Year 1, Summer, First Month, First Week.
“Run, run. You need to go faster, Toni. Imagine if we were running from a beast, you would be dead,” Diana chided, her voice carrying across the field as she observed Toni lagging behind. “Look at Tael, he passed you three times already.”
“Sorry… But that’s not fair, my legs are shorter and I’m heavier than him! You said I’d be using a shield to block the beasts, why do I need to run?” Toni protested amidst the panting.
“Stop complaining, Toni. Do you think you can block everything? And Diana, why isn’t Karl training?” Tael shouted back, his pace unrelenting as he lapped around Toni again.
“Humph! He’s busy working on our weapons. But don’t think he’s escaping training. He’ll be running later too. Now, stop talking and run!” She commanded with a tone that took no argument.
After a thorough discussion, the elders had consented to let the boys gather materials near the village, staying within a safe distance to retreat if danger arose. They also agreed to have Diana accompany them for added protection.
The boys were shocked to learn of Diana's combat prowess. Everyone knew she was being groomed to succeed Chief Omero, but the inclusion of combat training in her education was a revelation. The awe only deepened when she revealed her sword – a rare sight of metal weaponry that they had only glimpsed in Wind Castle during their ceremony.
For the past two weeks, Diana had been rigorously training them in physical endurance and weapon handling. To maximize efficiency, she tailored the training to each boy's strengths. She took charge of short-range attacks with her sword, while Tael was assigned long-range attacks with a bow. Toni, with his sturdy build, was perfect for defense, armed with a shield. Karl, as the one with the least training, was assigned to a support role, wielding a simple spear.
Under the summer sun, the training field near the village outskirts became a hub of rigorous activity. The air was filled with the sounds of exertion – the thud of heavy stones, the twang of a bowstring, and the rhythmic breathing of young warriors in training. Karl, Toni, Tael, and Diana were pushing their limits under the watchful eyes of the elders.
Toni, with his robust build, naturally fit the role of the group's defender. His broad shoulders and powerful arms made him ideal for wielding a shield. Tael, on the other hand, was nimble and quick, his swift reflexes perfect for the role of an archer.
Chief Omero, in support of their training, had arranged for them to have additional food to enhance their physical condition. The nourishment was a welcome change, especially given the usual scarcity in the village.
“Ok, you can stop now. Let’s rest a little and eat,” Diana announced, setting down a basket of bread and a large pot of vegetable soup. They gathered around, each filling their pots with the hearty meal and eating with a voracity born of hard training.
As they ate, Diana's thoughts wandered. She had always been aware of the villagers' hardships but had never truly comprehended their daily struggles. Seeing their gratitude for such a basic meal weighed heavily on her. She had debated with her grandfather about her privileged position, but his response was always the same – her destiny was greater, and their resources were limited.
She had considered giving up her extra meal, but the futility of the gesture soon became apparent. It might help a single villager, but it wouldn't solve the village's problem. Instead, she decided to use her position and training to make a real difference, to fight for a future where such disparity no longer existed.
Their training was straightforward and demanding. For endurance, they engaged in running, lifting heavy stones, and extensive stretching exercises. For skill development, Old Bill took charge, teaching Toni and Tael the nuances of using a shield and a bow. Only after they had gained basic ability did they engage in simulated combat exercises with Diana.
In these sessions, Diana didn't hold back, pushing each of them to their limits and beyond. It was a harsh, unyielding regimen, but it was necessary. They were training not just for themselves, but for the future of their entire village.
The training ground, nestled amidst the verdant outskirts of the village, was alive with the energy of the youngsters honing their skills. The air resonated with the sounds of hardship and determination. Karl approached Tael and Diana with a focused, yet slightly apprehensive expression. In his hands, he carefully held the fruits of his recent alchemical attempts.
“Tael, Diana, I have something for you...” Karl’s voice revealed his anxiety. He handed three arrows to Tael, their stone heads meticulously crafted by Old Bill, now enhanced with Karl's Rune work. They looked ordinary at first glance, but a closer inspection revealed the intricate Rune that promised unseen magical sharpness.
Diana watched as Karl approached, cradling her sword with an almost reverent care. She couldn't suppress a smile at his earnestness. The sword, already a fine piece, now bore the subtle mark of Karl's Rune, adding a layer of mystery and power to the already impressive weapon.
Upon receiving the weapon, Diana's thanks elicited a bashful reaction from Karl. Despite his focus on Alchemy, he couldn't ignore Diana's growing presence amongst them. She was striking, with her unblemished light brown skin and a physique toned from rigorous training, yet devoid of any scars.
“What’re you getting embarrassed for? Even if this sword is rare, with your Alchemy, later you’ll see a lot of good things..." Diana's voice was teasing, with an undertone of warmth that made Karl's cheeks color further.
“I’m not emb... cough... cough... Ehhh, Toni, I need more time to work on your shield. The Toughness Rune is new to me, but the effects will be great, you’ll see!” Karl quickly diverted the conversation, trying to hide his discomfort.
“Humph... If you haven’t finished all the weapons, why are you here?” Diana’s tone shifted abruptly, her playful demeanor replaced by a more demanding one.
Karl, caught off guard by her sudden change, fumbled for words. “I’m out of spiritual energy so I came to do some training... You’re always complaining that I'm slacking off...”
“Stop fussing around, quickly, go run! Hey, look at your arrows later, now it’s time to run!” Diana’s command echoed authoritatively across the training field. Karl, still slightly bewildered, joined the others as they resumed their rigorous physical training.
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***
The training ground was bathed in the golden hues of the late afternoon sun. Toni was flexing and stretching his broad frame glistening with sweat at the bottom of a small slope. Old Bill, standing atop the slope, gave a round stone a firm push, sending it careening down towards Toni.
As the stone rolled down, gaining momentum, Toni braced himself, positioning the shield in front of him. His arms shook slightly under the weight, but his resolve was firm. The stone collided with the shield with a dull thud, coming to a halt.
“Ufff... I'm not gonna lie, I was a little scared... But I also enjoyed it!” he exclaimed, his laughter echoing through the clearing, breaking the tension of the moment.
Meanwhile, Tael, with his lithe form and focused gaze, stood ready for his turn with the bow. Four wooden plates, each set at varying distances, served as his targets. Under Old Bill's watchful eye, Tael took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. He nocked an arrow, pulling it back with careful precision. The air was still as he released the arrow, watching it slice through the wind and embed itself in the wooden plate, aided by the sharpness Rune Karl had carefully inscribed.
Karl observed from a distance, his thoughtful gaze analyzing every aspect of the training. Drawing the Rune on the arrowhead had been an easier task than he anticipated, but its effectiveness left room for improvement. He had to consider the balance of energy and the limitations imposed by the village's protective barrier.
With renewed determination, Karl focused on condensing his spiritual energy into the Rune, amplifying its potency. The process was exhausting and required immense concentration, often resulting in spoiled drawings. Yet, the increase in the Rune's power was undeniable, a breakthrough in his craft.
However, Karl soon hit a wall; no matter how much he condensed the energy, the Rune's effect plateaued. Master AI's reminder of the village's energy limitations echoed in his mind. The realization dawned on Karl that the true potential of his Runes could only be unleashed beyond the village's confines.
Resolute, Karl decided to invest his energy into the weapons destined for use outside the village, while conserving his efforts on the stone knives used for practice. The limitations of the village's ambient energy could not hinder his ambition.
***.
The modest hut, with its earthen walls and thatched roof, glowed warmly in the fading light of the evening. Inside, the family of three gathered around the humble hearth, where a pot of vegetable soup simmered, filling the air with a homely aroma. Reyna watched with surprise and pride as Karl deftly sliced the taro, his movements smooth and precise.
Kanin observed quietly from the corner, his weathered hands folded in his lap. The simple meal – taro soup with freshly baked bread – was their regular. Each bite, savored in the comforting glow of the fire, was a reminder of their small but significant victories against the daily struggle of village life.
As night settled over the village, silence shrouded their home. While many families had already retreated to rest, the soft crackle of the dying fire in Karl’s home offered a soothing backdrop to their evening ritual. The elders in other homes would prepare meals earlier, but in Karl’s family, which had no elders, cooking time was cherished.
With dinner concluded and his parents retiring to their modest bedding, Karl seized the quiet of the night to delve deeper into his studies. The faint glow of the embers provided just enough light for him to focus on the complex designs of the Runes. To his parents, it appeared as if he were merely practicing his writing, but Karl was engrossed in mastering the Toughness Rune.
[https://i.imgur.com/A8Ccmuv.jpg]
He recalled the relative ease with which he had grasped the Sharpness Rune, but now, two weeks into studying the new Rune, comprehension still evaded him. Master AI’s words echoed in his mind, reminding him of the complex nature of some concepts. With patient determination, Karl traced the Rune again and again, each stroke a step closer to unlocking its secrets.
It was only days later that he managed to achieve real progress. Karl sat hunched over the wooden shield, his brow furrowed in deep focus. The Toughness Rune he had drawn into the wood glowed faintly in the low light, proof of his success. It was a simple design but imbued with a profound concept of resilience, gleaned from the wisdom of those around him.
The next day, under the bright, unyielding sun, Toni hefted the newly enchanted shield, marveling at its sturdiness. The wooden surface, once prone to splintering, now held firm against the rigors of their training. Despite its reinforced nature, the shield felt no heavier, a perfect balance of durability and practicality.
As the group gathered in the open field for training, Diana stood with a challenging glint in her eye, her posture exuding extreme confidence. The air was filled with the sounds of nature, the rustle of leaves and the distant chirps of birds, creating a serene background to for their hardship.
"Ahhh... real training? Wasn't it real before?" Toni's voice wavered slightly, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a hint of apprehension. Karl and Tael exchanged nervous glances, their faces mirroring Toni's concern. They all knew Diana's definition of 'real training' meant pushing their limits, testing their mettle against more than just wooden dummies.
Diana's smile widened, her eyes sparkling filled with mischief and excitement. "What we did before was just preparation. Now, we apply what we've learned in a live scenario. It's time to see how well you can adapt under pressure."
The training field, surrounded by tall grass and the dense forest, became their arena. The sun cast long shadows, creating a play of light and dark that added to the intensity of the moment. Karl gripped his spear, feeling the weight of responsibility and the thrill of challenge. Tael notched an arrow, his focus razor-sharp, while Toni adjusted his stance, shield at the ready.
As Diana led them through a series of combat drills, each movement and counter-move was a dance of precision and power. The sound of clashing weapons and the occasional grunt of exertion filled the air. They moved with a fluidity that spoke of their progress, each strike and parry a proof of their hard work.
“Come at me at once! What are you waiting for? Attack me! You three together... “ She provoked them with palpable arrogance, but they still didn’t move. “What? You don’t want to? Hahaha, so let’s do it like this... I’ll attack first!” Diana's excited voice echoed across the field. Her silhouette, backlit by the sun, seemed larger as she advanced towards them.
With agile grace, she lunged at Toni, her sword striking his shield with a force that resonated through the air. The shield, imbued with Karl's craft, absorbed the impact, leaving only a superficial mark. Toni, caught off-guard by the strength of the attack, stumbled backwards, his feet carving deep grooves in the earth, but he managed to stay upright.
The onlookers gasped, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and concern. Toni, regaining his balance, looked at his shield in disbelief, marveling at its resilience.
Without missing a beat, Diana pivoted towards Tael, her boots kicking up a cloud of dust. Tael's instincts kicked in, and he twisted his body, trying to lessen the blow. The kick landed on his side with a thud, causing him to wince, but he remained standing.
Finally, Diana turned her attention to Karl, her movements a blur of speed and precision. Karl, having witnessed the attacks on his friends, sidestepped swiftly, avoiding her initial strike. His body was overflowing with adrenaline.
However, Diana was relentless. She spun on her heel, delivering a powerful kick that caught him off-guard. The impact sent him flying back, his body tumbling through the air before landing with a thud on the soft earth. He lay there for a moment, trying to catch his breath, the wind knocked out of him.
Diana stood back, her chest heaving from the exertion, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Now we’re ready to go out! Take a good rest today because tomorrow we’ll be testing it... outside!” Her announcement hung in the air.
The group exchanged looks, their faces a mess of emotions. The realization that their training was about to be put into practice made them shiver. Tomorrow would mark a new chapter in their lives, a step into the unknown, beyond the safety of the village.