So there Eugene was, being carried around by Sife into the backyard. Apparently, he wanted Eugene to participate in some kind of training. Well, he did ask for it after all, so it’s not like he could complain about it.
Once they were outside Sife put Eugene down as he stood in front of him, his expression taking an unusually serious change, looking down on him with his body standing straight as he spoke.
“Before we begin boss, we will need you to activate the Combat Ring.”
This was the first time Eugene heard about this term, this wasn’t taught to him from school so he could only assume it was a lesson they would have later on. Still, it seems Sife knows about it and so Eugene wanted to take advantage of the situation. “Sorry but I don’t know what that is. Could you explain?”
“I guess this was something they were going to teach you soon, alright then I’ll explain so pay attention. ~ First off you will need your mana crystal for this so I’ll need you to take it out.”
Eugene did as he instructed as he held the deck case in his hand as Sife began his explanation.
“Now the Combat Ring is an ability all summoners possess. It allows the user to conjure a transparent barrier that protects outside forces from interference. To activate it you must simply touch your mana crystal and think to yourself the words Activate Combat Ring.”
Eugene nodded in understanding as he more tightly held on to the deck case as the words he was instructed formed inside his mind.
Activate Combat Ring
At that moment a see-through force began to expand from the deck case, freaking Eugene out. Sife and Ryuze on the other hand weren’t as fazed about it as it continued to grow in size, until it stopped at the edges of the backyard, forming a transparent dome.
Eugene was rather amazed by it, out of curiosity he nervously poked at the barrier, finding that he could sort of feel some kind of force preventing him from poking further but at the same time feeling like he was touching air.
He was completely enamored over the barrier that he almost forgot why he activated it in the first place. His mind back on track once he heard Sife coughing for his attention.
“S-sorry…”
“It’s fine boss, most people would react the same way. ~ For now, let me continue my explanation over the Combat Ring.”
The bull suddenly took on a fighting stance, his fists up and at the ready. “Now the interesting thing is that any damage caused within this barrier will return back to normal from the moment it was activated. As well it prevents any lethal damage, so it allows free reign in battle. It’s for this very reason that battles that aren’t initiated within a Combat Ring are illegal in this world.”
“I-I see… I guess it makes sense, yesterday’s fight was so intense, I was worried someone was going to die…But uhm Sife… why do you look like you’re getting ready to fight?”
“That’s because I am boss. Don’t worry boss, since this is merely training, I’ll make sure to be gentle with you~ For today though we’re just going to test out how your skill works. Why don’t you go ahead and activate it and we’ll go from there.”
Eugene agreed as he prepared his deck case, making the familiar drawing motion as five cards are drawn in front of him.
Defense Booster
Defense Booster
Healing Circle
Shadow Intercept
Cinder Blade
Increase Defense of target depending on amount of MP used
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Increase Defense of target depending on amount of MP used
Heal allies within circle for 30 seconds. Increase effect with additional MP
Switch locations between two targeted allies/self
Equip target with Fire sword and provide fire element
1/more MP
1/more MP
10 MP
20 MP
20 MP
Instant
Instant
Instant
Instant
Equipment
“I see, an interesting ability. Can you tell me anything different from last time?”
Eugene tried looking through the cards and tested out drawing a card, drawing a Shadow Intercept card “Well, it seems the starting hand is different from before. Other than that, I noticed I could have multiple of the same card.”
Sife nodded all the while winding up for a punch. “Good, hopefully you’ll start getting a better understanding on how to utilize it. Now let’s test out how much of a hit you can take as well as give boss. ~”
“W-Wai-”
Before Eugene could interject Sife was already delivering punch, aiming for his gut. In reaction, Eugene crossed his arms to protect himself and closed his eyes in anticipation. He felt his body suddenly pushed as he felt the impact reach his body.
Luckily for him he found himself caught by Ryuze, who in turn was starting another argument with the bull. “Are you crazy?! You could have seriously hurt Lord Eugene! Are you alright my lord?”
Eugene was groining from the punch, his arms over his stomach as his body tried to process the pain. But he tried to power through so as to not worry the dragon. “I-I’m fine Ryuze…thanks it kind of feels like he held back though.”
“Of course I did boss, this is supposed to be training after all. But are you sure you are fine boss, if you want, I could always kiss it to make it better~” He proceeded to give off a kissing expression causing the poor human to blush from embarrassment.
“I-I-I fine really Sife!!”
Ryuze could only grunt in disgust from his teasing. “The nerve of this man!”
“Well now it’s his turn to give me a punch back, don’t worry boss I can take it~”
The bull proceeded to puff his chest with his arms at his hips ready for Eugene’s counterattack. Eugene wanted to ask if he was sure but agreed nonetheless, winding up for his own punch in return.
With a few more encouragements from Sife, Eugene ran forward, putting all his might in his fist as he pulls his arm back and unleashes all his might towards the bull’s stomach, the knuckles of his hand pushing towards his body.
Ryuze watched in anticipation while Sife was embracing for the attack, it took a pause in the moment before everyone noticed that Eugene had already finished his punch. Silence filled the air as Sife realized he barely noticed the strength in that punch.
A look of embarrassment was running across Eugene’s face, as he realized how weak his strength was. Seeing this, Ryuze was quick to try to reassure his summoner.
“I-it’s alright my lord. Beastmen are known to be sturdier than most humans, that’s all. And I hear those of the Bull species are known to be of the sturdiest species.”
The man didn’t respond, only pulling his fist back while looking away, feeling rather ashamed of his weak strength. Meanwhile, Sife was rubbing where Eugene had punched him in the stomach, seemingly assessing his strength.
“Hmmm well I say this should be what I expected from you, boss. You don’t strike me as the type to get into many fights. Heck, I doubt you ever did any form of physical training in your life.”
The bull then proceeded to give out his usual hearty laugh, further irritating the black Dragonoid.
“Why are you like this, can’t you see you’ve already embarrassed my lord enough already?
What was the point of all that? As his familiars isn’t it our duty to prote-”
Before he could finish his question, Sife stopped him, a serious expression forming across his face. Even his body language lost its initial relax expression. It took Ryuze by surprise, who couldn’t answer back. Eugene even noticed from the tone of his voice as he stopped sulking and looked at the black bull with curiosity and worry.
“In a battle, nothing is ever guaranteed. While we his familiars will do our best to protect our summoner, there will be times where the boss must be able to defend himself.”
Sife serious face quickly faded away, returning back to the relaxed calmed expression he gave before. “Lucky for us we have all week to help train you. You might not be able to win any fistfights by then, but you should be able to hold your own at least. Of course you do get the final say, what do you say boss? ~”
Eugene thought for a moment, he wasn’t really that serious when he mentioned his curiosity for training. But he started to think back from that horrible experience from yesterday. He didn’t like how helpless he was watching his companions get hurt for his sake. Nor did he like not knowing what his mana crystal could do, he wanted to strive to learn more about it so he can be more useful for them next time and be less of a burden to them.
“…. Ok then, I want to get stronger Sife. Please help me get stronger!!”
His voice was filled with determination, while a huge smile was forming across the bull’s face, happy to hear his answer.
“Glad to hear boss! Then go ahead and close the Combat Ring by thinking it then I want you to start with 20 laps across the backyard.”
Eugene was a little nervous, considering that the backyard wasn’t exactly small, but he nodded ready to take his training seriously. Sprinting around the backyard, though his running form wasn’t the best and he was already feeling short of breath. This is definitely going to take a lot of work for him.