Amidst the serene backdrop of the forest, Arthur and John stood facing each other, the air heavy with the echoes of their training sessions. John, dual daggers in hand, and Arthur, his experienced gaze focused on his pupil's progress.
John couldn't help but express his thoughts on the rigorous three months of training. "Arthur, these past months have been something else. I can feel the change within me, especially with these dual daggers."
A subtle smile played on Arthur's lips as he acknowledged John's dedication. "Progress is the foundation, John. What observations have you made regarding your own improvement?"
With a sense of realization, John shared, "I've become more agile, more precise. The footwork exercises paid off, and wielding these daggers feels like a natural extension of myself."
Arthur nodded, acknowledging the essence of dagger mastery. "The dance of combat is intricate, and you're learning it well. Any challenges along the way?"
Reflecting on his journey, John admitted, "At first, it was overwhelming, but your guidance made a significant difference. The techniques, the emphasis on finesse, it all started to click."
Arthur, pleased with the progress, encouraged John. "The journey to mastery is ongoing. As you refine your skills, we'll delve into more advanced techniques. Keep up the dedication, John."
Grinning, John replied, "I will, Arthur. Thanks for being a patient teacher."
Arthur chuckled, recognizing the importance of patience in the training process. "Patience is indeed a virtue. Now, let's continue refining those movements. The journey has just begun."
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*John's POV*
I look at the two wonderful daggers in my hand and marvel at the transformation that has happened to me since the beginning of my training with Arthur and the past three months, where I began learning daggers. My journey seemed like a picture full of challenges and development.
The first days of physical training were exhausting, as my body was very weak, so it took me some time to start training properly. Then my training with daggers began. At first, I felt strange with them in my hand.
However, thanks to Arthur's guidance and patience, each training session became a step closer to mastery. Arthur always told me when I was asked him questions about my level now in using daggers, and he used to tell me that it is okay. I hate this. I put a lot of effort into this. Why the hell does he not praise me once in his life?
After mastering basic dagger training in one month, Arthur started sparring with me without weapons. In the end, I couldn't even touch him. He taught me a movement style that speeds up my motion and increases my options during combat. Even after learning it, I still can't land a hit.
Tomorrow is my sixteenth birthday, the day I will awaken my strength. I feel really nervous. On the one hand, I fear that I will appear weak, and on the other hand, the awakening process is not easy. Many young people failed during awakening and in the end were unable to awaken their talent, but I expect having a strong person like my teacher next to me during awakening is a good thing.
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"John, come here," Arthur entered the forest and found John sitting on a tree trunk, resting and looking lost in thought.
"Oh, you're here," John raised his head to meet Arthur's eyes, "Tsk, as usual, I can't sense you." John clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Haha, now you can rest. Tomorrow, as your talent awakens, I'll give you a brief explanation about it."
"John, as you approach your sixteenth birthday, something momentous awaits you: the Awakening of Talent. In our world, every child undergoes this process, where they awaken a magical talent. The grades range from F to SS, each with its own set of sub-ranks like F-, F, and F+," Arthur explained, his tone carrying a weight of significance.
John nodded, absorbing the information. "So, let me get this straight. When I reach a certain level within a grade, say F+, and solidify my mana, I can move on to the next grade, like E?"
"Exactly," Arthur confirmed. "The sub-ranks serve as milestones, and reaching the peak of your current grade unlocks the potential to progress further. It's a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth."
John leaned forward, curiosity etched on his face. "But what happens during the actual Awakening process?"
Arthur's gaze became contemplative. "The Awakening is a mystical experience. It's when your magical potential is unlocked, and you connect with the source of mana in our world. It's a unique and personal journey for each individual. During the process, you'll feel the surge of magical energy, and you must attune yourself to it. This is the moment where your talent, whether it's in elemental manipulation, healing, or something else entirely, comes to life."
John's eyes widened, absorbing the gravity of the impending event. "And what if I fail to attune myself to this magical energy?"
Arthur sighed. "Failure is rare, but it does happen. Some individuals struggle to connect with the mana, and unfortunately, they might not awaken a talent. But don't worry, John. Given your determination and the progress you've made in your training, I have faith that your Awakening will be successful."
Arthur leaned forward, his eyes meeting John's with a solemn intensity. "Listen, John, when you Awaken a talent, it's like unlocking a door to your potential. However, there's a catch. The grade you Awaken – let's say it's an A-grade, for example – becomes a sort of ceiling for your abilities. You can strengthen and refine your skills within that grade, but you can't surpass it."
John furrowed his brow, processing the information. "So, if I Awaken an A-grade talent, that's the highest level I can reach? I can't aim for an S or SS grade later on?"
Arthur nodded. "Exactly. The grade you Awaken determines the upper limit of your capabilities. It's not about being limited but recognizing and maximizing your inherent strengths. It ensures a balance in the distribution of talents across the world. Each grade has its own significance and role to play."
John sighed, a mix of acceptance and understanding. "I guess it makes sense. It keeps things fair, in a way."
"Indeed," Arthur agreed. "It's about embracing and mastering what you have. There's incredible potential even within a single grade, and your journey will be about unlocking the full extent of your abilities. Now, tomorrow's your big day. Get some rest, and we'll face the Awakening together."
As they concluded their discussion, Arthur added a thoughtful note. "Oh, by the way, there are rare opportunities for advancements beyond the initial grade. They're exceptionally scarce, almost mythical. You might discover more about them as your strength grows."
John observed Arthur emerging from the forest, and a thought crossed his mind – how beneficial it would have been to have known this information before tomorrow's Awakening. Gratitude filled John's thoughts as he silently thanked Arthur. With a sense of readiness for the significant day ahead, John settled down to sleep, realizing that the course of his life would be shaped from tomorrow onward.