Total : 1250 words
"My name is Stain Williams," he said. "I'm the vice-captain of Division 6 squad of Stromspire Kingdom, and I will explain the training process. First, we will focus on physical training. After that, there will be a test. The top three performers will move on to special training in weapons, technical skills, and mental strength. The locations for this training will be given later."
Stain looked at the crowd, his face serious. "Physical training starts in fifteen minutes. Do not be late. Training will continue until six PM. Until then, no one leaves this camp. Let me be clear: no crying or begging will change that."
The message was clear-this was a test of both physical and mental strength. The recruits felt the pressure as they prepared for the tough hours ahead.
The warm-up ended, and the real training began.
"We'll start with a run," Stain announced. "You will climb the mountain and return to camp. You have one hour to finish."
A gasp went through the crowd.
"That mountain? It's so high!" someone said, nervous.
Duke, however, didn't seem worried. "That's easy," he said proudly. "I climb it every day to get firewood for my grandpa."
"Hey, Duke!" someone called. Duke turned and saw Jack Orion coming toward him.
"Hey, Jack! You're here for training too?"
"Yeah, man," Jack replied, smiling.
"This is Jack," Duke explained. "He's my friend. He lives in the back part of Taiga Village."
"Let's train together," Jack suggested.
"Yup," Duke agreed. "Let's go."
With a final nod, Duke and Jack joined the others as they started climbing.
Duke, used to the rough mountain paths, moved easily. His feet stepped over rocks and narrow trails without a problem. His breathing was steady, and his body moved naturally. Behind him, the others struggled. Some gasped for air, their legs shaking. Others stumbled, unable to keep up. Jack, though strong, had to push harder than he expected. His respect for Duke grew as he saw him climb with ease.
The mountain became a test of strength and willpower. It separated those who could endure from those who could not.
Duke reached the top first, his forehead slightly sweaty. He took a deep breath, enjoying the familiar view before heading down. Jack reached the top next, his chest heaving, but a proud smile on his face. The other villagers, however, were in bad shape. Some limped back to camp, exhausted. Others gave up before reaching the peak, unable to continue. A few, determined, kept climbing slowly, fighting against their tired bodies.
Stain watched them all, his sharp eyes judging their strength and weaknesses.
"Those who failed to reach the peak will go home," Stain announced loudly.
"What? But why?" some shouted.
A wave of complaints spread through the group, but Stain cut them off.
"You failed. That is all."
Duke, standing with the successful group, scoffed. "You didn't even train them properly. How could they succeed?"
Stain's expression darkened. "Do you forget the rules?" he said in a low, dangerous voice. "No talking back. As punishment, you will clean the camp before going home."
"Why should I listen to you?" Duke challenged, his eyes fierce.
"Duke, stop," Jack said, worried.
"I'm stronger than you," Duke said boldly. "Did you forget that kick to your face?"
A few soldiers laughed.
"I like that kid," one of them chuckled.
Stain smirked. "You caught me off guard, kid. You think you're stronger than me? Let's settle this."
"A duel," Stain proposed. "Are you ready?"
"I'm ready," Duke answered without hesitation.
"Duke, no!" Jack protested. "Stop this!"
"Shut up, Jack," Duke snapped, his focus locked on Stain. "I've always wanted to beat him." He grabbed a wooden practice sword.
"We'll use real swords," Stain said. "Armor is in the armory. Get ready."
Duke headed to the armory, and Jack followed, his voice urgent. "Are you crazy? You're really going to fight him?"
"Just be quiet, Jack," Duke replied, his mind set.
He came out wearing armor and a helmet, a sword in hand. "I'm ready, Stain."
Stain stood waiting.
"Where's your armor?" Duke asked, surprised.
"I won't be using it," Stain said with a grin. "It'll be fair, since you're already tired from the run."
"That was just a warm-up," Duke said. "I won't be responsible if you get hurt."
"Are you done talking?" Stain asked, his patience wearing thin.
"Yeah, yeah, let's go," Duke said, excited.
"Then bring it on, brat."
The air was heavy with tension, only broken by the soft sound of the wind. Duke stood in a high guard stance, his sword raised aggressively, ready to strike. Stain, on the other hand, stood calmly in a low stance, holding his sword loosely. Jack, watching nervously, clenched his fists and bit his lip. His heart pounded with fear.
"Duke, you idiot, please don't do this," Jack thought, his stomach twisting.
"Here I come!" Duke shouted, breaking the silence. He rushed forward, his sword moving fast. Stain met the attack, and the sound of clashing steel echoed like thunder. Duke's attack pushed Stain back a step, but he stayed firm.
Duke attacked again and again, his strikes quick and powerful. Stain blocked every hit easily, his movements smooth and controlled.
"Hehehe, you have good strength, kid," Stain said, amused.
"Are you going to attack or just keep blocking?" Duke taunted.
"I don't need to attack to beat someone like you," Stain replied, his eyes shining.
Duke, angered, lunged at Stain, aiming for his throat. Stain dodged smoothly and punched Duke in the jaw. The punch was so strong that Duke stumbled back, his helmet flying off and landing on the ground with a loud clang.
"Get up, kid," Stain said firmly. "We're not done yet."
Duke, his jaw aching, slowly stood up. He stopped rushing in and instead began circling Stain carefully.
"I've wasted too much energy," he thought, breathing heavily.
"What now? Are you done attacking?" Stain mocked. "Looks like you're already too tired. Give up, Duke Vento."
"I won't give up to someone like you!" Duke growled.
"As you wish," Stain said, his voice turning cold. "But now, I will attack."
He lunged forward, his sword flashing like silver lightning.
Duke barely managed to block. Sparks flew as their swords clashed. Stain's attacks were strong and fast, hitting Duke's armor again and again, bruising the skin underneath.
"Uff...damn it, the run...I'm too tired...can't breathe," Duke thought, struggling to keep up.
His arms ached, his vision blurred.
"If this keeps up, I'm done for," he realized.
"Hahaha! What now, kid? Just keep blocking!" Stain laughed, mocking him.
Suddenly, Duke felt a sharp pain in his hand. He looked down-blood was seeping through his glove. His eyes darted to the armory nearby. Its wooden walls could be useful.
"If he charges again, I can use that... save my energy for a dodge," Duke planned in his head.
Stain kept attacking, forcing Duke backward. Duke pretended to be more tired than he was, moving closer to the armory.
"Hahaha! Running away? It's time to end this!" Stain said, raising his sword for a final strike.
At the last second, Duke dodged. Stain's powerful attack missed and his sword got stuck deep in the wooden wall of the armory.
"Damn it! My sword is stuck!" Stain cursed, trying to pull it free.
"It's over, Stain!" Duke roared.
End of chapter 2
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Additional information
Tempest strike
Tempest Strike is an advanced Kendra energy technique that allows the user to generate powerful shockwaves using concentrated energy in their palm. By gathering and compressing Kendra energy into their hand, the user can release it in an explosive burst, sending out a forceful wave capable of knocking back opponents, breaking defenses, and even damaging the environment.
### **How It Works:**
1. Energy Concentration:*The user focuses their Kendra energy into their palm, gathering it into a dense, vibrating force.
2. Compression: The energy is compressed further, creating a build-up of power that causes the surrounding air to tremble.
3. Release: With a sudden movement, the user unleashes the stored energy in a rapid outward burst. This creates a shockwave that can knock enemies off their feet, disrupt attacks, and even break through weaker barriers.
4. Range & Impact: The force of Tempest Strike depends on the user's control over Kendra energy. Skilled users can direct it in a straight line, affecting only their target, while others might release it in a wide area, hitting multiple foes.
### **Strengths & Weaknesses:**
✅ **Strengths:**
- Excellent for counterattacks and breaking enemy formations.
- Can be used even without a weapon, making it versatile.
- Can disrupt an opponent's balance, creating an opening for follow-up attacks.
❌ **Weaknesses:**
- Requires precise control; if the energy disperses too soon, the shockwave weakens.
- Uses a significant amount of Kendra energy, meaning it can't be spammed in long fights.