The next day, as the morning light streamed through the trees of the forest clumps, drawing pale flashes on the leaf-strewn ground. Foster advanced at a measured pace, a quiet determination in his eyes. The knife at his belt swung slightly with every movement.
- It's time to test yourself and I know the perfect person.
By the time he reached the clearing, Yänn was already there. The young sylvan elf was training alone, his long sword drawing precise arcs in the air, each movement marked by obvious discipline and mastery. The muscles in his arms contracted and relaxed with fluidity, and with each strike, a sharp breath split the silence. Yänn stopped when he noticed Foster's presence, absent-mindedly wiping the sweat from his brow before thrusting the tip of his sword into the ground.
- Foster! What brings our young magic genius here ????
- Yänn! I'd like to ask you a favour!' replied Foster as he approached.
Yänn raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised.
- Anything, tell me?
- I need some serious sword training.
- You do? Sword training? HAHAHA let me laugh? Magic's one thing, but swords? You've never held one in your life! he laughed
Foster froze for a moment and blushed a little.
- It's true that before I didn't even know how to handle a knife... But I've been training behind your back and I think you should be careful.
Yänn gauged him for a moment, a glint of interest shining in his eyes.
- A duel, then? Good.'
He paused for a moment before looking at the small blade Foster wore on his belt. - -
- But not with that toy. He laughed again
He turned away and knelt down next to a wooden chest, carefully placed against a tree. Opening it, he pulled out a simple but sturdy short sword. The blade, though old, shone discreetly in the light. Yänn straightened up and threw the sword to Foster, who caught it with confidence.
- My first blade, take care of it brother.
Foster observed the weapon for a moment. He tested its balance, making a quick strike to feel the blade's response. It was perfectly balanced, very different from the knife he was used to.
- It'll do,' he said simply, before looking up at Yänn. 'Ready?'
Yänn picked up his longsword, adjusting his grip on the hilt before moving towards the centre of the clearing.
- I'm warning you, Foster, if you want a serious duel, I won't hold back. Don't complain if you end up on the floor eating your own shit.
- Give it all you've got.
The wind seemed to stop, as if the forest itself was watching. Foster, short sword in hand, adjusted his grip. Every muscle in his body was tense, ready to react to the slightest attack.
Yänn moved first, his long sword defending the air with implacable grace. The blow was swift and precise, aimed directly at Foster's shoulder. Foster dodged with a step backwards, raising his blade to deflect the attack. The shock resounded, metallic, and sent a vibration down his shoulder. Yänn didn't give him time to breathe. In a fluid sequence, he pivoted and sent a sideways attack, forcing Foster back further.
Yänn, relentless, continued to unleash his attacks on Foster, who continued to parry as best he could, his beginner's fencing skills never making up for years of training in an instant.
- Not bad Foster! But where's your confidence, you're going to have to do better than that.
Foster grunted in response and retaliated, feinting a blow towards his opponent's flank before aiming for his leg. Yänn, however, easily read his intention in the movement and took a quick step to the side, his blade striking Foster's with force. The blow deflected the attack and pushed Foster back, throwing him off balance enough to crash into the dust.
No sooner had he stood up than Yänn continued to press him, his strikes precise and relentless. His movements were a dance of power and control, each attack designed to test Foster's defences. The longsword described brilliant arcs under the diffuse light, forcing Foster to defend himself with quick parries and tight dodges.
Despite everything, Foster held his ground. His reflexes began to follow, he adapted his posture, his rhythm looking for an opening in his friend's movements. His budding talent gradually came to life, like an old car that had trouble getting started but which in the end took him to his destination all the same.
After an intense exchange of blows, Foster found an opportunity. Yänn, attacking with a powerful rising blow, revealed his flank. Foster slipped into this space with a quick strike, aiming for Yänn's guard to throw him off balance. The impact forced him back a step, giving Foster a precious second to follow up.
Foster took a step forward, his sword drawing a quick arc towards Yänn's chest. Yänn parried deftly and without breaking a sweat, although Foster was beginning to feel the strain.
Foster stepped back slightly, his lungs burning.
- Yänn. He said with difficulty, Watch out for this one.
Yänn nodded without saying anything.
Foster gritted his teeth. It was time to end this.
[*Ding* Surprise Quest: Defeat Yänn]
[Reward: +3 Stamina]
A flicker of surprise briefly passed through Foster's eyes, but very quickly his attention returned to the present moment. Concentrating, he channelled all his remaining energy. His muscles tensed and his posture suddenly changed.
The atmosphere crackled with a roar before Foster suddenly made his move.
His body moved before he even realised it. A flash of movement, almost invisible, propelled him towards Yänn and with a thunderous sound, he appeared behind his friend, while 3 cups landed on his body. Yänn's armour shattered and the impact threw him to the ground with force, making him drop his weapon in the process.
Foster stops, his breath ragged, his body drained of all energy. He remained motionless for a second, the tip of his sword pointing to the ground, his other hand raised slightly as if to channel his balance.
He put his finger on Yänn's neck.
- 'I concede,' he said with a gleam that demanded a good conversation.
[*Ding* Quest completed: +3 stamina]
[Host's current status]
[Race] : Lower Elf
[Level 2] : 5/20
[Strength] : 4
[Stamina] : 9
[Constitution] : 4
[Magic] : 15
[Available Skill Points : 0]
[Skills : Fireball, Tempestive Fulgurance, multiple shots]
[Talents] : Beginner Fencing Talent
[Quest 1: Cast 25 Spells: 18/25]
[Reward: Beginner Magic Talent]
[Quest 2.3: Cut Steel: 0/1]
[Reward: Intermediate Fencing Skill]
[Quest 3: Go to Fotiya and search for the World Tree Seed]
[Reward: ???????]