A day later, I was assigned as an errand boy. I have to do small jobs while learning how to fight. I was assigned a teacher named Lance, and today was my first lesson. After a couple of training fights where he explained to me how to fight, he asked if I had any questions. When I asked the teacher what the warrior levels meant, he was surprised at first, but then patiently explained.
-Look, you can call me a fighter. All who fight well enough, but are not warriors, are called fighters. Warrior, this is another level. They own mana. There are two types of mana. Spiritual mana and body mana. The mana of the body is the water in the bucket, and the spiritual mana can be said to be an addition to the bucket. The bucket itself is the body of a warrior. Spiritual mana is difficult to collect, depending on the talent. If you collect enough, you can fill every particle of the body with it, strengthening it. It can be said that every time we use spiritual mana to increase the bucket. Each time, it requires more and more spiritual mana. With each level, the body gets stronger and stronger, however, it is recommended to first reach the maximum body for this level before strengthening the body. The first three levels are considered the lowest level. They are strong, but still at the level of mortals. Starting at level 4, the warriors' bodies extend beyond the human body. There are 13 warrior levels. One level 3 warrior is equal to 10 fighters, but now one level 4 warrior is equal to 100 fighters. There is the same difference between 6 and 7. One level 6 warrior is equal to 600 fighters, and a level 7 warrior is equal to 2000 fighters. It's rare to see a warrior above level 10. In whole history of Empire, there have been less than 10 level 13 warrior!
-What about the elemental warriors?
-This is a special kind of warrior. There are very few who have a talent for elemental warriors. There are 4 elements in the world. Water, earth, fire, and air. For some reason, the warriors of certain elements do not meet in the lands of the opposite. There are many indigenous wind warriors in the steppes, but no indigenous earth warriors. In the desert, there are no water warriors, and in the wetlands, there are no fire warriors. But every elemental warrior is a brilliant find! The warrior of the elements is able to control the elements almost without problems. Each one works in its own way. For example, earth warriors are strong in defense and their bodies are incredibly solid. Fire warriors are able to cut down armies of enemies. Water Warriors are the kings of the seas and many near-water lands are controlled by such warriors. Wind Warriors ... I'm not sure, but according to legend, if the commander was such a warrior, the nomad army was invincible.
-And how do you know that you have talent?
-It's quite difficult. The element is an element of the world with its own peculiar will. If the element decides that a person is not worthy of it, then he will not be able to use it, despite all his talent. The will of the elements is understood by most nomads. Scary monsters, invincible and cruel. -The teacher was trembling as he spoke. Why are they all so afraid of them?
-Why are you so afraid of them?
-Are you an idiot? They are nomads! The monster and the Barbarians. There is only chaos and terror in their lands. Fortunately, with the end of the Great Horde Era and the beginning of the present Settlers Era, they stopped terrorizing us. It was said they made horseshoes for horses from the bones of their enemies and fed the envoys of subordinate countries to dogs alive. And they also brainwash the merchants, and they start raving about how they are not barbarians and quite cultured people. I lost my brother like that. He refuses to talk to me, claiming that I don't see the truth. Damn shamans! Bring back my brother! -Looks like he's got a trauma. -I'm afraid to talk to him right now. What if I, too, become possessed by a spirit who inspires me with such nonsense! However, he is now rich. He trades with them and for some reason, they don't touch him. They seem to know those who are under their control and keep them in check.
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It looks like it's going to take a long time. Are they really like that?
-Okay, I'm getting a sore throat from all this talk. Bring me some water.
I nodded and went into the next room. So there was a small water barrel. Opening it, I found that it was empty.
-There was no water!
After a short silence, the teacher replied:
-There should be rocker arms(1) in that room. Go to the nearest well and bring as much water as you can
-Okay! -Taking the rocker arms, I went to the nearest well. It was a long way from the slum area. Various people glanced at me on the way. But they did nothing. Just whispering with others.
-Is he from the four hands gang"
-Looks like it. They often hire orphans. And it looks like he's going to take the water from the well, and you know what it means. I didn't see his face. Maybe they found an orphan with talent. You'd better stay away.
-You're right.
Under these whispers, I passed through the slums and came to the commoner district. There were 2 wells in the city. The city was a border town and was important for the country. Although most people take water from a nearby stream, gang members have access to water from a well. Special access for gang members. It is also used by a nobleman. The rest of the water is received through water carriers. Or collecting rainwater.
The well was guarded as a treasure trove. He was near a large building with walls. It looks like an accounting building. Everything here was heavily guarded
-Who are you? The leather-armored guard asked in a threatening tone that would not tolerate lies.
-I was sent by my teacher, Lance. He ordered me to bring water.
-So you're the new guy in the gang? Who can confirm this?
-Dan. And the Boss.
-Alright. Come in. I'll ask him about it later. If it turns out that you lied, tomorrow your body will be found in the slums.
After that, he let me pass. The well was on the left, and a guard was also watching it. He stared at me for a moment, then lost interest and sat down on a chair in the shade. The guard kept an eye on the surroundings, occasionally peeking at me.
At an angle where he couldn't see my hand, I tore off my wrist. It quickly turned into a lump of meat. My body is able to store spare biomass, but no more than 5% of my body weight. My current weight is 32 kg. The spare biomass is enough to restore the brush. She grew up fast. I tied the bucket and threw it into the well.
-*Plop* - Plopping down on the water, the bucket slowly began to sink in. The lump of meat inside began to dissolve in the water at my command. This should help my goals. My biomass can infect people, it can greatly help to expand my knowledge. There's still a lot to learn. In many ways.
I took the water and went back to Teacher Lance. When I reached the building, I poured water from a bucket into a barrel. It didn't fill her up much, the water was almost at the bottom. I filled the bucket with water and handed it to the teacher. He was already asleep.
-Teacher.
-Huh? -When he woke up, he looked at me with sleepy eyes.
-I brought the water.
-I've been waiting a long time. -With that, he drank it all in one gulp. -Alright. Let's continue the lesson. Today you have a single lesson, then you will study in a team. Starting tomorrow. Attack me.
...
After training, my body tingled a little. I don't know what that means.
-You have a very high pain threshold. -Lance smiled, -But I wonder how you feel when I hit you.
-Well I feel something in the area of the impact, but nothing more.
-Oh. Interesting. So you know you've taken damage, but it doesn't affect your effectiveness? You'll make a fine fighter. I can't wait to see how strong you'll be.- Lance was grinning broadly
- Lance! Are you here? -A man came into the room. He seems to be one of the boss ' assistants.
-What's the matter?
-Is Murad here?
-Yes, is everything ok?
-The boss is calling him. There is a task for him.
-Got it. I'll send it in 10 minutes.
-Alright.