12 The Handshake
'Clang!'
Waking up in fright, Azeal looked around with wide eyes. Expecting something to happen.
Anything…
Yet, as he waited, nothing occurred. The dull sound of clashing swords continued rhythmically in the background, as a rough voice screamed.
"Step in faster! Your sword must always be raised!"
Just as the rough voice finished screaming, an audible groan of pain was heard. Azeal could only imagine what was going on outside. Although, it did not seem to be extremely urgent. He decided to take his time before walking out.
Yawning as he stretched his arms out as far as possible, he got off his soft bed. Noticing a bucket filled with water and a large towel that was draped across the black drawer.
He wondered if this world was really in a medieval time period. The thought of having to use a latrine or drinking filthy water made him shiver in disgust.
'Well, at least I can clean myself.'
Coming to terms with what he has, he picked up the towel just to notice that his broken drawer was actually replaced with a newer and much less broken version.
'How did they get this in without waking me up?'
Unable to make heads or tails of how they entered without him hearing, he walked towards the bucket of water and made ablution. Cleaning himself from the sweat that covered his body.
As he did so, he noticed the undeniably muscular body he had. That was something he could appreciate in this world. Almost as much as Magic!
'Who in their right mind did not dream of having Arnold Schwarzenegger type muscle?'
As Azeal finished, he got up to see what was going on outside his tent. But, this time, he would come out with complete dignity!
Moving the tent flap aside, Azeal strode out with determination.
Only to be blinded by the sun…
Then tripping over a large rock placed near his tent…
Everyone stopped what they were doing to look at the cause of the sudden commotion.
Laughing from embarrassment, he exclaimed,
"N… Nothing to see here. Ha…Haha"
Finding nothing interesting, the soldiers returned to practice. Dusting himself as he got up, Azeal noticed the soldiers were lined up into five lines of seven. Each time the Guard Captain hollered a command, all soldiers stepped forward once and swung at the same time. Standing from afar, it looked mystical. Like watching a choreographed sword fight; where every person knew their role and did it without constraint.
But, what caught his attention more was farther out. Near the outskirts of the camp were the General, the wizen old man, and four soldiers. Unlike the uniformity he witnessed with the previous group, this one had them sparing against each other. Surprisingly, the old man was actually keeping up with every strike the General threw in his direction.
Suddenly, the old man separated himself from the general by leaping backward. Creating space, his seemed to put a great deal of focus on his staff. Without warning the staff's knob started to glow a faint foggy yellow. Within a second, sparks started to fly around in a fury. Stepping forward, he lowered his center of gravity. He swung with an underhand blow towards a perceived opening. Only to be met with a massive shield glowing red.
To Azeal, this moment was sculpted into his mind. It was the pure validation of his dream; rekindling his hope.
'That must have been a Skill!'
Thought Azeal, as he watched in wonder at the skills being showed, he remembered of the skill the Goddess had gotten for him.
'Ding'
System –
Modifications –
The Curse of Ragual – The Blessing of Astra –
Skills –
Great-Sword Proficiency – Moderate Tier (High)
- Your ability to learn the art in wielding a Great-Sword rises in proficiency.
- You learn at an increased pace. X2.75 faster than an average soldier
…
You will receive one random Skill and another in accordance with your most dominant affinity – Racial Trait –
…
…
Random Skill 1 - … Blind … Emotion …
Blind Emotion – High Tier (High)
- Power gained is Power paid – Until the Price is adequate you will not have the right to use this skill. It may cost much, but to many, it is worth the price paid. Is that true for you?
- Locked – three conditions must be met -
- Condition 1 – '…'
- Condition 2 – '…'
- Condition 3 – '…'
…
…
Random Skill 2 - Earth Molding –
Earth Molding (Defensive) – High Tier (Low)
- Any structure created by the usage of Earth Manipulation has a reduced mana cost of 75%
- Any defensive structure created will be 25% more stable and 30% stronger
- Golem Building cost reduction by 20%
- Any offensive usage of Earth Manipulation costs 15% more
'Blind Emotion? That sounds very ominous. But sounds strong! High Tiered (High) that must be quite special.'
Yet, even though he was incredibly happy at receiving two very strong skills, he was saddened at the fact that his Great-Sword Skill did not automatically teach him all the ins and outs of using a great-sword. Instead, he must put years into training to become good at it.
'Doesn't it take a decade to become really good at using a sword? Ugh, that's still seven years.
As he continued to think of his skills, the General and his entourage walked up to him without being noticed.'
"Good Morning!" Hollered the General, startling him,
"What?... oh, Umm, Hello. I mean good morning, General." Replied Azeal, trying his best not to smile. he had noticed that it usually caused the recipient of the said smile to either quiver in fear or tense up. Why that happened he did not know. But, nevertheless, his face constricted itself to his most devious smile against his wishes. This caused the men behind the general and the old man to tense their muscles in reaction.
'I really need to improve my first impressions. Can't have everyone be completely on guard around me.'
As he was seated before they arrived he noticed an incredible fact about his height. Without standing he was almost eye to eye with the general. But once he stood he towered over them by a good two feet, making him even more intimidating.
Putting his hands on his chest, the general's smile widened as he spoke,
"Enough with the formalities, friend. I would prefer it if you called me Harold."
Gesturing to his companions, he continues,
"This old man next to me is a Master Battle Healer. Best in the Duchies without a doubt, Roland Extrius."
Reaching out, Azeal extended his hand in greeting. Only to be stared at by the six of them with incredulity. As the moment elongated and the awkward moment made sweat drip down Azeal's back, Roland's smile became unbearably enormous. Literally from ear to ear.
Grabbing Azeal's forearm, he shook with a strength that belied his age. Shaking it vigorously, Roland laughed with delight.
Unbeknownst to Azeal, his small gesture made a large impact on those surrounding him. An Extended hand in greeting from a Raug was more than a simple handshake. Instead, it was an admission of brotherhood and trust. Something that was never given out lightly in a world filled with death and war. This sign was only given to those you supped and bleed with in battle for many years.
It was either that he was completely naïve and did not understand the significance of his action, or he knew a great amount about who he truly was facing. Having learned of the General and The Master Battle Healer; learned of their honor and commitment to fulfill any word they gave.
In either case, it would be wise to be extremely cautious.
After the Raug, No, after Azeal released Roland's forearm awkwardly, Harold extended his arm willing to give the same pact of trust his friend had accepted. And to his absolute joy, Azeal shook his hand in confirmation.
Who in their right mind would not want a free and 'Named' Raug as a brother in battle and trust…
__________________________________________________________
After what seemed to be an hour of shaking hands with Harold and his entourage, Azeal had a very important thought cross his mind.
'There must be something important about me shaking their hands! Hmm … I wonder what it could mean…'
Completely oblivious to the significance of his handshakes, he continued to give them to whoever Harold lead him towards. First were the four men who were sparring. They were all Beastkin. From afar they looked no different than a human, but up close you would notice minute changes to their facial structure that made them stand out. For instance, they had furry ears that were usually covered by their thick hair. Surprising Azeal, he learned that they were actually slaves that won their freedom by swearing to serve Harold loyally.
'God, I really was sent to a medieval world where slavery existed!'
After them came the guard with two vertical lines running down his pauldron. He was actually a guard captain who was named Helis Maltorn.
Just as he finished his greetings, Azeal throughout the entire time was actually building the courage to demand that the general teach him to use a great sword. But …
'Ding'
System
Azeal Neralum of the Neralum Clan –
You have become a friend to the House of Harold Winsten of the House of Winsten. You have accepted both the good and bad that shall come from affiliating yourself. And they have accepted the same.
- Titles will be shown only when you desire
- Title Earned – Friend of the Great General
- Title Earned – Friend of the House of Harold Winsten
Standing there stunned by what he just read from the System notification, Azeal only had one reply to the responsibilities and trust put on his shoulders…
"Damn…"
