"Stop!" Master Aelwen cried loudly, drawing attention to her and prompting the redhead Elysia to stop her actions.
The young lady grew weary of hammering the two short swords into the training dummy's joints, yet she relished the feeling. The harder she struck, the deeper they plunged, and the dummy creaked and wavered, struggling to remain upright on its unsteady limbs. Eventually, it buckled under the relentless blows, barely able to stand on its own two feet.
Yet, at the sound of Master Aelwen's commanding voice, she halted her movements and surveyed her surroundings. A pang of embarrassment gripped her as she realized she had been caught in the midst of such an undignified display. However, when she looked upon the flabbergasted expressions of those around her, a sense of satisfaction stirred within her.
She swiftly turned her gaze backward, recalling that Asrar had taken a harsh blow, and an urgent desire to return to his side seized her. Yet, just as she did, the training dummy, which had ceased to receive the short swords, dislodged them with a mighty heave and lurched towards her, poised to strike. But before it could, it suddenly halted in its tracks and staggered backwards, as if under the command of Master Aelwen herself.
Elysia heaved a sigh of relief and swiveled towards Baldwinn, who cradled Asrar's injured form with a hand that appeared to be numbed by shock. "Are you both unscathed?" she inquired with concern. Baldwinn shook his head and snarled bitterly, "Oh, yes, we are in the prime of our health. Can't you tell? My left hand is as numb as a rock, and this fool has likely broken a rib or two. We have never been in finer state."
Elysia pursed her lips, but a faint smile played upon them, as she had grown accustomed to Baldwinn's sarcastic tongue. However, her thoughts were consumed by the other young man, who was currently being upheld.
-His strategies are truly meticulous.-
Murmurs swept through the place as the green cloaks pondered if this latest endeavor was to be counted as a victory. At that very moment, Master Aelwen parted her lips to speak, declaring, "You three have emerged triumphant in your challenge. Come forth and receive your token."
A chorus of exclamations erupted, some of surprise and others of dissatisfaction, particularly from Quinn. "But this wasn't a fair fight!" he bellowed, his voice resonating through the training grounds. "They didn't even fight properly!"
"This battle was unjust from its inception," Aelwen interjected. "Pitting a group of novices against an acolyte? The outcome should have been predetermined. Yet, if their display of cunning and guile is to be counted as a disqualification, what purpose does this trial serve? Perhaps I should just dismiss those whose qualifications I find lacking." Master Aelwen's voice remained level and measured as she spoke, her logic undeniable. Though vexed, the green cloaks found themselves nodding in agreement with her words.
Asrar, aided by Baldwinn, hobbled forward to accept the token with a grin. Though his body throbbed with pain, he was content that their strategy had succeeded. Elysia trailed closely behind, originally intending to lend her support from the other side, yet when she glimpsed the crowd, she shrank back, feeling embarrassed, and instead trailed along in the rear.
After giving him the token, Master Aelwen fixed Quinn with a stern gaze. With a heavy heart, he surrendered the short sword to her. "Take this token and your well-earned weapon," she said, "I am pleased to see cleverness in battle, but strength is just as important." There was a pause before Master Aelwen spoke again, her voice low and uncertain. "But I must know, how did you know to strike the joints?" All the students leaned in, eager to hear Asrar's response, including Eadric and his companions.
"We gleaned from past battles, and in my studies, I learned of the machinery's gears - which are mechanical components used to transmit power and motion between two or more rotating shafts," Asrar explained, but upon noticing the bewildered looks on their faces he added. "Basically, I placed the short swords between the gears' teeth, halting its movement, and then hammered it for good measure. But it was a risk we took, with no guarantee of success." Master Aelwen nodded, and the trio retreated to a corner to catch their breath.
With their victory now behind them, the attention of the onlookers turned to their own individual battles. The clever trick of Asrar and the others was not deemed as impressive as defeating the training dummy with one's own might. However, some still sought to emulate the strategy employed by the trio, but it appeared that the dummy had been given new instructions to protect its joints from the sharp, thin blades. Ironically, the weapons that were once effective against the dummy had now become the least effective.
Following several losses, Asrar observed with great interest as Elspeth's team, consisting of three apprentice-level fighters, prepared to face off against the training dummy. Despite their lower level, Asrar sensed that they might have a chance to win. After all, if just one of Elspeth's explosive skills landed on her opponent, it might be enough to finish the fight.
As anticipated, Elspeth and her team also adopted the strategy of chipping away at the training dummy's energy just like Eadric had done. But, just when everyone thought the fight would proceed similarly, the young lady seized an opportunity. The dummy had directed its attack towards one of her companion, who brandished a radiant shield, and in that fleeting moment, she let loose a thunderous explosion from her claw, launching the dummy into the air.
The training dummy crumpled to the ground, stones that served as eyes clattering to the earth. The feat stunned onlookers, for this was the sole team that toppled the dummy without exhausting it or resorting to "deceitful" methods.
Eadric had a surprised expression on his face as he murmured, "She's actually learned that skill."
Didn't he say the exact same thing in the boar trial? Why is he getting surprised over it again?
Asrar was relatively close by and clearly heard what he said. But he didn't pay him any attention anymore as he continued studying the short sword in his hand.
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Elspeth appeared pleased with her achievement and exited the stage, receiving her own token.
After this fight, no more surprises occurred, and out of thirty three teams, only three won their battles.
"Vey well, this is the end for this trial," she said calmly, clearing her throat. "Hear me well, all of you. I will inform you about the new rules and the reason behind the tokens. Whether you triumphed or faltered, the tokens are identical - differing only in merit points earned or lost." She paused for effect, then continued. "This order is from the Black Hand headquarters, not the Raven Perch’s Headmistress. Register your team in the Great Hall. Your two teammates shall be your comrades from this day forward. Though you may reside apart, any trial, test, or challenge is to be met as one." Her next words shocked all in attendance. "Even ascending challenges are done in teams." This news shocked everyone and discontent murmurs arose from those who hastily formed teams, but she paid them no mind.
"I only relay the instructions given to me," she stated firmly. "Any grievances may be aired in the Great Hall. And..." Her voice trailed off momentarily. "You lot are fortunate to have all teams of three, since not all Purple Cloaks and Black Cloaks possess such luck. Some have plummeted in rank for their failure to form their own team."
After her words, the bell chimed again, and the students left while conversing among themselves about this new rule.
Following the Weapons Master class came the Lore Master class. Asrar eagerly anticipated this lesson, thirsting for more knowledge of the world around him. Though the other students of Raven’s Perch seemed to loathe this particular class, he knew that knowledge often translated to power, as evidenced by his team's success against the dummy.
However, he didn't depart immediately, instead, he made his way to the infirmary with the aid of Baldwinn. Asrar didn't go there only to heal his wound but he was also curious to witness the power of the clerics, renowned for their ability to heal even the gravest of wounds. When they arrived, an old cleric approached him and began to weave intricate gestures with his hands. A wave of shimmering white energy flowed into his body, mending his broken bones with astonishing speed. Amazed by the cleric's proficiency, he stayed a while longer in the infirmary to learn more about the healing arts of the Monastery of Light.
The lore class was instructed by Master Jasper, a wise and easy going elder with a lengthy grey beard and a bulbous nose who adorned himself with a light grey robe fastened with a thick brown belt. He was the sole lore master in the entire academy, which meant that the class was shared between the green, black, and purple cloaks; although, it was optional for the latter two. When Asrar and his teammates arrived, only a few purple and black cloaks were present, while the majority of the attendees were from the green cloaks. Nevertheless, Asrar knew that even if it wasn't mandatory for him, he would still attend the class since he had always yearned to be well versed in the language, history, and customs of this realm.
It appeared to Asrar that only one of the green cloaks shared his level of elation, and that was Elysia. He found her to be exceedingly well-informed, which proved to be their salvation on this occasion. The young lady astutely answered a handful of questions that the witless Baldwin and Asrar could not fathom, earning them two more merit points.
Master Aelwen had granted them a week's span to enroll their team, so the trio made sure not to rush things. As they mulled over the important matter of selecting a name for their team, they decided to defer the decision until after their daily classes or until they stumbled upon an appropriate name.
Asrar smiled wryly, thinking that people of this world also put much emphasis on names, basking in the glory of a name that represented heroism, adventure, and romance.
Typically, within a single day, the students partook in three classes. However, as they lacked an additional master tracker today, they only attended two. Following the conclusion of their lore class, the trio agreed to eat together and use the time to gain a better understanding of one another. It was apparent that they had rely upon each other if they aimed to grow stronger.
The Moonlit Mess Hall was a haven where students indulged in their daily sustenance. If one didn't spend their merit points, they were served according to their status. Asrar and his companions secured a table and savored Pottage, a luscious broth consisting of an array of vegetables, grains, and on occasion, meat. They also relished in the delight of Meat pies, a scrumptious pastry that oozed with a filling of delectable meat and vegetables.
Today's meal could be considered fairly good, as some days they only had stew and hard bread.
Baldwinn appeared to be hungry, and he didn't say much as he focused on his food. "If only there was some chicken," he lamented.
Contrasting with her companions, Elysia dined leisurely and gracefully, as was befitting of a noble's offspring. Gazing upon her with a newfound clarity, Asrar comprehended why he had been smitten with her previously and why so many men clamored for her favor. Even now, within the vast hall, numerous youths stared at her with envy and adoration. Elysia's red locks and grey-colored eyes made for a perfect contrast with her white skin, giving her a delicate and ethereal look.
Noticing his stare, Elysia flushed with color and promptly cleared her throat. "Why aren't we discussing our team's name?" she inquired, with a hint of vexation in her tone. "It appears that I am the sole member anticipating its creation," she added, growing increasingly impatient.
Baldwinn sipped the Pottage before speaking once more. "I have already told you both. Our team should be known as the Disciples of Darkness!" he exclaimed. "It possesses a certain resonance, do you not agree?" Elysia regarded him with a measure of contempt. "You immerse yourself in books of vanity," she retorted. Clearing her throat, she spoke once again with a smile, "I believe that we should call ourselves the Guardians of Light."
"Ha ha! You're the one who reads too many vain tomes." Baldwinn laughed out loud, drawing some attention to them, while Elysia glared at him before snorting.
"Actually, both names sound identical; so why are you making fun of each other?" Asrar chuckled and said, earning him a stare from both parties.
"Well, you give us one." Elsyia spoke, knowing that he had no good ideas. "Umm, maybe bloodied blades." Asrar was quite embarrassed to say that out loud, but it was the only thing that came to mind.
Baldwinn chuckled loudly, "Ha ha! You two are as useless as bloodied blades!" Despite his continued laughter, Elysia did not find it amusing, and her countenance turned peculiar. "Do either of you still detect that foul scent of blood within our quarters? I have employed numerous methods to remove it, but it lingers still," she stated, her voice trailing off. "And I sleep alone, which only exacerbates the issue," she added with a hint of vexation.
"What! Do you want to sleep with us?" At his words, Elysia's eyes blazed with fury, and she snapped back, "Foolish man! I meant, do either of you possess a solution to this issue?" She glanced towards Asrar before tightening her lips and declaring, "In any case, I must take my leave. We shall speak of this again tomorrow." She stood up and left.
"...."
"What are you looking at me like that for?"
"You talk too much." Asrar just continued eating his pottage, his mind mulling over what had just been said.
He finished quickly and returned to his room on his own. It seemed like Baldwinn had some business to attend to.
Asrar entered his chambers, feeling the weight of his journey on his shoulders. He removed his cloak, the heavy fabric falling to the ground with a soft thud. He placed the short sword "gifted" to him by Quinn onto the wooden table, the cool metal glinting in the dim light of the room. As he had previously talked with his companions, they all agreed that he should be the rightful owner of the blade. Furthermore, they were a team now, and anything that strengthened one of them would strengthen them all.
He settled into his chair and began to write in his diary, recording the day's happenings in intricate detail. After a few moments, he reached into his satchel and pulled out a weathered tome entitled "Exotic Herbs and Their Uses." Flicking through the pages, he paused on a particular entry and reached for a small slip of paper he had tucked away for safekeeping.
Then, from underneath his wardrobe, he took out a pouch filled with herbs, an empty mortar, and a bowl of water. The herbs were things he asked Eddard to bring him a while back.
The pouch was filled with herbs, which were: two parts Starlight Sage, one part Frostbloom, one part Sunstone, one part Silversage, one part Emberfern, and some Dragon's Breath petals.
With a deft hand, he took the pouch and placed its contents on the pestle and mortar, crushing them into a fine powder. The heady scent of the herbs filled the air, swirling around him like a fog. As he worked, he added a pinch of Dragon's Breath petals, their fiery hue a stark contrast to the muted tones of the other herbs. With a flick of his wrist, he dipped his fingers into the bowl of water, the liquid rippling , before he sprinkled the herb mixture on top, forming a paste that seemed to glow with an inner light.
Outside the window, a torch dimly flickered, casting small shadows across the room. He carefully lit a charcoal disc and placed it in a heat-resistant dish before him, watching as the flames danced and twirled. With a gentle hand, he sprinkled a small amount of the herb mixture on top of the charcoal, and the room was suddenly filled with a fragrant smoke, swirling and curling like a snake.
Seconds passed, and a pleasant aroma carried by the smoke from the burned herbal mixture wafted across the room, allaying the stench of death and calming the atmosphere.
"Success!" Asrar beamed with joy. "I really managed to make a makeshift incense using this world’s herbs!"