Valtava: Dragon Sword

Chapter 6

"Hiah! Hiah!" Tony threw a fist after another, following the sequence the man had instructed him. It was a hot mid-summer day, with the sun scorching high above them. Tony paused to wipe the sweat from his forehead, then proceeded with the next set of moves. His feet swiped across the sand, creating patterns of swirls and lines. With each strike and kick, he exerted as much force from his muscles as he could while being swift enough to keep his movements fluid. Although practicing combat was exhausting, he had never felt so alive before, and it seemed as though his energy reserve was always ample to keep him moving.

He finished his sequence by bringing his feet and hands in the ending position, then let out a deep breath. The man was watching him from under the shade of a tree, and he nodded in satisfaction.

Tony bowed down, knowing there was still much room for improvement. "Master, how do you think I am doing?"

"You have already progressed a great amount. You did not not start out strongly, but your diligence drove you forward and your skills have improved." The man reached up and broke a branch off the tree, then threw it to Tony, who caught it with his hand.

"You have basic skills in hand-to-hand combat now. I'd like you to start learning sword fighting next."

He proceeded to teach Tony the principles and techniques of swordsmanship - the proper way to hold a sword, the way to balance strength with steadiness. He demonstrated a few simple moves, then allowed Tony to follow. Every day, he increased the complexity of the sequence and observed as Tony progressed.

His master also began to teach him the art of controlling mana - the internal energy flowing within the bodies of all living beings. It was the most difficult skill for Tony to learn as it required a great deal of concentration and mindfulness. He started by learning the breathing techniques that allowed him to channel his mana from one compartment of his body to another. He then learned to direct his mana to external objects, such as stones and bushes, causing small degrees of manipulation to them. With time, he was able to summon more energy and blow up entire rocks. He also achieved the ability to heal, repairing bruises and cracks in the fruits he practiced on.

Before they knew it, five years had passed, and Tony was now a young man with a tall stature and strong build. He had mastered all of the skills his mentor had taught him, and he no longer feared facing the menacing world beyond their dwelling. The poison within his body was all cured, and the energy he had accumulated seemed to propel his blood forward, providing him with great strength.

"Tony, come here," his mentor said one morning, gesturing for Tony to sit down on a bed of grass next to him.

Tony obeyed, asking, "What is it, Master?"

"We have been together for several years now, and I think it is time for me to tell you my name and my past," the man said. Tony's eyes brightened up, and he nodded eagerly.

"My name is Wallace. I have lived in this cave for over fifteen years now. This cave is called the Cavern of Reminiscence, and it is actually a very special place that radiates a highly powerful healing energy. It is for this reason that I have to stay here. Without its energy, I will die shortly as soon as I step outside of its boundaries."

Tony suddenly became worried, not knowing that his master bore his own injury that he had hidden for all these years. "Master, are you alright? What happened to you?"

Wallace nodded. "It is not an urgent matter. I am well and strong, but there is an item that I have been carrying that continuously absorbs my energy." He reached to his side and lifted a sheathed sword from the ground. Tony gasped when he laid eyes on it, as he could immediately see that it was no ordinary sword. The sheath had beautiful intricate carvings on it, and the handle was detailed with a scaled texture and two tiny dragon faces at the end. Wallace held the sword up to Tony, who paused as he felt it was too precious for him to receive it.