Heart of Elaria

Chapter 6

The first rays of sunlight filtered through my window as I sat up and stretched. Todays schedule was packed with classes, each one aimed at testing and teaching us something new. Although it meant a long grueling day, I was eager to dive in—- anything felt easier than yesterday's trial with Kaelan constant scrutinizing glare.

I threw on my training gear and headed to the mess hall, where the others were already gathered. We ate quickly and went over the schedule one last time.

"First up is sparring and combat training," Jace said grinning, "we finally get to see what we can do with real weapons."

"I'm not complaining," Gideon said, rolling his shoulders, "let's get to it."

After a quick breakfast, we made our way to the training grounds, where rows of weapons were laid out across a wide rack. Commander Valen stood at the front, arms crossed, surveying the crowd.

"Welcome to Sparring and Combat Training,: he announced, his voice steady and commanding. "Today's class will test your strength, reflexes, and adaptability. Weapons will be assigned to each of you, and you'll rotate between them. You will learn to defend yourselves, but you will also learn control, strategy, and how to gauge an opponent's weaknesses."

The class was split into smaller groups to practice different techniques. I was placed with the daggers and short swords, my preferred choice back home. Iris ended up in my group, flashing me a grin as we paired up to spar.

She held her sword with easy confidence, her eyes sharp and focused. We circled each other, testing movements and adjusting our grips looking for any hesitation.

"Let's see what you've got Ashen Kin," she said, twirling the sword with practiced ease.

I narrowed my eyes, giving her a small grin. "Bring it on."

Iris was quick, lunging forward with a speed that nearly took me off guard. I blocked her strike and retaliated with a jab, but she sidestepped, moving fluidly. She kept pressing forward, her strikes light but unrelenting, forcing me to focus on defense.

As we sparred, i tried to recall te techniques i'd picked up watching the fights in Eldoria. Each time she moved, I made a conscious effort to read her footwork, to anticipate the next strike, and find openings.

Then, I saw it— she overreached, leaving her right side exposed. I stepped in, sidestepped her next swing, and knocked her off balance, sweeping her leg and sending her to the ground.

Iris looked up at me, surprised but smiling. "Not bad for a non-magic Ashen Kin."

The words were teasing, but I felt a flicker of pride. I had managed to hold my own, despite the gap in experience.

"Next!" Commander Valen's voice rang out as he gestured for us to rotate partners and switched weapons.

Now equipped with a short staff, I moved to a new section and found myself paired with Sylas, who held a dagger. Sylas looked down at the dagger with slight unease, clearly preferring his usual connection to plants and natural magic. But he gave me a nod, and we began.

He came at me tentatively at first, testing the waters, but u sensed he was more agile than he let on. Each strike he threw was precise, calculated. He may not have looked like a fighter, but he was quick on his feet, and he adapted well to my defensive stances.

I swung the staff low, aiming to knock him off his feet, but he leapt back, landing nimbly. His brow furrowed as he tried to anticipate my next move. Sylas was perceptive, and though he struggled with the dagger's weight, he was careful in his moves, keeping his stance close and controlled.