Chapter 11 - Youngest Sword Master
"MORE!"
"MORE!"
"PUSH YOURSELF ONYX!"
"IS THIS ALL YOU HAVE TO OFFER AFTER ALL THE TRAINING WE'VE BEEN THROUGH!!"
*Thump*
"ONYX!!"
All I hear is running in my direction, my mind is fuzzy and I'm losing blood by what feels like the gallons
"HEAL" "HEAL" HEAL" "H..heal"
*Smack*
Someone landed on top of me, as my mind starts to fade. But I feel almost warm strange...
When I finally come to, I find myself in my room wrapped tightly in my blankets.
Was that all just a dream?
I quickly look around the room, to find my mom sitting in the corner of the room.
The tears are visibly falling down her cheeks
"M-mom... are you okay!"
"ONYX! You're awake, I'm so happy!" She runs to my side hugging me extremely tightly
I return the hug, still confused on what exactly is going in.
As I look at my mom, her clothes and hair look pretty dirty. How long has it been since she has showered?
"W-what happened mom? I feel as though I had a bad dream" I said awkwardly
"Oh my poor Onyx... You lost allot of blood, If not for Sophia's healing you could have died..." She starts crying again
"Huh... could of died. is that so.." I grab my side and wince in pain.
The wound is sealed, but I can still feel the internal damage
I lay back down, staring at the ceiling blankly
"So I lost huh..." That's the only thing I could say before my eyes closed again
The last thing I remember was reaching A rank in Swordsmanship. I felt like nothing could stop me...
With the new progress I have made, I immediately challenged Master Chad to the duel I was promised...
"Onyx you have come a long way, but you are not ready." Chad told me boldly
"I'm A rank now, you promised... Are you scared I will beat you master?" I point my sword towards him
"You are strong Onyx, but you lack experience. There is much I still have to teach you..." Chad was planning to take Onyx hunting for real tomorrow, but Onyx only wanted to be independant
"Master... do not take this as disrespect. But I've surpassed you, so please accept my duel so I may continue down my path." Onyx full of resolve, staring at Chad with nothing but pity filled eyes
"Then let us test your resolve boy, If I win you will admit you are not ready. If you win, I will leave first thing in the morning..." He almost looks sad as he said those words
"I agree, please ready your sword master"
"Sophia please do us the honors of counting down" Chad glanced at Sophy
"O-okay..."
"3"
"2"
"1"
"GO!"
*Clink*
I immediately go on the offensive.
"Not bad boy, but this is far from over"
*Swoosh*
masters swords swung at my neck, I barely had enough time to dusk below it
*EUGH*
I couldn't help but spit up blood, as I ducked down he followed it up with a kick to my gut
"H-hey not fair! This is a sword fight" I look at him angrily
"This is life kid, until you realize anything goes you are not ready... No one owes you respect, you must remember that"
Chad is now taking the offensive, his movements are way faster then they were during any of our training.
I can't see any openings on him, I thought he had rank B swordsmanship? This should of been easy...
"You look confused child, but you must've notices by now" Chad chuckled while still pushing me back
"I also reached A rank, I must thank you Onyx. I've been stuck for so long, but you helped me push myself"
You've got to be kidding me... Things just got allot harder for me
I jump back and observe masters movements, It's not much but I see an opening.
Every time he swings, he leaves his torso wide open.
I go on the offensive, now that I see this new found weakness of his.
He swings, I take this moment to counter
*Thud*
What?? He was wide open so why was I hit?
"Good eye catching on, but that was a set up boy" He laughs at me in pain
"People will make you think there is a weakness, this is called a feint. If you keep falling for them you will lose boy..."
"I know what a feint is, you just got lucky master..." A feint huh, how did I not think about that...
"Onyx what has gotten into you lately, please tell me" Chad looking at Onyx with sad eyes
For he knows that attitude all too well, everything has come easy to him. His confidence is starting to blur with arrogance...
Thomas is going to kill me, but I must fix this attitude today... For Onyx to come back to reality he needs to be dealt an overwhelming defeat
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
"You are becoming arrogant, I'm sorry Onyx but today I'm going to put you back in your place" Chad grips his sword and points it at Onyx signifying him to bring it on
"I will wait for the day master, but today is not that day" Onyx readied his stance
Their battle went on for what felt like hours, but everything must come to an end.
With Master Chad having to go all out to humble Onyx, he got lost into combat.
Unfortunately for Onyx, Chad was no longer pulling any punches
Then tragedy struck, Onyx over extended to reach Chad...
And was met with a blade penetrating his abdomen and out his back
All I could hear at the time was screams, but I didn't notice the complete shock on master Chads face
To him, he just killed his only disciple. He let his jealousy and anger at Onyx get the better of him
To him he was no longer fit to be a master...
{Is this what I've become?} Grief immediately overtook him... He looked at Onyx being healed while everyone around him was crying
"I'm sorry Onyx, but I'm not worthy of teaching you" Chad didn't say a word more and headed for his room
"CHAD WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING?" Yelled the angry Thomas
"I was not thinking, if he dies I will take full responsibility..." He turns and looks at Thomas
"Tom thank you truly, but I'm not worthy of teaching your son or anyone again" He just stared at Thomas with wet filled eyes
"When Onyx comes too, tell him don't come looking for me. Tell him he is ready, more ready then he will ever believe... I let my jealousy get the better of me."
Chad ignored Thomas, grabbed his bag from Sarah's room and left
He never turned back, never sad goodbye and never attempted to make contact
It's been over a year since this tragedy has taken place
"May we meet again master..." Onyx cried, knowing his arrogance is what prompted this to all happen in the first place
Understanding where he went wrong, Onyx promised himself to never be complacent again.
He should be confident but never become arrogant, because next time it could cost him his life.
{Good morning master} Ember said while glowing next to my bed
"Good morning Ember, are you ready for today!" Onyx asked happily
{Yes master, congrats on your 8th birthday}
"Thank you Ember, come I can hear people outside my room waiting for me"
Onyx quickly gets dressed, puts Ember on his belt and heads for the door.
*Creak*
Onyx opens the door to see his Mother, Father, Sophy and Abby standing there waiting for him
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They all yelled in unison
Onyx smiles and greets them
"Thank you all for coming" He said happily
"Come now, we had pies imported from the capital. You're gonna love it!" Said Emily smiling ear to ear
"You know me so well mother" Onyx chucked making his way into the kitchen
When he came in he was met with a giant roast dinner, freshly baked bread with a side of beans.
On the counter by the stove, he saw three pies lined up. They seem to be Apple, Cherry and Pecan pies.
Onyx starts to visibly drool at the sight of them.
The family gathers around, reminiscing and laughing over the past.
My father was getting teary eyes as we brought up my siblings, he hides it well. But it's more then obvious he misses them allot.
While putting himself back together he turns and looks at Onyx.
"Well son, I must ask... What do you plan to do from now on?" He looks at him curiously
"I plan to study magic with Sophy and Abby. I wont slack on my sword training, but I would like to be more efficient with my mana." Onyx turned and looked at Sophy and Abby almost asking for permission
"Y-yes I can help you..." Sophy said while her cheeks were turning a bright red
"I... I'm not that good with my magic yet. B-but maybe we can learn together?" Said Abby shyly.
I do remember Abby having incredible difficulty controlling her spirit magic. She's gotten really good at wind magic, but just about every other one denies her.
I'm sure once the spirits see how precious she actually is, they will accept her.
I just nod at Abby then turn to Sophy
"So when would you like to start!" I looked at her happily
"Err... We can start tomorrow like usual!" She seemed hesitant answering but I wont let this opportunity slip from me
"Then I will be in your care" I nod happily
"Do you have any plans today Onyx?" Asked Emily to make small talk
"Yes actually, I plan to talk to Brock down at the smithy. I wish to know more about Ember!"
"Oh the sword you found, I must say it is a beauty. I was worried it would cost me a fortune to buy you a good sword before you left." Thomas nods extremely thankful he doesn't have to spend any gold on a new sword
"Yes Ember is amazing, from what I understand is it will grow with me. So there is no need to buy a new sword in the future" Onyx grips the hilt of his sword
"That is truly impressive son, maybe you should speak to Mr. Brock"
Dinner carries on for over an hour, as they broke bread and talked about daily life.
The pies were amazing, seriously there was nothing left of them.
Everyone is rubbing their bellies at this point, having overdone it on the food and desert...
Abby especially, I still remember when she was just skin and bones when I found her. But now she has put on some weight, I'm happy at her recovery.
As I'm lost in thought, I decided to check my Status just out of curiosity.
Name: Onyx Quill Blood Bonded: Ember (Legendary: Blade of Darkness) Race: Human Age: 8 Level: 35 Health: 117 Mana: 112 Stamina: 155 Intelligence: 117 Strength: 155 Agility: 140 Luck: 112 Abilities: L: Mind of Perfection, EX: Gluttony, B: Extreme Strength, A: Magic, B: Precision Skills: A+: Swordsmanship, B: Speed Reading, E: Dagger, F: Knitting, C: Unarmed, C: Space Affinity, D: Blacksmith, D: Enchanter
Swordsmanship Rank: A+ Swordsmanship: Boost in slash damage, increased muscle memory of sword skills
Active skills:
- Multi Slash: Throw three swings in quick succession. If all land the third swing does 20% more damage
- Thrust: When thrusting the sword, do 20% more armor piercing
Passive skills:
- Elite Swordsman: While holding a sword, get a 25% increase in agility, strength and stamina
Magic Rank: A Magic: Ability to manipulate the mana around you. (Requires Magic Affinity, to manipulate elemental magic)
Precision Rank: B Precision: Racial ability unique to dwarves. Greatly increases success rate when creating and enchanting items.
Space Affinity Rank: C Space Affinity: Allows user to manipulate space and time
Active Skills:
- Spatial Storage: Ability to open a pocket in space to use for storage. (Items placed in storage are not affected by time)
- Mana Infusion: Ability to slowly infuse the spatial element into items crafted by caster.
Blacksmithing Rank: D Blacksmithing: Increase proficiency when creating and forging equipment
Passive Skills:
- Metal Thumb: Ability to see and feel weak points in metals. (Useful when choosing crafting materials)
Enchanter Rank: D Enchanter: Ability to roll attributes on items the user is crafting
Active skills:
- Reroll: Ability to reroll the attributes on items. (Only works one time per item)
As I look at my stats, I decide it's time to make my way to Mr. Brock
As I'm about to head out, the two girls quickly run to my side grabbing both my arms.
"Please allow me to escort you my Lord" Giggled Sophy
"M-me too master... Allow me to escort you" Abby said shyly
Allot has happened in the last two years, I've made plenty of mistakes.
However, this right now... I can get use to this, I start walking with both Sophy and Abby on each arm.
"Well I'm off mom! I'll be home before dark" I open the door and walk out
Emily just laughs and looks at Thomas
"To be young huh, ahaha"
"Hey we are still young" Thomas winks at Emily
"Oh you flatter me, you know Onyx will be gone for a wh..."
Emily didn't even get the chance to finish her words, Thomas immediately swooped her up and headed for the bedroom.
Onyx may not be so lonely in the house pretty soon...