{Kelvin's POV}
'He is right, we almost have the same strength. I need to break out this situation somehow.'(Kelvin)
After parrying Vulcan's attack, Kelvin decided to jump back. He decided to gain a little bit of distance to make room for himself to think. Vulcan did not let him, he leap to follow Kelvin while swinging his hammer.
Kelvin decided to fight Vulcan head on. He brandish his sword to attack Vulcan. He does not care if there is an opening or not. This is a contest of strength. If he cannot find an opening he will try to make one but that was only his wishful thinking.
The war hammer and the greatsword keep clashing. They are on a stalemate if a normal awakener see this, this will be their conclusion.
"I didn't think that Mr. Vulcan is a fighter. I thought that he is only passionate in forging and does not care about anything else but it looks like I'm wrong."(Rex)
"You're right, it looks like they are in equal position but all of his tactics can be easily ready by. Mr. Vulcan. It's a matter of battle experience, that all of us are lacking. Especially my brother since all the things he knows was reading, almost neglecting the training if not for my grandpa. Sigh"(Astelle)
Rex and Astelle voice out their own observations. They did not control their voice so the two fighters can hear them. Hearing the word grandpa makes Kelvin flooded with bad memories. Vulcan saw a very large opening and he swings his hammer to hit Kelvin's body.
Swooosh!
Bang!
"Ahhg"
Kelvin woken up from his daydreaming and tried to block his attack but it was already too late. The hammer of Vulcan landed on his right side of the body and he was sent flying. Vulcan taken advantage of this, dash at Kelvin and swing his hammer downward.
Kelvin was in no position to dodge the attack can only gaze at the descending hammer that was about to hit his head. He raised his greatsword to cover his head and waited for the hammer. There is no hammer that descended.
'Not good!'(Kelvin)
Realizing another mistake. Kelvin move his head from left to right only to find a hammer was already near his face. With the width of the gread sword covering his face, of course he cannot see what is in front of him which is another opening for Vulcan. It's already too late to defend.
Boom!
Kelvin have not even finish landing when he was sent flying again. He felt pain on his head including a dizziness and confusion. He did not know that they are already near on one of the corners of the arena.
Bang!
"Uhgg"(Kelvin)
Kelvin hit the walls of the Arena, head first and he passed out.
"You are the type of person who always thinks. It's not bad but in a battle, too many thinking can lead to distractions. And distractions can lead to your doom or to your allies. Sigh"(Vulcan)
"Are you sure my brother is alright Mr. Vulcan? I can feel that if I were in his position my head will probably burst."(Rex)
Rex shivered when he saw what happened to Kelvin.
"Do not worry, my brother is not that weak. Plus he is a paladin a Unique Knight Class so his Vitality is strong. Mr. Vulcan also knows how much our body we can take."(Astelle)
'Kelvin experience something crueller than this.'(Astelle)
Astelle is not worried for his brother, he knows that Kelvin experienced something more crueller than this during his grandfather's training.
"I know, I know... I was just trying to lighten the mood. Sigh. I'm next if that is alright with you?"(Rex)
"That is fine with me."(Astelle)
Rex was about to ask Argus but he saw him seriously swinging the Mana Scythe so he didn't ask. Astelle also notice that Argus did not stop swinging the Scythe. Argus swinging is almost monotonous.
Astelle saw that he only swings his scythe. Starting from diagonal slash, horizontal slash, and vertical slash. Argus only repeat this three swings non-stop. Astelle did not take off her eyes on him for a while. She didn't even know that the battle of Vulcan and Rex have already started.
Although faint, Astelle felt the improvement of Argus's Scythe Wielding. It was also her first time see someone wielding a Scythe Weapon but she can tell that Argus's basic Scythe swinging is improving in a faster rate.
'This, what is this feeling... I also experience this when I first hold the katana aren't I? It means that he was very compatible with a Scythe. Like me in my katana.'(Astelle)
Astelle look at the katana on her waist. Her katana was just a Mortal Weapon for beginner realm. This katana is the first katana Astelle was held and she has been using it all this time. She remembered what her Grandpa's advice to her.
{Flash Back: Astelle's POV}
8 years ago when Astelle was 7 years old...
"Listen closely, my little princess. If you wish to become a great swordsman, treasure your katana as if it were a part of your soul."(Falkor)
"Why is that so important grandpa. Aren't weapons just tools?"(Astelle)
"A weapon is not just a weapon; it's an extension of your spirit. Care for it, and it will guide your hand in battle. Neglect it, and you'll find yourself lost."(Falkor)
"I understand. I'll treat it with the respect it deserves."(Astelle)
"Good. Remember, mastery comes not just from skill, but from the bond you forge with your weapon. As for you, it is your katana."(Falkor)
Astelle started to always wear her katana whenever she goes out after that talk with her grandpa. Except of course when she was sleeping for certain occasions or certain code dresses. She was a noble after all. She also always cleans and polish her katana before she sleeps and that never change even after 8 years.
Astelle's family notice this change and confront Astelle with it since she was still a child but she was adamant and did not listen to them. Her mother scolded her grandpa after she learned that Falkor was the reason why Astelle is acting like this. Astelle of course did not know this eventm
{End of Flashback}
A beautiful smile appeared on Astelle's face, unfortunately no one saw this beautiful scene. Yet, that beautiful smile turned into a bittersweet smile.
'No matter how much love and care she put into her katana, no one can beat time.'(Astelle)
Astelle murmured softly, her voice tinged with a melancholic smile.
'Its once-sharp edge now worn, its blade dulled by years of training and memories etched into its steel.'(Astelle)
Astelle did not even know how much time was passed until she heard Vulcan's voice. It looks like Rex was also defeated and also passed out like her brother.
"Ohoho, you are good Rowan's son. Your mastery of using twin daggers is impressive. You also knows when to attack and retreat. But remember, true mastery lies not just in the precision of your strikes, but in the deep connection between the weapon and wielder. Everyone of you should treasure your weapon like it's a part of your soul!"(Vulcan)
Astelle heard his words. Astelle was flooded by memories of her katana, though she had only used it for training. Each nick and scratch on its worn-out blade told a story of dedication and perseverance, despite never having seen true battle.
Astelle came back from her daydreaming. Her eyes became firm as she walks steadily in front of Vulcan. She made a decision.
"Mr. Vulcan, can I have a selfish request?"(Astelle)
"Ohoho what is it young lady?"(Vulcan)
Taking a deep breath. Astelle close her eyes then open it as she gaze at the eyes of Vulcan.
"Can I use my katana for this fight? I've decided that this will be its last training session. My katana, though a Mortal weapon, has been with me through countless practice sessions, through my 8 years of my life. It is already very worn out even with all my care."(Astelle)
Vulcan was surprised by the determined gaze that Astelle was giving and he nodded solemnly.
"That's okay young lady, every weapon longs to be use in battles rather than being neglected."(Vulcan)
Vulcan said with a gruff but approving tone.
"Your katana may be worn out but it carries the weight of your dedication. Make this last session count, and let your katana honor your journey thus far."(Vulcan)
"Yes!"(Astelle)
Vulcan then wave his hands and the Mana Made Katana was destroyed. Astelle grip her katana softly and started preparing for the battle.
{Argus's POV}
'What is this feeling, it looks like I was about to enter something but I lack something for me to enter that. Hmmm..."
Argus stops swinging his Scythe and he heard the message of Vulcan to everyone of them. It looks like he was awoken from a dream. It was also the perfect time since he saw Astelle walking to Vulcan's direction. The battle has yet to start. When he heard their conversation he began contemplating.
'Treasure your weapon as if it's a part of your soul, huh.'(Argus)
He look at the Mana Made Scythe Vulcan made. Argus then look at the center of the arena. It looks like the battle was about to start. He put this thought on the back of his mind.
________________________________________
Status Window
Name: Argus Orpheus ♂️
Race: Human
Level: 15(0%)
Realm: Beginner
Class: Twilight Battle Summoner (Unawakened)
Attribute:???
Health: 100%/100%
Mana: 250
VIT: 81
STR: 85
DEX: 65
INT: 35
Free Stats: 70
Skill Points: 30
Skill Slot: 4
Innate Skill:
«Sovereign's Intuition»
«Sovereign's Apathy»
«Asura Hegemon Battle Physique»
Weapon Skill:
«Weaponless Specialization Lv. 5»
«Pole Weapons Specialization Lv. 2»
Cultivation Art:
«Asura Hegemon Battle Art»
Active Class Skill:
«Tame: Lv.1»
Passive Class Skill:
«Eyes of Twilight: Lv.1»
«Twilight Battle Summoner Lv.1»
«Soul Link Lv. 1»
Passive Skill:
Active Skill: None
Titles: None
________________________________________
Name: Astrea♀️
Race: Starlight Wolf Cub
Realm: Beginner
Level: 8(0%)
Attribute: ???
HP:100%/100%
Mana: 130
VIT: 52
STR: 68
DEX: 76
INT: 84
Skill:
«Star Physique Lv.1»
«Enhance Bite»
«Enhance Pounce»
«Enhance Claw»