Chapter 23 - Weapon Training

The days passed by quickly as Seraphina immersed herself in her training. On the days she had training, she would make her way to the training ground, where Sir Aldric would be waiting for her.

After the first day, where he taught her how to sense aura, they never touched upon the topic again. Instead, Sir Aldric decided to focus her training on cardio and physical strength.

He had explained to her that refining aura required a body that was fit, and her body was much too weak to properly refine aura in the state it was in. If she wanted to become a proper knight, she would need to improve her body.

As such, he began with physical training, which wasn't much at first. Running, push-ups, and even jumping jacks were part of the routine. He wanted to build up her stamina before they began more intense practice.

It was very difficult for the girl at first; after all, she had never done any physical workout in this world before. At the start, she couldn't even finish the required amount. Still, after a few days of perseverance, she could eventually meet the requirement.

After meeting the initial requirements, however, Sir Aldric only made the training harder. He would add new things to the agenda, eventually even adding muscle training. He brought a set of weights for her to lift and showed her how to properly use them.

Once he did that, he explained the routine for her to do with it and left her to her own devices. Weight training was one of the harder things she had done—it left her muscles and body so sore afterward that even on her days off, she couldn't do much.

But she kept with the process and even began to see the progress her body was making—feel the changes that were happening to her.

Today was no different; she felt determined, even while sore all over, as she made her way to the training ground.

Sir Aldric greeted her with a nod as she entered the training ground. His stern demeanor and silent attitude had already become something she had grown used to. She even found it motivating to her progress.

"Good morning, Lady Seraphina. Today, we will take a small break from our usual routine and add in something new. As you know, a key part of a knight's strength is tied to their weapon. As such, today we will begin with weapon training."

Seraphina nodded when she heard the man's words. This was something she had been waiting for—it would mark her as an official Apprentice Knight of the Beginner stage.

"I'm ready, Sir Aldric."

With a nod, Sir Aldric led the girl over to the weapon rack. It had been freshly refitted with an array of different weapons. Swords, spears, shields, axes, hammers, and a lot more were carefully placed on it.

"It's time for you to choose a weapon that suits you. Remember, a knight's weapon is an extension of their body and soul. It must feel like a natural part of you, and it will be with you for a long time."

Seraphina listened to the man's words and carefully examined the weapons that were provided to her. Her eyes moved from one to another as she had a hard time deciding on any specific one.

Considering that the Shinster Training Method focused on speed and agility, she wanted to pick a weapon that would suit that style. As such, heavy weapons and large weapons were out of the picture.

Eventually, her eyes settled on a rapier-type longsword. The weapon was elegant and lightweight while still having the deadly sharpness of a sword and the reach of a spear. The weapon was perfectly designed for speed and agility, and she knew it would suit her.

Extending her hand, she picked the sword up and examined it more closely. The sword felt right in her hand, swinging it around. She found that the weapon curved just how she wanted it to.

"I choose this one."

She said, holding the sword with a firm grip.

Sir Aldric nodded approvingly.

"A wise choice. The rapier longsword is well-suited for quick and precise strikes. It greatly complements the training method you are learning and will work better with your body."

Once she had settled on a weapon, Sir Aldric began to teach her how to properly use it. He first taught her how to properly hold the sword and how to balance her stance so she could lead the sword and not the other way around.

Once she had the basics down to a proper extent, he then showed her how to execute the overhead slash, a basic move that would allow her to gain a firm understanding of the sword.

"Remember, Lady Seraphina. Strength alone is not required."

Sir Aldric advised as he watched her swinging the sword.

"You must also learn how to control and channel that strength. Precision and control are the keys to effective combat. If you simply swing hard, without control, you are merely wasting energy."

Listening to the man's advice, Seraphina slowed down her swinging. She focused less on putting strength into each strength and instead on making sure the sword followed the line she wanted it to follow.

Hours passed with the girl merely swinging the sword—rotating between overhead swings and sideways slashes. As time passed, her body grew more accustomed to handling the weapon.

While she wasn't fluid at it yet, she was more confident in using the sword, and it showed in her movements.

Time flew by with them simply training the sword until the sun had begun to leave the sky and the afternoon had arrived. With the time growing late, she decided to take a break for the day.

However, before she could inform Sir Aldric, the sound of footsteps approaching the training ground drew her attention. Turning around, she saw Daisie standing at the edge of the ground, her expression a mixture of curiosity and disdain.

"What are you doing here?"

Daisie demanded to know, her tone sharp as she glared at the girl.

Seraphina lowered her sword and straightened her back, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"I'm training Daisie. Isn't that obvious?"

Daisie's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Training to be a knight, are you? With your weak body, do you really think that's possible?"

Sir Aldric stepped forward, his presence commanding attention as he cleared his throat and spoke.

"Lady Daisie, Lady Seraphina has shown remarkable progress and dedication. She is more than capable of becoming a knight."

Daisie's gaze flickered to Sir Aldric, then back to Seraphina. She knew that man held a high position in her father's army, so she couldn't insult him as she would others.

"We'll see about that. But don't think you'll ever be better than me. I'm already on the Condensing Stage."

Seraphina didn't even feel angry at the girl anymore; in fact, she even pitied her a little. To her, it felt like the girl wanted attention, and she didn't know any other way to get that besides acting out.

"I'm not trying to compete with you, Daisie. I'm here because I want to become stronger and find my own path, that's all."

Daisie scoffed at the girl's words and then spoke again.

"Even if you become stronger, you will never find your own path. You'll just be in Davanai's shadow forever."

With those words, she turned her heel and left, not even waiting for Seraphina to reply.

Seraphina watched the girl leave but didn't voice anything. Davanai was her older brother. He was the oldest son of the family and the next in line. From what she knew, he was already a Stage Three Knight, so even comparing herself to him would be far away.

Shaking her head, Seraphina turned to Sir Aldric and spoke.

"I think it would be best to end it here for today. It is getting late."

The man agreed with her, and they ended the training for the day.