After that battle, all the Favonius knights returned to their posts and the injured one was sent to the church to be healed.
"Akaal boy, you've grown since the last time I saw you" A heavy force came from a pat behind my back as Varka came right next to me.
"Grandmaster Varka, it's great to see you well"
"Tch, stiff as always, and why only me, you know I've known you since birth, at least call me uncle" He repeatedly poked my cheek which annoyed me to some degree.
"Grandmaster Varka, you're the leader of the Favonius knights, it would be rude of me to call you causally in public"
"But you still call me Grandmaster Varka while in my office hmm" Not having a way to answer I respond with silence.
My father being a successful merchant, has helped Varka in multiple ways, by trading him rare ores or exotic materials from far away, so both had a good relationship, and due to that, he always considered me as a nephew or sort.
"Anyway, how is your mother? doing well I hoped"
"Couldn't you just visit once in a while"
"Sorry but with the status of Grandmaster, I have a lot of paperwork to go through"
"A lot? You practically pushed all your work to your second-in-" His hand suddenly covered my mouth
"I don't know what you're talking about boy" Cold sweat and an awkward smile prove I was right, all the Favonius knights looked at us weirdly, wondering who I was to be so close with Grandmaster Varka.
Pushing away I looked at the time and turned back to Varka
"Anyway, I need to go, I have a delivery to bring back to my mom"
"Boy, why not stay for a little while, I can send another person to deliver the bag to your house" Varka wrapped his arm around me, leaving me no room to escape.
"Are you seriously going to send one of the Favonius knights just for an errand run? Aren't you abusing your status as Grandmaster?"
"Meh, some of them only laze around at best, might as well give them a jog to feel their legs"
We walked towards the giant building left of the church, where Varka and the other high commanders spend their time.
"So boy, how about joining the Favonius knights, still considering my offer?"
"I already rejected you, isn't that enough of a no?"
"Tch"
Entering the double door we eventually reached Varka's office, where Jean was sorting through some paperwork.
Noticing the door opening, she stood up and greeted Varka and me.
"Grandmaster Varka, and Akaal, welcome back"
"Jean, I told you many times to call me Varka, you don't need to be so formal" He waved his hand lazily and sat on the chair behind a giant desk.
"It would be rude for me to call you only by your name Grandmaster Varka"
"Why are you so stiff around me ah? what did I do wrong for you two to be so stiff"
""You did nothing wrong, Grandmaster Varka"" Me and Jean replied simultaneously.
The reply broke Varka's spirit a little as he lazily leaned back in his chair, and after thinking a little he raised back up and looked at me with renewed spirit.
"Boy, why not we spar a little, it's been a while since we last fought"
"Why would I agree to it when I know I'm going to lose"
"Well at least let me see that strike of yours"
"What slash?"
"Don't play dumb, the one you performed on the abyss mage"
"Oh, the dream's slash?" I unconsciously blurred out.
"Dream slash, a very unique name I must say"
"Oh no it's not called dream slash, it's just a move I saw in my dream"
"Ho ho, and you managed to re-create it, impressive" After bidding farewell to the paperwork anchored Jean we arrived at the side of the building where a small flat ground used for training would be done.
"C'mon boy, give me all you got, I won't bite" A grinning Varka stood at the opposite end of the training ground while I took a deep breath and set my pose.
'Left hand on the sheath, left leg moved back, bend the right leg a little, and rest my right hand on the hilt' I recreated the exact scene I saw in my dream, after gathering enough strength, I opened my eyes, and sharply looked at Varka.
*Click* A second later a white flash, flew straight to Varka's neck but was stopped by Varka's hand, A few millimeters from his neck.
"Whistle, what an impressive move you got boy, still unconvinced to join the Favonius knights? I will personally appoint you as my discipline if you do"
"My answer is still a no" I pull back my sword and put it back inside the sheath.
"Mah, is Favonius knights not appealing anymore, goodness the youngsters change faster than I would have thought" Varka held his head in annoyance.
"I think it's just me that is not interested, I only want to live quietly, I'm sure the youngsters would be eager to join the Favonius knights"
"Stop talking like you're my age boy, you wouldn't understand" He rubbed my hair and I responded with a chuckle.
"Anyway are you satisfied now? Can I go home?"
"You can go home, my eyes are satisfied with what I saw" He gestures a shooing motion with his hand and I respond with a taunting face before departing.
~
Looking at the walking figure, Varka rubbed his hand, stopping Akaal's strike.
"Some polishing and that strike could become a strong move, what a waste of talent" Varka was about to leave but one of the Favonius knights approached him
"Grandmaster Varka, the merchant Tom has returned home and requested to visit you tomorrow"
"Oh Tom is back, ugh and that boy told me nothing about it, alright go tell Tom we can talk tomorrow, today was surprising every minute and I need to rest a little"