I stood up and went searching for the training hall so that I wouldn't be late—but actually early. Everything was marked with signs and arrows pointing to each location, so I didn't have to search for too long.
On the way there, I came across Draven and Zareth. We talked a little before getting there.
As we entered the training hall, I noticed how huge it was. One entire wall was filled with weapons—from huge and thin swords to axes, hammers, and shields, all made of wood and metal.
At the far end of the hall, in front of the entrance, there were many wooden targets shaped like humans.
In front of them stood six people, each wearing different outfits. They all looked like different ages, and each of them had a weapon.
These must be the teachers.
The room was already filled with other heroes, all waiting in front of the teachers patiently.
As we entered, many of them looked at us—but specifically at Zareth.Must be because of what he said yesterday.
We went and stood with the others, facing the teachers.
One of the teachers—a man with short brown hair, brown eyes, and around 180 cm tall—stood in the middle, holding a thin sword with its tip resting on the ground, his hand placed on the handle. He waved at us.
"Welcome," he said."Please wait with us until all the heroes have gathered."
With that, he went quiet again. The other teachers just stood there, minding their own business—some serious, others looking bored.
After a while, all the heroes finally gathered. Some were even late, but they were brought in by knights—not by force.
"I suppose we can start now," the same teacher said.
"I am Kaelor Draxil. I will be your teacher for the next month, teaching you all how to use the sword. And with me are the other five teachers who will train you alongside me."
A female teacher stepped forward.
"I am Myra Vynth."
She held what looked like a magic staff, almost as tall as her. She seemed to be around 170 cm, with long blue hair and blue eyes.
"I will be responsible for teaching you magic."
"Now, for the other teachers," Kaelor continued.
"They will handle the academic training, while Myra and I are responsible for the physical training."
With that, the other four teachers introduced themselves briefly and then quietly left the hall, leaving us with Myra and Kaelor.
She looks like she's in her twenties… while he's in his thirties.
"Now, heroes, we will begin our first lesson," Kaelor said.
He placed his sword back at his side in its sheath, then walked to the weapons wall and grabbed a wooden sword. Myra stayed where she was, watching quietly.
He returned to the center, and we all gathered around him in a circle.
"I want one of you to step forward and have a 1v1 with me."
"What…?"
"No way…"
"I'm afraid…"
The heroes started whispering to each other.
Kaelor waited a moment before speaking again.
"Well, if none of you have the courage to step forward, then I will just pick—"
"I will."
Before he could finish, I stepped forward.
He looked at me with a surprised expression, while Myra smiled slightly in amusement. The other heroes stared at me in shock.
Draven and Zareth quietly encouraged me from behind.
"Good, good," Kaelor said."Tell me, hero—what is your name?"
"I am Malvek Duskar."
"Malvek, huh? I shall remember your name for your courage."
"Now go ahead and pick a weapon from the wall."
I looked at him, a slightly arrogant expression forming on my face.
"I don't need one."
He looked at me… then at Myra… then back at me.
"What? He doesn't want one??""Who does he think he is…?"
Some of the heroes started shouting.
"Malvek… are you sure? "Kaelor asked.
I nodded.
"Well then, as you wish. But don't regret it later," he said, taking a fighting stance.
Meanwhile, I just stood there—no stance, no defense, nothing.
"Are you both ready?" Myra asked.
We nodded.
"Good… then…"
"3… 2… 1… START!"
Kaelor immediately rushed toward me, holding his wooden sword in front of him.
Finally… some fun.
As he approached, I could clearly see all his movements.
He's slow… I could win the match easily.But this situation isn't about winning… not yet.
As he got closer, I raised my left arm, placing the bracelet directly in the path of his sword.
Now… show me what you'll do.
"What the—?!"
Just before his sword could touch the bracelet, he pushed himself back, creating distance between us.
I see.
The heroes watched in shock.
After a few seconds, Kaelor rushed again—this time jumping into the air, bringing his sword down toward me.
Slow again.
I positioned my bracelet once more to intercept his attack. Again, he adjusted in mid-air.
Try all you want… It won't work.
I shifted my wrist slightly, always keeping the bracelet in the way.
"Shit!" he shouted.
Just as he was about to make contact—
Myra suddenly raised her staff and released a gust of wind, pushing Kaelor forward in mid-air.
He hit the ground and quickly stood back up.
"Alright, students—let's take a break," Myra said.
"What just happened?""Was that magic?"
The heroes whispered among themselves.
Myra walked over to Kaelor.
"Hey… what was that, Malvek?" Draven asked with a smile as he approached me with Zareth.
Zareth, however, looked at me with a questioning expression.
He saw it…?