After they calmed down, Atrox told them to teach him all they knew about Knighthood, especially those things that related to their powers. They knew a lot.
First, they taught him about the Squire powers and how to shape them. It's not just about creating shapes; it's about creating shapes in ways that will cause damage.
Like the essence ball—he could, in theory, cause damage with it if he compressed it with lots of essence, but not everyone had the essence to throw around. Atrox couldn't either, since his core wasn't full—and that's one of the downsides; it always takes time to fill it up—so they told him how Squires usually did it.
They would create a ball of essence, then fill it with smaller sharp essence blades that would fly around and cause damage when it detonated. That way, there's a sure way to cause damage and over a large area.
Then Atrox could also make the ball so small, like the tip of a finger, and fire it at something.
Next, they taught him about shaping objects and weapons. The key was to make the sharp edges with compressed essence, thin enough to cut.
Atrox felt his headache double as he flicked his finger and sent a blue-white arc flashing into the darkness of the tunnel. "Alright. I think I'm going to stop here today."
Syla, who had taken the role of lead teacher, scolded him. "The best way to train is until you can't move anymore."
Atrox remembered all those years he spent training with the sword and grimaced. "Trust me, I know all about that, but you must know that I killed Trion today, and I'm sure a lot of people won't like that."
Tiber nodded slowly. "A challenge to their power. So the reason you've been training since…?"
Atrox shrugged. "I'm a Squire. I'll be expected to know some tricks."
Tiber looked deeply at him. "The way you grasp these things… you must have gone through some mental shit."
Atrox thought back to the three years in the dark, and his face tightened. "You have no idea. I guess that's enough for today. Very well, we'll continue tomorrow."
Syla shifted. "Have you forgotten that we have to dig?"
In answer, Atrox raised his hand against the far wall, and a blue-white arc of energy blasted out, slamming into the wall with a crack that rained down dust, rocks, and starsalt.
Syla scowled, and Tiber laughed. "Very well. We'll teach you all we know, but you must remember that it's not cheap."
Atrox smiled. "Don't worry. I have a lot of things to do in the Borderland. Be good, and you'll reap rewards."
That was enough for the two of them, and they nodded.
They made their way outside to the great hall, where they had dinner of the same type of food. Atrox silently promised himself that he would see to eating good food as soon as he grew stronger.
After that, they went toward their camp. It was night, and the air was especially crisp—but maybe that was just Atrox. He could see better in the dark than the day before, and everything had taken on a new quality. It wasn't much, but it was there. *Must be the advantage of becoming a Knight,* he thought.
Torches and enchanted globes that gave off light lit up the surroundings, and the different tents were filled with activity. Everyone seemed to be doing something or going somewhere, and while the atmosphere was good, it felt as if everyone was waiting for someone else to cause trouble.
He saw a team of Squires walk past, and people made way for them. They carried weapons and wore leather armor, their gazes sharp. One of them had a monster slung over his shoulder, green blood dripping as they went.
Atrox looked at them with envy. *I just want to eat meat!* He swallowed his saliva. This was as much a reason to form a team as any.
Syla sighed. "I wish I was part of them."
Tiber chuckled. "You and everyone else. You and everyone else."
Eventually, they reached their side of the camp, and Atrox immediately knew something was wrong. There was too much silence here, and the other workers that should be around had slowed down, so Atrox stopped the other two.
"Find somewhere to stay for now. Don't get involved."
Tiber and Syla didn't argue and quickly disappeared into other tents. Atrox shook his head and continued walking with ease. He paused before the door and made a connection with his core, ready to project a shield at any time, then opened the tent covering and entered.
There was only a single person inside, sitting on a chair facing him. Atrox hadn't seen him before, but he knew this was Kade, the leader of the gang. He was tall and broad-shouldered with a strong face, a smile playing on his lips as he surveyed Atrox from head to toe. "You are so thin."
Atrox didn't pause as he entered; he picked the closest bed and sat. "Of course, the food served here isn't appropriate for growth. How did you do it? You look so healthy."
Green eyes locked onto dark brown, and the two stared at each other. Atrox wasn't the first to look away.
With a small chuckle, Kade said, "I agree. They really should feed the workers better."
Atrox narrowed his eyes. "Only, it's not just food that's troubling the workers, right? There are also some people who steal and force them to work."
Kade only smiled. "Then they must be weak indeed. Say, I heard of a strong one who doled out judgment today because he's stronger. See? If they're strong, then they won't be preyed on."
Atrox sighed. "That's really stupid. If every strong person thinks like you, then you'll be someone packing shit for them. Or do you think you're strong?"
"Then do you think we should not have dominion over the weak?" Kade asked, more curious than angry.