Chapter 7 - New Techniques

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A dim candle flame lit the room. The sounds of the busy city began to become quiet. Ace and Light sat in their shared room, exhausted after a long day of training.

“Crazy to think soon I’ll be fighting in the arena. I never thought I’d end up here” Ace said to Light.

“I feel the same way. I spent most of my life in the woods, poaching to feed myself. I got pretty good at it too, wouldn’t have ever got caught if it hadn’t been for whichever scum ratted on me.” Light answered.

“Before this, I was living peacefully in my hometown with my sister. When we were captured and sold, we were separated. I pray she is safe. I need to earn my freedom so I can go find her… What will you do when you’re free?” Ace asked.

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“Not sure, maybe go back to hunting. Being in the city has been pretty cool though. Makes me want to explore the world. Maybe I can travel with merchants across the seas as an escort.”

“All I want is to find my sister, after that, I’ll return home.”

“I’m still not sure what I want from life. I admire your determination. Tell you what, if we get through this, I’ll help you find your sister. After that, I’m off.”

Ace smiled and extinguished the candle illuminating their quarters. He was happy to find someone to aid him in his quest.

Light lay in his bed and thought about the promise he just made. He liked Ace; he was the closest thing to a friend Light has ever had. They just had to get stronger to survive their upcoming fights. Talking about freedom gave them both hope, it encouraged them to train harder.

Morning came and after a large breakfast of meats and bread Omar beckoned for Ace to join him.

“Today I’ll be teaching you techniques to make the most of your tigerlike strength and speed.”

Omar showed Ace the proper way to swing a sword, and how to use the buckler’s parrying ability to create openings for attacks.

He had Ace come at him with the training sword and demonstrated the proper techniques.

Omar continued training Ace and the others, and Rook was in charge of assigning drills.

Their training continued until Ace was confident enough with his weapons to take on his peers and win half the time. He struggled most with Diego, whose experience and size overwhelmed him.