Centurion Showdown (Isaac, the first Adventurer)

Chapter 3 (Teacher)

After walking for about a day, we reached the city the Light Mage spoke of. It was a huge castle with numerous markets and stands surrounding it.

First, I headed to the Blacksmith Shop, hoping to purchase something useful with the money I had made. After browsing the goods, I purchased a full set of silver armor, but it would take some time for the blacksmith to forge and polish. That was ok, so I explored the city while the blacksmith got to work.

I went to the food markets next where I bought as many apples as I could afford.

I found a bench at a nearby park and sat down with my party, reading my alchemy book. I wanted to learn.

I tried reading about apples but found nothing on them.

After some aimless reading to kill the time, I went back to the blacksmith and picked up my armor, putting it on. I was looking very good with the shining set.

A compound bow then took my eye from the blacksmith's fine display. I traded in my crossbow and my bolts for it and some metal arrows. This new bow could deal far more damage. After a small fee and the trade, it was within my grasp.

The blacksmith saw my passion as well as my potential and offered me a job at his shop.

I asked what he proposed, and he named his hours and payment rates. I would be trained how to be a blacksmith and how to forge weapons and gear. I also would be trained about the stock market for said weapons and gear as well as the customer's ever-changing demand. Additionally, and above all, how to master the art of crafting.

I accepted the proposal, and the blacksmith told me to return when I was ready for my training.

With no time to waste, I was ready right then and there!

First, I was taught how to light the forge, before we placed iron Ingots into it. The forge heated the metal until it was red hot, and the blacksmith helped me remove them with a long pair of tongs. He placed it onto the anvil, hammering it into shape. And just like that, the blacksmith had taught me how to craft a dagger!

This one was much stronger than the crude one the goblins had given me. I equipped this new one and repurposed the lumpy metal from the goblin dagger to create more items with the blacksmith teacher.

I worked until the shop closed that day, when the sun was setting.

It was evening now, and I visited a training dojo that was in the city. If I wanted to survive, I needed to get stronger. The roads and wilderness were dangerous and difficult. I needed to be prepared to brave them.

I walked inside and saw an old man meditating inside, his legs crossed on the tatami mat.

Without even opening his eyes to see me, he asked me why I was there.

I said I sought training. He responded with another question.

"Why do you seek training?" He asked.

"I want to become stronger than I was yesterday," I replied.

"Well then," He said, opening his eyes. The old man stood up, walked up to me and punched me right in the stomach!

"First lesson is blocking. You must learn to be faster than the opponent," The old man instructed, getting into position for his next move.

"Ok!" I sputtered, recovering from the sudden blow. I readied myself the best I could.

He striked again, hitting my shoulder... I was too slow...

"Practice makes perfect," He continued to teach.

I didn't respond and prepared myself again.

He aimed for my leg, and I blocked it!