The Arch-Mage

Chapter 4

Suddenly, Aran pulled out his sword and lunged at Miran while slashing at him with the blunt edge. The hunter quickly jumped back and pulled out his sword.

Fight! Screamed the soldier.

With as much speed as he could manage, Miran ran straight at him. When he got close enough, the hunter stabbed his sword into the ground and used the handle to spin. He then kicked his opponent and watched as he stumbled backwards. After that, the hunter rushed at his opponent at quickly as he could, jumped, and kicked the man with all of his strength. After that attack, he landed next to his weapon which he pulled out of the ground. The hunter stood still and let the soldier recuperate.

Your dirty fighting is fantastic, is it instinct?
It is.
Good, let's see how far it can carry you. I hope you don't mind if I get serious. Said the lieutenant while pulling a shield off of a weapon rack.

Once again, Miran ran at Aran. This time however, he stomped right in front of him and slashed horizontally at the man's centre of mass. Suddenly, the hunter's weapon hit the ground. He was then hit by a shield in the face. This hit made the inexperienced fighter fall down.

Your instinct is good but it can't keep up with a veteran in full tilt.
How did you avoid that attack?
I jumped. Anyway get up, were gonna be doing this for a couple of hours.

After fighting for the whole morning, the two headed to the canteen. When they got there, the whole group turned and saw a roughed up and dusted up Miran. The two fighter got their meals and sat down next to the group.

What happened to you? Asked Wulf
Not much, Lieutenant Aran taught me a little about how to fight and how to stop fully trusting my instinct when I fight
Those are important lessons. I'm just surprised at how beat up you are.
Me too, I wouldn't have thought that fighting would have been the best way of learning.
Wait, have you guys been brawling ever since you left us earlier this morning?
Yes why?
Because that's damn long. Are you guys taking a break now?
Nope were gonna go work out.
Well have fun with that.

The two friends quickly ate lunch before they went back into the training ground. From there, they trained his balance and agility since his brute strength was already good. After doing this for month, they switched to training his marksmanship. Although it was very good to begin with, it could be improved. They fired two hundred arrows a day. It took only a week for his aim and speed to rival Gregory's. Since he got so good so quick, they replaced his marksmanship lessons with strategy lessons. The month after that they taught him imperial martial arts. When all was finished, his body and mind were in peak conditions while his swordsmanship and marksmanship left nothing to be desired. It was then that he learned he would be leading the team. After that, they were all gathered in the training ground, waiting for their orders.

Well cadets, I'm proud off all of you. You are the finest this country has ever seen. I would not worry about leading you into the heart of the elves's territory myself. Now I must ask, ARE YOU READY TO FIGHT
Sir, yes, sir! They screamed collectively
To the front lines it is. March!

The 6 soldier marched behind their commanding officer until they reached a wagon which they entered. After a 4 hour ride, they had finally reached the front lines which consisted of camps in front of a forest.

While you are here, you shall explore the complex and help whoever needs it. Do I make myself clear?
Sir, yes, sir!
After that, the soldiers were left to their own business. Miran decided to explore the surrounding area. The camp was covered in tents which contained everything from beds to ammunition. To his surprise, in one of the tents, soldiers had captured two elves and were discussing what to do with them. Even though they were his sworn enemied, Miran felt bad about seeing them like this so he thought of a way of dealing with this situation.