What was it

3 months went by. I'd began to see some progress in my training but not so much physically. My technique improved, my speed and thinking. I was well on track to become stronger. "Lorte, the office is callin' you" said Paiso, my roommate. I now knew most of the layout of the building so I made it in about 4 minutes. "There's a traitor on the loose, you and 3 other rookies have been elected to capture him and bring him back dead or alive, don't fuck it up" said the woman at the office.

"Where do I meet up with them?" I asked.

"They'll be waiting outside the gate but you depart at midday so you have 10 minutes left" She responded taking a sip out of whatever drink she had in her bottle. I nodded and went back up to my room quickly. I got my real sword ready and some food and water into a bag in case the mission took longer thane expected. I rushed back down and waited at the gate and 1 by 1 they came. Among them was the man who I'd spared during the entrance exam. He didn't seem to recognise me so I said nothing. It surprised me that he was also a rookie however.

We began our journey out into the forest. Apparently he'd departed by foot while we were asleep but his companion had been caught and snaked on him. We took horses so we could catch up to him faster. "What's your name?" I asked.

"Rohleem, and you?"

"Lorte, can we spar once we get back?" I asked. I wanted to see how strong I'd gotten now compared to then even though he too had probably been training.

"Sure, but be warned, this time I'll fight as if my life is in danger" he responded. It surprised me but that was better. The mission could serve as a warm up for our spar. After about an hour, we finally caught up to him. As soon as he saw us he began to run. I jumped off my horse and began to run after him with my sword in hand. He was quite quick, probably due to adrenaline but I was faster. I tackled him and raised my sword. This probably wouldn't count to my legendary duels but it was at least a start. I pushed my blade through his heart. He bled and bled until he could no more and stopped moving. I'd killed him. I felt a rush unlike I'd ever felt before. I turned away from the others and began grinning. It was a feeling I'd never felt before, what was it?