Eric woke up to the mental alarm he set, ringing in his mind. He was relieved to see it was still dark outside and he wasn’t running late for his first day of training with Flynn. He felt well rested and smiled brightly as he climbed out of bed. He had plenty to be happy about after his good fortunes from the day before. Although he was still mostly clueless about what to expect from his new situation and apprenticeship, Eric was feeling extremely confident. He had shed the remnants of his past life, and the virtual world he entered had already exceeded all of his expectations.

Teurilia simplified personal hygiene to virtually nothing allowing Eric to slip out of bed immediately ready to start his day. He made his way downstairs passing a few scattered guests in the lobby of the inn before stepping outside onto the street. It was still dark when Eric exited the inn, and the street was streaked in long shadows. He was thankful for the clear sky and lanterns that burned brightly from posts set up every ten meters which provided plenty of light to help him navigate through the city. He headed directly toward the training grounds and found the streets already filling with people. The city’s NPC residents were still asleep in their homes, but the players operated on a schedule of constant activity.

Eric made it to the training grounds in short order which had already started to fill with anxious recruits. He weaved through the recruits and made his way to the Grand Bow training range, eager to meet Flynn for his first day of practice. He walked through the familiar alleyway he had discovered the night before and stepped into the range, tucked away from curious onlookers. He found himself alone in the long stretch of packed dirt that made up the field. He realized it must not be a popular area since the trainers weren’t actively present in the area and the weapons stored were limited to the difficult to wield grand bows.

Eric hesitated for a couple minutes, unsure of what to do while waiting for Flynn to arrive. He found nothing out of place, so he stepped up to the training rack and grabbed one of the grand bows. He felt the weight and curves of the weapon while slowly looking it over in detail. Deciding he had some time to kill after looking over the weapon, Eric stepped up to the range and nocked an arrow. The light started to appear over the walls surrounding him and cast a soft glow onto the motionless training dummies set up downrange. He pulled back the arrow while inhaling a deep breath. He slowly steadied his aim as he focused on his methodical breathing before suddenly feeling a sharp pain run up his legs and finding himself toppling to the ground.

The nocked arrow released directly into the ground at his feet and Eric landed hard on his face. He felt the bow slip out of his grasp and slide out of reach across the dusty ground. Eric quickly rolled onto his back in alarm. He found Flynn standing over him with an amused expression.

“Lesson one begins now. If you are going to be a capable warrior you always have to be aware of your surroundings. Combat awareness must be top of mind at all times. Now get up and let’s get started,” Flynn muttered.

Eric scrambled to his feet and felt an ache in his legs from the impact. His fifty percent pain tolerance didn’t allow him to be complacent, and the strike from Flynn left a lingering effect. He steadied his feet and met Flynn’s eyes. “Thanks for the tip. You caught me by surprise, but it won’t happen again. Let’s get started,” he said with far more coolness than he actually felt.

Flynn kept Eric’s stare for a moment and then replied, “I like your guts kid, but don’t get ahead of yourself. Being my apprentice is in a different league than working with the other trainers on how to swing a sword or poke an enemy with a spear until you aren’t completely helpless. I will teach you how to be a fierce warrior and show you how to combine skills and proficiencies needed to make an impact on the battlefield, but it won’t come easy even with your natural abilities and strength.”

Eric nodded slowly having already accepted his apprenticeship wouldn’t be as simple as the training offered by the other instructors he had observed the day before. Completing an apprenticeship was a unique chance to streamline his proficiency gains, but it would come with an increased timeline and more intensive training. He brushed himself off and picked up the bow from the ground.

Flynn’s expression turned sterner, and he said, “Alright kid, the first thing you need to understand is how to read the flow of combat. The capability to predict your opponent’s actions is critical and without sharpening your combat awareness the ability to wield a Great Bow will be inconsequential. You will begin your training by observing the combat training of the other recruits, without understanding the underlying style of each combat proficiency you will never be able to feel the flow of battle.”

Eric responded thoughtfully, “I understand, I will get started immediately.”

Although it wasn’t what he pictured for his first day of training, Eric understood the importance of learning more about each of the combat proficiencies. He grew up in the streets fighting with fists; the weapons used in Teurilia were mostly a mystery to him, and that included their utilization and training methods. Understanding his adversaries would be vital if he hoped to compete with them, regardless; of which weapon style he chose to learn.

Flynn looked pleased that Eric accepted his task passionately and continued, “If you follow my guidance there won’t be a single recruit that can match you in combat. I will meet you in the training grounds this afternoon to provide insight into how a grand bowman can defeat an enemy wielding each of the weapons you will be observing.”

Flynn nodded at his instruction and turned to make his way to the exit of the range, no giving Eric a chance to ask for any more information.

“I look forward to it, I will see you this afternoon,” Eric yelled out after him excitedly.

Eric placed the grand bow back onto the rack and followed Flynn’s path toward the main square of the training grounds. He saw Flynn’s back as he disappeared into the bustling crowd of recruits. Eric headed directly over to the closest training area to start his task in earnest. He planned to give his apprenticeship everything he had and would grant it his full attention.

Eric ingested as much information as possible about the various combat proficiencies from each of the instructors throughout the morning. He listened intently to the direction provided to the recruits who were practicing, allowing him to gain some quick insights into the foundation of each weapon style. He paid particular attention to the weaknesses and strengths described for each of the weapons.

By the time Flynn met up with him in the afternoon, Eric had observed several lessons from each of the proficiencies being taught in the training grounds. Flynn casually walked up next to Eric during his observation of the One-Handed Sword instructor. The instructor was teaching a stocky man how to parry against a side strike.

“The sword instructors have been overwhelmed since the influx of travelers looking for training arrived,” Flynn said calmly. As he spoke, the trainee stumbled from a blow to his side and faltered from the pain.

“I understand the appeal to learn how to use a sword, it seems like a capable weapon,” Eric responded coolly.

“There is a reason the sword is the most common weapon used on the continent. It is easy to wield by a novice and can prove lethal in many situations. It is important to learn as much as you can about sword wielders, there will be many who oppose you with a sword,” Flynn stated in a more serious tone.

“I’ll cut them down before they get close enough to engage me,” Eric replied with a smirk.

“The Grand Bow is destructive at range, but don’t expect to remain out of striking distance from your enemies. The Strength used to wield the Grand Bow provides the force to destroy even the most armored adversaries, but Agility and speed are sacrificed,” Flynn warned. He continued in a softer tone, “A master grand bowman can wield their weapon in close combat as efficiently as from range, this will provide you the means to defend yourself in almost any situation.”

“It makes sense the Grand Bow could be useful in close combat using the weight of the shaft combined with the warrior-like Strength,” Eric said thoughtfully. Eric realized the idea of being able to strike hard from a distance, but also stand toe-to-toe in close combat could prove invaluable in many situations. He felt another wave of appreciation for the incredible opportunity he had stumbled onto.

Eric noticed the stocky recruit stumble to the edge of training area and get quickly replaced by a small framed girl wielding a short sword not much longer than a standard dagger. A fit looking man wielding a long sword challenged her. Eric smirked thinking about how weak her blows would be, but Flynn interrupted his thoughts in a lowered voice, “It is important to never underestimate your adversaries, even the most innocent looking opponent can be exceptionally trained and end you in the blink of an eye if your guard is down.”

During his commentary, the girl quickly darted around the roughly drawn practice ring and gracefully dodged the strikes of her opponent. She unarmed him with a rapid strike to his wrist and forced his surrender with the sharp edge of her blade under his throat.

Eric was speechless for a moment. He recollected his thoughts and said, “It seems every technique can be countered by another with the right training and skill set.”

“Very good, it seems you are catching on quickly. Understanding how to read your opponent is key to your first lesson as my apprentice. The Great Bow is an incredibly powerful weapon, but you lack the Agility and Dexterity of a typical bowman as well as the heavy armor and defense of a frontline warrior which opens up plenty of possible counter techniques you will have to overcome,” Flynn stated flatly.

Eric pondered over Flynn’s words while he watched another trainee face the girl. Her new opponent quickly found themselves disarmed and bleeding. He was impressed by her speed, noticing her toned body as she glided around her opponents. Her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, and she wore tight leather armor unmistakably designed for flexibility and swiftness. She met his wide eyes and winked as she stepped back into the crowd of recruits. Eric felt his face warm and quickly looked away as he realized he stared far too long after the combat had ended.

Flynn slapped him on the back chuckling and said, “Let’s continue on, she is clearly far out of your league kid.” The two made their way to the next area to discuss techniques for countering the more powerful Two-Handed Swords, and Eric tucked away his thoughts of the girl enchantingly defeating her opponents.

The next couple of hours passed swiftly. Eric received guidance from Flynn on how to counter various types of weapons and techniques. He felt much more knowledgeable and started to become impatient for the next phase of training by the time the afternoon sun was already half way through the sky. He observed the other recruits spar and learn hands on with their weapons and wanted to test out the awareness he had developed.

As if reading his mind again Flynn interrupted Eric’s thoughts said, “It will take much more time to apply what you learn in real combat. After today most of your training will be through experience and hands-on training. It is important to understand your own limitations, the monsters and enemies you face will not show you mercy and death will come swiftly if you are not prepared.”

Although Eric couldn’t permanently die in Teurilia, it wasn’t something he wanted to experience if he could help it. With his pain threshold set to the maximum of fifty percent, he hoped it would help sharpen his reflexes and provide even more encouragement to master his combat proficiencies.

“I appreciate the advice, I’m not fond of dying,” Eric replied jokingly.

“You better not be, I know you travelers are blessed with resurrection magic, but the penalty for death is still severe,” Flynn added.

Teurilia reduced combat efficiency for every death by debuffing all proficiencies and attributes twenty-five percent for a full day after death. It also wiped out any experience gained during the previous twelve hours before death. This prevented large player guilds from being able to easily overwhelm rival guilds in battle with pure numbers. Fortunately, the experience penalty only applied when an entire raid group was wiped when challenging dungeons to ensure teamwork wasn’t sacrificed by selfish players only concerned with self-preservation. The exception was death at the hands of another player. The penalty applied regardless of group or situation and provided an incentive to be careful when wandering beyond the watchful eyes of the city guards.

The death penalty could be compounded indefinitely, and a player could theoretically be wiped back down to level one with enough consecutive deaths. If a player carried the death debuff, the effect would be doubled with each death until the timer expired. The punishment heavily discouraged combat for the full day after a death and was a large price to pay if you died in the middle of a large battle or had a time-sensitive quest to complete.

“If you teach me what I need to know to evade death I will be in your debt,” Eric said, hoping to get the next phase of his training headed in the right direction.

Flynn laughed before replying, “You are my apprentice, and you are in my debt regardless.” Flynn took a moment to rub his chin and looked deep in thought before continuing, “I think it’s time to get started on some hands-on training. I thought we might save that for tomorrow morning, but all this death talk got me thinking…” He trailed off chuckling and gripped Eric’s shoulder with a tight grip.

“Meet me back at the training range in half an hour, and we will get started,” Flynn said releasing his tight iron grip much to Eric’s relief.

Eric rubbed his shoulder while replying, “You got it. Finally getting to the good stuff!”

“Good stuff, indeed,” Flynn said as he started walking off toward the instructor’s quarters on the other side of the training grounds. Eric followed him with his eyes until he disappeared into the building.

Eric took the short break to eat some food and recover his Satiety then made his way to the training range with quick steps. He was ready to try out some real combat after spending most of the day observing, it was already mid-afternoon, and he had yet to touch a Grand Bow since first light when he got his legs taken out from under him unceremoniously by Flynn.

He arrived back in the training range in high spirits and settled against the far side of the range with his eyes alert, not wanting to repeat his mistakes from the morning. Flynn arrived in short order and made his way over as Eric readied himself for any potential sneak attacks.

As he approached, Flynn pulled two training grand bows from the rack and tossed one over to Eric. It came faster than Eric expected and he had to use both hands to catch it out of the air. Even using both hands, he still felt a sting burn across his palms from the impact, and he decided Flynn must pack a powerful punch when he wanted.

Flynn broke into an explanation as he came to a halt in front of Eric, “Okay kid, first thing’s first you will learn everything you can about close combat fighting with a Grand Bow then we will move on to the ranged techniques. I am not interested in hearing any complaints or whining, you were warned what you signed up for and if you can’t handle it then you aren’t worthy of being my apprentice.” He took his bow and drew a small circle no more than ten meters wide around. He looked over at Eric and said, “Now step up, and we shall begin.”

Eric cautiously stepped inside the roughly drawn ring and without a breath Flynn darted his direction striking towards his right side before he even had time to set his feet. Fortunately, Eric parried enough to meet the attack with his own weapon but was still forced to stumble back out of the ring feeling pain run up his arms from the impact.

“Focus!” Flynn yelled and stepped back to the other side of the ring waiting for Eric to re-enter the circle.

Eric couldn’t help but feel nervous after Flynn’s first attack. He was at a loss of how he was expected to compete with Flynn at his level. Eric resolved himself by remembering an old mantra about competing against those stronger and better than you was the best way to make yourself more skilled and stronger. He stepped back into the ring, prepared to defend himself.

The training continued on for the rest of the day in a similar fashion. Flynn demonstrated various strikes, stances, and techniques before explaining them and Eric received plenty of physical punishment. The ‘hands on training’ was no joke and by the end of the day, Eric was near death. The worst part was Eric knew Flynn was holding back and only using a fraction of his Strength and abilities.

Eric wiped the sweat from his forehead and fell to the ground exhausted. He was down to critical levels of Stamina after sparring with Flynn for so long. Flynn looked down at him without a bead of sweat or sign of physical exertion and smirked.

“I have to admit you lasted longer than I expected,” Flynn said while reaching down to help Eric up.

“I feel like I’ll be unconscious if I go any longer,” Eric replied, breathing heavily.

“You must keep a watchful eye on your Stamina, once you reach your limit, your body will pass out from the over exertion. If you run out of steam in the middle of a fight it could prove deadly,” Flynn warned.

“I guess I’ll just have to end my fights quickly then,” Eric respond cockily.

“Even after that beating you still think you are tough shit, huh kid? You have a long way to go before your first assignment. Go get some rest and meet me back here tomorrow morning, and we will continue,” he said flatly.

Eric nodded slightly not wanting to use any more energy than necessary. Flynn took his leave shortly after, and Eric slowly made his way back to the inn for a hard-earned night of sleep and a warm meal.