"Haha, would you look at that? This is what I call POWERS!" Clara couldn't hide her excitement. That's what you get for underestimating me."

"And who exactly underestimated you?" Arath finally got up on his feet.

"Everyone. Now I can show you and everybody else I'm not useless."

"I have never considered you useless."

"Now you say that but yesterday and the day before yesterday you kept saying I won't survive The Tower."

"Because you most probably won't. Neither will I. Do you know how many scouts return after each cycle?"

"No."

"About 20% and most of the survivors end up handicapped for the rest of their lifes. Either physically or mentally."

"But what creature could possibly stand a chance against magic?"

"Most of them. There was a reason why we had to escape from the cave when bloodworms attacked. Even though this is the outerior of the first floor there are some creatures Cave Lurkers need to be wary of."

"For example?"

"All creatures that are small and have bright colours, all creatures that move in big groups and finally all creatures that attack you instead of running away. The weak and vulnerable ones have already learned to avoid humans and hide."

"Okay grandpa Arath. Thanks for you teachings. Now, teach me some tricks, how do I use my ability?"

"Based on your attack my guess would be that you are blessed by Air Element. In fight it is mostly used for quick and powerful attacks followed by just as quick retreat. Your magic gives you very little option when it comes to defence but you will be great at harrasing enemies and scouting."

"I didn't want to be a turtle anyway."

"So where is your gate? Somewhere in legs?"

"Yeah, it seems to be in my knees. Does that mean I can use my magic only with them?"

"Not exactly. If you work hard enough you can spread the area in which the energy flows. But for now the knees are your strong point and you need to think of few moves that rely on them. But don't worry all of your body should be more agile and your speed should increase a little."

"Why? If the energy is only in the knees, then how come the rest of the body is also improved?"

"The energy can't flow through you freely but it tries nonethless. Small amounts of magic energy are present in every part of your body."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"And where did you learn all of that?"

"Practice, experience, books and mercenaries that were so bored they taught me."

"I live here for almost as long as you do and I didn't know even a small part of things you say so nonchalantly as if they were just basic knowledge."

"Well, we grew up in two completely different environments after all. Now, let's go somewhere where you can train freely, shall we?. If we cause a ruckus again the landlord will surely pay me a visit."

"What about the ceremony of heroes' awakening?"

"We still have few hours don't worry about it."

Wasting no more time Arath went downstairs apologized to the landlord and sneaked to the outer part of the First City with Clara. After finding a suitable cavern just outside the city the two with no care for the world started their sparring session.

Arath picked up a wooden sword while Clara went for a long stick that she used as a spear.

"You sure you want a spear? Wouldn't a short sword or a dagger suit you better?"

"Do you really talk that much in a fight?"

"This is a training."

"Shut up and fight."

'She really takes this seriously, doesn't she? I wonder why.' He couldn't make heads or tails of the girl, however his thoughts were soon interrupted. Clara attacked aggresively trying to stab Arath. His enhanced senses warned him of the danger so he dodged in the last moment. The attack didn't reach it's target but woke Arath up. Not willing to give her the initiative in the fight he decided to close the distance. The length of the 'spear' granted advantage to his opponent and Arath he knew that even a little misdoing on his part could prove to be deadly in a real fight. He grabbed the hilt tighter and rushed forward. Clara reacted instantly redirecting her attack trying to hit Arath with it's side. Arath looked at that move with surprise but instead of panicking he lowered his body letting the weapon strike the air above his head. The momentum of the swing pulled the girl leaving a big part of her body undefended.

'If I attack her now she will be frustrated and angry at herself for losing to me so quickly but I can't just leave it, she has to improve.'

He stroke her with the flat part of his gladius and backed off. Clara jumped away with a painful grimace but quickly collected herself. She had no intention to give Arath a breather and focused her mind on her knees and the in the next moment she was flying towards her opponent with terrifying speed. Unfortunately for her Arath's ability was the perfect counter, his eyes had no problem noticing the small changes in Clara's posture before the jump and later following her movements. For an outsider they would be at the very least blurry or even invisible, but he made few steps to his right and let the girl hit the wall behind him. Completely focused on her target she did not notice the rocks and when Arath moved and revealed them Clara did not manage to stop the attack in time. Her stick broke in half after she stabbed the wall with all of her strength. She looked at the scene with shock but suddenly felt the tip of Arath's wooden shortsword on her neck.

"You are not half bad but you focus on your own attacks too much. There are too many variables in a fight to just disregard them. You need to be cautions of your surroundings and never forget that you are not the only one with a plan."

"Alright, whatever you say teach. Why didn't you finish the fight when you had the opportunity?"

"I noticed it too late and didn't want to reveal my back to you in case I failed."

"Sure. Because if you did that out of pity I would kick your ass with my bare hands. I hope you remember that the next time we fight."

"I will. Don't worry." Arath looked around trying to sound convincing. 'Note to self, never go easy on her. She can't do shit to me but I don't want to piss her off if I don't need to.'

"Go ahead and pick a different weapon. I will join you in a moment." He said and turned around to look at the spot he was standing half a minute ago.

In the spot where Clara stabbed the wall there was a series of cracks spreading around a few centimeters deep hole.

"Oh my God. This could kill me."