Chapter 22 part 1 Sparring

" Let me explain first what are adventurers. you can say that if a soldier fight for his country,  Adventurers fight for themselves.  Adventurers are those people who enjoyed freedom the most. They do what they wanted to do and Go to where they wanted to go"

"Monster Subjugation, exploration, collecting rare materials. Adventurers do all kind of odd jobs but, at the same time, the payment are sky high."  Old man Arnold explained all the details. 

"Then being an adventurer is a very good path to riches. " my eyes was full of anticipation hearing those things about being an adventurer.  

'Who the hell didn't want to be rich and have a comfortable life'

"That's true but what you hear was only the good things about being an adventurer. In this line of work,  your life is always at stake.  One wrong move and you will die" Old man Arnold's tone became serious as he said those words. 

'It's true that being an adventurer was life threatening but I still want to become one' I thought

This feeling was already inside of me, I don't know when it start but it was certainly there, The longing for adventure.  For me, who was born in a peaceful world,  sometimes longed for it. Reading those novels and watching those animes, Fueled my desire to go on an adventure. To became the main character of my story,  diving in an unknown world,  fighting monsters, saving people and be called the strongest.

"Isn't being an adventurer a man's romance?  to make his own name? In this kind of world we are in, Isn't our life already at stake? so what is there to lose " I responded with a firm determination in my eyes.

"Hahahahaha!  Nice answer lad!  hahahahah!  I never thought we have a similar mindset.  I like the way you think. It makes me remember the time when I was young like you, I was gutsy and adventurous, too. Maybe because of age, that my heart went dull. If you really want to become an adventurer, then I'll recommend you to one of my friends." Old man Arnold gave a hearty laugh while hitting me in the back multiple times. 

"That hurts old man but thanks" 

"hoh, don't thank me yet, Lad!  Since you ignited my passion in adventuring, though it's not like I will return, Why not we spar for a bit?  I want to know how strong you are and I don't want the person I recommend to die in the very first day he became an adventurer"

"A match? Seriously?" I looked at him, dumbfounded. 

"Yes, A one on one match" He spoke as though he already won. 

I quickly forgot my confusion over the sudden challenge. A grin crossed my lips while looking at Old man Arnold. 

"Are you sure old man? I'm quite strong!" I declared, looking at him with concern. "Can your body handle it? "

"heh!  you're getting cocky because I'm not young anymore?  Well,  Let me show you the strength of a former adventurer" He smirked and started walking to his workshop. 

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Third Person POV

They stepped 10 meters away from each other. Andre inhaled deeply, focusing every fiber of his being. He prepared his stance with utmost focus

"You can come at me without holding back, lad? Hahah" The moment Arnold saw Andre's stance, he burst out chuckling, trying to provoke Andre. 

Andre's stance was normal yet it doesn't show much opening. His left foot was slightly extended forward. His waist was very stable, not showing any single wasteful move, The tip of the wooden sword in his right hand was pointing towards the sky, while his left hand was merely place on the base of the handle. 

"I'll give you the first move, lad. You can also use anything"

"Well,  Thank you for your generosity"

Immediately,  Andre's body accelerated as if it was like the wind, decreasing the ten meter distance in mere seconds.

In contrast, Arnold just stood there relax, His right hand holding his wooden sword pointing downward like he was waiting for the attack to come. 

Andre's wooden sword swung down from the top of his head, ready to hit the defenseless Arnold.

Just when the sword wa about to hit Arnold,  *PAK* Andre's sword flew away, his hand numbed as if it was hit by something.

"I said use everything you've got lad" Arnold just grin while still in the exact same position.

Upon seeing that lousy grin, Andre showed a slight smile while picking up his wooden sword. 

'I guess there's no need to hold back' 

He quickly activated his Ki,  boosting his strength. 

'As i thought, He also have Ki but it looks like it's still in its early stages' Arnold quickly felt the changes in andre's strength. 

"Here I come old man!" He once again sprang into motion, wildly charging at Arnold. Andre slid forward, in low posture, his sword arising upward from the right. His speed was surprising fast and the motion was fluidly performed but once again Andre was caught off guard by an unstoppable force. He thrown away by the force. Thankfully,  He landed on his feet barely balancing himself. 

"Well, I think it's time to finish this, lad!" Arnold made an overhead posture and dragged the wooden sword further back. 

Zun! 

A heavy sound was released, vibrating through the air. 

Arnold swung his sword downward, producing a blade like shockwave.

"Fuck!  That's thing bad news!" every part of Andre's body accelerated. Beads of sweat formed through out his face. He stepped sideways as fast as he can barely dodging the swordwave.

Bam! 

The swordwake collided with a tree living a huge dent. Andre sighed in relief,  Thanking God he wasn't hit by that brutal attack. 

"Hey Old man! are you trying to kill me?"