthur's determination and the commander's expertise, creating a dynamic and educational training environment.
"Nice, Arthur! You're showing good swordsmanship, but you won't easily defeat your opponent just like that.
You also need to get used to using your spells while attacking. Come on, show me what you've learned," encouraged the Commander, urging Arthur to incorporate spellcasting into his combat.
Arthur's family belonged to the nobility, and their bloodline carried a hidden power: the blazing fire of the Chyros family, a Zodiac Leo.
Although Arthur was not a full-fledged Zodiac, he possessed a hint of the fire power derived from his lineage.
Arthur swiftly stepped back, heeding the Commander's request to integrate spellcasting into his combat.
He unleashed a barrage of fire bolts at the Commander, aiming to disrupt his posture and defense with this fiery onslaught.
As Arthur continued his barrage of firebolts, the Commander, no longer content with just parrying and dodging, began his offensive moves.
He pointed out that this was the time for Arthur to learn not only how to attack but also how to effectively evade and counter incoming assaults.
This shift in the Commander's approach added a new level of complexity to the training, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and defensive skills in combat.
During the Commander's initial attack, Arthur was unable to evade quickly.
Even though their training swords were made of wood, the strikes still carried a degree of pain, especially since a skilled swordsman was his trainer.
However, with each subsequent attack, Arthur began to learn and master the art of quickly dashing to dodge the Commander's assaults.
Gradually, he started to recognize and predict the Commander's attack patterns, showcasing his adaptability and growing proficiency in both offense and defense.
This training was not just about physical skills, but also about understanding and anticipating an opponent's moves.
The Commander continued his assault, but Arthur spotted an opportunity.
Harnessing his remaining strength, he summoned a powerful attack by combining the force of his sword with the fiery power inherent in his bloodline.
Executing a potent upward strike, he forced the Commander to stagger backward, causing him to drop his sword.
This signified Arthur's victory over the Commander in their training session, demonstrating his ability to effectively blend his physical skills with his innate elemental power, a significant achievement in his development as a vanguard.
Arthur was surprised to hear a chorus of cheers and applause when he defeated the Commander in their training session.
He hadn't noticed the growing crowd of spectators, so focused was he on the battle at hand.
"He won! See! I told you he could do it!" Artemis exclaimed joyfully, proudly boasting to his companion Erica about Arthur's victory.
Erica, another noble and their childhood friend, clapped in admiration of Arthur's triumph in the training duel.
This acknowledgment from his peers and the wider audience was a testament to Arthur's skill and potential, enhancing the sense of accomplishment and recognition for his hard-won victory even though it was just a training.
Arthur approached the Commander and extended his hand to help him up.
"At last, you have defeated me. Your training has borne fruit, Lord Arthur," the Commander remarked.
"It's taken me long enough," Arthur replied, acknowledging the effort and time it had taken to reach this level of proficiency.
The Commander suggested that this achievement was worthy of being shared with Arthur's father, recognizing Arthur as a skilled warrior now ready to serve as a Vanguard in their kingdom.
This acknowledgment from the Commander not only marked a milestone in Arthur's training but also signified his readiness to take on greater responsibilities and roles within the realm.
"You are a true Vanguard of the Flame, and let no one tell you otherwise, including me," the Commander said in conclusion, giving Arthur a congratulatory pat.
After this, the Commander noticed the crowd of soldiers who had been watching and admonished them to return to their drills, instructing them not to idle away their time as mere spectators.
This moment not only celebrated Arthur's achievement but also underscored the Commander's role in maintaining discipline and focus among the troops, reminding them of the importance of continuous training and readiness.