Removing the longbow from his back, he shifted his attention to the Razorclaw Mantis. "Training time," he declared with determination in his voice.
***
Bane released the bow from the secure sling that had held it diagonally across his back throughout their journey.
As Bane held the longbow in his hands, he recalled the detailed descriptions he had read in the beginner's guide to longbows. His mind sifted through the information, piecing together the intricate components that made up a longbow and their purpose.
Bane cradled the longbow in his hands, his fingers tracing the contours of the riser—the heart of the weapon. Crafted from resilient materials such as wood or metal, the riser's weight, and intricate design were a testament to its crucial role. As his gaze swept over its form, he marveled at the artistry that had gone into creating this central piece.
When his fingers gripped the riser he seemed to forge a connection with the weapon. Every curve and indent spoke of balance, a harmony of elements working together to channel power and precision. With the riser firmly held in his grasp, Bane felt a surge of anticipation, ready to test his newfound knowledge and skill with the bow.
With his physical understanding of the longbow, Bane carefully examined the weapon he held in his hands. He traced his fingers over the riser, felt the smoothness of the limbs, and gauged the tension of the bowstring.
He was now ready to put his knowledge to the test.
Bane stood in a focused stance, with the longbow held firmly in his hands, he took a deep breath and shifted his attention to the drawstring.
He slowly extended his arm, feeling the subtle resistance of the bowstring as he pulled it back. The sensation of the drawstring against his fingertips was surprisingly tactile, transmitting a sense of tension that resonated through the entire bow. The riser, now a steady anchor in his grip, allowed him to center himself.
As the drawstring stretched further, Bane could feel the gradual increase in resistance. His muscles, unaccustomed to this specific motion, began to protest. Yet, he pressed on, determined to endure the challenge he had set for himself.
Minutes melted into one another as he held the drawstring at its maximum extension. The strain on his muscles grew more pronounced, each fiber working in unison to maintain the tension. He could feel the faint tremors that coursed through his arms, a testament to the energy stored within the bow.
Thirty minutes slipped by, marked by beads of sweat that formed on Bane's forehead. The experience was both grueling and enlightening. He marveled at the synergy between the riser, limbs, and drawstring—how they interacted to create a formidable force. This exercise wasn't just about physical strength; it was about understanding the mechanics of the longbow and appreciating the interplay of its components.
Finally, with a deep exhale, Bane eased the drawstring back to its resting position. His muscles, fatigued yet invigorated, relaxed from their prolonged tension. A sense of accomplishment settled over him as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Though his muscles ached, he knew this experience was a vital step in mastering the longbow.
"That was quite the weight," Bane muttered to himself, his muscles still tingling from the effort.
As he turned, he finally acknowledged the presence of the Razorclaw Mantis who had been standing guard next to him with unwavering patience. "Hey there, buddy," Bane greeted the creature, reaching out to give it a reassuring head rub. At that moment, a realization dawned upon him.
He hadn't given his newfound companion a name yet, and the thought tugged at his mind. What could he possibly name this gluttonous yet intriguing beast? "Hmm, glutton," Bane began to mumble, lost in thought. After a brief contemplation, he suddenly exclaimed, "Vorax!"
The beast gazed at him with a mixture of curiosity and recognition, as if pondering the significance of the name.
"Your new name, from now on, is Vorax," Bane declared with a newfound excitement. A spark seemed to ignite within the creature's eyes, and it responded by leaping up with palpable enthusiasm. Vorax darted around Bane in playful circles, its mandibles clicking in approval.
"You like the name?" asked Bane.
Vorax responded by nodding its head in an enthusiastic display of approval.
Surveying the surroundings, Bane observed that the majority of soldiers had departed from the training yard, leaving ample space for their practice.
"You want to continue where we left off earlier?" Asked Bane as he got into a battle stance.
With Bane's intentions clear Vorax's readiness to engage became palpable, its posture exuding a sense of readiness for their ongoing spar. Bane gripped the small knife hidden in his sleeve, his stance tentative as he prepared to face his formidable companion.
Vorax's lightning-fast strike came without warning, leaving Bane scrambling to react. He managed to evade the attack, but only barely.
"You're quite quick on the uptake," exclaimed Bane.
Bane's movements were hesitant, his inexperience with fighting non-human opponents evident as he struggled to parry Vorax's swift assaults.
Bane's attempts at defense were met with Vorax's relentless advances. His timing was often off, leaving him open to Vorax's strikes. The clash of chitin against blade echoed through the training yard, each strike a reminder of Bane's current limitations.
As Vorax pressed its attacks, Bane's retreat was marked by moments of stumbling and missteps. His eyes remained fixed on Vorax, his focus on trying to predict its movements and avoiding its lethal strikes. The weight of his inexperience with both the knife and combat tactics was a heavy burden to bear.
Vorax's attacks grew more intricate, exploiting Bane's weaknesses and testing his ability to keep up. Bane's heart raced as he attempted to deflect Vorax's attacks, his lack of finesse evident in his strained movements. The intensity of the spar left him gasping for air, his chest heaving with each evasive maneuver.
Despite his best efforts, Bane found himself on the defense, unable to effectively counter Vorax's onslaught. The mismatch in strength and skill was glaringly apparent, as Vorax's powerful strikes pushed Bane further and further back. The clanging of metal against chitin seemed almost relentless.
As the spar continued, Bane's attempts at defense grew increasingly desperate. His parries were clumsy, his movements slow and uncoordinated. Vorax's precision and speed left him little room to maneuver, and Bane's frustration mounted with each strike he failed to counter.
Bane's fatigue was apparent in the way he struggled to keep up with Vorax's relentless assault. His grip on the knife was shaky, his muscles trembling from the strain of the spar and his previous exercise with the bow. Despite his determination, he couldn't shake the feeling of being outmatched by his own companion.
Finally, with a well-executed feint, Vorax's strike caught Bane off guard. He attempted to block, but the force of the impact knocked the knife from his grasp. Bane stumbled back, his breath ragged, his defenses shattered.
He knew he had been beaten.
Vorax's triumphant clicking of mandibles marked the end of their spar. Bane's gaze met Vorax's, a mix of exhaustion and respect passing between them. Bane's shoulders sagged as he acknowledged his defeat, his own limitations laid bare by Vorax's prowess.
As they stood there, the sun casting long shadows across the training yard, Bane's sense of determination remained unshaken. He had faced his shortcomings head-on, and while the defeat stung, it only fueled his desire to improve. With Vorax as his companion, he knew he had the chance to grow stronger and one day he'd be able to display strength on the same level as Vorax.
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"Shall we make our way back?" Bane spoke with a hint of fatigue, slipping his knife back into its concealed sheath and draping the bow over his arm. "You can fly ahead to the room. I'll make a brief stop to fetch us some food."
Vorax responded with an affirmative clicking of its mandibles before launching into the air.
Bane settled down, finding a spot to rest on the ground, his thoughts lingering on the intense spar they had just engaged in. The training yard's atmosphere was one of accomplishment and exertion.
Suddenly, the sound of a voice punctuated the moment, capturing Bane's attention. He looked up to find himself locking eyes with the other dominion seeker who had been training at Eston's estate. Their gaze held a mixture of curiosity and respect.
"You've quite the remarkable companion," the other dominion seeker remarked, his words carrying an air of genuine interest.
"Yeah, I tamed the Razorclaw Mantis today, albeit not on my own. I'm still too weak to tame my own beast," Bane admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of self-awareness.
The other dominion seeker nodded in understanding, his expression empathetic. "Considering the time you've spent recovering and learning, it's natural for your training progress to have been affected."
Bane's thoughts began to drift back, recalling the past two months. He realized that during this period, he had been bedridden for a significant portion of it, primarily learning from the scholar who had been guiding him. Lately, however, their interactions had become less frequent due to Bane's awakening and newfound responsibilities.
"That makes sense," Bane responded, a touch of contemplation in his voice.
The boy extended his hand in a friendly gesture. "I'm Finnley Whitaker, but you can call me Finn, I'm a tier 1, stage 2 dominion seeker."
Accepting the handshake, Bane introduced himself, "Bane. I've yet to reach tier 1."
The revelation seemed to shock Finn. "Wait, what?"
"Yeah," Bane confirmed with a small smile, "I've only awakened a few days ago."
Finn's surprise was palpable. "That's incredible! The synergy between you and your tame is remarkable. Beasts that are stronger than their owners often resist their owner's commands, but it appeared as if you and Vorax have been companions for a lifetime."
"It could be due to Sir Eston's influence. His assistance in taming Vorax might have led to Vorax being more submissive," Bane speculated.
Finn nodded in agreement. "That's a reasonable assumption. Regardless, I'm curious to witness your progress, and who knows, we might even find ourselves competing at the academy."
Bane's eyes widened with surprise. "You're going to the academy too?"
Finn chuckled. "Yeah, my parents are farmers, so I was sent here for proper training before joining the academy. Figured I needed more preparation than just the farm life could provide."
"Farming sounds pretty cool," Bane remarked with enthusiasm.
Finn let out a hearty laugh. "Cool? Trust me, plowing fields, tending to cattle, and all the farm chores are far from cool. It's hard, relentless work."
Grinning, Bane responded. "Still, having a purpose and being part of something, it seems appealing."
Catching the hidden meaning behind Bane's words, Finn continued, "Yeah, I get what you mean. But we're here now, with a much bigger purpose ahead of us."
As Bane gazed at the sky, lost in thought, Finn's tone softened. "We're friends from now on. So, if you ever have questions or need advice, count on me to help."
"Thanks," Bane replied warmly, listening as Finn's footsteps gradually faded away into the distance.
As Bane sat there, the warmth of Finn's gratitude lingered in the air, and an unfamiliar sensation began to settle within him. He watched as Finn's figure disappeared around the corner, and with it, the reassuring presence of someone he had just met. The realization washed over Bane like a slow tide – talking to strangers, opening up, even accepting their gratitude – it all felt strangely awkward to him.
Growing up in a life of solitude, Bane had become accustomed to his own company.
Ignoring this new emotion, Bane gathered his thoughts and made his way back to the estate's kitchen. There, he placed an order for more food, ensuring he had enough sustenance for himself and Vorax. The maids, familiar with his routine, quickly prepared a meal that would satisfy both his appetite and the voracious hunger of his newfound companion.
With the aromatic scent of the food wafting through the air, Bane returned to his room, feeling a sense of comfort settle over him. He pushed the door open quietly, not wanting to disturb Vorax too much, but to his surprise, the Razorclaw Mantis was already nestled in a corner, its eyes closed in a serene nap.
Careful not to make any noise, Bane set the tray of food down on the table and took a moment to watch Vorax sleep. The beast's rhythmic breathing and relaxed posture were a stark contrast to its intense and energetic demeanor during their training. Bane couldn't help but smile as he realized that even fierce creatures needed their moments of rest and tranquility.
Sitting down by the table, Bane served himself a portion of the prepared meal and began to eat, savoring the flavors and textures that the maids had expertly crafted. The room was filled with a peaceful ambiance as he enjoyed his food, knowing that Vorax was nearby, recharging its energy for whatever challenges lay ahead.
After finishing his meal, Bane's gaze shifted to a small wooden box on his bedside table. With a sense of routine, he opened the box to reveal a few recovery pills nestled inside. These pills were meant to assist in the restoration of his energy and stamina after intense training sessions. He carefully plucked one from the box and swallowed it, knowing that its effects might take a while to manifest.
Feeling no immediate change, Bane set the box back on the table and decided it was time for a change of clothes. He slipped out of his training attire and into something more comfortable, preparing for a well-deserved rest. The day had been filled with physical exertion and new experiences, and he looked forward to a good night's sleep.
With the room bathed in a soft, warm glow from the lamp, Bane climbed into his bed and pulled the covers over himself. The events of the day played in his mind as he closed his eyes, the image of Vorax's confident yet playful demeanor during their training still vivid. Slowly, he felt the effects of the recovery pill starting to take hold, his muscles beginning to relax and the fatigue ebbing away.
As sleep gently claimed him, Bane found himself in the vast expanse of his spatial realm once more. However, this time, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere, a feeling that something had changed. His surroundings remained familiar, yet an underlying sense of difference hung in the air, like the first few notes of an unplayed melody.
Interrupting his contemplation, a rhythmic clicking sound echoed behind him. Bane turned around, and his eyes widened in astonishment. There stood Vorax, the Razorclaw Mantis that had become his companion during the day. It was an unexpected sight, to find his newly tamed creature within his spatial realm.
The realization struck him—every creature he would tame would find its way into this realm when he slept. A grin spread across his face as he contemplated the possibilities. What if he could amass a collection of various creatures in this realm, forming a haven for these beasts beyond the physical world? The thought excited him, igniting his imagination.
A new idea sparked within Bane's mind, spurred by the boundless nature of this realm and the endless time he would spend within it. With a curious glint in his eyes, he turned to Vorax, who stood before him with its imposing presence. As a thought formed in his mind, Bane addressed his companion.
"Vorax, let's train in this realm, while I only focus on evading your attacks, you will attack me with everything you've got?" The notion of honing his skills without physical exhaustion fueled his request. It was an opportunity to explore the boundaries of his abilities and learn more about Vorax's tactics in a controlled environment.
Bane's request hung in the air, and Vorax seemed to understand. The massive creature clicked its mandibles in affirmation, its intent clear. With an almost playful glint in its multifaceted eyes, without hesitation, Vorax responded with an affirmative click of its mandibles.
The beast's anticipation was palpable as it crouched low, its body poised for action. Then, with explosive speed, Vorax lunged forward, a blur of sharp limbs and deadly precision.
Bane's heart raced as he attempted to evade Vorax's onslaught. His movements were swift but lacked finesse, and his attempts to dodge were futile against the beast's lightning-fast attacks. Vorax's razor-sharp claws and mandibles struck with unrelenting force, and Bane found himself overwhelmed almost immediately.
Despite his determination, Bane's inability to fight the beast at its full strength showed. Vorax's attacks were relentless and precise, leaving him little room to maneuver. Within seconds, he was pushed onto the floor, and all his attempts in defense fell short. The realization hit him hard — he was simply outmatched by his own companion.
Gasping for breath, Bane acknowledged his defeat. "Alright, Vorax, let's do this on a level that I can handle for now," he admitted his voice a mixture of awe and disappointment.
Vorax responded with a nod, gracefully disengaging from Bane and settling into a low crouch
Bane's heart raced as he faced the challenge of dodging Vorax's toned-down assaults. His movements were far from graceful, resembling more of a stumbling dance as he evaded the swift strikes. With each awkward step, he narrowly avoided the razor-sharp edges of the mantis's claws, his instincts barely keeping up with the speed of its attacks.
The ground trembled beneath him with each calculated move Vorax executed, and Bane's breaths came in rapid bursts as he struggled to anticipate and react to the next impending strike.
Time blurred as they continued their dance, with Bane evading Vorax's strikes by a hair's breadth. The massive creature's movements were precise, its attacks relentless, while Bane's dodges were fueled by a combination of instinct and trial and error. Despite his initial clumsiness, he gradually found his rhythm, learning to anticipate the timing and patterns of Vorax's assaults.
And so they continued for what felt like an eternity within the timeless realm. Bane's exhaustion was nonexistent here, replaced by a fervent determination to improve his skills. He learned to move with purpose, his evasions becoming more graceful and effective with each passing minute. Vorax seemed to adapt as well, varying its attacks to keep him on his toes.
As the hours flowed by, Bane's senses became improved, and his movements more calculated. Vorax's attacks, while formidable, no longer overwhelmed him. Instead, they slowly became more visible to read and avoid.