Alexander awoke the next morning, the sun streaming through the window and filling the room with warmth. He stretched his limbs, feeling the tension from yesterday's work begin to fade. Lilian's advice echoed in his mind, urging him to consider exploring other skills and joining one of the nearby guilds. He mulled over the possibilities, realizing that he had a unique opportunity to learn and grow in this new world.

As he sat up in bed, he pondered his options. He had already gained some experience with potions and herbs, but he knew that it would be wise to expand his skillset. The idea of learning melee combat intrigued him; he could picture himself wielding a sword, clad in armor, and facing down foes with strength and courage. The thought sent a thrill of excitement through his body, and he knew that this was the path he wanted to explore.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Alexander dressed and made his way downstairs. The inn was quiet in the early morning hours, with only a few patrons sipping their morning beverages and breaking their fast. He ate a light meal, knowing that he would need the energy for the day ahead.

After breakfast, he set out into the city, the streets coming to life as people emerged from their homes and businesses opened their doors. Alexander knew that he would need to visit a blacksmith to purchase the necessary equipment for his new endeavor. He asked a passerby for directions to a reputable smithy and was pointed towards a shop near the city's central market.

As he approached the blacksmith's shop, the sound of metal striking metal filled the air. The rhythmic pounding was almost hypnotic, drawing Alexander closer. He entered the shop, greeted by the heat of the forge and the smell of metal and coal.

"Welcome, young man," said the blacksmith, a burly man with powerful arms and a beard streaked with soot. "What can I do for you today?"

Alexander hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the vast array of weapons and armor that filled the shop. "I'm looking to purchase some armor and a longsword, I have the gold to afford it" he explained, trying to sound confident.

The blacksmith sized Alexander up, taking in his lanky frame and youthful appearance. "Well, you've come to the right place," he said, leading Alexander over to a display of finely crafted armor. "Half plate will provide you with a good balance of protection and mobility. I have a few options here that might suit your needs."

Alexander examined the armor, his eyes drawn to a set of half plate. The metal was polished to a gleaming shine, with intricate engravings that seemed to tell a story of battles long past. He could feel the quality and craftsmanship in every piece.

"This half plate here should serve you well," the blacksmith said, noting Alexander's interest. "It's made of a strong alloy that provides excellent protection without weighing you down too much. Perfect for someone starting their journey in melee combat."

Next, the blacksmith guided Alexander to a rack of longswords, each with their unique design and craftsmanship. "Choosing a longsword is a personal decision," he explained. "You want something that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your fighting style. Take your time, and don't hesitate to ask any questions."

Alexander carefully picked up several of the longswords, testing their weight and balance. He found one that felt just right – not too heavy, but with enough heft to deliver powerful strikes. The hilt was wrapped in leather, providing a comfortable grip, and the blade was engraved with delicate patterns that seemed to dance in the light.

"How much for the half plate armor and this longsword?" Alexander asked, trying to keep the excitement from his voice.

The blacksmith stroked his beard thoughtfully, considering the price. "For the half plate and the longsword, I'd say 200 gold pieces would be a fair price. However, since you're just starting out, I'll knock off 10% for you. That brings the total to 180 gold pieces."

Alexander's heart raced as he counted out the gold coins, feeling the weight of his decision. He handed the coins to the blacksmith, who nodded in approval. "You've made a wise investment, lad. Take good care of your equipment, and it will serve you well in battle."

With his new armor and sword in hand, Alexander left the blacksmith's shop, his excitement growing with each step. He couldn't wait to begin his training and unlock the potential that lay dormant within him.

As he walked through the bustling streets, Alexander couldn't help but notice the various guilds that dotted the cityscape. He saw fighters practicing their swordplay, thieves darting through the shadows, and mages casting spells that left onlookers in awe. The possibilities seemed endless, and Alexander knew that he was about to embark on a new chapter in his life – one filled with adventure, danger, and the promise of self-discovery.

He approached the entrance of The Crimson Vanguard, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. With his new equipment in tow and a fire burning in his heart, Alexander stepped through the doors, ready to embrace his destiny and carve out his place in this fantastical world.

As Alexander entered the Guild, he was immediately struck by the lively atmosphere. The large, open hall was filled with the sounds of clashing swords, grunts of exertion, and the occasional cheer of encouragement. The walls were adorned with banners and trophies from past victories, and the air was thick with the scent of sweat and metal.

In one corner, he saw a group of warriors practicing their swordplay, their blades moving in a precise, deadly dance. In another, archers honed their aim, their arrows finding their marks with deadly accuracy. And in the center of it all, a woman stood with an air of authority and confidence.

She was tall and muscular, her body honed from years of training and combat. Her long, dark hair was tied back in a tight ponytail, and her eyes were sharp and focused. As she surveyed the training hall, she noticed Alexander and approached him with a warm, welcoming smile.

"You must be new here," she said, extending her hand. "My name is Raela, and I'm the head trainer of the Fighters Guild. What brings you here today?"

Alexander shook her hand, feeling the strength in her grip. "I'm Alexander, and I've come to learn how to fight, I also work at the local Apothecary" he replied, trying not to let his nervousness show. "I've recently acquired some armor and a longsword, and I'd like to learn how to use them properly."

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Raela's eyes flicked to the equipment he was carrying, and she raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Well, you certainly have good taste in gear, Alexander. But let's see if you have what it takes to wield it."

Alexander felt his cheeks flush at her teasing, but he was determined to prove himself. "I'm willing to put in the hard work and dedication it takes to become a skilled fighter," he said firmly.

Raela nodded, her expression turning serious. "Good. That's the attitude we like to see here. Now, as for payment and scheduling, we offer several training packages depending on your needs and availability. Since you mentioned working at an apothecary, I assume you'll need to train around that schedule."

Alexander nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's correct. I work at Seraphine's Elixir Emporium during the day, so I'd need to train in the evenings or on my days off."

Raela considered this for a moment before responding. "In that case, I recommend our evening training sessions, three times a week. As for payment, it'll be 20 gold pieces per session. Does that sound reasonable to you?"

Taking a deep breath, Alexander did a quick mental calculation of his finances. It was a significant investment, but he knew that learning to fight would be invaluable in the long run. "Yes, that sounds fair," he agreed, trying to hide his excitement. "When can I start?"

Raela grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "Tonight, if you're up for it. Just make sure you come prepared and ready to learn."

With that, Alexander's journey as a fighter began – under the watchful eye of Raela, Eager to learn he returned to the inn eating and then taking a nap for the training session that would happen later tonight.

With renewed determination, Alexander left the inn and made his way back to The Crimson Vanguard. The anticipation of his first training session filled him with excitement, and he quickened his pace as he neared the entrance. As he stepped into the spacious training hall, he spotted Raela, his soon-to-be mentor, waiting for him with an encouraging smile.

"Ah, there you are, Alexander!" she greeted warmly. "Are you ready to begin your training?"

"I am," Alexander replied, eager to learn from the experienced fighter.

"Excellent. We'll start with the basics. To be a skilled warrior, you must have a solid foundation in both offense and defense. We'll begin with some basic sword techniques, and then we'll move on to practicing your footwork and defensive skills."

Alexander nodded, grasping his longsword firmly in his hand, ready to learn.

Raela began by demonstrating the proper stance, positioning herself with her feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and her sword held in both hands at a comfortable angle. She explained the importance of balance, footwork, and proper weight distribution in maintaining stability and agility during combat.

"Watch my movements carefully, Alexander," Raela instructed as she executed a series of basic sword swings. "Notice how I shift my weight as I move, always keeping my center of gravity low and balanced."

Alexander mimicked Raela's movements, doing his best to replicate her fluidity and precision. He could feel his body adjusting to the new techniques, his muscles slowly adapting to the weight of the sword and the rhythm of the movements.

As the lesson progressed, Raela moved on to more advanced techniques, teaching Alexander various attack combinations and defensive maneuvers. She demonstrated each technique with incredible skill, her sword slicing through the air like a graceful dance.

"Always remember, Alexander, that your sword is an extension of your body," Raela explained as she continued her demonstration. "When you move, it should move with you, as naturally as your own limbs."

Alexander practiced each technique diligently, focusing on synchronizing his movements with those of his sword. As he continued to train, he felt a sudden surge of understanding, a breakthrough in his ability to wield his weapon. The sensation was accompanied by a familiar voice in his head, announcing, "Level Up! Sword Skill: Level 2!"

Surprised by his quick progress, Alexander glanced at Raela, who seemed impressed by his rapid improvement.

"Seems like you're a quick learner, Alexander," she said with a smirk. "But don't let it go to your head. There's still much to learn, and this is only the beginning."

For the remainder of the training session, Alexander continued to practice under Raela's watchful eye, honing his newfound skills and growing more comfortable with each swing of his sword. The atmosphere in the training hall was energetic, filled with the sounds of clashing weapons and the determined grunts of other trainees.

As the session continued, Alexander noticed that Raela had a playful side. At one point, she feigned a clumsy misstep, allowing Alexander to land a light hit on her armor. She laughed and playfully scolded him, "Hey now, don't get too confident! That was a freebie!"

In another instance, Alexander attempted an advanced swing, only to lose his grip on the sword, sending it flying through the air. It landed with a loud clang several feet away. Raela couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, and Alexander joined in, his face flushing red with embarrassment.

"Looks like we need to work on your grip a bit more," Raela teased. "But don't worry, you're doing great. We all have our awkward moments when starting out."

As they took a short break, Alexander used the opportunity to observe other trainees sparring. He marveled at their skill and precision, and he couldn't help but feel a little envious. He turned to Raela and asked, "How long did it take you to become this skilled?"

Raela thought for a moment, then answered, "Well, it took me years of training to get to where I am now. But everyone learns at their own pace, and you're off to a great start. Just stay dedicated, and you'll see improvement in no time."

Feeling reassured, Alexander thanked Raela and returned to his training, focusing on mastering the techniques she had taught him. As the hours passed, he could feel his muscles aching and his body growing tired, but he pushed himself to continue, fueled by his determination to improve.

Raela noticed Alexander's fatigue but encouraged him to keep going. "In a real battle, you can't afford to rest when you're tired," she explained. "Your enemies won't wait for you to catch your breath. The more you push yourself now, the better prepared you'll be when it really matters."

With a nod, Alexander mustered every ounce of strength and continued to practice his swordsmanship, his movements growing more fluid and precise with each swing. Raela walked around him, observing and offering occasional pointers, pushing him to refine his techniques further.

"Remember to keep your guard up," Raela reminded him as Alexander momentarily lowered his sword. "Never expose yourself to an opponent. Every opening is an opportunity for them to strike."

Alexander quickly adjusted his stance, raising his sword to protect himself as he continued his practice. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the training hall, Raela called for a brief pause.

"You've made impressive progress today, Alexander," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "But it's important to know your limits. We don't want you injuring yourself before you even have a chance to put your skills to use."

As they took a final break, Alexander leaned against a nearby wall, his breath coming in heavy pants, sweat dripping from his brow. He knew Raela was right, and he was grateful for her guidance and encouragement.

"Thank you, Raela," Alexander said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I've learned so much today, and I couldn't have done it without you."

Raela smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You have the heart of a true warrior, Alexander. Just remember to keep pushing yourself, and never give up. That's the key to becoming not just a skilled fighter but a true champion."

With those parting words, Alexander bid Raela farewell and left The Crimson Vanguard, his body exhausted but his spirit invigorated. As he made his way back to the inn.