The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 25. A Selfish Request

After walking and having some small talk between Sarah, Anna and I, we arrived at the practice field, where Warrick sat on the grass cross legged. I greeted him and he opened his eyes and proceeded to greet us as well. After the greetings were done, Warrick got down to business and explained how his class was going to work for Sarah and me.

" Sarah you already know how this will work so I'll explain it to John."

 After saying that to Sarah, Warrick turned to me and began to speak to me directly.

" Basically, the first two classes are for you to learn new skills and magic. After which, you will use them against me in a sparring session, trying to combine it all so you can find your style of fighting. After sparring 1 on 1 for a good amount of time, you and Sarah will team up against me to learn how to fight together."

" Wait! Why do Sarah and I need to fight together though?"

" Oh well she's already set her goal. in 3 months, she will fight alongside you against the Hero and his party."

I turn and look at Sarah. She has a look in her eyes like she will not be deterred. I still ask her.

" Why Sarah?"

" My fiancé's enemy is my enemy of course! Also, I have some promises to keep that I made to myself!"

Seeing as how she will not back down on it. I decide to go over everything I've learned today with Warrick. He begins to speak to me with instructions.

" Ok the goal for today is to fight me. You must last 5 minutes to be considered passing! during the fight you must keep control and your mana blade active, besides that survive. If you land a hit on me, you automatically pass as well."

" Understood!"

After answering Warrick, I remember to tell him about Paula. After informing him of her, he cracked a smile and spoke to me.

" Hmm... The first day and you already have a contract with a Fairykin, your control has kept up to a good degree and you can use mana blade without affecting your control. You have more talent than I thought John!"

" To be honest with you Warrick, it takes everything to maintain control while using any magic."

" Of course, I said you had talent not mastery! That's what my class is for! For now, let's focus on your own skills without using summoning. Once you are more used to controlling and using your mana, we can start using your Summons while we practice, so you get a feel for it in a live combat situation."

" Alright!"

After confirming everything, Warrick handed me a dulled training sword to match his own. Sarah and Anna sat on a picnic blanket that Anna pulled out of thin air like Aqua and her potion. Warrick and I got into position. While staring at each other, I decided to activate Holy Mana Blade. Warrick just watched me. I decided to kick the floor with all my strength and go for a thrusting attack, trying to land that hit to end the session. Warrick simply bent his body away from the blade and slashed my stomach with his sword. I was sent flying and landed about 10 feet from my starting position.

The pain was so intense my concentration slipped, and I lost my hold on my mana, and it came flying out of me. Warrick simply looked at me. After getting my mana back under control, I entered my stance again. After getting my mana blade active again, I decide to go for an overhead strike, which is again dodged, a slash that hits my stomach follows and knocks me away. this continues to repeat, seemingly to the shock and horror of Sarah and Anna. After my fifth attempt, I start to get a feel for his speed. No doubt he's holding back of course. The fact I'm still conscious attests to that. I go for a thrust like my first attack, and he dodges but this time I kick the ground to move backwards to avoid the slash to my stomach. I felt proud of that... until a sword slashed my stomach. That one made me throw up all of the contents of my stomach. Now I see why Sarah looked all dusty and bruised.