Chapter 41: Sparring Grounds
The crisp morning air buzzed with anticipation as Reyn, Alistor, and Garrett arrived at the knight academy's sparring grounds. A small crowd of knight academy students had already gathered, intrigued by rumors of Duke Roland's children preparing to spar with a seasoned adventurer.
As the group waited for Selene, Elric, and Aidan to arrive, Garrett leaned against the fence, looking at Reyn with a raised eyebrow. "You know, kid, I've been hearing some interesting stories in the taverns lately."
Reyn tilted his head. "What kind of stories?"
Garrett smirked. "About a certain holy knight named Seraphine. Word is she's been feeding and clothing orphans and taking down a few slave traders. Freed a whole group of slaves just last week. And that's not all."
"Oh?" Reyn's curiosity deepened.
Garrett nodded. "Apparently, she's also been slaying high-ranking monsters in the wilds—beasts that even some veteran adventurers avoid. One story said she took down a wyvern solo. People are saying it's not just her skill; that sword you gave her is something else entirely."
Reyn's eyes lit up with pride, though he kept his composure. "She's resourceful, and that sword was made for someone like her. I'm glad it's helping."
Garrett chuckled, crossing his arms. "You're being too modest. Between her and the Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales, you're both turning into legends. Makes me wonder what kind of swords you'll make for these three."
Before Reyn could respond, Selene, Elric, and Aidan arrived, shifting everyone's attention. Selene strode confidently across the sparring grounds, her presence commanding respect. Elric followed with his usual calm, measured demeanor, while Aidan sauntered in last, a playful smirk on his face.
Reyn leaned toward Alistor and whispered, "Let's see how they fight."
Garrett clapped his hands together, grinning. "Alright, who's up first?"
Selene stepped forward, her eyes glinting with determination. "I'll go. Let's see if all those stories about you are true."
Garrett chuckled, spinning his greatsword effortlessly with one hand. "Confident, huh? Don't worry—I'll go easy on you."
Selene smirked. "You'd better. I'd hate to embarrass you in front of an audience."
The crowd chuckled, and Garrett laughed heartily. "Alright, little lady. Show me what you've got."
---
Selene vs. Garrett
The fight began with Selene darting forward, her footwork swift and precise. She wielded a slim longsword, moving with a mix of grace and ferocity. Garrett parried her strikes with ease, his massive sword deflecting her blade like a shield.
"Not bad," Garrett said, sidestepping her lunge. "You've got speed, but you're holding back. Don't be afraid to go all out."
Selene gritted her teeth and pressed harder, her movements becoming sharper. She feinted left and struck from the right, aiming for his exposed side. Garrett barely had to move, twisting his body to deflect her attack.
"You've got skill," he said with a grin. "But you're trying too hard to predict me. You need to trust your instincts."
Selene growled in frustration, launching a flurry of strikes. Garrett caught her blade with his own, twisting it out of her hands and sending her stumbling back. Before she could recover, he pointed the tip of his sword at her chest.
"Match," he said casually.
Selene sighed, brushing her bangs from her face. "You're annoyingly good."
Garrett winked. "You're not bad yourself. With some refinement, you'll be a serious threat."
Reyn, watching from the side, noted Selene's fiery determination. She's like Rukia, he thought, small but fierce, with a sharp mind. She needs a sword that enhances her speed and precision, maybe something light and versatile.
---
Aidan vs. Garrett
Next, Aidan stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. Unlike Selene, he carried no weapon.
"No armor? No sword?" Garrett asked, raising an eyebrow. "You planning to punch me?"
Aidan smirked. "Something like that. You'll see."
The crowd murmured in surprise as Aidan raised his hands, summoning swirling gusts of wind. He dashed toward Garrett with incredible speed, using the wind to propel himself forward. Garrett swung his sword in a wide arc, but Aidan ducked and struck with a blast of wind, forcing Garrett back a step.
"Impressive," Garrett admitted, adjusting his grip. "You're quick on your feet."
Aidan grinned. "I'm full of surprises."
He continued to use the wind to enhance his agility, weaving around Garrett's attacks and landing light but precise blows. However, Garrett's experience began to show as he adapted to Aidan's movements. Timing his strike perfectly, he caught Aidan mid-dash with the flat of his blade, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Match," Garrett said, lowering his sword.
Aidan sat up, rubbing his shoulder but laughing. "Alright, you got me. But I made you work for it."
Garrett chuckled. "You've got potential, kid. That wind magic is no joke."
Reyn took mental notes. Aidan's raw power and creativity remind me of Renji. He needs a weapon that channels his wild energy while complementing his agility—something flexible, maybe even whip-like.
---
Elric vs. Garrett
Finally, Elric stepped forward, drawing his sword with calm precision. His blade was unadorned but sharp, and his stance exuded confidence. The crowd quieted, sensing the tension in the air.
"You've been quiet," Garrett said, sizing him up. "Let's see if you're as tough as you look."
Elric didn't respond, his expression unreadable. He moved first, his strikes measured and deliberate. Garrett parried the initial attack but quickly realized Elric wasn't like the others. Each swing was precise, aimed at weak points in Garrett's defense.
"Not bad," Garrett said, switching to a more defensive stance. "You're calculating, aren't you?"
Elric didn't reply, his focus unbroken. He pressed forward, forcing Garrett to exert more effort. The sound of clashing steel echoed across the sparring grounds as the two exchanged blows. Garrett's grin faded as he started using his full strength to keep up.
The crowd watched in awe as Elric's calm demeanor never wavered. Finally, Garrett managed to overpower him, disarming him with a powerful swing. Elric stepped back, his breathing steady despite the intensity of the fight.
"Match," Garrett said, wiping sweat from his brow. "You're the real deal. Haven't had to go all out in a while."
Elric gave a slight nod. "You're strong. I'll admit, it was a good challenge."
Reyn, watching intently, couldn't help but admire Elric's composure. He's like Byakuya—graceful, disciplined, and precise. He needs a weapon that reflects that—a blade that's elegant yet devastating.
---
After the Fights
As the sparring matches concluded, Reyn approached Garrett and the trio, clapping his hands.
"Well done, everyone," he said. "I've got everything I need. These notes will help my master craft swords tailored to each of you."
Elric glanced at Reyn, his expression unreadable. "You observed everything?"
"Every detail," Reyn replied confidently. "The Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales doesn't do generic. Your swords will be one of a kind."
Selene tilted her head, a curious smile on her lips. "You seem pretty invested. Does your master trust you with all this responsibility?"
Reyn chuckled. "I've been working with him for years. Trust me, you'll get the best."
Aidan crossed his arms, grinning. "Guess we'll have to wait and see."
As the group dispersed, Reyn stayed behind, his mind racing with ideas for the swords. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement. These three were extraordinary, and their swords would need to match their potential.
Time to get to work, he thought.