Calm returned to the clearing, disturbed only by Foster's heavy breathing. His short sword hung limply in his hand, and his posture, though still upright, betrayed exhaustion. Yänn, for his part, had sheathed his long sword. He approached Foster with a look of curiosity mixed with seriousness.
- 'I have to admit, I wasn't expecting that.' Yänn crossed his arms, studying his friend from top to bottom. 'Your movements... That speed, that precision. It's not just training, Foster. You're getting dangerously close to what's expected of an apprentice knight. So, tell me... how?'
Foster, still panting, slowly got to his feet. He planted his sword in the ground and leaned on it, searching for words. He couldn't explain it all, not yet.
- 'I've been training. A lot.'
Yänn frowned, clearly dissatisfied with this simplistic answer.
- 'Stop with these half-truths. I know all about you. What you've just done... it's far beyond the capabilities of an ordinary warrior. You're getting closer to the knights, Foster. Do you realise what this means?'
Foster remained silent, but Yänn continued, his voice deeper, almost respectful.
- 'The path of the knights is not just a title. It's a system of power that only a handful of us attain.'
He took a few steps, glancing towards the horizon as if to gather his thoughts.
- 'An apprentice knight, that's where it all begins. There are three stages, three foundations: Apprentice Knight 1, 2 and 3. This is where you forge your body, test your discipline and your mastery of the sword. But even at stage 3, you're still limited. It's only when you break through this barrier that you gain access to what's known as the Knight's Aura .
Foster nodded, in his old life, although he had heard of it, he didn't have a great understanding of their system, immersed in magic, he had almost isolated himself from the world to progress.
- 'Developing the aura... that's where things change.' Yänn continued, his tone serious. 'A knight, a real one, is much more than just a fighter. The aura amplifies everything: strength, speed, resistance. It's an extension of the mind and will, but it's divided into nine distinct levels. Each level marks a deeper understanding of the sword and of oneself. Those who reach level 9 are living legends.
He turns to Foster, his gaze piercing.
- 'And beyond that, there is the Overlord. But no Sylven elf has reached this stage for centuries. The Overlord doesn't just wield the aura; he forges a Sword Intent. A pure, raw manifestation of his power, capable of shattering the balance of battle. For us, it's almost a myth.
Foster remained silent for a moment, digesting this information.
- 'You say I'm getting closer to the knights.'
- I want to know why. No excuses, no escapes. How did you manage to reach this level in such a short time? I'm only an apprentice knight of rank 2, I've been looking for an opportunity to break through for a long time and you, who've never even held a sword before, have no trouble keeping me down?
- I have no explanation Yänn, I swear I've just been practising, perhaps a natural talent?
At the same time,' summoned the system.
'What level of power am I at according to the knight rankings?'
[In response to the host, in terms of pure stats, below rank 1 apprentice knight]
[With the fencing talent and the epic rank skill Fulgurance Tempestive, rank 2 higher]
[Note that the host's friend, has not used any skills that draw on his ki]
'Ki'
[The inner energy of every warrior]
'What is my ki level?'
[*Ding* Calculation in progress]
[Answer to host: 5]
'Shit that's not much'
Inside, the atmosphere was just as intense. Potential recruits of all ages were filling in forms, exchanging nervous or impatient whispers. Foster took his place in front of an austere scribe, an old elf whose wrinkled face seemed incapable of expressing anything other than constant scepticism.
- Name?
- Foster
- Age?
- 16 years old
The scribe stared at him for a moment, then scribbled something down before handing him a form.
- Fill this out and report to the courtyard for the physical tests.
Foster sat down in a corner to fill in the requested information.
The training yard stretched out under the sun filtered through the immense foliage. Foster stood there, calm and concentrated. Around thirty candidates were gathered, among them nervous or excited young elves, their eyes shining with ambition. Foster, on the other hand, was a silent, resolute presence. His gaze swept the stage with the assurance of a man who knew what he wanted. There was no room for hesitation.
An instructor appeared before them. He was an elf with a stern face, marked by years of service. His dark brown hair was tied back in a simple braid, and his piercing eyes seemed to peer into the souls of those he observed. Dressed in light armour of tanned leather, decorated with engraved sylvan symbols, he also wore a long green cloak that skimmed the ground.
His voice was clear and authoritative as he addressed the candidates:
- You are here to prove your worth. The tests you are about to face are not designed to make you fail, but to reveal your strengths, and above all your weaknesses. Take them seriously, because they will determine whether you have a place in our ranks. The first event is an agility race, the second an obstacle course and finally a test of strength. For the first two events, speed, control and precision will be the key factors in your success. Good luck!
Foster stared at the course with a piercing gaze, and as the other elves took their turns, every detail was analysed, every difficulty anticipated.
When it was his turn, he took off with disconcerting fluidity. His feet skimmed the ground, skirting around obstacles with almost instinctive precision. A low branch sprang up, but he bent down without slowing, his movement as natural as the wind.
HAHAHA what happiness! System I love you!!!
He reached the finish line, his breath barely quickening. He doesn't look back to see his time or the reaction of the others.
The second test required balance, strength and endurance. Foster quickly examined the suspended log, the net to be climbed and the ditch to be crossed.
He climbed onto the trunk. His posture was stable, his arms outstretched to compensate for any swaying. Each step was calculated and measured. He reached the end without a false move.
The vertical net was crossed with the same efficiency. His fingers held on tightly, his muscles pulling with impeccable coordination. At the top, he glanced towards the horizon, where the trees seemed to stretch into infinity.
- It's not even a challenge. It's routine.'
He climbed back down before tackling the ropes hanging over the ditch. Every jump was precise, every balance controlled. He landed lightly on the other side, ignoring the surprised looks of some of the instructors.
As Foster completed the obstacle course, an imposing presence made itself felt. The murmurs died down and all eyes turned to an elf with silver hair and finely decorated armour reflecting the rays of filtered light. It was Captain Köflik, a rank 3 knight.
He observed Foster, his gaze piercing the semblance of assessment of every detail of his posture and movements.
- You. Köflik's voice was low but clear, echoing in the courtyard. 'Approach.'
Foster felt a palpable tension in the air. The captain's aura wasn't oppressive to the point of crushing him, but it commanded a natural respect. Köflik approached, crossing his arms.
- It's been a long time since I've seen an inferior elf like you. But physical tests only prove one thing: that you're in good health. The sword reveals your true potential.
He gestured, and an assistant brought out two training swords. Köflik tossed one of them to Foster, who confidently drew it.
- Show me what you're made of.
[Current host status]
[Race] : Lower Elf
[Apprentice knight of rank 0]
[Apprentice Magician of rank 1]
[Level 2 : 5/20
[Strength] : 4
[Stamina] : 9
[Constitution] : 4
[Magic] : 15
[Available Skill Points] : 0
[Skills : Fireball, Tempestive Fulgurance, Multiple shots
[Skills] : Beginner fencing skill
[Quest 1: Cast 25 Spells: 18/25]
[Reward: Beginning Magic Talent]
[Quest 2.3: Cut Steel: 0/1]
[Reward: Intermediate Fencing Skill]