Chapter 3: Progress

It had been three months since I started training alongside my parents, and my curiosity finally got the better of me. I couldn’t help but inquire about their past occupation.

“So, what did both of you do before? You were famous adventurers, right?” I asked eagerly, realizing I had never asked them about their classes either.

“We were C-rank adventurers,” my father replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

“Yes, that’s correct, dear. But now our duty is to protect this village,” my mother chimed in, her words filled with determination.

“Oh, so you two were probably famous, right? And what are your classes?” I asked, my suspicions about their roles already forming.

“We have common classes. I am a mage, and your father is a swordsman,” my mother revealed.

As I nodded, my suspicions about their roles were confirmed. I had always suspected that my mother was a mage and my father a swordsman.

“Now, young man, pick up your wooden sword and spar with me. Let’s see how your swordsmanship has progressed,” my father challenged, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

I firmly gripped the wooden sword, ready to face my father’s challenge. He dashed forward, thrusting his wooden sword towards me with speed and agility.

Anticipating his move, I focused my attention and swiftly sidestepped, feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. It was invigorating to test my skills against someone as experienced as him.

Seizing an opportunity when his guard momentarily wavered, I retaliated with a quick swing aimed at his side. However, my father effortlessly parried my attack, showcasing the refined skills of a seasoned swordsman. Our wooden blades clashed, creating a resounding impact that echoed through the training area.

Pride gleamed in my father’s eyes, acknowledging my progress. He pressed forward with fluid and precise movements, each strike holding a purpose. I defended myself, blocking and evading his attacks, searching for an opening to launch a counterattack.

The dance of our wooden swords continued, the sound of their collision reverberating in the training area. My muscles worked, my body adapting to the rhythm of the fight. Immersed in the exhilarating duel, my instincts sharpened.

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As sweat trickled down my brow, I maintained my focus, determined not to disappoint my father. Analyzing his movements, I searched for patterns and seized every opportunity that presented itself. With each exchange, I became more attuned to the ebb and flow of our sparring session.

And then, in a fraction of a second, an opening appeared as his guard momentarily faltered. Swift as lightning, I lunged forward, redirecting his strike and landing a solid blow on his shoulder. The impact reverberated through my wooden sword, and a satisfying grin spread across my face.

“Well done, son,” my father acknowledged, pride evident in his voice. “You’re improving rapidly.”

Catching my breath, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration surged through me. This spar was a testament to my progress and the guidance my parents had provided. It reminded me that with dedication and practice, I could continue to grow and surpass my limits.

As the adrenaline subsided, we both lowered our wooden swords, the intensity of the spar gradually fading away. It was a moment of shared pride and mutual respect. Once renowned adventurers, my parents were now passing their knowledge and skills onto me.

Grateful for their guidance, I felt honored to carry on their legacy. With their unwavering support, I was determined to forge my own path, becoming a formidable warrior and protecting the village, just as they had done.

“Now, take a rest, and let’s see

How your magic training is coming along,” my mother suggested.

I agreed, acknowledging her suggestion. It was time to shift gears and focus on my magical training. My mother had always been a skilled mage, and I admired her abilities.

We moved to a different area of our training grounds, where a tranquil pool of water shimmered under the sunlight. A sense of serenity filled the air as my mother prepared to assess my progress with Aqua Bolt, a Tier 1 spell.

“Show me what you’ve learned so far, Alex,” she encouraged, her eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and pride.

Closing my eyes, I centered my concentration on the water within me. The power of water magic surged through my veins as I channeled it toward my outstretched hand. With a swift motion, I extended my arm, fingers pointed towards a distant target.

“Aqua Bolt!” I shouted, pouring my energy into the spell.

A spiraling torrent of water erupted from my palm, rushing forward like a roaring river. It soared through the air, propelled by the force of my will, before crashing against the target with a resounding impact. Splashes of water rained down, marking the success of my spell.

Pride gleamed in my mother’s eyes, and a smile graced her lips. “Well done, Alex! Your Aqua Bolt is impressive.”

“Next, it’s time to unveil your lightning magic,” my mother proclaimed, her voice infused with a mix of anticipation and caution.

I took a deep breath, grounding myself in the raw power that coursed through me. With every heartbeat, I could feel the electric potential building, waiting to be unleashed. Raising my hands toward the heavens, I embraced the charge within me and summoned the essence of lightning.

“Lightning Arc!” I bellowed, my voice cutting through the air like thunder.

A brilliant surge of electricity erupted from my fingertips, twisting and arcing with dazzling brilliance. It crackled and danced, illuminating the surroundings in a spectacular display. Bolts of lightning lanced through the sky, streaking towards a designated target with unbridled intensity.

Astonishment mixed with pride appeared on my mother’s face as she witnessed the display. But underlying her awe was a hint of caution. “Alex, your Lightning Arc is truly remarkable. However, remember that lightning is a force that demands respect and control. Taming its power is an ongoing journey.”

Her cautionary words resonated within me as I absorbed the magnitude of what I had just unleashed. Lightning, with its capricious nature, required the utmost discipline and focus. I knew that to master this formidable element, I would need to tread carefully and hone my skills over time.

As I balanced the duality of water and lightning magic, I found harmony within myself. Water, with its fluid grace, and lightning, with its electrifying might, intertwined seamlessly. I discovered that the true essence of magic lay not just in its individual elements but in the synergy and balance achieved when they were united.

“Alright, let’s get inside. It’s getting late, and Lily is probably hungry,” my mom said.

Hearing that, I looked up and saw the sun was going down.

“Okay, mom.”

We went inside, and after finishing our meal, I went to my room, got into bed, and fell asleep, thinking, “I wish this peace will never end.”

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To be continue...