A choice

After Williams' fascinating display the exam continued smoothly. All the other trainees were tested by teacher Boris and the list of trainees who passed was displayed on a board just outside each training ground.

"Ugh, what happened?"

"Good to see you feeling better. You're at the nurse's office. After your exam you lost consciousness and was transported here for treatment. I gotta say, you have an amazing recovery rate. Almost all your bruises and cuts are gone and you are able to leave when you want."

William was a little confused. He woke up wondering if teacher Boris would pass him to the intermediate class. He liked to think that he didn't feel anxious but that would be a lie. In the past month he got to know what acknowledgement felt for hard work, and he wanted teacher Boris to acknowledge him as a good fighter. His provocative speech during his fight really got on his nerves more than he wanted to admit.

"Thank you. How many hours have passed since the exam?"

"Roughly five hours since the start. The results are already up on your training ground."

"Thank you."

William made his way out of the nurses office and was ready to go to the sword training ground and see if he got passed or not. Getting there he didn't see many trainees practicing. Most of them were sad about their result and didn't want to train and those who passed were celebrating with friends.

Getting close to the board William could see a list of names of those who passed. Looking at it at a first glance it didn't seem like many passed. Only 3 people passed to the intermediate level. He could see his friend Clint had passed and he felt happy for him. But he was still feeling dejected that he did not pass. He decided he wasn't going to train today and went on his way back to his cabin.

Getting close to the Cabin William could see a soldier waiting for someone.

"Trainee William?"

"Yes?"

"Please follow me. Teacher Boris would like to talk to you."

Surprised by the soldiers' words William followed him until they arrived at his teachers cabin.

"Please come in William. Thank you Officer Max, you can leave now."

Entering the Cabin William got to see how his teacher has been living for the past month, and he gotta say, it's not bad. At the trainees cabin everything was cramped together, but his teacher's house was enough for 3 people to live in.

"So William, take a seat. You surprised me today, that was one of the best spars I've had with a trainee."

"Thank you sir."

"So, the fight made me realize some things and I would like to ask you. Why did you choose the sword?"

William honestly didn't have an answer for that. He had the same thought during the exam.

"I guess it's because the sword is cool. Or because I saw so many trainees choosing it."

"Ah, yes. It is indeed a famous weapon with the youngsters. I think you already realized that you aren't suited to wield the sword. You have determination and strength to become a great swordsman. But you could be better than great. Let me ask you. Have you never considered a different weapon, or fighting style?"

"I did consider the dagger but I don't think it would suit me very well."

"I see. I have a proposition for you William. I could pass you on the exam for the intermediate level of the sword training ground… or you could pass for the intermediate level for the martial arts training ground."

Martial arts training ground? William had not heard of such a training ground here. Did it even exist?

"Hahahaha, I can see it on your face kid. Yes, we have a martial art training ground, but no one chooses it."

That was indeed true. Thinking about the time Sergeant Mathew introduced them to the different options there were sword, axe, dagger, bow and arrow and the martial arts training grounds. But no one chooses it.

"Martial Arts have fallen in use after the invention of weapon techniques. But that doesn't mean it is worse. At the moment there is no one who trains there. But I have spoken to teacher Nate and he said he would be happy to teach you his ways. think about it. You would have full 100% attention from your teacher and you would practice something your body and mind are more synchronized with. If you wish to continue training with the sword I would be happy to pass you. But I just want you to know all the cards you can play. You can leave now and give me an answer tomorrow."

After the talk with Teacher Boris William left his Cabin and went back to his own. Getting to his cabin he met up with Clint. They both went outside to talk a little about the exam and how things would change for the coming month.

"Man, I don't understand how teacher Boris did not pass you. You had the best fight of all the trainees. Even I couldn't have done what you did."

After hearing that William explained the situation to Clint and how he had a choice to make.

"I don't know Will. The martial arts are unpopular for a reason. When fighting with your fists you have little range and a little damage. Unlike when you fight with a sword or an axe. But I guess it could also be very strong. I mean, teacher Boris also taught us hand to hand combat for when we lose our sword, but I don't think it would compare to martial arts."

"That is exactly what I was thinking, but I felt so good fighting only with my fists. It was like all my movements were synced. When I fight with the sword I think too much you know. When fighting with teacher boris I went mostly on instinct and I fought better than with a sword. Imagine if I had trained one month in martial arts. I have to say I am leaning into choosing martial arts."

"If that is how you feel. I think you should follow your instincts. And if you do choose martial arts I will become the strongest sword trainee."

"Hahahahaha." They both laughed under the starry night sky.