Zhenrai Training Chapter

A week passed as Chiecra became acquainted with his new friends. He did not neglect his squad mates, since he still saw them in the mornings. Before his training sessions began Chiecra broke his fast with them and dined with them and the Zhenrai in the evenings. Most of his training days were spent sparring with older pupils, Ilkez and the Zhenrai Knights. Finrod, Adrastea and Theod were old enough to face their mentors and other Zhenrai. He found it easy to beat all three of them due to his experience fighting with blades since he was twelve and his training at a Zhenrai Temple. His days as a cadet, training in the Vestrisian Army were also a contribution to his advantage over them. The rest of the pupils watched them along with other spectators, including the royal family and the Vanguards. Other times during training sessions the pupils’ masters would have them practice the techniques and swordsmanship they learned.

Finrod was the first to go against Chiecra, who beat the pupil into the sand numerous times before Vanor told him to give up. Adrastea proved to have plenty of skill with blades, but her lack of experience in combat became her downfall. She improved slightly every single day. One day Finrod tried using his Zhenrai powers against Chiecra who proved to be too much for the arrogant pupil. His powers surpassed Finrod’s by a large amount. For that Finrod was confined to train with the other pupils and have Teos for a partner, who beat him senseless on the first day for bullying Florica.

Theod’s Zhenrai skills and powers were almost up to Chiecra’s level. It took an hour before the youth was drained and worn out for the day. Their duels even took some toll on Chiecra who would heal miraculously thanks to the herbs in his system. His ability to heal quickly astounded everyone and made some jealous of him. As soon as he rested for twenty minutes, he was immediately revived from that one period of resting. After one week of training with three of the pupils, he could tell all three made improvements at some level. Even he felt an increase in his skills and powers. On the last day of the week he went up against Teos. Many spectators arrived for this one and see how Chiecra fared against a Zhenrai Knight who could possible defeat scores of Vearxall.

Among the spectators were members of the council, nobles, Sheikhs, his comrades, fellow Zhenrai and the Queen herself. Neveah was often sen with Auran and her sister. Sharing stories adventures, and catching up with each other. She seemed very happy to see him again. Ilkez rubbed his shoulders.

“Show him everything you got. Don’t worry about losing to him, all lose at some point.” Ilkez said in his ear.

Chiecra stepped inside the ring the same time as Teos who powered up immediately, summoning spirits to increase his powers. Chiecra did the same only he conjured up his ancestors. Spirits entered both bodies before their duel began. Each duelist paused letting the spirits settle in and their bodies adjusting to the increase of power. In moments the duel began as the two warriors displayed their swordsmanship in the ring. Each one struck at the other, counter stroked, blocked, parried and maneuvered around to gain the upper hand. For hours they dueled in a stalemate that seemed to never end. Chiecra found it strange how he was able to hold out this long against a well trained and experienced Zhenrai Knight.

At one point their duel came to a close, both warriors made his final strike ending the duel in a draw. Everyone was taken aback no one expected this to happen after a long duel.

‘You could’ve won you know that right?’ Chiecra said to Teos communicating with his mind.

“I just wanted to see how well you can fight. You fight well, you’ve been trained well enough and hold the experience of war under your belt.” Teos replied in Chiecra’s mind.

Thunderous applause emerged from the spectators who enjoyed the duel. Chiecra heard Azzony, Aibeth, Vaed and Javan shouting cheers and sarcastic jeers. The first week of training came to a close with this duel. His second week of training started with Ilkez who had him for the entire week. The squad could not watch the training this week since Ilkez placed them under Liviscart’s command who had them exercise to stay fit and combat ready. While Chiecra trained with Ilkez the other pupils were not very far from them with their masters teaching them new techniques while practicing the ones they learned. Ilkez had Chiecra do the same thing after an hour of sword play. Going against Ilkez was like going up against a god. Chiecra was battered and bruised in a few places after dueling Ilkez. Both Captain and Corporal meditated alone while the others went to explore the city. Chiecra’s bruises healed as he concentrated on the techniques he learned on his own.

“Slowly summon one or two spirits, do not command them to do anything just summon them.” Ilkez told him.

Chiecra used his mind to call out to the spirits. In his mind a vortex opened up and two spirits heard his calling. When he reopened his eyes he saw two spirits floating before him. They looked ready to do his bidding, but he told he them there was nothing for them to do at the moment.

“Very good, now summon about half a hundred this time.” Ilkez commanded.

Summoning fifty spirits took some effort. He had to convince them to come, since there were no enemies to deal with. Fifty two spirits floated before him.

“Let’s see what your limit is on summoning spirits. Summon more of them this time.” He told the Corporal as though we was a professor.

Chiecra made the effort to summon more of them with sixty more spirits. He had one hundred and twelve spirits before he reached his limit and had to let them all return to the afterlife.

“Well done Corporal.” Ilkez said calmly. “We will work on this another time. Let’s work on your Ascension for a bit. Take ten minutes to rest before jumping in again.”

Chiecra took his time before returning his concentration on Zhenrai Powers. He called out to the gods in his mind and lifted his spirit up to the sky. Once Chiecra released his own spirit and he found himself leaving his own body. This time he took control over the ascent and stopped at a hundred feet before looking down at himself and Ilkez. He looked around seeing the port city and the beach. Chiecra also turned his head to look out at the ocean, which was calm with the sun beginning to leave its central position in the sky at the middle of the day. He looked down again to see some figures approaching them. Chiecra descended back down, returning to his own body.