Author's Notes

My story is about to take a turn towards the traditional training arc for Hiro to grow. If you have any ideas on the type of training you would like him to go through please leave your ideas in the comments section. I hope you enjoy this upcoming chapter.

_________________________________

Chapter 36

Hiro woke up early as usually and went down stairs where he saw his companion resting. As he came close to Leo, he woke up and greeted Hiro with a good morning.

“Today we will not train in the morning so that we can attend the memorial service for all those that had fallen in the battle.”

Leo agreed and then they left their home. They all went outside of town where nearly the entire town had gathered. Korin was using earth magic to create graves for all of those who had perished during the battle. Many of the townspeople had gathered flowers to place on the graves of their loved ones who died in the battle.

Hiro went to the front next to Korin and addressed the people.

“Today we bury our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers. Those who went out and valiantly battled to keep us safe from harm should be remembered for their bravery. Today, we live a life of freedom because of their sacrifice. Remember them within your hearts so that their memory never fades from your minds. Take a few moments to say your goodbyes.”

The people were moved by his words and many began to cry. As the graves were covered using Korin’s magic the people began to place their flowers on the graves and say their last goodbyes to their loved ones.

Korin with tears in his eyes said, “Goodbye my friends. I will miss all of you.”

Hiro then said, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t strong enough to keep you all safe from harm.” He fell to his knees and screamed, “Why wasn’t I strong enough to save them!”

Hiro pounded the ground with both of his fists.

Korin grabbed him at the shoulder and said, “Let this be a lesson my friend. You are the most powerful among us but even you can be even stronger. Go out and improve your skills and come back to us even more powerful so that you can prevent this from ever happening again.”

Hiro looked at Korin with tears in his eyes and smiled.

“I promise. I will train myself and my companions and we will protect this town from any threat. No matter how powerful it is. I will stand against it and let no other person be harmed at the hands of an enemy.” Hiro said.

Korin smiled because he knew his friend was going to watch over the town. Hiro told Korin that he was going to the cave where they faught the hobgoblins to see what they could find out about the army that was about to attack us. Korin nodded. First, I’m going to repair my equipment at the blacksmith shop.

Hiro went to the blacksmith shop and the dwarves said nothing as they knew that there were no words to console the young man. They allowed him to use the forge and he repaired his armor. He was now able to do it with no help at all. His skill in blacksmithing had come a long way. He thanked the dwarves and then left. He met Leo at the gate of the village. Amaterasu was there as well.

“Is Foria ok?” Hiro asked Amaterasu.

“Yes. She is resting and she asked me to accompany you.”

“Then I will comply with her request.”

Hiro mounted up on Leo and they ran off towards the cave of the hobgoblins.

Once they reached the cave Hiro could smell the blood from the battle it was everywehere. He went in followed by Amaterasu and Leo. Leo breathed fire on the torches that were on the wall as they walked. Hiro could sense numerous mineral deposits in the walls of the cave but he kept walking. He wanted to see why these monsters came to his town.

They came to an open room with several cages.

“Hiro, this is where I found the elves.”

He looked around and saw a piece of parchment paper on the ground. It was torn up and the only thing he could read was the words “Dark Lord”. Hiro could not see anything of use in the room as it was just a hollowed out part of the cave where they held prisoners.

Well this was a bust. There isn’t anything here except that piece of parchment. Well at least there were some minerals in the walls so I guess I’ll mine them before I return to the town.

He banged his pickaxe against the wall over and over again. From the walls spouted for silver, gold, copper, and iron ores. Once he finished he exited the cave and found that he had collected 50 pieces of copper 45 pieces of iron, 20 pieces of silver and 5 pieces of gold.

Mining skill has improved to intermediate level 5.

I guess now we should go back to the dwarves’ blacksmith shop and smelt the pieces and make Amaterasu some armor.

Once back in the city they went to the dwarves’ blacksmith shop. Hiro went in and asked to use the forge. The dwarves agreed and he went in the back and began to smelt the ores that he had collected. The copper and iron were both complete successes. He felt that he somehow knew what to do with the silver. He placed the ore in the forge and it began to give off a gas and the impurities began to fall of it. Little by little he was able to get it purified then he placed it in the mold and made a silver bar. He successfully made 17 more. He only had 2 failures.

Next he did the same with the gold. Unfortunately the gold was a bit outside of his skill level as he failed on his first 2 attempts. He asked the dwarves to smelt it and he watched carefull. The dwarves skillfully smelted the gold into pure gold bars. The dwarves said the gold bars were very expensive and could be sold for a very high price. They could also be used to forge powerful earring, necklaces, and rings. Hiro thanked the dwarves and began working on Amaterasu’s armor.

I don’t think she is strong enough yet to wear metal armor so I will need to make something similar to Foria’s studded armor for her. I need to get some skins from so animals in the forest but I don’t have time for that right now.

Hiro gave the dwarves all of his bars except for 2 of the gold bars.

“Why are you giving this to us?”

“I am leaving for a while to gain more strength to protect our town. I want you to make weapons and armor for the soldiers in the army. Use the gold bar as payment and make them weapons and armor with the other bars.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“I’m not sure how long it will take. It is a journey to gain strength so I don’t know how long but I will return. When I do I will have the strength to protect all of the people within these walls.”

The dwarves smiled. Then they agreed and presented him with a copy of their pattern book. It contained all of the patterns for making weapons and armor that they had created through the years. Hiro smiled and bowed to the dwarves. Then he left.

Hiro went to the town square where he asked had anyone seen Korin. One person told Hiro that Korin was out at the cementary. He ran up and checked if Korin was ok. Korin wiped his eyes and nooddded.

Hiro then asked, “How is Foria doing?”

“She is recovering quickly. Her exterior is back to normal but her blood and ki are still regenerating.”

“Thank goodness. I went to the cave where we battled the hobgoblin army. I found a piece of parchment that only had the words “Dark Lord”. Do you know anything about it?

“How do you know about that?” he said with fear in his eyes.

“I didn’t know anything about it. I just told youI just found a scrap of paper in the cave where the hobgoblins were defeated and it had those words written on it. Weren’t you listening to me?”

“The Dark Lord is the master of all evil in this world. He was defeated long ago by a lone warrior of incredible strength and skill. I have heard that some of the remnants of his past army are trying to revive him. If that happens, the world will be plunged into war and death.”

“I will not let that happen” said Hiro “I need to leave for awhile so that I can train in order to gain the strength I need.”

“Where will you go?” asked Korin.

“I will begin by training with Master Matsuro.”

“Matsuro!? You mean Matsuro the lightning blade?”

“Yes. He agreed to train me to become the protector of this town. Before I leave, I need you to do something for me. I want you and Rain to attack me with your magic so that I can learn them. If I had possessed a stronger ranged attack I could have stopped the attack that injured your sister. I don’t want that to happen again. “

“Ok. I understand why you need me but why Rain?”

“I also need Rain’s group healing magic. Many of the people in Foria’s unit did not get the treatmemt they needed because I could only heal one person at a time. I need to be able to heal multiple people. Can you meet me at the training grounds at noon and bring Rain.”

Korin nodded in agreement. The two friends embraced each other and touched the angel above Foria’s grave and then went into town.

Hiro went to the training grounds to check on the troops. Amaterasu and Leo followed. Hiro thought as they walked to the training grounds about how to help Amaterasu gain strength to become an equal to Leo.

First, she and Leo should do some sparring each day while I do my physical and mental training.

Hiro asked, “Leo, can you spar with Amaterasu so that she can gain some more battle experience.”

Leo agreed then Hiro began his workout with lifting Caesar’s heavy weights. He was now able to lift it to his chest and then press it above his head. He tried to mimic what he had seen Caesar do. He jerked the weight from the ground to his chest then he bent his knees and pressed it over his head and then down to his chest and back up over head. He was able to do this five times before being fatigued. He put the weight down for a minute then repeated this. While he was resting he looked over a Leo and Amaterasu. Their sparring session was heating up.

They were not using any of their lethal skills. It was simply a test of their speed, strength, technique. Leo was superior in every way but Amaterasu’s battle instincts and reflexes were definitely on a high level.

How was she able to dodge so many of Leo’s attacks?

They were at a stand off. They were staring at each other. Amaterasu was panting. Leo’s aura was pressuring her both physically and mentally. She charged forward anyway, darting in and trying to strike Leo with her fore paw. Leo easily avoided the blow and countered with his version of Hiro’s dashing slash. It hit Amaterasu in the middle of her body and sent her flying. Leo went over and checked on her. She was breathing heavily. The blow did some damage.

“Are you ok?” Leo asked

“Yes but barely. You are definitely a strong opponent.”

Hiro walked over and cast his healing spell on her. Her wounds were healed and she got up.

“You want to go again?” asked Leo

Amaterasu jumped to her feet and showed her fangs, “I’m not done yet!” They squared off again and Hiro returned his training.

After completely exhausting himself with Caeasar’s weights, he sat down and began to meditate.

My meditation feels different today. I can sense the energy of all of the living things around me. I can even sense their power in relationship to mine as well as get a general picture of their size and physique. It is like I could see them even though my eyes are closed.

Ding!

Your detect presence ability has evolved to energy scan. You see individuals based on their energy. You no longer need to use your senses to detect the presence of enemies or allies. You only need to feel their their energy.

This should come in handy for enemies that have Kaura’s camouflage ability.

Hiro continued with his meditation for a while until he felt the presence of Korin and Rain coming towards the training grounds. He also felt Gori and Caesar coming. He decided to stop his training for the day and get ready for his time with them.

Ding!

Due to your rigorous training your strength has increased by 30 points and your stamina has increased by 25 points.

Ding!

Due to your rigorous meditation training your wisdom has increased by 15 points.

My stats are continuing to improve. I need to find a way to improve my speed though. That is not increasing as much as I would like. I have to find a way to not only use that speed to avoid damage but also put me in a position to inflict great damage.

Just then Rain and Korin arrived.

“Thank you for coming. I asked you both here because my ability allows me to copy things that I am able to see and any spell that my shield absorbs I can use as well. I would like you to use your chain lighting spell on me Korin and Rain I would like you to use your group healing spell so that I can learn them.”

“Are you sure about the lightning spell? Last time you lost to me pretty quickly and I didn’t even use that spell” , said Korin

“Ha ha ha… I’m not the same as I was back then. If you would like we could have a rematch and you can use any spell you want?”

“Sure why not. I haven’t been on the battle field in a while” replied Korin. “But I’m sure I’m still good enough to kick your butt.”

“Well then stop talking and let’s get to it.”

The two friends squared off. Rain was appointed to be the referee. They agreed that the battle would be over when one was no longer able to battle. The battle began and Hiro activated his Evil eye skill along with his body and weapon strengthening ki abilities. Korin immediately try to use his bind. The magical ropes wrapped around Hiro but He broke through them with his raw strength.

“You will have to do better than that” , Hiro taunted as he increased his speed and began to charge Korin.

He activated his dashing slash ability but Korin cast his earth wall spell rasing a wall of earth from the ground to stop Hiro. Hiro broke through the wall with his slash and sensed that Korin was gathering a large amount of energy so he raised he shield because he knew a powerful spell was coming. Korin had already begun casting his chain lighting spell. The bolt of lightning was coming forth from his staff as Hiro broke through the earth wall. Hiro’s shield was raised and the lightning struck the shield. His shield absorbed the lightning but the forec of the attack caused Hiro to fall back.

Ding!

You have learned chain lightning. This spell calls forth a lightning bolt that attacks an enemy then jumps to 2 other enemies who are within a 5 meter radius. As your skill improves you be able to call forth more lightning bolts and the bolts will jump to more enemies.

Hiro stood up and decided to show Korin his own magic skills. He began by casting fire at Korin. Korin skillfully cast an ice blast to cancel out the fire spell. The colliding spells caused a dense fog to appear. Korin was unable to find Hiro but Hiro’s sense presence ability let him know exactly where Korin was. HIro shot out an ice blast on the ground beneath where Korin was standing. The ground was frozen and Korin lost his balance. Hiro followed up and unleashed his red lighting attack.

Before the attack hit him Korin raised some sort of magical barrier to protect himself from the damage but the shock of the red lightning attack caused him fall to the ground. Hiro then used his dashing slash to cover the ground between the 2 of them almost instantly. He stopped his blade at Korin’s throat. Korin conceded and it was Hiro’s victory.

“Thank you mind friend”, said Hiro. “I now have your chain lightning magic spell”

“No, thank you. You are incredible. To think that you have grown this much in such a short time it is amazing”, said Korin.

Rain came over and healed them both with her group heal magic.

Ding!

After feeling and seeing the group several times you have now been able to copy the heal spell you are now able to use it. Your current spell has now been upgraded to group heal. The spell can now be used to yourself and 2 companions. With continued use and improved wisdom you will be able to heal greater amounts of health to more companions.

“Thank you rain. I now can use your group healing spell.”

That spell coupled with the regeneration ability that I have should keep me safe wherever I go.

Just then Caesar arrived. Caesar came up and hugged Hiro.

“Take care of the army and continue to train them. You have done an excellent job so far keep up the great work! I will be leaving for a while to train with Master Matsuro. While I am away I know that you will keep my troops strong.”

Caesar placed his hand on his chest and bowed, “ It would be my honor commander.”

Hiro embraced Caesar then Rain and ended with Korin. “I will not be gone long but I will definitely miss all of you. Keep our town safe while I am gone.” nodded.

He shook hands and embraced the members of the army as he left the training grounds and went into the town.

I need to go see Master Matsuro so that I can train but first I need to enjoy my last night in this town for awhile.

Hiro walked around followed by Leo. They walked and talked. Leo shared that his father had been the alpha before him and he had challenged his eldest brother for the title of alpha in their pack. He said he easily defeated all of his brothers and had been the alpha since. Leo shared his experience with fighting Hiro for the first time. He said that his strength was overwhelming. He had never fought a foe that compared to him. His speed, strength, agilty, and skills, were far over and above any foe that they had faced.

Hiro told him that the battle with him was difficult as well and that he was glad that he had chosen such a strong companion. They continued to walk through the town chatting the night away. As the walked through the town people also came up and hugged the Leo and gave thanks to Hiro for helping to keep their town safe. After a while Hiro began to feel tired so the 2 of them returned home. When they arrived at the house Foria was standing at the door.

“Foria! What are you doing out of bed?!”

“What am I doing? A better question is what are you doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“I will leave you two alone” said Leo as he walked into he and Hiro’s home.

“They told me that you are going to train with Matsuro tomorrow. You are leaving again with out me?”

“No… well….I mean… it’s not like that. You see I am going to train with him because I couldn’t protect you on the battlefield. I almost lost you and my weakness is the cause of that.”

“It was not your fault nor your weakness that got me injured on the battlefield. It was your strength and ability that saved me. My weakness caused me to be injured. I need to improve. So I have come to ask you to take me with you.”

Just then a shadowy figure appeared from behind Hiro’s home.

“Hello, you must be the fame warrior of this town name, Hiro” said the figure.

It was the dark elf they had rescued from the hobgoblin army.

“What were you doing there? This is a private conversation snapped Foria.

“My apologies my lady” the dark elf said as she bowed her head. “I have only come to speak with Hiro and pledge my allegiance to his army. I am a skilled ranger from the dark elf clan to the west of this place.”

“Why should we believe you?” yelled Foria.

“Hold on a minute Foria. Let’s listen and hear her out.”

“First let me introduce myself. My name is Scarlairet lemsfire. You may call me Scarlet as the humans I have met said that my eyes are scarlet red. I left my home land after learning that some of the dark elves were supplying mithril weapons to orcs. I could not stop them but I refused to be a part of it so I left”

“If you left why did the wood elves place you in chains.”

“I went to the wood elf lands to seek sanctuary but they refused and placed me in chains in order to escort me out of their lands. I was not aggressive nor was I violent in any way. I gave them my weapons. While they were escorting us the hobgoblins attacked. I was chained and had no weapons and the elves that were escorting me were weak. They captured us rather quickly”

“So that is what happened. I understand that you went through an ordeal and for that I am truly sorry. You are a stranger from a race that we have had trust issues with in the past. Why should we trust you?” asked Foria.

“Even though I am a dark elf, I am a person of honor and whatever you task me to do to prove myself I will.”

“I think trust should be earned and maintained through the actions of an individual. I will give you a chance. You said you had weapons so I assume you have combat skills.”

“Yes. I was trained from a very young age. I was the top hunter in my clan. I specialize in ranged combat but I am also adept in close quarters combat with daggers or short swords.”

“If you don’t mind me asking how long have you trained?”

“Over 300 years”

“What!?! 300 years?”

“It is not odd as we elves live much longer lives than that of you humans.”

“So you must be really good.”

“As I said I was the top hunter in my clan.”

“Foria, I don’t think Master Matsuro’s sword skills are suitable for you but Scarlet’s would be. I will agree with you training with me but only if you are taught by Scarlet Scarlet this is the one thing you can do to earn my trust.”

Scarlet and Foria agreed.

“Scarlet do you have a place to sleep?” asked Foria.

“No I have slept in the woods since I was brought here.”

“Since you have gained Hiro’s trust, you have earned mine. I will have my servants prepare a room for you and give you food tonight as well as in the morning.”

“Your generosity is much appreciated”, said Scarlet

“I will be back here in a little while Hiro. I want to stay with you for the night”, said Foria.

“I will be waiting”, said Hiro with a smile as the two ladies walked off.

Hiro entered into his home and took of his equipment. He slowly walked up the steps thinking of the events that have unfolded recently. When he reached the top of the stairs he entered into his room and lay down on the bed.

It’s been a while since I did this so I guess I should check our stats.

Hiro pulled up the character screen to see his stats and that of his companion.

HiroTitle:Town HeroJob:Ki WarriorLevel:42----------------Stats-----------------Health:7,000/7,000Mana:2,000/2,000Strength:405Speed:260Dexterity:150Intelligence:225Wisdom:275Endurance:500--------------Equipment--------------Head:NoneChest:Breast Plate of WildfireRight Hand:Wildfire SwordLeft Hand:Razor ShieldLegs:Wilfire GreavesForearms:Wildfire GuantletsFeet:Wildfire Boots

Next, He looked at Leo’s stats.

LeoJob:Hiro’s PetSpecies:Fire Liger KingLevel:45Health:13,000/13,000Strength:875Speed:715[/tr]------------------------Abilities--------------------Pyro kinesis: Ability to breathe fire at enemies.Absorption: Allows Liger to gain strength and abilities from things he has eatenSymbiosis: Abilities gained will be immediately shared with pet master.Predict: Leo is able to see his enemy’s attacks coming.Armored Skin: Skin is tough as armor. Allowing Leo to take less damage from physical attacks a in combat.Evolution: When certain parameters are met Leo may evolve into a stronger form gaining new abilities and strength.---------------------------/Skills--------------------Liger’s Roar: Roar that strikes fear in the heart of enemies. Occasionally paralyzing them.Ki strike: Leo is able to mimic Hiro’s ki strike ability imbuing his claw with ki and striking his enemy.Flamethrower: This ability allows Leo to breathe a flame that is blue. The heat and power of this flame far exceeds his previous ability of pyro kinesis.Poison Coating: Leo’s fangs and Claws are covered with a strong poison.Dashing slash: Leo is able to mimc Hiro’s dashing slash ability causing him to increase his speed dramatically to slash his targe with his claws.

Hiro closed his eyes and began to use his sense presence ability. He quickly found Foria and noticed that she had already begun to return to his home. He lay there in silent anticipation for his beautiful woman to return. Moments later she returned to his home and got into the bed with him. Her soft body and betwitching scent put Hiro into a state of bliss.

“I’ve missed you” he said softly.

“I’ve missed you more” , she said as she kissed him softly on the lips.

She nestled her body into his and the fell asleep in each other’s arms.

__________________________________________

Author's Notes

*Hey guys thank you for all of your support. We have almost made it to the top 100 on this sight. If anyone would like to make any contributions feel free. I would greatly appreciate it.

*By the way please rate and review. If you have any ideas of how Hiro should be trained by Matsuro please let me know this week as I am currently beginning the upcoming training arc. Leave your ideas in the comments section.