As it turns out, I actually have to hunt through the comments for authors to advertise Also, I forgot to find one for chapter 10, so you guys get two today
Sriper has been a reader since day one, and made a wonderful video about dual-wielding in real life here. I recommend it because I too have my own foam weapons :p
thejman09 is a good friend of mine who has written a few good ones, like New World Online, though I wish he'd post more
Enjoy the last part!
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Once Steel recovered enough to regain consciousness, Eric called him forward. "My boy, you have shown great initiative and dedication in my special training course. Know that you now take your place among my best students, and that you have completed one of the many tests the training center has to offer. I pronounce you, good enough to not die in a fight. " Eric smiled to himself, pleased with his speech.
Steel, Mary, Maria, and Echo were less pleased. "Good enough to not die in a fight" was one of the worst titles they had ever heard of. Still, Steel was happy because it was then that all the notification boxes popped up in front of him.
You have completed the Shield Training course, Hell levelYou have gained the following skills from your training:Shield Mastery
Combat Experience
Dodge
Shield Falcon Punch
Physical resistance
Impact TapYou have gained the following stats from your training:+6 strength
+4 Agility
+1 Intelligence
+1 Wisdom
+4 Vitality
+5 Endurance
+5 Leadership
(This takes a lot of space, so I'm hiding them now for you guys :))
Spoiler :
Skill Name:Skill Rarity:Skill Rank:Skill Experience:Shield MasteryDD0%Your training has taught you the finer points of battling with a shieldPassive Effects:Defense when using a shield increases by 10%. (+5)
Durability loss reduced by 50%, Shields Only (+5)
Shields are now given a small attack boost used used to attack. (+10%)Costs:N/ACool downN/A
Skill Name:Skill Rarity:Skill Rank:Skill Experience:Combat ExperienceED0%Your training has taught you the finer points of combat, both 1-on-1 and against groupsPassive Effects:5% increase to attacks and defensive skills (+2%)Costs:N/ACool downN/A
Skill Name:Skill Rarity:Skill Rank:Skill Experience:DodgeDD0%Attacks are more easily avoidedPassive Effect:Increases the likely hood of avoiding attacksActive Effect:Roll or jump out of the way of an attack, next attack loses 10% damageCosts:15 staminaCool down2 seconds
Skill Name:Skill Rarity:Skill Rank:Skill Experience:Shield Falcon PunchBE0%A curious skill developed during training. Punches forward using the top of the shield to deliver damage in a boxing like attack.Effects:Sacrifices 10% Evasion to deliver a focused shield punch. Deals focused blunt/impact damage to an opponent. Any equipment used to defend against this skill losses durability.Costs:55 StaminaCool down20 seconds
Skill Name:Skill Rarity:Skill Rank:Skill Experience:Physical ResistanceFD0%After taking many blows, you body has learned to defend itselfPassive Effects:Reduces impact damage by 5%
Reduces Slice damage by 2%
Reduces Pierce damage by 2%Costs:N/ACool downN/A
Skill Name:Skill Rarity:Skill Rank:Skill Experience:Impact TapCD0%A special skill gained from Hell shield training. The user focuses all his force into a small tap.[/td2]Effects:Instead of a huge blow, the user delivers a small tap with his shield, unleashing his full force. Inflicts double damage and returns 40% as recoil damage to the userCosts:75 staminaCool down5 seconds
Steel smiled after reading the skills. When a skill was acquired through training, rather than finding it, the player's rank would be higher as a result. Being taught by a master would automatically level the skill up to D rank, instead of starting at F. This was why he was doing the quest for Mema, D level cooking would be very useful to have.
Eric threw Steel his shield back, "Here boy, you can have it back now that I know you won't abuse her. Still, remember what I taught you; fight from the body, not the weapon."
Steel bowed to his Master, "Thank you for everything you've done for the past 3 days sir. I hope to live up to your expectations."
Eric chuckled and waved him off, "Quiet boy, you'll make me blush. Now, anything to ask before you leave?"
Steel nodded, "Yes, a few Master. Why do you know so many skills and abilities?"
Eric mused, "Well boy, as you know this world was made by the gods. . ."
"I didn't want a story sir."
"Shut up boy, this is important." Eric growled at him, "Anyway, they gave to the races the power to see their strengths, also known as one's status. When you have lived for as long as I have, you find that you've seen most skills used by people."
"You say races, does that include the monsters too?"
"No, the three monster types grow differently, which lead to all the varieties in the three categories. They have the ability to evolve and adapt, as you no doubt already know from your experiences."
Steel marveled how the creators had incorporated the actual game play style into the lore of the world. 'Kinda feels like a different world. Oh wait it is.' He mentally smacked himself. Steel reached into his bag and pulled out the egg. In the three days of training, it had grown harder and a little bigger, though it still felt soft to the touch. "Master, can you tell me if I'm raising this right?" He asked.
Eric pounded the ground in annoyance, "What do I look like boy, a monster lover? I have no idea what to do with that thing besides cooking it." The egg seemed to shudder at the words.
Steel shrugged, and was about to turn around to put it away when Maria caught his arm. She was staring very intently at the egg.
"Steel, is that a egg from your expedition?" She gazed at it in wonder, Echo jumped up to peek at it, and even Mary looked on in interest.
(Remember, they switched last chapter, don't forget guys.)
"Yup, this is my reward from the alpha wolf. I couldn't stand to let them sell or kill the poor thing, so I took it on as it's protector."
"Is that why you gave up the wolf gloves?" Maria asked.
Steel cocked his head, "How do you know about that?"
Maria hurriedly said, "Um, because when we shopping her lady Mary showed off to the gloves to me, saying they were a gift from her father from the expedition." Mary tilted her head to Steel and nodded, holding up her glove covered hands.
'Strange, I don't recall seeing those before.' Steel mused, looking at Mary. He returned to Maria, "Yes. I tried to bid for the gloves, but it got way too expensive for my coffers. On the bright side, I did pick up Echo on that trip, so it was worth it." He rubbed Echo's head, who pushed into it and relaxed.
Eric coughed, "This is nice and all, but hurry up and leave. I have some drinking to catch up on." He chased them out of his office, and closed the door behind them.
They walked outside the training hall and sat down. Steel looked over to Maria, "Thanks for being here to help Maria, but don't you have to get back to the tower? You've already spent 3 days with us."
Maria shook her head, "No, the Archmage decided that I should go with you two as added protection. It was pure look that Mary found me when I was looking for you guys. Besides, I have to teach you your basic magic skills tomorrow before we leave."
Steel winced, "I don't know if I could take that training again."
Maria laughed, "Don't worry about it. Since you already know magic in the proper manner, it won't take nearly as long for you to learn. Besides, you won't have to get beaten up by anymore dummies." She teases him.
The four of them shared a chuckle together, Steel's more of a regretful chuckle than the others.
Forgetting his troubles, Steel checked the time, "It'll be sunset soon, why don't we turn in back at the inn?" Over the training days, Steel had given his room to the two girls and Echo, and had been forced to pay for another room for himself. Mema had no sympathy for, as she put, "Girl related shenanigans in my inn." Apparently, while she was sweet on him, she believed he was too young for night time activities. Which was ironic given the....Steel didn't have time to think of unnecessary things.
Maria looked over to Mary, who nodded. "Sounds like a plan my student. Remember to treat your teacher again tonight." She smiled and grabbed his arm, leaning into it. Steel felt a warm sensation traveling up his arm, but he yanked it out of her grasp, "Okay then, follow me ladies." As he walked away from the training hall with the girls in tow, he didn't see Maria's sad face. Nor did he see her jealous face when he let Echo hold his hand.
Spoiler :
[td4]Status Window
Name:SteelAlignment:NeutralLevel:4Class:Shield TamerRace:HumanGender:Male
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TitlesThe Listener, Milna's Disciple, Strong Neet, One with the CarrotFame:250Infamy:0Experience:2000/10000
Health:300 / 300Health Regen:4.8/ SecMana:105 / 105Mana Regen:1.4/ SecStamina:135 / 135Stamina Regen:2.5/ Sec
Vitality:30 (20)Agility:24 (14)Intelligence:21Wisdom:14Strength:27 (22)Endurance:25 (17)Leadership:35(25)Luck:7 (12)Charm:17 (7)Faith:20
Elemental ResistancesFire:0Water:0Wind:0Earth:10Light:0Darkness:5