THE SYSTEM I MADE
Chapter 14
"A year transformation"
[Eldraine Estate; Training Grounds]
"1...2...3....4"
"Haa...haa...haa...haa..." The sound of the knights of the Eldraine Estate echoed through the training grounds. Each knight held their swords firmly, swinging with each count. After the exercises, they paired off for sparring, a mix of clashing steel and grunts of exertion filling the air.
Commander Gareth Griffonbane watched closely, his experienced eyes noting every mistake and flaw. After each bout, he would pull the knights aside, offering constructive criticism before sending in the next trio.
Alex stood a little distance away, observing the session with keen interest. As the knights rotated, Gareth's gaze fell on Alex. With a smile, he waved Alex over.
"Sir Gareth, how are you today?" Alex greeted, a friendly smile on his face.
"Oh, greetings, Alex. I'm doing great. What brings you here today?" Gareth replied warmly, his presence commanding yet kind.[Gareth
"Your swordsmanship is something else, Sir Gareth. It's mesmerizing to watch," Alex said, genuine admiration in his voice.
"Thanks, Alex. I'm flattered," Gareth chuckled, wiping some sweat from his brow.
"It takes years to get to this point, and it's pretty rare to see kids your age be interested in swordsmanship and recognizing its beauty. Kids these days are all into magic, diverting from the traditional styles."
Alex grinned. "Well, I guess I'm just old-fashioned."
Gareth laughed heartily. "Old-fashioned, huh? Next, you'll be telling me you churn butter in your free time."
"Only on weekends," Alex quipped, making Gareth laugh even harder.
"Well, I suppose you'll be milking cows too," Gareth teased back.
"Actually, I've been looking into getting some chickens," Alex shot back with a straight face, and both of them burst into laughter.
Gareth clapped Alex on the shoulder. "It's good to see you in such high spirits, Alex. What can I do for you today?"
"I wanted to ask if I could join your training sessions," Alex said, his expression turning serious. "I know I have a lot to learn, but I'm determined to improve."
Gareth's eyes sparkled with interest. "You have a fire in you, Alex. That's good. But be warned, training with us won't be easy. These knights have been at it for years."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Alex replied confidently.
"Alright then," Gareth said, grinning. "But if you start complaining about sore muscles, I'll tell everyone you prefer knitting to swordsmanship."
Alex chuckled. "Deal. But if I see any of these knights slacking, I'll tell them you said knitting builds character."
Gareth shook his head, still smiling. "You're a cheeky one, Alex. But I like that spirit. Join us tomorrow morning at dawn. We'll see what you're made of."
"I'll be there," Alex promised, feeling a surge of excitement and determination.
The training grounds echoed with the sounds of knights sparring and the hearty laughter of Alex and Gareth.
....
The year flew by in a blur of intense training and relentless study for Alex. Every morning at dawn, he joined the knights of the Eldraine Estate on the training grounds. Under the watchful eye of Commander Gareth Griffonbane, Alex wielded a wooden sword, sparring with the knights and learning the intricacies of swordsmanship.
Gareth was a patient yet demanding teacher. He knew how to push Alex to his limits without breaking him. "1...2...3...4..." the rhythmic sound of sword swings became the soundtrack of Alex's mornings. As the knights sparred, Gareth would call out corrections, offering advice that Alex absorbed like a sponge.
"Guess I win again," Gareth teased one morning, holding a wooden sword to Alex's back after a swift maneuver.
"Oh man, you are too quick, Sir Gareth. I'm nowhere near your skills," Alex panted, trying to catch his breath.
Gareth chuckled, lifting Alex to his feet. "Of course. You have no combat experience, and you are a beginner. You'll adapt. Keep pushing, and one day, you'll surpass even me."
After each training session, Alex would retreat to the library. He immersed himself in books about magic, the basics of mana, and the legendary Nightshade Blade Dance of the Eldraine.
In the evenings, Alex took advantage of the system's augmented reality projection feature. Aida scanned the books, creating lifelike projections that demonstrated the swordsmanship and magic Alex read about. As Aida narrated, Alex watched the projections closely, learning the fundamentals of magic and mana manipulation.
"Master, to channel mana effectively, you must first connect with the energy within you," Aida explained. The projection showed a figure sitting cross-legged, absorbing mana from the surroundings. Alex mimicked the stance, feeling the subtle currents of energy flow through him.
As days turned into months, Alex's skills improved. His swordsmanship became sharper, and his understanding of magic deepened. He sparred with the knights and Gareth, his movements becoming more fluid and precise.
By the end of the year, Alex had transformed from a novice to a formidable young warrior. The estate buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming tournament, where young masters would compete for a coveted spot at the prestigious academy.
"The tournament to determine a spot in the academy is soon, young master," Mirelle said, a mix of excitement and concern in her voice. "Are you ready?"
Alex nodded, a steely determination in his eyes. "I've trained hard for this moment, Mirelle. It's time to show everyone what I'm capable of."
The stage was set for Alex's next challenge. The year of relentless training and study had prepared him for this moment. As he stood on the threshold of the tournament, Alex felt a surge of confidence. The future awaited, and he was ready to seize it.