Meanwhile, Training yard
~William’s Perspective~
I lunge at Cassius, swinging my practice sword at his. He blocks it effortlessly and swings back. I barely block his attack in time before he twirls his wrist, spinning both blades in a circle. I lose my grip and my sword falls to the ground.
“Damn it,” I curse.
Cassius grins.
“That was good,” he replies.
We’ve been sparring ever since Avery helped the guy, Daniel, up and took him to the ship. I challenged Cassius to a sparring match. Big mistake.
He’s good. Really good. Every one of my attacks feel slow compared to his, and he always seems to know what I’m going to do next. He’s better than Castor, and Castor was good.
"How are you so damn fast?” I ask.
“Different swords lead to different fighting styles. I use a cutlass, so my attacks are based on speed and agility. It has its drawbacks though. Also, I’m years older than you with a lot more experience to boot. You’re pretty good though. Also, these are wooden swords, so they’re lighter.”
“Alright,” I reply. “What should I do to get better?”
He thinks for a few moments. And then he gives me an answer that surprises me.
“Well, to do that, I need to see your sword first.”
“What?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“You’ll see. Just go get it.”
I think about protesting, but I decide against it. He’s offering me a chance to learn.
I run over to the inn.
WHAM!
I slam into Pax. We both fall over.
“Holy shit,” says Pax. “What the fuck man?”
“Sorry,” I reply. I lock eyes with Landon. He shifts, uncomfortable.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
“Grabbing my sword,” I say.
“Why?”
Odd. I thought he’d be more confrontational.
“None of your business right now. Why are you here?”
“We were going to talk to you,” answers Pax.
I look between them, unsure.
“Alright,” I say. “After I get my sword. Cassius is waiting. We’ll walk back together.”
“Wait, Cassius?”
“Yeah, Castor’s there too by the way.”
“Really?”
A bit later
~Landon’s Perspective~
We walk silently to the training yard. I just told my past to William.
“So that’s why you were so quiet,” muses William. “Gee man, sorry. If I had known-”
“Don’t,” I grumble. “Let it go. Besides, we’ve got to prepare. I promised Pax I would train him.”
“There you are,” says a voice. A man stands there, his black hair hanging messily over brown eyes. “I was starting to get worried. So, do you have the sword?”
“Yup,” replies William, pulling out his sword. “Here it is.”
The man takes it and looks at it.
“Step back,” he tells us after a bit.
We do as he says.
“Where’s Castor?” asks Pax. “Will said he was here.”
“You know him or something?”
“Yeah. From Stratus Town.”
The man looks up, intrigued.
“You must be Pax then.”
He grips the handle with both hands and starts swinging. He looks uncomfortable at first, but as he continues swinging the sword, his swings look more natural.
“Holy shit,” whispers Pax in wonder.
“Yeah, yeah,” says the man. He stops swinging and hands the sword back to William.
“Now you try. Attack the dummy like you normally would.”
William does what he says.
“Stop. I see the problem. Part of it’s the fact that the wooden swords are light, but it’s partially a you problem.”
“What do you mean?” asks William.
The man sighs.
“You’re fighting wrong. Your sword is in a sense, balanced, but it leans towards strength and defense, not agility, which means many things.”
He holds up his hand and counts his fingers, listing out details.
“One: right now, you’re leaning on agility a bit too much. Your training with Castor is partially to blame, but at least you’re not outright copying him. But the amount of speed you’re looking for in your attacks right now isn’t possible with this sword. It’s simply too heavy. At most, you’ll get close, but you’ll be exhausted.
“Two: Your sword is built to be used with 2 hands a majority of the time. One hand is possible, but this sword is a hand-and-three-quarters. One hand is fine, but for this sword, use one-handed moves a little less often. The last thing you need is to screw your wrist over while in combat. Two hands are more ideal. At some point, the sword’s weight is going to get you killed if you use it wrong. It’s already putting strain on your wrist, but the effect isn’t severe yet. Still, don’t rely on your wrists as much when swinging one-handed. It’ll kill you.
“Three: Your physical build isn’t ideal for 100% quick and fast combat. Your body is better suited for defensive and offensive attacks with at most 66% movement sprinkled in there. The sword is perfect for you, but you’re using it wrong. Focus a bit less on speed and agility, and focus more on strength. Other than that, you’re good.”
“Damn,” says William. “How do you know so much?”
The man sighs.
“Let’s just say my old man taught me everything about making weaponry.”
“Alright.”
“Well, I’ve got to be going now. See you around. And don’t even think about telling the authorities.”
He walks away, not looking back.
“Alright,” I say. “Let’s start.”
“You guys go ahead,” says William. “I’m exhausted.”
“Alright then.”
Me and Pax spend the rest of the day fighting. Well, it’s more me literally grilling into him fighting basics while William laughs.
For the first time in months, I’m truly having fun.
End of Chapter XVII