Konnor expected to be dragged to another strange room. Instead, they surprised him by pushing him into an actual bedroom, a very different bedroom, when he drew comparison to his bedroom at home. If it wasn’t for the enormous bed, he wouldn’t have thought he was in a bedroom. His humble home couldn’t even compare to his new bedroom. A whole new world opened in front of him. Cyan fabric covered the walls. One wall had a large painting depicting the capital, the opposite wall had an enormous closet, along with drawers and small shelves next to each other.

The bed was two times bigger than his and it had an actual good and thick mattress. Unlike his own, which was like a sack of stuffed clothes. Beside the wide bed was a small night table which had his leather backpack above.

Konnor finally realized that he forgot about it back at the carriage since he was overwhelmed by the capital, but he was glad they were kind enough to give it back to him and didn’t waste time to throw all its content on his new bed and look for his sleeping tunic.

After finding his tunic, he threw everything to the floor and undressed to put it on before jumping on the bed.

His back immediately thanked him for such a reward, his bed couldn’t even hope to compare to the new bed as his body sank. The sensation was heavenly, as if he was floating mid-air, not a hard surface against any part of his body, and his head was resting properly on the feather pillow.

He knew he needed to cover himself but didn’t want to move an inch as he wanted to enjoy the soft feeling on his skin for a little longer, and that same excuse was used repeatedly until his body gave up, taking him into the lands of the dreams.

The following day came abruptly as his new day was greeted by the same wrinkled deacons from yesterday staring down at him, a scene which earned a loud shriek coming out from him and falling off the bed.

However, Konnor didn’t have time to say a single word as they immediately lifted him from the floor and dressed him with the same clothes he wore yesterday and dragged him out of his bedroom and moved through the hallways like before.

They were very efficient, but that didn’t change the fact how invasive they were and how uncomfortable he was feeling regarding the whole thing, yet he couldn’t voice his opinion out of fear.

They pushed him through a door. However, the very first he noticed was that the floor was made of dirt and he kicked it twice for confirmation. His eyes quickly analyzed the rest of his surroundings, but there was no change of the monotony except the odd choice for a floor.

But his thoughts died down when the same old man came out from behind and handed him an iron spear, which just like before it reacted the second his hand touched it, but it wasn’t as violent as yesterday.

He fully grasped the weapon with his hands.

Only then the old man walked away, leaving him all alone with his new weapon.

Konnor couldn’t really understand himself or the others but for some strange reason his mind raced with multiple images about how to handle and use the spear in his hands despite never using one in his life.

The words from before came back to him. It was the blessing of the gods for him to use the spear against the enemies of the empire.

He tightened his grasp on the shaft and thrusted it forward hitting nothing but air, yet his strike didn’t stop and swung to the left as his feet positioned one in front of the other, giving him a better stance to thrust forward again with greater strength.

Those few moments came naturally to him. They felt right but still couldn’t understand them at all, or from where they were based on, or even their purpose.

But all those thoughts halted when the earth shook, and small mountains raised. They threw the rookie back in confusion, but that soon turned into fear when the piles of dirt took on humanoid shape, revealing themselves as earth golems staring at him despite not having any eyes or face, but he knew they were looking at him.

Magical creatures usually used by mages and only follow orders. And the two Golems closed the distance with a clear intention, despite not uttering a single word.

“But I really don’t know how to use a spear!” He shouted, but it didn’t deter the earth golems from rushing at him with their fist ready to strike.

Konnor turned around and ran in the opposite direction, trying to reach the exit as fast as possible. However, more golems raised from the ground and extended their arms.

Konnor stumbled forward as he stopped from crashing against the improvised wall and turned around to see the other two hostile golems were closing in very fast.

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His instinct kicked in and sidestepped the first golem punch only for him to duck as a second jab came straight at him from the second golem, barely scratching his hair but landing a direct hit at the back of the first golem, causing it to crumble on the spot.

The attack revealed enough strength to send a shiver down his spine knowing he was the next target, he quickly lunged at the spear that he dropped by accident but instead of falling flat on his stomach his body changed direction and gave a perfect roll as his hand grabbed his weapon before aiming the blade at his enemy.

Konnor watched in horror as the same golem that had been destroyed moments prior quickly reformed and stood next to the other with both fists up and ready to strike once again. His mind screamed at him to run away, as it was clear there was no possibility for him to win.

But his mind quickly shifted attention as the magical construct didn’t wait for him to recover and slammed both fists towards him, forcing him to meet head on the attack with a weapon not designed to block. The strength of his enemy made him recoil in pain despite not being hit, but the bones in his arms felt it very well along with his muscles, which screamed in pain.

Konnor clenched his teeth, trying to muffle the pain for a moment as his mind focused on pushing the monster away from him and giving himself a more than needed breather. A feat which he could achieve, forcing the golem to stagger two steps, yet instead of jumping away, his body moved on its own and thrusted the spear right at the center of the golem.

However, the blade of his spear barely pierced the surface. His face twisted into horror as the golem grabbed the spear shaft, keeping it in place and then he saw the golem’s arm pull back and clenched into a fist before traveling towards him at full speed.

His hands released the weapon in an attempt to get away, but it was too late as the earth fist connected with his chest. And the second golem also connected its fist to the side of his head.

The novice spearmen felt the cracking sound of his ribs first before his chest exploded in utter agonizing pain as it sent his body flying, as his ears could only hear a long drawn ringing noise.

He crashed on the earth head first and rolled a few times before completely stopping.

It was then the opportunity for him to clutch onto his chest as his limbs closed, adopting a fetal position while he clenched his teeth, trying to not cry, but that didn’t stop as the tears slid down from his eyes and drenched his face.

Unknown to him, the doors were thrown open and a young priest came rushing in and all the summoned golems crumbled on the spot, opening a path for the newcomer.

“Konnor!”

With the little strength he had left, he opened his eyes to see his friend Mars kneeling next to him with a look of horror plastered all over his face.

“It... hurts Mars... it really hurts.” With no strength left, he broke down, as he had never felt so much pain before. Not even that girl’s kick from the past could hope to compare. The thought that the future holds more pain for him was beyond scary as it would be even worse than a mere hit.

“Please endure for a moment.” Mars’ hands quickly went inside his white robe and pulled out a brass handbell, which he rang twice and softly kissed the surface soon after.

Immediately golden dust fell from the handbell towards the injured boy, warmly enveloping his body.

Konnor’s mind was flooded with memories of him nesting on his mother’s bosom, all muscles relaxed as he wanted to keep experiencing the warmth of a concerned mother for a little while longer.

Yet everything came to an abrupt end when the bell rang once again, breaking him away from the illusion and returning to the same gray room with a floor made of earth, but with the pleasant exception of his smiling friend next to him and no more throbbing pain in his chest.

“Thank you.”

Mars quickly grabbed Konnor’s hands and helped him to get up, revealing most of his clothes stained with dirt, but it was nothing more than a quick laundry wouldn’t fix along with a warm bath for his friend.

“You might have the talent but you lack discipline.” A fresh voice came, catching both friends’ attention.

When they turned their heads, they saw the newcomer was no other than the archbishop Milko but his bodyguards did not accompany him. And he didn’t have the same jovial attitude from yesterday.

Konnor opened his mouth to voice his complaints, but Mars stepped in front of him and lowered his head.

“Your excellency, please allow him to learn discipline in his studies.”

The older man stared at his friend, then his attention shifted to him, a long uncomfortable silence before he let out a sigh, his left free hand reaching for his head. “Granted, if you believe scholar discipline will help him in combat, so be it.”

The archbishop turned around and walked away from the duo, the tap of his staff echoing across the room for every step he gave.

“Your kindness is unmatched.” Mars muttered and raised his head before turning to check on his friend.

Konnor was sitting on the floor with his head buried between his knees with his arms around them tightly hugging himself.

“I don’t know if I can do this…” He said, his voice muffled by the defeated position he was taking.

It was only the first day, and the chosen boy was already giving up. Mars couldn’t allow that attitude, especially from his friend, who he knew to be a humble but reliable person despite his nervous nature, “Don’t be discouraged, it was the first time in your life you experienced combat.”

“I never thought it would hurt so much.” Konnor finally released his head from the prison and looked up to his friend who kneeled next to him.

“Heroes’ tales were built over tears and blood, ” He placed a hand on his shoulder and pulled him close, “But I assure you, in this journey you won’t be alone.”

His words resonated with him, he had heard the phrase ‘No pain, no gain’ many times and the people of his homeland were counting on success, especially everyone back at Marigo. He couldn’t just give up at the very first obstacle of his path. Pain was temporary and he could learn to endure it.

With his vigor renewed, he got up from the ground with his eyes burning with determination. However, that faltered when he recalled the last conversation the old man had with the priest.

“Discipline in my studies?”

Mars put his hand above his mouth to suppress his laughter, only being able to speak when he was calm enough. “Remember how I taught you everything I could about the Felis from the beastfolk?”

The chosen boy shuddered at the memory, “Of course, I felt my head was ready to burst.”

“Well then, now you must learn about every race in the Empire,” Mars patted his friend’s back to somehow provide some encouragement to him.

Konnor’s face contorted into a frown but softened as soon as he considered the other option, “Is better than getting beaten up… I guess.”

Mars rolled his eyes and took the lead.

“Come on, I’ve already prepared a lesson for you.”