Chapter 5: Travel to the Capital Part. Two
As the caravan continued its journey through the vast grasslands, on the horizon, a peculiar scene unfolded.
Three energetic figures could be seen darting around, each wielding small swords aimed at a single, seemingly unbothered individual.
The figure, Korr, appeared to barely move as he evaded and blocked each strike with practiced ease.
Any strikes that managed to land on Korr were effortlessly rendered ineffective, as the targeted areas of his skin hardened instantaneously to block the attacks before returning to their original state.
This impressive display was a testament to Korr's vast experience and mastery of his earth affinity. Undeterred, Coal, Gwen, and Gary continued their practice, determined to improve their own skills under Korr's watchful eye.
As the young trio pressed on in their training, it became evident that they were beginning to grasp the concepts Korr had taught them.
A keen observer would notice that Coal, Gwen, and Gary occasionally managed to harden their skin as well, although with less precision and timing compared to their mentor.
This resulted in larger patches of hardened skin and more frequent, albeit less harmful, hits getting through their defenses.
Embracing their progress, Korr decided to introduce new challenges into their sparring sessions. Utilizing his earth affinity, he altered the terrain beneath Coal, Gwen, and Gary, forcing them to adapt to unstable footing while simultaneously using the shifting ground to enhance his own mobility.
His movements became more fluid and rapid, demonstrating the potential of earth affinity in both offense and defense. The trio, now understanding the importance of adaptability, focused intently on refining their skills and harnessing the energy of the earth to their advantage.
Gradually, Coal began to integrate his flame affinity into the sparring sessions as well. He unleashed direct flame attacks, employed short bursts of fire to boost his speed in attacks or movements, and even heated his blade to inflict greater damage on the hardened skin.
This incorporation of dual elemental affinities displayed Coal's growing versatility and understanding of his unique powers.
Gary, exhibiting both metal and earth affinities, attempted to use them interchangeably in their training sessions. At times, he would forgo the sword and transform his hands into a metallic form for combat purposes.
Simultaneously, he employed the earth affinity to enhance his movement and agility. This unique approach demonstrated Gary's adaptability and growing mastery of his elemental powers.
Demonstrating her own unique talents, Gwen showcased exceptional mobility during the training sessions. Utilizing her air affinity in tandem with her combat skills, she was able to swiftly traverse the ground, gracefully evading attacks and gaining the upper hand.
Additionally, Gwen employed powerful wind blasts to redirect incoming strikes, adding an extra layer of defense to her repertoire. As they continued their practice, it became clear that each member of the young trio possessed distinct strengths and the potential for growth under Korr's guidance.
As their training progressed and their distinct abilities became more evident, the trio strategized on how best to complement each other in combat. Eventually, they settled on distinct roles: Gary would serve as the formidable tanker, Coal would focus on being their primary source of damage, and Gwen would take on the role of ranged support.
To assist in her new role, another member of the caravan, Toni, took it upon herself to teach Gwen the art of archery. Under Toni's tutelage, Gwen steadily honed her bow skills, combining them with her air affinity to make her a truly formidable ally.
As the caravan journeyed onward, they left the familiar grasslands behind and found themselves deep within a dense forest. The foliage above cast dappled shadows upon the travelers, heightening their senses as they cautiously navigated the uncertain terrain.
Although they had chosen a relatively safe route, its reputation occasionally enticed more daring groups of bandits to prey upon vulnerable targets. Aware of this potential danger, the caravan remained vigilant.
In light of the forest's inherent dangers, Korr and the caravan members used the opportunity to impart further knowledge onto the trio. They focused on developing their situational awareness and quick decision-making skills in the event of an ambush.
However, training sessions were intentionally reduced in frequency, ensuring that the group remained prepared and alert for potential threats from bandits and robbers. While the forest's uncertainty presented its own set of challenges, it ultimately served as another valuable learning experience for Coal, Gwen, and Gary.
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A slight uphill on the forest road held the caravan that came to a sudden stop. Dia quickly yelled for everyone to prepare to fight, sensing an imminent danger lurking nearby. The trio, now well-trained and battle-ready, braced themselves for the confrontation with their hearts pounding in their chests.
This crucial moment would test not only their individual skills but also their ability to work as a cohesive unit, relying on each other's strengths to overcome their unforeseen adversaries.
As the battle commenced, Gary fearlessly brandished a tower shield in his left hand and a mace in his right, positioning himself as their frontline defense.
Meanwhile, Coal wielded a one-handed sword, his left arm equipped with a small round shield for additional protection. In the backline, Gwen readied her bow, prepared to enhance their speed and control their direction with her wind-based abilities.
Two knives suddenly whizzed through the air, aimed directly at Coal from the treeline, swiftly followed by a volley of arrows launched from the opposite side.
Unaccustomed to facing multiple attacks simultaneously, the trio froze in place, their nerves momentarily getting the better of them. Sensing their hesitation, one of the caravan's seasoned veterans acted decisively, unleashing a powerful wind blast that sent the projectiles hurtling away into the forest.
"Keep your wits about you! You've been trained to fight, don't shame Korr by falling to the likes of these cowards."
Despite being caught off guard by the sudden attack, the three fighters quickly regained their composure and launched a fierce counterattack.
Gary's unique ability to sense metal proved invaluable in the heat of battle, allowing Gwen to rain down arrows on the enemy with deadly accuracy.
Screams and grunts followed the release of an entire quiver of arrows as Coal and Gary deflected any return fire.
Limp bodies fell out of the trees onto the ground, providing an eerie sight for the trio. Suspicious of their seemingly fallen foes, they remained on guard, refusing to let down their defenses too soon.
Their caution paid off when a sudden wave of fire and a barrage of arrows descended upon the corpses, revealing that a few had been pretending to be dead.
The overwhelming stench of decaying bodies and charred remains weighed heavily upon the trio, as each succumbed to their revulsion and vomited in response to the putrid scent and their own acts of taking others' lives.
Each of those souls had once been living, breathing individuals, with distinct identities; they might have been bandits, but it was probable that they were cherished by loved ones and had their own compelling reasons for choosing such a lifestyle. The trio couldn't help but wonder: was it truly necessary to end their lives?