A few weeks had passed since Khal's awakening. Sagdel kept his word and allowed Avery to deliver the battlefore manual as promised. What Avery did not expect was to receive a rare grade manual from the man. Battleforce manuals were divided into 4 categories: low grade, middle grade, high grade, and rare grade. The price of a low-grade battleforce manual was at least 10 gold coins. Enough for a commoner family to live comfortably for at least a year. A rare grade manual, however, could not be bought; it was only found in upper nobility. Avery didn't know how Sagdel got his hands on such a precious item, but he was thankful that his son would receive the best for his future.

Initially, when Khal received the manual, he was unsure of how to use it. Only those with at least 10E of spirit energy could unlock it without any adverse effects. Khal could not understand why he needed spirit energy to read a book or why he needed to train his body to accumulate enough energy. It had taken Avery several hours of explaining before Khal understood exactly how it was activated.

These few hours were worth it in Avery's opinion as his son was well suited to the training drills he made him perform on a daily basis. It had taken no more than 1 month before Khal's body had accumulated more than the required 10E to activate the manual. "Pa, what's this gauge stone used for?" Khal's father had given him an orange stone, not unlike the ones Sagdel had asked him to hold. "It's a special type of maginite stone used to measure the amount of spirit power you contain within your body. It works by proximity, so you don't need to hold it like the detector stones from Sagdel."

13E.

"Good, you've finally reached the goal. Now, try opening the manual."

What surprised Khal was that as soon as he opened the manual, the entire book crumbled into ashes. The information flooded his head as though it was always there from the beginning. He learned the special meditative artes needed to accumulate spirit energy as well as some insights into his elements. What he lacked was proper training and concentration. Something that would come in time.

---

"Milord, it's been two years since Avery contacted Sagdel, what other proof do you need that he's not to be trusted?" Knight Sergeant Michael asked. He was a warrior at the peak of his career - 36 years old, standing at 6' 2" and had a rugged finish. His bald head and red goatee gave him an aggressive appearance when coupled with the two-handed sword that he kept strapped to his back at all times. "Relax, Sergeant. Avery may be a Durmond by blood, but he was raised by Grand Knight Dor. Do not think for one second that the Grand Knight would raise a weapon that would somehow hurt Katar. Avery must have his reasons."

Sergeant Michael scoffed at his Lord's response. He knew he could not defy what his Lord commanded so he preferred to hold his tongue lest he angered the man. "So, what are we supposed to do, Milord? The boy must have had his awakening already." Lord Tommel stared through his office as he watched Khal running his drills early in the morning. "Train him, Sergeant. Train him to become a knight. I've taken to the boy. He would become a great asset to us if the capital's assassins were to ever come for Erik."

"Are you well, Milord? The bloody boy may be a Vulcan for all we know! Vulcans are difficult men to control." Lord Tommel smiled at the knight's words, "No need for control, Ser Knight. I'm not that type of noble. In fact, I'm sure Avery already knows we suspect as much. He didn't bother to hide any of his actions so far." Sergeant Michael tried to see the reason in his Lord's words. His admiration for the man had caused him to give up his illustrious career in the army to be sworn as sword and shield to the man. He just hoped the man's faith in the Durmondae father and son was well placed.

"What we need is to show our genuine care for the boy, Sergeant. Everything else will fall into place." Lord Tommel picked up his cane with his trembling hand before he turned towards the door. "I'm not as young as I used to be, dammit," He said as he coughed. "Soon the boys will be on their own. All we can do is make it easier for them." Michael helped his Lord up before he opened the door to make his exit. "Worry not, Milord. I will be your shield until that time comes." Lord Tommel smiled and turned to his Knight, "How cruel are we Michael, to leave the burdens of our mistakes to the young ones."

---

Later that evening, Sergeant Knight Michael approached Khal after his daily lessons with Lord Tommel. His brown shirt was almost hidden by his black leather pauldron and cuirass. His cuirass was particularly eye-catching as it showed the Katarian crest with three stars below. This showed his military rank which he wore proudly. His brown rarebrace and vambrace were not as eye-catching as his cuirass but still managed to magnify his aggressive nature.

"Khal, the Lord ordered me to begin your military training tomorrow. To prepare, I'll need to know how terrible your foundation be," Sergeant Michael stated, matter-of-factly. Not waiting for Khal to respond he continued, "Bryce, get the young lad a wooden buckler and sword." Khal just stared on in shock by the revelation. He had a goofy smile on his face, completely oblivious to the man's insult. Didn't he have to recite history and geography before he got a chance at military training? He quickly turned to Erik, who shrugged as he backed away from the potential chaos.

Khal didn't bother speaking as he knew how ill-tempered and intense Sergeant Michael was while training the soldiers. He quickly took the sword and shield from Bryce as he readied his stance. He had started watching the soldiers train since he was 5 years old. He often mirrored their actions and kept up with his fitness as best as he could according to his father's instructions.

He would complete his morning run around the village and still make time for his strength training before Erik woke up. He had quickly become a training fanatic; he would find a way to exercise at any given opportunity. Many around the village often saw him struggling up Tempest Hill every morning with a sack of stones on his back. Erik would then find him at that very hill every morning paying his respects to his deceased mother. Only after the morning ritual would the boys sneak into Gary's kitchen scavenging for food. Since his awakening, his father had forbidden him from fighting of any sort. He was only allowed to meditate according to the battleforce manual he had acquired.

Khal kept his feet at shoulder level as he brought his shield up to his torso, tilting it 30 degrees, to protect his organs. He saw the soldiers do it too many times to forget. His sword hand was also raised with his blade slightly tilted downwards. Before Sergeant Michael could even signal the start of the match, Khal kicked off the ground into a full powered run. He was too eager to prove to his father that he was ready to become a knight.

"Tsk," Sergeant Michael allowed some air through his mouth to prevent his smile from showing. He was a little surprised by Khal's sudden rush. The boy is a natural, Michael thought. Khal didn't seem scared like most soldiers when they first met him, something he deeply appreciated. Sergeant Michael swung a horizontal slash directly towards Khal in an attempt to destabilize his charge. Khal countered by ducking and attempting to kick Michael in his knee. Michael smiled at the cunning lad. He shifted his weight to his opposite leg as he turned to evade the kick. He tried to gently tap the flat of his sword on the boy's head as a warning to always protect himself, but Khal quickly parried the sword and took two steps back. Khal felt his arms tremble from the impact of Michael's sword. Is this the power of a Knight Sergeant? he wondered to himself.

Michael was surprised by the boy's instincts, "Good!", he shouted as he raised his left leg for an overhead kick. Khal was still trying to adjust to the Sergeant's strength when he saw a leg aimed at his face. He quickly rolled under the raised leg, evading the attack. His roll ended in a swift turn as he made a swift slash in Michael's direction. However, to his surprise, there was no one there. "That's enough boy," Khal heard a voice behind him. "Meet me here at 0600 hours," Sergeant Michael added before walking off to join the spectating soldiers. Khal was dissatisfied with the results; the man had been playing with him the entire time. "Knight Sergeant Michael, is that it?", he asked, unable to mask the anger in his voice.

Michael's smile disappeared instantly as he turned around and barked, "Are you planning to disobey orders, young Squire?!" The entire barrack became quiet. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stood still watching Khal like he was a fool. Khal's body instantly chilled and he felt a foreign energy invading his mind. He felt dizzy first, then began losing balance. He clenched his teeth and stuck the sword into the dirt, avoiding the fall. He looked around for the source of the energy but couldn't find it. He tried fighting against it but felt like his brain was being clawed at by a wild animal. What was this? He wondered to himself until he looked up at Sergeant Michael and saw the man for what he truly was, a nightmare. Was this the man he was fighting just 10 seconds ago? He couldn't wrap his mind around that notion. Was he the source of that energy? He quickly fell on his knees and noticed blood dripping on the dirt. Khal was confused. When did I get injured? He touched his nose then looked at his hand in shock. Suddenly, the energy disappeared, and Michael continued, "Rule 1: Soldiers should always follow orders from their superiors." With that, he walked away as though nothing happened.

Khal was still on his knees after Sergeant Michael had disappeared into the barracks. He only realized his own existence after Erik tapped him on the shoulder. "You alright, Khal?", Erik asked. Khal searched for a word to describe how he felt but couldn't find one, so he resorted to a nod. Erik watched on as Khal knelt in the dirt staring at the barracks with fear in his eyes.

Erik then said, "Soldiers should always follow orders from their superiors. The military is built on order, that's a basic fact. Without this rule, chaos or uncertainty would be seen throughout the military, and lead to negative effects. Soldiers should follow orders no matter what. If they're wrong, then the commanding officer will have to deal with the consequences," he stated, worried that Khal was angry at his ordeal. "I know, but I'm not under his command," Khal rebutted. "Fool, you were under his command the minute you accepted the weapons," Erik said as he rolled his eyes. Only then did Khal realize he still had the weapons in his hands. "Urg, sometimes you're too smart for your own good," Khal responded, defeated. Erick shrugged as he suggested, "Let's wash up and get something to eat." Khal nodded as he stood, still holding the weapons. Erik just smiled as he led his stubborn friend to the bathhouse.

---

It was evening by the time Avery decided to head back to his Lord's manor. He was currently in Gontu's Market which was 'the one stop shop' in Gontu to get whatever you needed. The roads were littered with various merchants from Igbal, Gontu, Telemer and even as far as South Seabo. The roads were stone paved, showing Katarian stone masonry at its finest. The stalls were colorful and packed with vendors and shoppers alike. Further north was the granary that stored food for the entire Kingdom. It would be restocked every 6 months when the local merchants sold food to the Minister appointed by the Kingdom.

Seabo was the food capital of the Kingdom as it often supplied 90% of the nation's food. Lord Tommel had infiltrated the market less than 20 years ago but still managed to keep his crop production at a satisfactory level. Although the farmlands behind his manor were leased to him by the Kingdom, he still managed to make a profit every year. This had greatly pleased Duke Braxton since the heavy taxes in Sydenham Town had caused much duress to the citizens. There were talks of switching from the heavy-handed taxes to Lord Tommel's policies.

Avery had to beware of pickpockets as he walked through the cluster of people towards the stables. He had finally delivered the goods to the merchant after getting the best possible price. He knew Lord Tommel trusted him to protect his profits so he remained vigilant despite the three guards at his side.

Avery had loved going to Gontu's Market with his wife Nicole. Now, 8 years after her death, the market was just another terrible reminder of his loss. He hated it. At least now that he had delivered the goods to the merchant, he could be well on his way down Saddleback Road to Black Barony. Gontu's Market was directly north of Black Barony, one day's travel by horse. He always traveled with Lord Tommel's guards in case of bandit attacks. It was especially risky on his return trip home since most people taking the journey down Saddleback Road were either fat with coin or expensive wares. He was always paranoid on the return trip knowing that he held his Lord's coins in a small purse in his shirt. He saddled up the horse before whipping it into motion while two of the guards flanked his sides. The third guard went ahead, scouting for any potential trouble.

Avery hated resting at night since Saddleback Road offered poor visibility of potential threats. The road was directly in the forested region between the market and home. There was less risk involved in constant motion so he kept the guards moving at a slow but steady pace down the road. After 14 hours of constant traveling, the party stopped at the clearing near Copper's Mew. It was a grassland west of Saddleback Road, 3 hours ride away from Talawa Stables. It was 6 am, just before the sun came out.

Avery and the guards tied their horses to the nearby trees and allowed them to graze while they stretched and readjusted their bearings. They had ridden all night and were too exhausted to continue without a break. In the nearby grassland, he noticed some wild horses grazing. He stood against a tree and watched with interest as two horses walked around gracefully with their colt slowly trailing behind.

He had a bitter smile on his face as he opened his water skin to wash his face. It was at Copper's Mew where Lord Tommel had first met him and Nicole. They were trying to find their way back to Igbal when they ran out of food and water. Lord Tommel had just gotten his manor in Black Barony and offered to give them food and shelter until they had enough to make the journey. However, their initial plan to stay a few weeks at the Baronet's manor became an entire year. When they finally decided to make the journey back, Nicole realized she missed her monthly overflow. Nicole was too protective at that time, she persuaded Avery to wait till Khal was born before going to Igbal.

The horses, finally noticing Avery, began their graceful race to Talawa Stables. Talawa Stables, on the other side of the meadow, ran the local horse breeding in Gontu and was equipped to successfully supply horses to the entire region. Avery always loved watching the wild horses running on the plains. They always seemed to be living the dream he shared with Nicole, running on the open plains without a care in the world.

He slowly broke out of his trance as he turned to acknowledge one of the guards, Brian, as he left the group to urinate in the nearby bushes. Suddenly, the group was alerted by the sound of a loud whistle.