Chapter - 5 - Failing yet still Hoping
“A fact that you must already be aware of: becoming a knight is no easy feat. The requirements are steep,” the dark-haired, middle-aged man said in a neutral tone as he swung a sword procured from another knight beside him. “But in times of need, which we are going through right now, exceptions can be made.”
Aiden, still on his knees, listened, his eyes shifting between the sword bearing the baron’s insignia – two red and black-colored swords forming an X-shaped cross, and the man.
“Think of it as an opportunity for ambitious boys like you,” the man continued. “You wouldn’t have to defeat me. Just show me what you've got, and I might choose you as one of ours. You will be trained, fed, and fight among us, even in the war. Which means…” he trailed off.
“...I wouldn’t have to die as a serf,” Aiden concluded, meeting the man’s gaze with determination.
A subtle smile on the man’s lips, and a touch of positive emotion in his voice. “Your friend here is already chosen,” he pointed at Sam, who nodded in agreement. “Now, it is time for you. So, why not pick that sword up?”
Aiden heaved a deep breath, extending a hand towards the blade. However, he paused, his fingers tingling with excitement, but his mind having second thoughts.
“What’s the catch?” he asked. “Even if the bar is low, there must be a process in place to choose knights. You wouldn’t just hire anyone at random, would you?”
The man raised a brow in response, and Aiden bit his tongue. Did I say too much?
“There is no catch, Aiden,” he replied, the smile still present. “As the last remaining commander of my order, it is my duty to find and train new talents. As for the process, yes, there is one, and it will be announced soon. And choosing at random? I assure you, I didn’t pick you randomly. You have been watching my knights train for a while now, and also practicing on your own, or so your friend here states. So, I figured you must have an interest in becoming a knight, despite lacking in physicality.”
That last part stung a little, but Aiden could let it slide against the offer the commander had made. The explanation was also believable, clearing any doubts he had.
“Thank you for giving me this chance,” Aiden reached for the hilt, rubbing his thumb over the insignia. The resentment for the baron was real, but if that man’s agency could help him survive, then Aiden was prepared to set aside the hate for the moment.
“Ready?” the commander asked, his face devoid of emotion, adopting a serious battle stance, treating it as if it were a real duel.
Aiden exhaled another breath, attempting to lift the hilt, but it resisted. So, he used both hands, the heavy sword slowly wobbling in the air as he steadied himself.
“Now, come at me,” the man pressed.
Yeah, when I can actually hold this damn thing properly, Aiden cursed inwardly, his struggle evident from his imbalance and strained expression. It's probably heavier than me. Don't they have something lighter, or is this the norm? The knights made it look so easy.
Anticipating the commander's impatience with his grand display of strength, Aiden muttered, “Fuck it,” and lunged at him. However, the sword’s weight yanked him to the right. In a desperate attempt to swing, the blade flung away from his hand, and Aiden crashed face-first into the ground, skidding until he was on the verge of kissing the man’s boots.
Aiden raised his dirt-filled face, expecting the end of his chance and the disapproval of those around him for wasting their precious sleep. To his surprise, they all shook their heads in disappointment, not anger.
“Again,” said the commander, and Aiden blinked twice before asking, “Really?”
“Yeah, kid,” the man affirmed with a sigh. “Now, go pick the sword back.”
“...Sir,” Aiden couldn't have been happier. Good men like these still existed.
Wiping the dirt off his face, Aiden made another attempt to lift the sword, encountering the same cumbersome challenge. The strength in his hands proved insufficient for the task, but he persisted nonetheless, prompting a crucial piece of advice from the commander.
“That is an actual knight's blade, not just any ordinary sword,” said the man. “It is meant to be on the heavier side, hence your struggle. However, the technique to wield it is similar to any other sword, which you have got wrong. Look at how I do it and follow.”
With that, he sprang into action, slowly wielding his sword and demonstrating the required stance while providing Aiden with detailed instructions on what to do and what not to do.
Halfway through, Aiden started to wonder why this guy was going to such lengths for a nobody like him, but the answer had already been made clear. It was a time of need, and men with a desire to learn would certainly do better than just anyone off the camp. He wanted to learn, so he was getting taught.
Moments later, Aiden had followed through the steps without a mistake.
His dominant right hand gripped the base of the hilt, while the left was positioned above it, fingers interlaced. With another breath, Aiden lifted the sword. He struggled, but maintained balance. Then he loosened his shoulders, standing in a sideways stance to present himself as a smaller target, which he already was. Following that, he bent his knees slightly, feet shoulder-width apart, and one foot slightly in front of the other for better balance.
The process didn't magically lower the weight, but it certainly made it easier to lift and hold the sword. With enough tries, he was holding the blade steadily—an achievement that Aiden was genuinely proud of.
“You catch on fast,” remarked the commander, a faint smile on his lips, sounding somewhat proud.
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Aiden could only grin, trying to suppress it but ultimately failing. The joy of being able to hold a sword overwhelmed him. If selected as a knight, he might even break into a dance of joy.
“Let’s go again, shall we?” The commander assumed his battle stance, blade ready, and Aiden mirrored the position. “Come on,” he gestured, and Aiden stepped forward, fully prepared to strike.
Slowly closing the distance, hindered by the weight, he attempted to slash, which the man parried by holding his sword horizontally. As soon as the slow clang rang, Aiden could feel his hands shake from the impact. The counterattack, a slash from the man, left his arms aching, and he stumbled back, barely holding the blade. The second attack proved too much for Aiden as the impact rocked through his bones, his hands unable to hold the hilt any longer.
The blade dropped to the ground.
"Damn it!" He clenched his teeth, glaring at his trembling hands.
“Again!” said the commander, his voice more solemn this time.
Aiden nodded, retrieving the sword, then sprang at the man again. Two clangs, and the blade was on the ground once more.
“Again!” the order was issued, yielding the same result. Aiden's body just wasn't up for the challenge he was attempting.
“Again!” said the man, stepping forward himself, resulting in one slash, and the blade was away from Aiden’s hand.
“Again!”
Aiden gave up this time; his hands throbbed with pain, and he was on the verge of tears, unable to move even his fingers. He sank to his knees, grunting in agony, the blade inches away from him, yet he couldn't summon the strength to lift it.
“You've got the spirit, Aiden. I will give you that,” remarked the commander, retrieving his sword from the ground and sheathing it back into the scabbard strapped onto his side. “But your body is holding you back. That's to be expected from a malnourished village boy. Perhaps if we had more time, I could have taken you under my wing and taught you. You might have become an excellent fighter. But as it stands now, that's impossible. I have a cavalry to lead for my lord. To death it seems… Forgive me, I couldn't lead you there.”
His heavy words reverberated in Aiden’s ears, the weight of it all settling on his shoulders, dragging him further down to the ground.
“May we meet on the other side,” said the man, and with a deep exhale, he walked away, even taking Sam with him despite his protest, leaving Aiden alone to contemplate his fate.
For what felt like an eternity, Aiden remained seated. When his mind finally grasped the reality, all he could muster was a whisper, “Why… Why did you choose me?” he wished for the dragon to hear. “I can’t even hold a sword… Can’t run… Can’t fight… I can’t do anything,” he gazed at the star-filled sky, a single tear tracing a path down his cheek. “Yet, you want me to be a hero…” The quiet lament hung in the air, carried away by the gentle night breeze. “I am sorry dad, mom, Ciara… I can't save our home… I can't save you.”
The expectations were impossible to meet.
But then something happened. The dormant ring on his finger flared to life and all of a sudden, a jolt ran through him. In his mind's eye, he began to see things—his thoughts inundated with information he couldn't comprehend.
In the face of arduous trials, your unwavering spirit has prevailed.
The Ring of Power deems you worthy and acknowledges your acceptance.
All affiliated systems have been set into motion.
Ring of Power
Rank: Mythic
Description: The Ring is a mystical artifact imbued with properties beyond this realm that amplify the strength of every skill wielded by its wearer. It serves as a catalyst, enhancing the inherent abilities and capabilities of the individual who possesses it.
The bearer shall learn skills at an elevated pace, accelerated by a base rate of 25%.
Skills newly acquired shall commence at a foundational level of 3.
In instances where prior experience or tutelage from a master is encountered, the initial starting level may be heightened, further accelerating proficiency.
Congratulations! You have accessed your personal status screen.
Name: Aiden Kyle Markram
Race: Human (G)
Level: 1
Profession: None
Title: None
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Physical Stats:
Strength: 3
Agility: 2
Endurance: 3
Vitality: 4
Perception: 6
Mind: 5
Spirit: 10
Skills: None
Quest Panel operational. Pending Quest: 1
Greetings, Adventurer!
You stand at the precipice of a grand quest, one that calls for your courage and fortitude.
Quest: A Hero's Ascent
Height: 4.8 Ft (Current) ➡ 5.8 Ft (Required)
Weight: 40 Kg (Current) ➡ 80 Kg (Required)
Will you accept this noble undertaking and embark on a journey to transform your physical presence into that of a towering force?
Accept the Quest:
YES /\ NO