Bane's eyes opened to the sound of the river.
For a moment, he just laid there, staring at the stone ceiling of the cave; his wounds healing and his muscles tighter than before.
..
Bane stood upright and left his room.
The camp was already alive with activity; members of the Sigil were rolling up bedding, cooking food and conversing.
"Fire-fingers!" someone called out, it was the same guy who threw him the fish. "You're looking less dead today!"
Bane gave him a small nod, with a faint smile.
"Thanks, you too!".
The guy blinked, someone nearby letting out a chuckle.
…
"Wait... what did I just say..", he thought to himself, his face slightly turning red.
He quickly turned away, needing to separate himself from that mortifying moment. Instinctively, he made his way to the river; it was a place where he could breathe.
Kneeling by the river's edge, he splashed his face - shocking his nervous system awake.
"You're looking better."
Bane turned to see Kael approaching him, "The wounds are healing well, how do you feel?"
"Better. Stronger," Bane replied
"Good, 'cause we need to talk about what's gonna happen next." Kael continued, "Walk with me."
Bane followed Kael through the camp, the river fading away as they made their way to the top of the cliff just above their cave. Although the climb was short, each step left him breathing harder than expected.
By the time they reached the top, the wind had picked up, letting out cool gusts of wind.
Kael stopped and then gestured towards the horizon. Bane's eyes followed.
The mountain stretched before them. Jagged and impossibly vast. It was impossible to not feel small. Its shadow swallowed the forest, the river, the caves. They were like ants.
Bane gulped, chest tightening with a terrible dread settling over him. "It.. it's bigger than I imagined…"
"Yeah.", Kael affirmed, "And that's why we need to train you up so you don't die on us. You have a week before we have to start the hike. Not one day longer. You understand?"
Bane's fists clenched. "I'll be ready."
Kael smirked, "Bout' time you said that. You looked like a screaming child back there."
Bane's jaw tightened. A faint flicker of flame sparked at his fingertip, as if testing his nerves.
"Shut up, at least I tried!", he muttered
Kae waved his hand dismissively, grinning, "I'm just messing with you. You were brave back there. Better than most of the other people there… just cowering like idiots. You have potential, don't let it go to waste."
"I won't". Bane said sharply.
Kael nodded, eyes looking in the horizon, "Good. I will be training you with a sword. But be aware - I will not be holding back. Starting tomorrow morning."
The climb down was quieter, even if his muscles ached, he was fulfilled.
…
"Faster!"
Steel rang as Bane barely deflected the strike in time - the impact knocked straight through his arms, almost knocking his sword out of his hands.
"I- I am!"
Kael blade continued regardless.
"Don't talk."
*CLANG*
"Keep moving."
*CLANG*
"Or you will die."
Bane stumbled backwards, kicking up dirt. His stance collapsed for a brief moment but..
Kael stepped inside Bane's guard, driving in with his sword held in one hand.
Kael's blade almost instantly reached his neck, stopping just before making contact.
"Dead", Kael said flatly.
Bane took a deep inhale - swallowed the terrible aching pain.
"AGAIN!", he exclaimed.
…
By the fourth day, the sun was almost setting, yet Bane and Kael were still at it. Steel rang constantly, echoing across the camp.
"Have you seen them today?", whispered one of the challengers. "They've been at it since morning…"
"Yeah…" another replied, eyes locked on them sparring. "Kael, he changes when he fights. Like… he's not even human".
"The kid stands no chance… he's been doomed since he stepped foot in this place"
*CLANG*
Yet, a group of onlookers got closer, drawn in by the constant tempo of clashing swords. Bane no longer flinched. Kael's attacks came harder but Bane met them with an unfound confidence that didn't exist a couple days ago.
"Woah… Kael had to actually use two hands just now," someone whispered, eyes wide open.
"Yeah…" another muttered. "The kid's actually keeping up. That's insane."
Bane's arms burned, his sweat burning his vision, but he didn't feel an ounce of pain. He was moving without thinking, able to read Kael's rapid attacks.
For a moment anyway…
A lunge caught him off guard, a flash of pain jolting him out of the state, sending a shockwave throughout his entire body. His muscles screaming
Pain ran through Bane's body until he collapsed. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Damn it… that actually hurts."
"Focus, Bane. You have improved… enough for today though. Tomorrow I will teach you how to properly defend yourself." Kael said whilst grinning.
When Bane looked back up, Kael was gone and instead, was replaced by a beautiful figure
"He is not taking it easy on you, huh?", Myra said jokingly.
Bane gave a tired laugh, "Yeah, hes relentless. Even with one hand, he's incredible."
She smiled, "Well… you did better than I actually thought – you're improving quite quickly."
Bane looked at her, a faint warmth heating his heart, "Thanks… it means a lot!"
Myra's face turned slightly red as she gave a small nod, dipped her head gracefully, and walked off, leaving Bane staring after her longer than he probably should have.
"I better get some rest"
…
Despite his exhaustion, something inside him wouldn't let him rest. Tossing and turning in his bed, his muscles screamed like they were still fighting.
He pulled his sword from the corner.
Stepping outside, he assumed the basic stance he'd been learning for the past four days.
Swinging at the empty air, his movements felt clumsy; but he ignored it, forcing himself to repeat each motion again and again.
Hours passed, the night air growing colder. But Bane's focus never wavered. With each repetition, the movements became smooth, accurate. Precise.
He had entered a rhythm. Each strike, every step felt good. He was once again moving without thinking. His mind, clear.
Then a sudden mirage jolted him, imagining Kael lunging at him. Before even processing it, his arms moved with a fluidity that were foreign but also all so familiar.
─────────────────────────────
[ NOTIFICATION ]
─────────────────────────────
A new power has taken root
─────────────────────────────
[ Battle Sense ] [Passive] - Your instincts in combat sharpen. You react before thought.
─────────────────────────────
"Holy…"
Bane lowered the blade slowly, mouth wide open.