Adventures Beyond The Void [Season 1]

Chapter 40: Successful Trainings and Forging Weapons

3RD POV

BOOM!!

Nicholas sprinted toward the forest as boulders crashed around him. Once under the trees, he zigzagged through the trunks, using the canopy to block most attacks. A metallic jingle warned him just before the chain-blade tore through the branches. He could slow down to shield himself, but that would leave him open. So, he pushed forward, glancing up in time to see a massive branch falling. The Tree-trooper sent a root up, knocking it aside.

The forest's edge was in sight, just a little further and he'd finally finish the run. But Selin dropped from above. Her hand snapped open and a swarm of pitch-black moths rushed out like a storm. Nicholas braced himself, trying to find a way through, but the Tree-trooper acted first. The roots layered up until he was encased in bark.

With a sharp cry, he leapt. The root-armor launched him higher than he expected, flipping him through the air. He crashed through the swarm, the bark absorbing the blow. As he spun past, he locked eyes with Selin. Then he twisted, landed on his feet, and kept running without breaking stride.

Finally, he burst out of the tree line, skidding onto the dirt path beyond the forest. His legs wobbled, and the root-armor cracked apart, falling away in splinters. He staggered a few steps before collapsing onto his knees. Sweat ran down his face, but even through the exhaustion, a grin spread across his lips. He'd done it. At long last, he'd made it through. 

   Selin: - You finally made it to the end. But don't let that victory fool you. You were sloppy. You hesitated more than once. You wasted too much energy when a cleaner route was possible.

She gestured back toward the forest.

   Selin: - And that jump? You let the Tree-trooper control the pace. You should've been the one in control.

Nicholas's smile faltered. For a moment, he thought she'd dismiss his efforts entirely.

   Selin: - Still, you pushed through. Even when the odds stacked against you, and worked with your little companion in better harmony. That's progress.

Nicholas's smile returned. 

   Nicholas: - Right!

   Selin: - Go take a shower, kid, then head to the dining hall for breakfast.

The black-haired woman instructed, before vanishing into thin air. After washing up, he put on the new clothes that appeared right from within the wall.

   Nicholas: - Thanks, House.

Once dressed, he made his way to the kitchen where he found no one except Kenju and Severed.

   Kenju: - Good morning, bestie!

   Nicholas: - Good morning, Kenju. Where are the others?

   Severed: - They're training Hunter to wield a staff. Since his weapon of choice was a scepter, the captain thought it'd be best if he started practicing. I believe this is the fifth lesson by now.

Nicholas took a seat at the long wooden table. Kenju immediately slid a steaming mug of coffee toward him, and Severed perched on the edge of the table.

   Severed: - So, how was your training?

   Nicholas: - Oh, I actually completed the run.

Kenju looked at him with pride.