NightHare

Year 8/9 & Attack (4.1)

It was a sunny day—the perfect weather for a group training session.

A large circle was drawn in the dirt, creating a makeshift ring. Footsteps blurred some of its edges. Priestess Gwyneth stood in the middle of it.

Six people: Evan, Inu, Jules, Lexi, Moran, and Saxa sat by the benches. There were the older children who were training with the church.

On the left, a male reptilian was fidgeting with a pair of daggers, By his side was a bow that looked well used from hours of practice. He was Moran, an apprentice hunter from town. He had been practicing with the church children because all his teachers were preparing for the summer hunt.

To his right were Inu, Lexi, and Saxa. Inu was standing up and telling a story.

"And the bear stood on its hind legs. It roared and slashed at me." He imitated the slashes, striking at the girls.

They didn't flinch and continued listening, commenting on the side.

"Did ya dodge?"

"Nope." He proudly beat his chest. Inu wrapped an arm around Moran's shoulder, pulling him into the conversation. "He saved me."

Annoyed, he pushed Inu. "And now I'm wishing I didn't."

Lexi snickered at their interaction.

On the far right, Evan and Jules were reading a book together. Jules was explaining the principles behind a magical device.

"This uses creation and connection magic." He pointed towards a communication ring. "The magic establishes a frequency that other communication devices can connect to, and that allows them to connect with each other."

"Oh." Evan asked, "Is the magic particularly difficult?"

He pondered for a moment. "Hm. The concept magic isn't too difficult, but it requires a lot of precision."

"Then, it's probably a luxury or government good." Evan was a human slightly younger than Lexi. Currently, he was apprenticing at a local merchant's guild and learning self-defense from Sister Alena.

Someone clapped. "Attention!"

All the children stopped talking and turned their heads towards the sound.

"Jules." Gwyneth beckoned him forward. Then, she pointed at the half-orc with the sword. "Inu."

Inu picked up his sword. Jules pushed the book into Evan's arm and grabbed his spellbook. They walked to her.

She stretched out a hand. "No accessories. I want a clean fight."

Inu glanced at Jules and reached for his earring. He unclipped the backing and placed it in her hand.

On the other hand, Jules pulled up his sleeves and took off the multiple bracelets on his arm. He stacked them and gave them to Gwyneth.

She nodded after receiving both sets and placed them into a bag. Backing away, she raised her hand.

Both opponents backed away from each other, readying themselves.

"Ready. Go!" She whistled and brought her hand down.

Inu rushed forward, thrusting his sword out. On the other side, Jules jumped backward and summoned a magic circle.

The circle glowed yellow and disappeared. In its place was a translucent yellow barrier. Shield.

Bang.

The sword and shield clashed, resonating with each other.

Inu pulled his sword back and punched forward with his left hand. It bashed against the barrier. He recoiled from the force and prepared to attack it again.