The first moments of training were beginning; it was a simple moment, as it always happened. The knights paired up and began warming up with physical exercises like push-ups, sit-ups together. On that specific day, Dante had kidnapped Zio to be his training partner.
Before they started training, Zio asked calmly, "Why did you want me to be your partner today, Dante?" Still stretching, extending his arms behind his back and placing one hand on his elbow to stretch, Dante replied with closed eyes, "In this field, there's no one at my level, or yours. The others are training like crazy to become decent knights. Only here, there's this mediocrity because of the family we represent... They're all rich and lazy." The response was immediate and brutally honest, causing Zio to reflect on it for some time.
"If I can train with someone who has the same desire to improve as I do, the chances of me getting better are much higher," he said with absolute confidence in his statement. It sounded like a certain respect for Morrigan; he considered him strong enough for that. "Doesn't Cedric have the same level?" Dante replied, preparing for push-ups.
"Maybe he even has more than that level, but he's afraid, too polite, too sensitive. A privileged rich kid will never leave the cradle to gain strength. He's the Captain's squire who comes here for duel training. He's another weak man," Dante's harsh words impressed Zi'o; he wasn't just a monster; he had an objective behind everything. "I understand. Perhaps I misjudged you then. I'll do my best to defeat you."
Dante smiled confidently at that response. The first warm-up then passed; it was about an hour of physical exercises with 10 minutes of rest between them. When everything was over, Dante was sitting, taking a sip of water, while Morrigan was lying on the ground, totally destroyed, his chest burning from keeping up with that same rhythm.
"You'll have to eat better, consume more protein and vegetables, things that will enrich your training diet. You have a girlfriend, don't you? Save the junk food for her, once a week... Take care of yourself, and you'll be strong soon," Dante said amidst deep breaths. Morrigan, between deep breaths, asked, "How do you know... that... I have a girl close to me?" he asked, then completing his question, "My life now, is an open book? Does everyone... know me?"
"Your face is on a wanted poster by some criminals of the realm. You're strong; strong people are kidnapped by big criminals. And in the photo, there's a girl with you," Dante replied about how he knew, and Morrigan then said, "She... is my friend with benefits..." he answered, throwing his body forward, sitting. "So now I'm wanted? This power really brought a series of problems..." the boy complained, while Dante said, "You're strong, you shouldn't have problems with any city thugs. Outside of it, you'd be in danger."
With Dante speaking, he reflected a little, thinking he would have to go on a mission soon, with his captain. "Outside the city, huh?" Morrigan spoke without waiting for answers while reflecting on Captain Paul's proposal. It might be quite risky to have to go out with his current level, but even with all that risk, it seemed that Morrigan was increasingly drawn to it; danger seemed to be something fun for the boy...
The whole first part was over; it was time for disarming duels. On that day, Morrigan wouldn't fight in the first round, but Dante and Cedric would, resolving their issues from the early morning. Cedric was this time on the same side where Morrigan was, known as the Blue Side of the field, the other side was the Red side.
Cedric had his blade out, a thin and sharp saber sword with a handle protected illustrated with the lion symbol drawn in gold without creating a bulge of the other, just the thin line, it was an extremely beautiful weapon made of line for Cedric himself.
As soon as the captain said, "Begin!" both went at each other without a second thought; the speed cut through the air, the clash of weapons occurred. Cedric had enough strength to hold off Dante's heavy attacks; he fought elegantly, his movements with one hand behind his back and an inexplicable strength brought the maximum of a fencer of the highest class.
A slash from bottom to top, followed by a thrust, both defended by Dante, a true display of speed. Dante was very quick to perceive the attacks and avoid them, impressively, both seemed to be on the same level.
"Is Cedric this strong?" Morrigan wondered, as suddenly the colors began to emerge, a different blue from Zio's, dark and rough, indicating that Cedric had something bad in his Aura. Dante then with his dark green Aura went up against him; for a few seconds as the weapons were about to touch again, it was possible to see the image of a boar and an eagle about to face each other.
The clash of forces pushed most of them back, with the exception of Morrigan, who was at their level, and therefore not affected by the Aura, quick, cutting attacks, all defended and attacked, a heavy blow from Dante's axe perfectly parried by the blade while sliding the axe down, generating a direct thrust, where Dante had his shoulder pierced but held with hatred on his face Cedric's attack.
Both then seemed to step back now, Dante said, "See all the strength you possess, you could easily lead people in important battles for the Leomurd, but you drink tea every day, on a backyard bench... You're disgusting as a knight, Cedric... and I'll prove that to you right now!" Dante at that moment seemed to swing the axe upward, making a half-moon movement from bottom to above his head very quickly; the axe then filled with green Aura.
"You're always willing to offend people to prove your point, aren't you?" Cedric replied, his hair flowing from the amount of energy concentrated by Dante. After a few seconds, Dante's weapon gained a larger boar expression made purely of energy, and he advanced like an illuminated monster gnashing his teeth against Cedric, who tried to step aside but was caught by the attack, being forced to defend himself; Dante's blade even made the sound of a furious boar audible to all, shaking the place, Cedric's weapon suddenly flew backwards.
"Dante Wins! Cedric was Disarmed." the others then shouted for the fight that had been a breath-taking display. "What was that? A special technique? How did he make the sounds?" Morrigan's eyes sparkled seeing that Dante was all that powerful, but as soon as he saw Cedric limping, he ran towards him, losing the gleam in his eyes.
Putting his hand on Cedric's, Zi'o noticed. "I'm glad you didn't become like him..." Cedric took Zio's hand and got up, being taken to his sword. "I didn't know you were strong like this... Cedric, you're on the same level as him!" said Zi'o excitedly, but Cedric said, "But I can't do that; only someone very familiar with their equipment.. "
Cedric said something to Zi'o, however, even though the words were audible, Zi'o heard each word scrambled, as if something paranormal didn't want him to gain that knowledge. Morrigan then got distracted by the noises in his mind, and to pretend he hadn't understood, he said, "You'll have another chance... and you'll succeed... Come on, I'll help you get to the lockers!"
Morrigan then passed by Dante, grabbed his things, and extended his fist to him. "Tomorrow at the same time!" Dante looked at the fist with doubt and then made a sound of intrigue, "Humpf!" He fist-bumped Zi'o. "Exactly!" Dante confirmed.