Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months in Brindlemark as Ascar's training with Thorne continued. Thorne was a demanding instructor, pushing Ascar to his limits every day. But Ascar was determined to learn, to master the skills that Thorne was teaching him.
One day, as they were training in a clearing, Thorne explained to Ascar that using magic alone takes a lot of energy. "That's the disadvantage of using magic," Thorne said. "You need to be careful not to exhaust yourself. That's why you need to use your strength as well."
Ascar nodded, understanding. He had already noticed that using magic made him feel tired and weak. But he had also noticed that his body was changing. He had grown taller and stronger, his muscles developing as he trained with Thorne.
Ascar's eyes scanned his body, taking in the changes. His arms were thicker and more muscular, his shoulders broader. His chest was more defined, his abs harder. He looked like a different person, a stronger and more confident version of himself.
Ascar felt a surge of pride and satisfaction. He had worked hard to achieve this transformation, and it felt amazing to see the results.
A few days later, Thorne sent Ascar to a weapon room in his house to select a weapon he liked. Ascar walked into the room, his eyes scanning the shelves and racks filled with all sorts of weapons. There were swords and daggers, bows and arrows, staffs and wands.
Ascar thought for a moment, considering his options. He wanted a weapon that would complement his fighting style, something that would allow him to use his fists and feet to their fullest potential.
His eyes landed on a pair of red-colored gauntlets, sitting on a shelf near the back of the room. Ascar's heart skipped a beat as he reached out and picked up the gauntlets. They felt heavy and solid in his hands, the metal cool to the touch.
Ascar looked up to see Thorne standing in the doorway, a nod of approval on his face. "Good choice," Thorne said. "Those gauntlets will serve you well."
Ascar smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. He couldn't wait to start training with the gauntlets.
Over the next few days, Thorne trained Ascar in the use of the gauntlets. Ascar learned how to use the gauntlets to enhance his punches and kicks, how to use them to block and deflect attacks.
Ascar was a quick learner, and soon he was using the gauntlets with ease. Thorne was impressed, nodding his head in approval.
"You're doing great, Ascar," Thorne said. "You're a natural with the gauntlets."
Ascar smiled, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. He had come a long way since his training began, and he was eager to see how far he could go.
One day, as they were finishing up a training session, Thorne turned to Ascar and asked, "Do you want to go home?"
Ascar hesitated, unsure of what to say. He had grown to love Brindlemark, but he had also missed home, his mom, and Emily.
"I miss my mom and Emily," Ascar said, feeling a pang of homesickness.
Thorne nodded understandingly. "I know it's hard to be away from home," he said. "But you've come a long way, Ascar. You're stronger and more confident than you were when you first arrived. You should stand up for yourself, fight back against those who are bullying you."
Ascar felt a surge of determination and courage. Thorne was right, he needed to stand up for himself. He thought about the minotaur he had defeated, about the feeling of power and confidence that had given him.
"If you were able to slay that minotaur, some random kids shouldn't be a problem for you," Thorne said, as if reading Ascar's thoughts.
Ascar smiled, feeling a sense of confidence and determination. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, to stand up for himself and fight back against those who were bullying him.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Ascar turned to Thorne and said, "Thank you, Thorne. I'll see you later."
Thorne nodded, smiling. "Take care, Ascar. Remember to always stand up for yourself."
Ascar nodded, then turned and walked away. He went back to his room, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions.
As he sat on his bed, holding the amulet and the gauntlets, Ascar felt a sense of peace and contentment. He knew that he had grown and changed, that he was stronger and more confident than he had ever been before.
The amulet glowed brightly in his hand, and Ascar smiled excited to get back home.