"The first test is simple. You are to fight three opponents simultaneously. Each opponent will wield a different weapon; sword, spear, or axe. One of which will be enchanted with magic."
Lore's thoughts flashed back to the instructions. Lore shook his head, as brought himself in the present. He had incapacitated the speat holder, but he still had to contend with the other two. They each had weapons drawn and ready.
One of the fighters was an older man with long gray hair, and a beard. His body was lean, but powerful. He wielded a large wooden axe, covered in enchantments.
The other opponent held his wooden sword in both hands, and had an air of power. Lore wielded his training sword and shield, unwavering in his determination.
They circled each other, waiting for their chance. All three combatants knew that the battle would end when one fell. Their eyes locked onto each others' and they began to move. Lore lunged at the older man, swinging his blade. But the man parried the blow easily, and swung his own axe at Lore's midsection. Lore ducked low and rolled backward, avoiding the strike. The older man laughed, as did most of the onlookers.
"Well done! Now let's see how you do against someone who knows what they're doing!" the younger man yelled.
Lore turned toward the young man, and saw him holding his wooden sword in hand.
Lore had little experience fighting other Knight's, other than Valorum. So, he wasn't exactly sure where to start. He felt a surge of adrenaline flow through his veins, as he prepared himself mentally.
As the two squared off, Lore noticed something about the man. He was fast. Very quick and agile for his size. And despite being of smaller build, his strength was on par with Lore.As they fought, Lore tried to keep track of his movements. How he used his arms, legs, and torso to maneuver around the battlefield.
Lore had been able to avoid several attacks, but he was unable to land any blows of his own. As the two continued to trade strikes, Lore realized that there was a pattern emerging in the man's movements. He was using some sort of spell to enhance his speed and agility.
Lore quickly countered with his own magical abilities, hoping to catch the man off guard. He unleashed a torrent of lightning bolts at his foe, but the man seemed unfazed.
Lore was intentionally holding back quite a bit, but it still shocked him. His attention was pulled back by the axe wielder. This fighter looked like a brute, and he wielded his weapon with ease.
Lore was forced into a defensive stance, as the man charged at him.
He blocked the first swing with his shield, while deflecting the second with his training sword. The enchantment placed on the axe increased the blades weight, and momentum. Though Lore blocked the attack; it sent him sliding a few meters backward.
The man grinned as he stepped closer.
Lore stood up straight and met his charge, striking him square across the chest with his practice sword.
His opponent stumbled backwards, stunned by the suddenness of his counterattack.
"I am not impressed," the man said. "You are far too slow for my liking. You will never survive long in this world if you cannot defend yourself properly."
Lore didn't respond, instead he focused on the man before him. He was tall and muscular, with short black hair and dark brown eyes. His face was chiseled, with sharp cheekbones and strong jaw line.
They circled each other again slowly. Each strike landed true, though neither managed to land any real damage. The swordsman approached Lore's flank, and swung his blade at his shoulder.
Lore sidestepped the blow and struck him in the knee with his practice sword. He heard a loud snap followed by an agonized scream, and fell to the ground clutching his leg in pain.
Lore turned and faced his attacker, who was writhing in agony on the floor.
Lore quickly disarmed the foe, and stole his wooden sword. Lore quickly turned, readied with two practice swords in hand. The axe wielder readied his axe, and then charged.
Lore deflected the first blow with his practice sword, and parried the second with his training blade. They continued to exchange blows for nearly ten minutes before Lore broke away.
Both men were panting, sweat dripping from every pore. Welts were forming on any exposed skin, and you could tell both men were struggling to stay upright.
"So, you think you've got what it takes?" asked the man.
Lore looked around, and saw there was nobody else near him or their fight. "Yes," he answered confidently.
The man chuckled, "Good answer, good answer."
Lore took a step toward him. "What do you mean?"
The man laughed some more and shook his head. "Oh, nothing, just making sure your ready to take on anything thrown at you."
Lore looked around nervously. "Are you talking about the tests? Or something else?"
"Just remember, you're being watched. So don't screw up."
Lore nodded, and readied his swords. His opponent shook his head, and lowered his guard in defeat. Lore lowered his swords, and the Instructor began walking over. His three opponent helped each other, and then took their leave. Once Instructor Krag made it to Lore; Krag patted him on the shoulder.
"You did well recruit, I have some tips for you, if you don't mind. Also, Commander Radi was impressed."
Lore felt his heart skip a beat, and he couldn't help but smile. "I'm glad to hear that, thank you."
Krag nodded his head and gave Lore a wink. "No worries, let's go inside and meet with the rest of your fellow recruits. You may find this difficult at first, but try not to show too much emotion when you spar. Keep calm and focused, and never give up."
Lore nodded his head and walked into the building with Krag. As they entered, Lore noticed how different the place was compared to where he grew up. There were far fewer people than he expected. Only about four hundred of the five hundred remained, and it was only the first day. Lore could only imagine how the next six months would be utter hell.
As he stood, waiting for Commander Radi's briefing, he overheard a conversation behind him. One of the women was telling her friend about their new instructor. "He's an arrogant bastard!"
Her friend scoffed, "You lost, why are you even still here? Train some more and try again next year." He turned his back to her, as if to signify she should leave.
A few minutes later, Commander Radi approached the crowd, and addressed everyone. "Congratulations, you made it through the first trial." As Radi said this, many in the crowd began to celebrate. At the same time, Lore felt shocked at their pride. He felt it was just the beginning, so why get over confident.
"Enough!" Shouted Radi, "You feel this is an accomplishment? Well, it isn't! This is only the start of the trials. Now, there will be a second test tomorrow morning. Do not think that because you survived tonight means you won't fail tomorrow."
The cheers died down quickly. Many of the knights whooped and hollered, while others mumbled among themselves.
Commander Radi continued, "Now, since you've been given a reprieve, I suggest you sleep soundly. Tomorrow starts early."
With that, Commander Radi left the room.
***
In the morning, Lore woke up to the sounds of birds chirping outside his window. After stretching, he got dressed and headed downstairs.