Chapter 4: Work Hard, Apprentice!
Felt woke up. He was feeling quite refresh after a good sleep on his bed. He was thirsty. A large bottle made of black soil was on his desk, just beside the wall near the open window. He took it and poured its content into a simple wooden cup.
It was water.
- Indeed… cool water from the night really is the best. Oh, what time is it? Hmm…
He took a look outside his window, towards the main tower. There was a huge clock on top of the tower.
“Ah quite dark… 2.00 am huh… I woke up quite early. Should I return to sleep?”
He saw the book on the table just below the window.
- I better try this skill... this book seemed to carry many memories.
He placed his hand on the book and said,
“Time Memory Manifestation.”
A while goes by…
“Hm? That didn’t work?”
- Ohh!!
Sudden images of the book being handed from hand to hand were in front of him. It was like a fast-forward motions except that it was backwards. From the library many people flipped open it, later it went back to a noble, from him back to a merchant who bought it from a sly-looking merchant, from him buying from an adventurer, from him buying from a youth who found the book in an old storage which it stayed there for a long time until a hand…
The images ended there.
Felt was a bit perplexed, and a little overwhelmed with the fast images and information flowing into his brain. He put the book down on the table.
-What a wonder… from so many people, who could read the book, yet I’m the one chosen… Then again, those requirements were quite hard to fulfill.
“Fate, it was. Then I need to work harder too today. Yosh!”
“You work a bit harder today, didn’t you boy. Hmph, well done.”
A sweet lady’s voice complimented him… in a little haughty way.
“Thanks, more than before these last two days… but I wonder if the skill… wait, what? Who’s there?!”
Felt turned. No one else was there. Was it… ghost? He heard of those scary stories during his first week. The seniors loved to scare some of them and then left them at night in those places mentioned in the stories… including the hill at the back of the academy.
“I’m here boy… down here. Do not panic. I’m just a book now, you see.”
“W-what… what are… no, why are you talking! You’re a book!”
“Funny you would be surprised at a talking book, considering you just took that kind of power, heh. Regardless, if you desire to see more of the past, you’ll need to be familiar with that skill just now. You right now are nothing but a novice.”
Felt gazed at the book. It glowed a little whenever it talked.
“What are you looking at, boy? Never seen a talking book before?”
“Yes, in fact… I take it you meant no harm?”
“Of course! I’m the one who entrusted you with the Kaizer’s pact. It was his will to choose a successor who fit his… unique description. I’ve waited for almost a century…”
“Then, I suppose I should thank you… but first, my name is Felt Godfrey, nice to meet you, lady…?”
“It’s Shia’rine… Grand Duchess Shia’rine Ciellune Saran.. You’ve been watching you these two days with the connection of the Grand Pact… oh! Don’t worry I won’t intrude on your personal business… hehe…”
Hearing that, Felt was worried of his privacy… Then again, he figured it was better to set it aside for now.
“I’m sorry I might not be as good as your late leader Milady Saran. It was superhuman, what all of you had done…”
“Of course! The Kaiser was magnificent. He was sent by the Providence, saved us from destruction and built such wonderful society. Even if you’re better than average, you’re nothing compared to him! If people could only see and experience it…”
“If Astaria still stands, I imagine injustice would not thrive well today.”
Shia’rine went silent. Felt could feel the heavy air, even when he could not see her face, since she no longer had any.
“The Kaiser was amazing. I wish I could’ve been born earlier, so I could be by his side. You must’ve been one of his loyal comrades, Lady Saran. It’s an honour to meet you.”
“You’re right… I stayed by his side during such a hard time… Hmph! Y-you might never make it as good as the Kaizer, boy… but I’m done waiting anyway... so I’ll help you out a bit. D-don’t misunderstand! I don’t acknowledge you yet. You may call me Shia, but that’s only if you promise to work hard to fulfill your covenant!”
“Yes, Lady Shia! I promise to work hard for the days to come.”
Ding!
Trust of the Guardian - Grand Duchess Shia’rine Ciellune Saran.
You have awakened the interest of Grand Duchess Shia’rine Ciellune Saran of Astarian Empire, one of the heroes of the Great War.
Fame + 300.
Mentality +10.
You have gained the trust of One of the Eight Guardians!
Trust Level: Some
Number of Guardians: 1 of 8.
Wind Affinity: +5%
“I’m honoured to have made acquaintance, Lady Shia.”
“Hmph. Indeed you must be! Not just anyone can be acquainted with the Grand Duchess of Astaria.”
“I fully appreciate this opportunity.”
- Hm hm hm ~~
Felt was delighted. He expected meeting some legacy of the fallen empire, but not one of its living heroes. He knew her from the book, in the section about the notable heroes. She was mentioned a few times as a capable leader able to stay calm even during dire emergencies.
- Even if she’s a little haughty.
The Kaiser called her, “A sweet, tetchy maiden who seriously just want to lie around or complain during tranquil times, but a battle-hardened Valkyrie during times of need. Trustworthy companion indeed.”
He cannot fathom then why the need for the Kaiser to describe her character in his book, but now he understood.
“Boy, place your superior hand on top of me… the book.”
“Hm? If I have to…”
- It would be rude to question her after I pretty much gave the impression that I trusted her.
Felt put his right hands on the book. Soon, the transparent crystal on the front page of the book glowed.
Ding!
> Quote:Shia’rine’s Gauntlet of the Wind.
> Durability: 35/35
> A very durable and comfortable gauntlet with glove that allow air ventilation.
> Provides adequate protection and increase in offense.
> A transparent crystal was embedded to give it connection and special option.
>
> Agility +10%.
> Wind Affinity +5%.
> Defense: 20
> Offense: 10
> Special Option: Unknown.
It was a gauntlet of front metal with transparent colour and a very comfortable cloth glove. The glove seemed to allow air to pass through quite well, yet sturdy still. A small transparent crystal was on the metal.
“Wow! This is… amazing!”
“Hmph, this is nothing. It was my first equipment when I was younger than you. I adjusted it a bit to fit you boy. Be grateful!”
“Of course! Thank you, Lady Shia. This one really is amazing.”
Felt said so sincerely. His father taught him to really appreciate people who helped him the best he could. It was ingrained into him.
Hm hmm...
Shia’rine giggled, but soon suppressed it.
“But…connection? Lady Shia…”
“Don’t worry about it. You should just go and train using it then you’ll know! You need to familiarize with it.”
“Hm… alright. But where can we train at this hour? The places available are limited for a first year during this time of night. The best would be the field.”
“No, you have a window there. Just train here.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. And I will just say, your way of fighting was quite alright, nevertheless the knights of my time would not be impressed. As a favour, I’ll formally teach you the fighting style that makes those knights’ jaw dropped. I’ll teach you how to handle the Wind Manipulation. Later when you’re training with swords, I will instruct you further in your mind. What do you say?”
Quest Offer: Apprenticeship!
The Grand Duchess Shia’rine had offered you to be her apprentice. You will learn secret technique of the Wind Clan of Astarian Empire. Do you accept?
Reward:
Secret technique of the Wind Clan of Astarian Empire.
Increased trust from Shia’rine.
Felt considered. Amazing how this empire had person who could use such magic to preserve their consciousness or soul, plus could benefit others through succeeding their items then their skills mentally. It was a great offer, though he expected it would not be that easy. Nevertheless…
“I would be honoured to receive your guide, Lady Shia.”
He bowed and gave her… the book, his salute by placing his right palm on his chest.
“Great! You know your manner too. Then let’s start with wind manipulation… Hmm, now that I’m your Master and you’re my apprentice, you will call me Master Shia and I’ll call you apprentice.”
- Is that really important? Well, no problem.
“Of course, Master Shia!”
“Good, my apprentice, good!”
- It really felt as if she was petting me... Hmm… it’s alright. It probably felt good to her, so it’s fine… I guess. Opss…
“Alright, first, let’s go with wind manipulation… Apprentice, you must will that the wind move according to your desire, and try to channel your energy to any air. Now, send a wind blowing to that tree over there.”
A tree reaching the second floor was just below them. Felt was on the third floor. He did as instructed. He tried, tried and tried.
“How come…?”
“Patience, apprentice. Try as much as needed till it worked.”
“Yes, Master Shia.”
Felt tried and tried. He tried to use his imagination, breathing technique as instructed, and channel his electrical impulse to his gauntlet to help manipulate wind.
“No, not like that. Breathe in like… hmmmrgh I’ll show you.”
An image came into his mind… a braid-haired lady was in front of him, smiling. A beauty, she was wearing green, princess-like clothes. Her lips moved.
“Follow, apprentice…”
A whisper which sounded so enigmatic, yet so elegant.
Huuuuu…
She took in the air, and demonstrated the way of breathing different from normal. She took in the air into the stomach and lung, then placed her hand on her lower abdomen, keeping the air within for a few moment. She stretched her hands, then moved forward.
Felt could see her as she walked, from the front point of view. As she walked, she released the air in stages and then repeated the process. She soon elegantly moved both hands in the air, as if moving something slowly.
He copied what he saw, determined to learn.
For almost two hours, there seemed to be nothing until…
FUUUHHH…
A strong wind blew past the tree, shaking it violently.
Ding!
You gained an active Skill!
Wind Manipulation.
Wind Manipulation – Level 1 -0%
Wind affinity +5%.
Wind resistance + 5%.
You may now manipulate wind!
Cost: Mana, depends on the whole process.
Special Option of your equipment now available!
Shia’rine’s Gauntlet of the Wind.
Durability: 35/35
A very durable and comfortable gauntlet with glove that allow air ventilation.
Provides adequate protection and increase in offense.
A small transparent crystal was embedded to give it connection and special option.
Wind Affinity +5%.
Defense: 20
Offense: 10
Special Option: Allows physical movement to aid in wind manipulation.
You gained a Passive Skill!
Shia’rine’s Breathing Technique.
Shia’rine’s Breathing Technique. Level 1 – 0%
- Wind Manipulation +10%.
-Wind Affinity +5%.
- Wind Power and Speed increased slightly.
- Agility + 10%.
-Stamina Consumption – 20%
“Well done, apprentice! You’re quite a quick learner.”
“Thank you Master, I’m delighted with all these skills. However, I already have my father’s breathing technique… will your breathing technique…?”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“Harm you in any way? No, nothing of such. You can just alternate to different breathing technique to get the different benefit. If the breathing technique is inferior in all fields, then it’s best to just abandon it.”
She said so nonchalantly.
“Hmm… it seemed alright then. Father’s breathing technique is quite different. I could recover faster with it.”
“Oh? Interesting… It will be quite useful.”
“Yes, Master.”
“My apprentice, from now on, makes full use of your Mana on practicing your skills. Think clearly how to make full use of your time. All the time, use my breathing technique and your time manipulation, especially when you’re running. That should increase the reward. If you’re getting low on Mana, use your father’s breathing technique. That’ll help train the skill as well. Always keep your Mana above a quarter, even when you’re training and for some reasons could not stop. You never know when you’ll need it.”
“I see. Then… Oh Master, it’s 4.00 am already… I need to be ready for my daily training…”
“Oh? Is the Academy going on full course today?”
“No, it’s my own promise to two of my seniors to train alongside them. I need to be there at 4.30 am.”
“Oh, that comrade of yours when you’re training attacks and evasion while on the run… Go, my apprentice! A promise is there to be kept!”
“Yes, Master Shia!”
Felt went out to prepare himself, took a quick clean-up and dried himself up with his wind manipulation. It was so cold that he was shivering. However, he kept using Shia’rine’s Breathing Technique since his Master said so. Returning, he dressed himself with a simple loose shirt and trousers, put on his boot. He activated his Time Manipulation, Mana Circulation and Imperial Free-Flowing Movement, said goodbye to his Master… the book, bowed and ran towards the field with fifteen minutes to spare.
To his surprise, his two seniors were already running full speed. The speed they were displaying was not on the same level he had seen before. They were attacking each other and evading all the while running around the field at such speed. They were so absorbed in it; they probably did not notice Felt who was observing them from a distance. It was full moon that night, so there were some lights on the field, aside from some torches. Due to his Vision skill, he could see even better than others. Even from afar, he could feel their raging fighting spirit.
Out of his new habit, he activated Scan.
Ding!
Name: Zoei R. Archveil Alignment: Good
Level: 70+
Class: Wyvern Knight
Title: Strong Leader
Fame: 2720+
Speed: 170+
Fighting Spirit: 220+
More Information would be possible as Scan skill increase.
Ding!
Name: Zechrius V. Agustar Alignment: Good
Level: ???
Class: Wyvern Knight
Title: Carefree Genius
Fame: ????
Speed: 170++
Fighting Spirit: 250++
More Information would be possible as Scan skill increase.
Felt’s eyes opened up.
- Wow! Speed over 170 and a fighting spirit in 200s! There’s even that “++” sign there... Zack-sempai… Whatever their real ability is, they really are on a whole different level than others…
He remembered the person he met yesterday.
- Even Ayster-sempai is impressive… I’ve heard PACT members are students of the highest ability, now I can seriously believe that. PACT, Paladin Aspirant Council of Twelve…
“Amazing,”
“Hmm, those boys are quite impressive, I can say equal in potential to novice Knights of my era.”
Shia’rine commented. Felt almost jumped in surprise.
“How…?”
“No need to be surprise… That Gauntlet of yours connects me with you. While I could just faintly see before with the pact, now I can see, hear, feel clearer and even faintly smell whatever surrounding you… How can I say I’m your Master if I can’t even do this much?”
“I… I see… Though I’d appreciate it if Master could refrain a little in… some normal part of my life.”
“Hmph! No need to worry… I’m not going to spy on your personal business. If you need some private time, all you need to do is to ask.”
“Yes, Master. Thank you.”
“Felt! What’re you doing over there! Come down here and join us!”
Zoei called, raising his right hand to greet him from afar. Zack waved his hand, signaling him to come.
Felt ran towards them. He remembered to keep himself graceful by holding his sword on his right waist and ran well still.
Majestic Presence is in effect.
“Good, you’re on time.”
“Yes, Good morning Zoei-sempai, Good morning Zack-sempai.”
“Good Morning, Felt. Nice of you to join us.”
“No, the pleasure is mine. Thank you for having me again.”
“You two should stop with the pleasantries. It’ll be tiring to do this every morning.”
“It won’t be every morning. This is the last week of the ‘Honey Moon’ month afterall.”
Zack was referring to the lack of harsh practice and stress during the 1st Years first month. This is due to almost all instructors either went with the seniors for their training missions, or other missions during this time. The first week was the orientation, the two weeks after it was free practice with the assistant instructors, and lastly this week, Week of the Martial Fest, where several events were organized by the PACT and the Academy’s Office. The whole practice should start in earnest in the second month. The other seniors should be coming back soon.
“What’s that Felt? A new gauntlet?”
The gauntlet caught Zack’s attention.
“Why yes. My Master gave it to me.”
“Oh that looks quite good… too good in fact. Who is your Master?”
- Why Zack-sempai and his sharpness… should I say amazing?
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you that yet, sempai. I’m sorry.”
He bowed a little.
“Hahah no matter. Like I said before… if you have anything to keep it secret, just say so and I’ll respect it. No need to apologize all the time.”
“Thank you sempai. By the way, sempai both of you are earlier than expected.”
“Well, we just remembered we need to be present in a meeting at 7.30 am, so we figured we should start earlier… just half hour earlier.”
Zoei answered.
“Meeting?”
“Yes, with the Principal the Lieutenant General and all PACT members.”
“Ah, would it concerned with this week’s events?”
“We finish everything needed; it’ll just be reports and some other issues.”
“Never mind the meeting, Felt. I heard you caused a commotion yesterday.”
Zack intruded.
“Ah, I tried a new way of illustrating myself… how did you know, sempai?”
“I met Ayster last night. He and I are quite close. So you imitated Zoei’s style huh… Good choice. People always pay attention to his dignified manner.”
- Ah… I guess Asyter-sempai would notice it, or he described it rather too well to the sharp Zack-sempai. Or maybe he just notice my way of walking or talking just now was different.
“Y-yes, I guess I did imitate Zoei-sempai. I hope you don’t mind, sempai.”
“No, I wouldn’t mind it. What did you imitate Felt?”
Zoei laughed a bit.
“Oh, the way you walk. Calm, composed but natural still… and the way you speak, sempai. Calm, clear, deep voice, all in order and warm to others.”
“That’s a lot of definition. Quite accurate too. Zoei, lucky you. You have a junior of whom you inspired. Oh? What’s this? You look quite happy?”
“W-what? It’s normal to be happy if your junior improved himself in any way!”
“Ha hah sorry I was teasing you.”
“Bah. You being so sharp is troublesome, Zack.”
“Sharp? Ohhhh…”
Zack made a strange glance.
“Hei..”
“I know, I know… ha hah..”
- Their carefree attitude did not change even when I’m under the effect of Majestic Presence. The others showed such difference in attitude though. Maybe they’re quite used to such presence?
“Um… sempai, shouldn’t we start our training now? I did my warm-up while coming here.”
“Right! Oh yeah since this is your second day… third, but meh it’s second day having the full two hours course. I’ll be a little bit serious. Zoei, you need to be too.”
“I know, I know.”
“What? A little bit… I thought yesterday was quite serious enough…”
“Yesterday was nothing…”
“Yes, you are associated with us now. It’s only natural to be stronger than others… faster.”
Zoei added in agreement.
“Becoming stronger is not cheap, afterall… might as well pay it in lump sum. Hm hmm…”
Zack grinned.
“Can’t I have a say on this sempai?”
“No.”
“Nope.”
Both answered simultaneously.
- Man, this is the end of me…
***
Felt moved while trying to make full use of his skills. He activated over and over his active skills. He tried to move artistically to gain more experience using Imperial Free Flow Movement. Shia’rine’s breathing skills and gauntlet, coupled with a lot of his skills allowed him to attain a speed clearly superior to his own before.
He was tired.
So tired…
Really tired…
Deadly tired…
Warning! Your stamina had hit rock-bottom.
He was about to fall…
“What’s the matter Felt? Quitting? Well you won’t be the first… there’s many who just flaunt themselves out there with “I’ll achieve this and this!” but were all but talk.”
“I’m not one of them Sempai!”
He returned a kick to Zack. He avoided with ease.
> Quote:Your Fighting Spirit has increased your stamina temporarily!
“That’s the spirit!”
After two hours… of kicking, striking, avoiding, running, jumping and dancing to avoid attack…
Many bruises…
A lot of hurting…
A lot of tears…
Ding!
Intense activity ended!
You have 53 stacked Stats Notifications
Agility +6
Stamina +9
Strength +5
Endurance +9
Charisma +1
Physical Resist +4
Vitality +3
Fighting Spirit +11
Perseverance +6
Art +4
Focus +4
Imperial Free Flow Movement Level Up!
Level 4
Time Manipulation Level Up!
Level 4
Shia’rine’s Breathing Technique Level Up!
Level 2
Mana Circulation Level Up!
Level 3.
Hand to hand Combat Level Up!
Level 4.
You gained a title!
- The One Who Persevere.
You are the embodiment of perseverance, a rare quality even among good men.
Due to your honour, you will continue to do so even when no one is watching.
The title will be void if you gave up easily on matters currently undertaken.
Fame +100
Perseverance +20
Honour +10
Fighting Spirit +10
Endurance +10
Easier to befriend people who work harder than others.
Felt was on the field, lying there severely tired.
- Wow… a title… Stats increase even better than before too… tired like hell, though. And hurting… Zack-sempai was strong indeed, but Zoei packed quite a power too. Augh %^*&@#$%*&... My back!!!
“Did I kick too strong, Zoei?”
“I don’t think so. It’s just you who are too strong. The kick was quite lenient, in your standard.”
“Yes, I think so too. He got a long way to go. But it’ll be worthwhile later.”
“Yes, let’s continue training him.”
Felt could hear their little discussion, but did not join since he could only barely stay awake while gasping for air. He changed his breathing technique to his father’s… barely.
Now that its 6.30 am, the morning light made its way through the clouds.
- Will I die during training? Ah, let’s just sleep for now… emm…
“Oi, Felt, you okay? Your face is quite…”
Zack’s voice ringed inside before he lost consciousness.
“Quite pale…”
He sighed.
“Let’s just send him to the infirmary… it’s on the way afterall. I wonder if there’s staff at this hour…”
“Yes, let’s. I’ll just smash it open when it comes to it.”
“Monsters…”
Felt mumbled.
###