Lumia's hand moved to the left, where a burly, dark-skinned man with an imposing stature stood. He held a massive shield that was nearly as tall as he was. His muscles bulged underneath his heavy armor, and his face bore the scars of many battles. His short-cropped hair and fierce eyes made him look like a warrior forged in the heat of combat. "This is Ragnor, our shield master. His defense is impenetrable, and his ability to turn defense into offense makes him a force to be reckoned with."
Ragnor grunted in acknowledgment, tapping the side of his shield with his fist. The shield itself was massive, reinforced with steel, and covered in deep battle scars.
Finally, Lumia's gaze fell upon a tall, elegant man with sharp features and pale skin. His long silver hair was tied neatly behind him, and he wore a noble's attire, adorned with silver embroidery. In his hand, he held a slender, gleaming rapier that caught the light with every subtle movement. "And this is Seraphis, master of the rapier. His grace and speed are unmatched, and his strikes are so swift they're often over before his opponent realizes they've been hit."
Seraphis gave a graceful bow, his movements fluid as if he were performing a dance. His eyes were calm and calculating, reflecting a mastery of both technique and finesse.
"All of these instructors," Lumia said, looking back at William, "will help you hone your skills and prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead. Are you ready to begin?"
William looked at the assembled masters once more, their warm smiles still hiding the formidable pressure that seemed to weigh down on him. He swallowed nervously before asking, "So, I have to learn any of these weapons?"
Lumia smiled and shook her head gently. "No, my dear. You will learn all of these weapons, and the one most suited for you will be the one you master."
"Versatility is a powerful asset," she explained. "Mastery of multiple weapons will make you unstoppable in combat, able to adapt to any situation. Each year, you'll focus on a different weapon until you find the one that calls to you the most."
William nodded, the enormity of the task sinking in. He would be tested, pushed to his limits, and then beyond. He could sense his mother's deep belief in him, and that alone filled him with determination.
"Now," Lumia continued, her tone firm yet gentle, "you will choose your first master. This year, you will dedicate yourself to one weapon, but the next year, you will move on to another. Each weapon will teach you different skills."
She motioned toward Mia with her twin blades at her side. "The sword and dual sword style will teach you coordination and flexibility, allowing you to flow between offense and defense with grace."
Then she pointed to Seraphis, the rapier master. "The rapier will hone your precision, speed, and piercing strikes. It's about accuracy and efficiency, striking where it hurts the most."
She gestured towards Garron. "The spear will teach you reach and control. It will allow you to fight from a distance, mastering your surroundings while keeping your opponents at bay."
Lumia's gaze remained steady as she watched William ponder, and she continued explaining the benefits of the other weapons.
"Each weapon will not only teach you combat but also key principles that will shape your understanding of battle."
She motioned toward the instructor wielding the heavy shield, a tall and broad man with a face like granite. "Shield combat is not just about defense. It will teach you endurance, resilience, and strategic patience. The shield allows you to endure the brunt of any attack, waiting for the perfect moment to counter. You will learn to read your opponent's moves and control the battlefield by knowing when to advance and when to defend."
Next, she pointed to the bow master, a lean and agile woman with hawk-like eyes. "The bow will teach you focus, patience, and foresight. Archery is about precision, yes, but more than that, it's about understanding your surroundings and your target. You will learn to predict movements, calculate distances, and strike without ever being touched by your enemy. It sharpens your mind as much as your aim."
Her gaze shifted to the instructor with the warhammer, a mountain of a man with bulging muscles. "The warhammer is raw power. It teaches you about the strength of body and spirit. Wielding such a weapon requires discipline, control, and understanding how to channel immense force into devastating blows. It's about breaking through your enemy's defenses and overwhelming them with sheer might."
Lastly, she nodded towards Myre, who still have her flirtatious look "The dagger will teach you stealth, cunning, and agility. You will learn to move silently, strike swiftly, and disappear without a trace. Dagger combat is about exploiting weaknesses, using deception, and mastering close-quarters fighting where a single, precise strike can end a battle."
Lumia's voice softened as she finished. "Each weapon offers its own unique advantages and teaches more than just physical techniques. They will shape your mind and spirit, molding you into a well-rounded warrior. But remember, it's not just about power. It's about knowing when to use each skill, how to adapt, and how to master yourself."
William looked at each instructor thoughtfully, then asked inwardly, 'Sera, a little help?'
[I'd recommend starting with Myre. It will help you condition your body and prepare you for mastering the other weapons later,] Sera suggested.
"I'll choose Myre first," William announced confidently.
Lumia nodded approvingly. "And why do you choose her?"
"I think it's best to train my body first, to build a strong foundation before I start learning other weapons," William explained.
Lumia beamed with pride, pulling him into a hug and lifting him off the ground. "That's my smart boy!" she exclaimed.
"My lady," Mia interjected gently, reminding her of their audience.
Lumia cleared her throat and set William back down, regaining her composure. "Ahem, very well. Myre will instruct you in hand-to-hand combat and dagger arts."