The next day, Alexander arrived at Seraphine's Elixir Emporium, punctual as always. As he began to work, he excitedly described to Lilian everything he had accomplished so far. He told her about his training at The Crimson Vanguard and how he had even leveled up his sword skills.
Lilian listened intently, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and pride. "That's fantastic, Alexander! I'm glad you're taking the initiative to explore new skills and grow as a person. Keep at it!" Encouraged by Lilian's support, Alexander's spirits soared, and the day passed smoothly and efficiently.
After finishing work, Alexander made his way back to The Crimson Vanguard, eager for another training session. As he entered the training hall, Raela greeted him with a smile. "Welcome back, Alexander. Today, I think it would be beneficial for you to learn from another one of our trainers. His name is Bjorn, and he's an expert in a Northland warrior style."
Alexander nodded, intrigued by the prospect of learning from a new instructor. He followed Raela across the training hall, where a large, burly man with a thick beard and a hearty laugh stood. The man's muscular arms were adorned with intricate tattoos, and his eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth.
"Alexander, meet Bjorn," Raela introduced, gesturing towards the imposing man. "Bjorn, this is Alexander, our new trainee."
Bjorn extended a massive hand for Alexander to shake, his grip firm and reassuring. "Pleasure to meet you, lad!" he boomed. "I've heard you've been making quite the progress with Raela. Today, we'll be focusing on a different aspect of combat."
Under Bjorn's guidance, Alexander learned the importance of channeling his inner rage and using his hands as weapons, not just relying on his sword. Bjorn explained that a true Northland warrior is versatile and fearsome in any situation, even unarmed.
Bjorn demonstrated the technique of harnessing one's rage, his face contorting into a fierce snarl as he let out a guttural roar. He charged at a training dummy, pummeling it with his fists and reducing it to a pile of splinters in seconds.
Alexander watched in awe, both inspired and slightly intimidated by Bjorn's display of raw power. Bjorn then turned his attention back to Alexander, his expression shifting back to its usual jovial demeanor. "Now it's your turn, lad. Dig deep and find that inner fire!"
Over the course of the training session, Bjorn taught Alexander to tap into his own primal instincts and harness his rage. It wasn't easy, but with each attempt, Alexander felt the power within him grow stronger and more controlled.
In addition to unarmed combat, Bjorn introduced Alexander to a new weapon: a two-handed battle-axe, known as a "giant cleaver" in their language. The imposing weapon was both challenging and exhilarating to wield, its weight and balance demanding a different set of skills than Alexander's longsword.
Bjorn demonstrated the proper way to handle the giant cleaver, his massive frame easily maneuvering the hefty weapon with grace and precision. He showed Alexander various attack combinations and defensive stances, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and coordination.
Alexander did his best to mimic Bjorn's movements, struggling at first with the unfamiliar weapon. However, as the session went on, he began to feel more comfortable, his swings growing more fluid and confident.
Throughout the training, Bjorn's infectious laughter and good-natured teasing kept the atmosphere light and enjoyable. Despite the grueling workout, Alexander found himself genuinely enjoying the experience and eager to learn.
During one particularly intense moment of training, something deep within Alexander seemed to awaken. It felt as if a dormant power, perhaps fueled by past traumas in his previous life, surged through his veins. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, and Alexander's rage skill suddenly shot up to Level 6.
As he roared and swung the giant cleaver with incredible force, the atmosphere in the training hall shifted. The other trainees and instructors paused to observe Alexander, awestruck by the sheer power he was channeling. Even Bjorn, the seasoned Northland warrior, was taken aback by the display.
For a brief moment, Bjorn saw Alexander in a new light. The young man who had once stood before him, eager and unsure, now exuded an aura of raw, untamed power. It was as if a slumbering beast had been awakened, one that Alexander himself was not yet aware of.
However, sensing that Alexander was teetering on the edge of losing control, Bjorn quickly stepped in to intervene. "Alright, lad, that's enough!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "You've tapped into something truly powerful, but you need to learn to control it. We don't want that power to consume you."
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Alexander, panting and drenched in sweat, blinked in surprise, as if emerging from a trance. He looked around the training hall, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he realized the attention he had attracted.
"I… I'm sorry," he stammered, lowering the giant cleaver to the ground. "I didn't mean to lose control like that."
Bjorn placed a reassuring hand on Alexander's shoulder, his expression gentle and understanding. "Don't apologize, lad. It's a testament to your strength that you were able to tap into that power. However, it's crucial that you learn to master it, so it doesn't master you."
Bjorn led Alexander to a quiet corner of the training hall, away from the curious eyes of the other trainees. He sat down on a bench, motioning for Alexander to join him.
"Now, listen carefully, Alexander," Bjorn began, his voice calm and steady. "Harnessing your rage can be a powerful weapon in battle, but it can also be a double-edged sword if not wielded properly. You must learn to remain calm and focused, even in the midst of your fury."
Alexander nodded, determined to absorb Bjorn's wisdom. "How do I do that?" he asked, his voice tinged with eagerness.
Bjorn leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. "The key is to find a mental anchor, something that you can focus on when the rage threatens to overwhelm you. It could be a memory, a mantra, or a personal symbol – anything that helps you stay grounded and in control."
Alexander contemplated Bjorn's words, trying to think of something that could serve as his mental anchor. Meanwhile, Bjorn continued to offer guidance, emphasizing the importance of balance and restraint in combat.
"Remember, lad, the most powerful warriors are not those who can unleash the greatest amount of force, but those who can control that force and wield it with precision and purpose," Bjorn explained, his eyes meeting Alexander's with unwavering intensity.
After their discussion, Bjorn approached Raela, who had been watching the training session from a distance. He shared his concerns about Alexander's rapid progression in the art of rage.
"I've never seen anything like it, Raela," Bjorn admitted, his voice hushed. "It takes years of training to reach the level of rage that Alexander displayed today, and yet, he's already on par with my own abilities. I'm worried about what this could mean for him."
Raela frowned, her eyes filled with concern. "I understand your worry, Bjorn, but I also believe that Alexander has a great deal of potential. We must do everything in our power to guide him and help him harness his abilities for good."
Bjorn nodded, his expression resolute. "You're right, Raela. We'll stand by him and help him grow into the warrior he's meant to become. I just hope we can teach him to control this newfound power before it consumes him."
As Alexander continued his training at The Crimson Vanguard, he was not only learning how to become a formidable warrior, but he was also embarking on a journey of self-discovery – one that would challenge him to confront the darkness within.
Towards the end of the training session, Bjorn clapped his hands together and announced, "Alright, Alexander, for our final lesson of the day, we're going to focus on wrestling."
Alexander, still catching his breath from the previous exercises, looked up in surprise. "Wrestling? But what does that have to do with using a sword or an axe?"
Bjorn grinned, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Good question, lad. You see, a sword or an axe can protect you in many situations, but what if you find yourself disarmed? Or what if a stronger opponent, or even a wild animal, manages to get a hold of you? That's when your wrestling skills will come in handy."
As they prepared for the wrestling lesson, Bjorn explained the importance of grappling techniques, emphasizing their versatility and effectiveness in close-quarters combat.
"Wrestling is an ancient art, one that has been practiced by warriors for centuries," Bjorn said, his voice filled with pride. "When you're in a clinch, knowing how to wrestle can give you the edge you need to overpower your opponent or escape their grasp."
Alexander listened intently, eager to learn the intricacies of this new combat style. Bjorn led him through a series of warm-up exercises, designed to stretch and strengthen their muscles for the intense grappling that was to come.
As they warmed up, Bjorn shared stories of legendary wrestlers from his homeland, regaling Alexander with tales of their strength, cunning, and unwavering determination. He spoke with reverence and admiration, and Alexander could sense the deep respect Bjorn held for these warriors of old.
Once they were properly warmed up, Bjorn began teaching Alexander the basic principles of wrestling. He demonstrated various holds, takedowns, and escapes, explaining the importance of leverage, balance, and body positioning in each technique.
"Remember, Alexander, the key to wrestling is to use your opponent's strength and momentum against them," Bjorn instructed, his voice steady and focused. "By staying low and maintaining a strong base, you can control your opponent's movements and dictate the flow of the fight."
As Alexander practiced the techniques, he marveled at the complexity and elegance of the wrestling moves. Each movement seemed to flow seamlessly into the next, creating a fluid dance of power and control.
He soon discovered that wrestling was not just about brute strength, but also about timing, precision, and strategy. It was a mental game as much as a physical one, requiring quick thinking and adaptability in the heat of battle.
Bjorn watched as Alexander tried to execute a particularly challenging takedown, his face flushed with effort. With a gentle chuckle, he stepped in to correct Alexander's form, offering guidance and encouragement.
"You're doing well, lad, but remember to keep your hips low and your legs wide," Bjorn said, demonstrating the correct stance. "That will give you the stability you need to drive your opponent to the ground."
As the lesson continued, Alexander began to grow more comfortable with the wrestling techniques, and his confidence soared. He could feel his body adapting to the new movements, his muscles learning to work together in harmony.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the training hall, Bjorn called an end to the session. He clapped Alexander on the back, his eyes filled with pride and satisfaction.
"Well done, Alexander. You've shown great progress today."
Alexander, exhausted but exhilarated, thanked Bjorn for his guidance and support. As he left The Crimson Vanguard for the day.