Chapter 22

Hero's cast spells of unimaginable power with ease.. flickering figures and sonic booms. Slightly off to the side three figures can be seen standing under the heat of the sun. "One.. Two.. Three.. Fou-" With the swing of the sword.. Swishhh.. And the blade slashes downwards. Each figures holds their wooden swords diligently.

"I've already done this tens of thousands of times" Fang complains. Jack looks over at Fang, "Your talent is not that great Fang… so you must put in extra effort… a hundred thousand more times should do it" Jack chimes in. "Thanks.." Fang dryly replies.

I ignore both of them as I continue to seriously train and attempt to master the "Way of the Sword." I glance over enviously at the Hero's who display their superb swordsmanship skills. Not only are their sword skills advanced but their magic capabilities mesh so well together that they seem unrivalled. "Heh as expected of those blessed with talent, but for a beginner like me I can only do so much." Sweat forms on my brow. In the midst of Fang and Jack's banter I continue to diligently swing my sword.

In the distance a wolf pup, a duck and a menacing-looking crab also undertake their own training of sorts. The pup attempts to look intimidating as it pounces on its imaginary foe. The crab interestingly seems to have taken charge of training the duck. The crab viciously chases the duck as the duck seems to be running for its dear life… Jack's pet duckling is sure to become mighty strong.

I continue to swing my wooden sword… while others would mock such rudimentary sword skills I become more and more intrigued by the swordsmanship… whish.…siii… my sword cuts the air… my muscles start to strain but I don't notice as I seem to enter into an entranced state. I lose concept of time as hours go by.. then days.. before I know it a whole month has gone by... And just like that a decade flashes by… 'You have become One with the Sword' +1 Focus. Glittering points of energy surround me as they start to align unto a single point… I grasp the right timing and pierce through… a brand new world unfolds unto me….

"Let me tell you Jack these sort of sword skills are not even used by apprentices!" "Silence! Master is focused and as his loyal followers we shall not disturb him!" "What follower!? Hey hey you can't just go and label someone like that!" Swish… I blink as my sword pauses in the air. "How is it Master?" I glance over before slowly responding "Mmh… yes I think I'm getting the hang of this beginner slash thing. Maybe in a couple a months I can set my sights on learning the beginner thrust!" An eager look appears in my eyes. "I knew you could do it Master!" Jack encourages. "Mmmh yes I think I could make the 'cut' for a swordsman.." Ho ho… I stroke my jaw as I chuckle to my own pun.

Fang winces on the side. He feels the need to interject but then all of a sudden a piercing pain strikes his ankle. "Arggghhhh!" A menacing crab clings to Fang. "Mmh what a strong bond the two of you have there" I comment. I start to feel the heat of the sun.. so I lazily wander over to the cool shade under a tree.

***

Some time passes before a young girl slowly approaches, I realise its Sara. She sits down next to me.. There is silence for a moment before "u-hh this for you!" She hands me a bottle of water. "Thank you" I reply as I take a sip... "Phssst.." I choke and sputter water everywhere. "Ah!? Are you okay!" "It's nothing..." I gaze dubiously at the water bottle. "Was that some sort of spicy alcohol" I ponder. Sara wouldn't be the sort to do such a thing, she seems too innocent for that. Glancing around… I notice some hero's snickering in the distance as they glance over in my direction. My eyes glow darkly for a moment.

Sara grabs a towel beside her and gently wipes my face. My heart softens... "Ahh this is..?" She looks up at my face curiously.. Her hand stretches out lightly touching the scar upon my right eyebrow… too faint to really notice from a distance. "How'd did you get this?" she quietly asks. I slowly reach out and lightly grab her hand… "This… " my eyes grow hazy… a memory appears in my mind.

"Son.. You've been lacking in training lately. Your older brother trains diligently.. but here you are spending your time reading books. Foolishness. Don't tell me you want to become one of those so called Magicians... You'll be the first one to die on the battlefield, that I can guarantee." My Father lightly comments. "So what, if I want to be a magician..! They are so cool… with their hooded robes and mysterious looking staves! They can even controls the elements.."

My Father looks at me gravely before casually drawing his sword as he gestures "Listen son.. magicians would stand no chance against me. I could pierce forward in an instant, who is going to give them time to chant anyways." Gazing back at my Father, "Who wants to be like you anyways.." I mumble. "Hmph what did you say!?" My Father flicks his wrist as his sword creates a gash above my eyebrow. Blood drips down… I wordlessly look back at my Father. "Now then, remember this son when your on the battlefield.. No magician will ever be a match for a True warrior."

The hazy look in my eyes recede… I notice I''m still holding Sara's hand… her face is bright red. I slowly let go of her hand as I stand up and gaze up at the sky.. "Huuu… say.. who do you think is stronger? A magician or a warrior?"… Sara looks up at me curiously.. "Well…" her fingers knit together as she takes on a serious look… I find it quite amusing. "I feel… the question in itself is wrong.." Sara voices.

"Huh..?" I gaze back at her. "It's just.. magician or warrior aside… it doesn't matter who is stronger.." my gaze narrows on her. She seems to be wrestling with the question in her mind as she ponders… and then her eyes shine brightly as she looks up at me.. "Kyle.. we all fight for something right…? It's that something which is what makes us strong!"

I blink.. a realization seems to dawn on me as I start to laugh.. gazing back up at the sky… "ha… ha.. Sara.." "Yes?" "I'm really glad I met you.." She looks back at me curiously before she smiles brightly "Mmh! Me too!"

To be continued.