In the 3 weeks since Arthe had begun his training under Cassis he had boosted his Strength, Vitality and Agility by 40 points each,(due to the nature of a knights training the stat boosts are more uniform compared to normal basic training) on top of this, his Stoicism skill had risen to Beginner rank 3. Because of this he now felt more like a seasoned warrior and less like a noob.
His character table now looked something like this:
[tr]
NameArthedainPrimary ClassN/AHealth800Mana470Level2Health Regen/Sec2.2Mana Regen/Sec3.6Strength44Agility41Wisdom10Intelligence10Stamina300Vitality43Dexterity20Sustenance20
In addition to this Arthe had also gained:
Level Up: Sword Mastery [3]
Increases Attack Power with a sword (+30% ATK)
Increases Attack Speed with a sword (+9% ATK SPD)
Level up Shield Mastery [3]
Increases block capabilities (-30% Dmg Taken from monsters at the same level or lower)
Increases Defense whilst Blocking (+10% DEF)
New Skill: Shield Bash
Deal Damage equal to 2x equipped Shields Defense
Knock your opponent off balance
Higher Levels provide Stunning Effect
Level up Stoicism [3]
Increase Stat Efficiency by 0.5%
Cost 20 Mana per second
All in all, Arthe was extremely pleased with his current character progression, especially the development of his Shield Mastery skill. With it, plus his Shield Bash ability he would be able to withstand larger amounts of Damage and take on harder enemies.
Cassis was also very pleased with his new students progress and because he was unusually generous he'd been teaching Arthe some of the more challenging free form sword and shield moves. At the same time Cassis had also been providing Arthe with free room and board because as a knight in training Arthe was not expected to provide his own lodgings. Instead Arthe had to promise to take part in at least 2 expeditions with the kingdoms soldiers.
"Hmm that's a pretty good deal," Arthe thought; "i mean not only do i not have to buy anything for myself at the moment, when the training is complete I'll get to go on at least 2 quests that are probably E rank, I'll have the opportunity to increase my level and my reputation with the Baldur kingdom knights. This is turning out pretty well for me."
"Well Arthe today's your last day of training, there's just one more test you have to undertake before you leave." Cassis called out from where he was stood watching Arthe beat up innocent scarecrows.
"A test sir? what do you mean? It's not something along the lines of slaying some hideous monster or proving myself worthy to some fairy queen is it Cassis?" Arthe replied without stopping the movements of his arms.
"Hahaha no no, not at all. all you have to do is face one of the Kings Knights in mock combat and prove to them that you have what it takes to defend yourself and others out there in the wilderness." Cassis responded with a slight grin.
"Oh is that it, well then who am i facing, you? or another one of the instructors?" Arthe then froze and asked in a worried tone, "it's not Mathis is it? Please tell me it's not Mathis?"
In the 3 weeks Arthe had been here Mathis had come by 4 times and played a tune of pain on Arthe's body with a training sword to show him exactly where Arthe needed to improve his skills and point out his shortcomings. This had given Arthe great respect (fear?) for the old man and shown him that even npc's should be treated with caution.
"Its not Mathis don't worry, although he did offer. Some of the other Knights wanted him to do it as they haven't seen a bout with him in almost 5 years, but I declined as I'm not sure even one of the Royal Guards could beat him so you sure as hell wouldn't be able to!" Cassis told him, not even trying to hide the amusement in his voice or the laughter on his face.
"It's not Mathis, it's another out-lander like yourself, one who passed this training program about 4 months ago and went on to become a centurion with the Kingdoms Punitive Squad." Cassis continued, " he's just finished a mission in the Nirn Swamp, exterminating lizard-men who attacked a farming community outside the city of Mithlond. He'll be along in a couple of hours, after he's finished giving his report to Knight Captain Thrain."
"Ok that's fine, have i got enough time to head down and see Mathis? You remember he said he had something to give me." Arthe asked.
"That's right but before you go i also have something for you, a couple of things actually", Cassis replied, " first the sword granted to all adventurers who pass the basic training and second a personal gift from me to help you get started on the honorable road of the knight". Cassis handed over a longsword and a large Kite Shield.
For completing the Basic Training you receive
Strength rises by 1 point. (+1 STR)
Agility rises by 1 point. (+1 AGI)
Vitality rises by 1 point. (+1 VIT)
Fame rises by 20 point. (+20 FAME)
Life rises by 100 point. (+100 HP)
You received a Hard iron Sword
Hard Iron Sword:
Durability: 54/54
Damage: 10-14
Awarded to those who completed the Basic Training Program. This widely-used long sword is better than basic type weapons that are available in a blacksmith’s workshop.
Equip:
+10 STR
Limits:
STR 40+
VIT 35+
You Receive a Hard Iron Kite Shield
Durability: 60/60
Defense: 30
Awarded to those who complete the Basic Training program with heavy emphasis on Shield use
This Shield is a vast improvement on basic type shields sold in blacksmith shops.
Equip:
+10 STR
+10 END
Limits:
STR 40+
VIT 40+
Awesome! This gear will probably last me until I'm at least level 30 if not longer! Arthe thought gleefully after examining his new items.
"Thanks Cassis, these gifts are brilliant!" He told his Instructor and friend.
"don't mention it Arthe, it's been an honour to teach one such as yourself. I suspect you'll more than prove that you're able protect the weak and the defenseless when the time comes and I hope someday to see you become a famous adventurer", Cassis replied and then proceeded to shake Arthe's hand.
"Anyway you best head on down to see Mathis if you hope to be back in time to take your final exam and become a fully fledged knight. Say hello to the cantankerous geezer for me, although maybe not in those exact words."
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
"sure thing Cassis, I'll tell him you said hi" Arthe responded as he equipped his new gear and began heading towards the main gate.
2 hours later.
"Hey Mathis, are you home? It's Arthe, I've come to see you as promised." Arthe said as he stepped inside the front door of Mathis' home. As he looked around he could see lots of weaponry and trophies on the walls from Mathis' many expeditions when he was a Knight Captain.
"Well hello there midget, come to get that gift i promised you?" Mathis replied as he stuck his head out of a room on the left side of the hallway.
"Well to be honest, yes i have sir, but i also came to tell you i passed the training with Cassis, just have the final test left to do. He says hello by the way", Arthe told him with a sheepish grin on his face.
"Excellent, in record time as well if I'm not mistaken. And i rarely am." Mathis said with a superior look at Arthe.
"Well that armor you gave me had a lot to do with that sir. I doubt I could have finished quite so quickly without the experience boost that it gave me." Arthe replied.
"Regardless you finished so as promised I have something for you as well as a couple of skills to teach you that will come in very handy on your travels, come into the forge room and I'll show you"
Arthe stepped into the room and was greeted with a blast of hot air from what appeared to be an open forge at the far end of the room, there were multiple pieces of armor and finely crafted weapons scattered about the room. Arthe crossed his fingers and hoped to receive a piece of finely forged armor as his current armor was not that much use now that he had passed the basic training.
Mathis did not disappoint, he reached up to take down a breastplate of Black Iron and tossed it to Arthe. As soon as Arthe touched it the heat in the room seemed to immediately decrease and he couldn't wait to examine it.
Mathis' Black Iron Breastplate
Effects: Unknown
Requirements: Unknown
Damn i can't identify it so i don't know if i can wear it just yet, Arthe grimaced to himself.
"By now you've probably discovered that you don't know what that armor does, but don't worry that's where the skills I'm about to teach you come in.
First there's this Skill"
"ding"
You've learned the skill Identify
Identify
Used to identify items with special bonuses
"and the second skill will help you keep your items in better shape"
you've learned the skill Repair
Repair
Used to repair items and gear
With each level a skill gains the efficiency of maintenance increases. In the first level it can be repaired by 7 points, the second level is 10, and the tenth level 23 points.
At Intermediate Level 1 things can be repaired to maximum durability
At Intermediate Level 1: Blacksmith skill can now be learned.
"Thanks Mathis these skills really will come in handy, i was wondering where i could learn these." Arthe thanked Mathis (almost crying at his good fortune)
"well don't just stand there try them out lad, seriously youngsters these days no initiative." Mathis grumbled whilst blushing slightly.
"Identify item"
Mathis' Black Iron Breastplate
Durability: 193/200
Defense: 40
Created by a blacksmith who knows exactly what perils lie in wait for the new adventurer. Allows freedom of movement whilst still giving excellent defense. Made using Iron found in the belly of a salamander.
Equip:
+ 15 STR
+ 10 VIT
+ 15% Fire Resistance
Limits: Must be friendly with Mathis, must have passed the basic training program
STR +40
VIT +40
Identify skill increased by 5%
Today is a good day for me, Arthe mused, I've received excellent weaponry and excellent armor plus 2 useful skills,
"well lad don't just stand there take this hammer and repair that dent so the armor is as good as new." Mathis said after looking at Arthe with something akin to pride in his eyes.
"hmm what dent? oh, this small dint in the side of the armor. sure I'll get right to it." Whilst saying that Arthe picked up the hammer and activated his repair skill.
Ting ting
Armor fully repaired
Repair skill increased by 7%
"there we are, all fixed up." Arthe said, examining his handiwork.
"Brilliant, now that we've got that out of the way i have a small task for you. should you choose to accept it." Mathis replied.
"Ding"
Quest Received
The Grand Melee
Mathis Wants you to take part in the Grand Melee held at the end of the month.
Prove your martial skill by defeating other graduates of the basic training skill
Quest Level E
Quest requirements: Must have passed the basic training program. Must be either a Knight or Classless
Quest rewards: Knight Class, reputation gain with the Kingdom of Baldur. Extra rewards granted for winning the grand melee.
"I accept!" shouted Arthe, he wasn't about to turn down the chance to become a knight and the reputation would come in very handy as well.
"Excellent, now that that's out of the way you had best be on your way. don't want to be late for your exam now do we." Mathis told him.
"crap, better get a move on. Sorry Mathis we'll talk again later, thanks again for the gifts!" Arthe exclaimed as he sprinted out of the house and on up the hill.
"Fool, the exam doesn't start for another 3 hours. you don't need to run that fast. oh well exercise is good for you." Chuckled Mathis as he went back into the forge and came out with a gleaming steel helmet. "better get a move on myself if I'm to get this piece up to the court wizard so he can get it enchanted in time for the grand melee". with that he locked up his house and started to trek up the hill whistling loudly.
The Start of the exam.
"whew made it with plenty of time to spare" Arthe panted as he sat down on a bag of hay in the parade ground.
"Hey Arthe, you ready for your exam. The debriefing ended early so Torval is ready for the bout anytime you are". Cassis called, behind him stood a tall muscular knight in gleaming steel plate carrying an absolutely humongous 2 handed sword.
"I'll be ready in a minute, just let me catch my breath." Arthe called back. As he said that he stood up and began equipping his new breastplate and flexing his arms and legs.
"excellent, here let me introduce you to Torval. Torval this is Arthe, one of our most promising trainees. Arthe this is Torval a highly decorated centurion in the punitive guard force."
"A pleasure to meet you Sir Torval, I'm glad to hear that your mission against the vile Lizard-men went well." Arthe said politely.
"Wait a minute, that voice. Runt is that you?!" The knight called Torval lifted the face plate on his helm.
CRAP IT'S STEVE!!!