Elsewhere

The sixth chamber reminded the group of the training area in their between-level residence. It had numerous training dummies, but the most significant thing was that it had several racks of weapons of varying types. There were different types of swords, spears, staves, hammers, axes, and countless more exotic weapons.

“Finally, I can learn how to actually use a sword!” Duke announced happily.

“Enthusiasm is a good trait to enter my class with.” The instructor who had been behind a rack of weapons stated as he stepped forward. “Indeed, this chamber will teach you the way of fighting with weapons. I see we have two true students here and two pretenders. I will focus my instruction on the true and worthy students. You two.” He gestured dismissively at Grat and Baslin. “May follow along if you wish and I will instruct you, but my true students take precedence.”

The two didn’t seem terribly offended by the dismissal and, in fact, seemed perfectly happy to let Duke and Elaine take the lead in the training. The instructor did not wait long to begin.

“You have a preference for the sword?” He asked Duke. “And you,” turning to Elaine, “what is your preferred weapon?”

Duke responded with a wry grin. “I have attempted to use a sword on several occasions. It has not really worked out well for me.”

Elaine also responded. “I usually fight with fang and claw.”

“An inept swordsman and a fighter that prefers truly exotic weapons. I can work with this.” He tossed Duke a sword and similarly, tossed a pair of clawed gauntlets to Elaine. “Fangs are a bit too exotic for me to teach you, but I can teach you how to use the claws.”

Elaine began to strap the claws onto her wrists, the four blades on each wrist extending out past her knuckles. Duke strapped the sword’s scabbard to his waist. The instructor directed Elaine to a training dummy and told her to get used to the feel of the claws while he started with Duke.

Duke swung the sword as instructed and was once again greeted with corrections. “I know I told you not to turn your wrist when striking. Keep it straight. Control the blade, do not let it control you.”

Duke winced as he desperately tried to follow the instructor’s guidance and knew he was failing to do so yet again. He did not understand it at all. His hand-eye coordination had been measured in the 99th percentile. He should have been easily able to do this, especially with such focused instruction and his ridiculously-high stats. Yet, try as he might, the sword just did not go where he meant it to.

“Stop, stop, stop. Put the sword away.” The instructor waited for Duke to do as instructed and handed Duke a sword-length wooden dowel, really nothing more than a stick in Duke’s mind. “Use this for now.”

Duke hung his head for a moment at having been reduced to using a stick instead of a sword. He quickly recovered his motivation and followed along with the instructor through a number of exercises. The instructor’s reaction was one of surprise as Duke flawlessly executed each and every move he laid out for his student. He stopped Duke again and instructed him to perform those same moves with the sword.

Duke put the stick aside and carefully withdrew the sword, trying not to think about earlier when he had slashed his left hand open when drawing the sword with his right. He brought the sword up to the ready position, or at least tried to. The sword refused to set into the right position, angling to the side and down despite Duke’s best efforts. Moving through the sword forms was equally as unsuccessful.

“Enough. Sheath the sword and give it to me.” The instructor accepted the weapon back from Duke and gestured towards another rack of weapons. “Choose anything else to learn. I will instruct you in the Way of the Sword no longer.”

Duke started towards the rack of weapons but paused. “Why will you not instruct me in the way of the sword?”

The instructor returned Duke’s stare with coldness. His response had the solemnity of a death sentence being handed down to a criminal. “Because Vithshrek has cursed you. You will never be able to effectively wield a sword. The Way of the Sword is forever barred to you.”

This announcement got everyone’s attention. Grat was the first to speak up. “Duke, what did you do to get the God of Swords so mad at you that he cursed you?”

“That’s a great question and I really have no idea. But if that’s the reason I can’t use a sword worth shit, it must have happened soon after I arrived in this world.” Duke turned back to the rack and picked up an odd-looking weapon. It appeared to be an extended V-shaped blade about as long as his forearm attached to a handle between the open end of the blades . It tickled something in Duke’s memory, but the thought refused to surface.

“A katar. Interesting. It is indeed not a sword, more akin to a punching dagger. Take a second one and allow me to show you how it is used. If you have any affinity for it, it shall be the weapon I teach you.” Duke took the second katar off the rack and did his best to follow the instructor’s movements. Although the weapon did not resist him as the sword did, it did not feel quite right to Duke.

“Not your weapon either, I see. Try a selection of other weapons and see if any feel right to you while I show Elaine how to truly rend her foes. Take your time feeling out your selections. I am certain that you will find something that calls to you.”

The instructor spent the next hour with Elaine showing her more and more techniques to use with the claws. She was getting quite good with them as the training continued. Duke, for his part, had spent this time trying out all manner of weapons. He was good with most of them purely based on his stats, but he did not find anything that he really clicked with in the first three racks of weapons he tried.

Baslin had taken to experiments of his own. He had set up a number of tables including one for enchanting and one for alchemy. On the enchanting table he was trying to enchant various spare weapons they had picked up over time with materials he had secured in the journey through the dungeon. He frantically ran between enchanting and alchemy, seemingly just catching concoctions moments before they exploded, boiled over, burst into flames, or otherwise disastrously failed. He was grinning wildly the whole time, singing to himself and oblivious to what everyone else was doing.

Grat was practicing with his staff against the training dummies. Despite how serious he looked, it was clear from his level of effort that his heart wasn’t into the task.

Duke was now on his fifth weapon rack and had picked up a pair of rather innocuous-looking weapons. They were made out of some sort of lacquered wood consisting of a ¾ arm-length of mostly round wood with a slight taper on the long end. About a hand’s length from the thicker end, there was a wooden handle inset perpendicular to the handle. This was another weapon that tickled something in the back of Duke’s mind, but he put the thought aside as he started to move the weapons around to get a feel for them.

He found that the handles fit comfortably in his hands, and he could lay the length of the weapon alongside his forearm and still move nearly unrestrictedly. The more he used them, the better they felt in his hands. After fifteen minutes of working with them, Duke noticed the instructor’s attention upon him. With a nod, the instructor came over.

“You have found a weapon that flows with you. Not many choose a weapon like the tonfa, but it seems to suit you well.” The instructor produced a pair of tonfa for himself. “Follow along and let’s see just how closely aligned the weapon is for you. Your companion over there is a natural with the claws. Can you match her with the tonfa?”

Duke sensed the inherent challenge in the instructor’s words and fully rose to it. Each move the instructor showed him just seemed “right” to Duke. He was able to follow along easily, picking up even advanced forms with ease. It was not long before the instructor had both Duke and Elaine working with training golems to take the rote moves to a more realistic combat situation. He then turned his attention to Grat and his staff.

Hours passed as the three trained and Baslin continued to dance between his projects. Eventually, the four decided to finally take a break. It wasn’t discussed but happened in a cascade. First, Baslin shouted with excitement when his enchantment finally took hold, then Elaine stepped back from the tenth training golem she had destroyed. Next, Grat joined her in setting up their tent. Finally, Duke realized that he was the only one training and food was probably a good idea.

It was not long before food was served thanks to Baslin’s plethora of culinary-based spells and the group rolled into their tents to get some long overdue sleep.

Duke awoke to the usual system messages:

*** Well, well, well. You seem to have entered some sort of not-so-montage-y training montage. It was much more exciting when you were actively doing things. Now you are being BORING! You’re going to finish this up soon, right? Or at least kill something.

I suppose you did do some things while training. For instance, you picked up a few new Skills.

You have been granted the Meditation Skill at Novice 10

You have been granted the Skill Martial Arts Combat at Initiate 1

You have been granted Tonfa Mastery at Novice 10

You did put a good amount of work into your Abilities.

TELEPORTATION has increased to Adept 7

REGENERATION has increased to Practiced 79

OVERCHANNEL has increased to Initiate 44

FLAME DART has increased to Initiate 1

CLEANSE has increased to initiate 11

RESTORE has increased to Master 16

IDENTIFY has increased to Initiate 5

SENSE MAGIC has increased to Novice 8

INVENTORY has increased to Initiate 13

ARMOR SKIN has increased to Initiate 15

MANA DRAIN has increased to Novice 1

FLIGHT has increased to Initiate 21

You have not killed anything in a while so you will gain no experience there. Consider this a hint. Go kill something! ***

Duke took careful note of his gains, happy that his Abilities were still increasing, and the new Skills were great too. Having a Skill specific to the weapon he chose could only be a good thing – far better than a generic “blades” Skill that failed him at nearly every occasion. He intentionally ignored the “kill, kill, kill” style message.

Joining his team outside the tents, he found Baslin had been up for quite a while and had been rather busy. The table was laid out with quite the breakfast spread. All three companions were already eating, not having waited for him. He CLEANSED himself and added a small RESTORE for good measure before sitting down at the table.

Breakfast conversation revolved around the current level of the dungeon and why It was so different than previous ones. It was clear that this level was focused on teaching and training but that didn’t align at all with any of the other levels. All considered it odd but were largely enjoying the break. The conversation ended with Elaine locking Grat down with a deathly-glare and a simple phrase, “Don’t even think of saying it.” He closed his mouth and went back to eating, suppressing a grin.

After breakfast, Baslin practically dragged Duke to the enchanting table. At some point, the table had been covered with a fine red silk cloth with golden fringes and tassels on the corners.

“Well, aren’t we being fancy.” Duke quipped.

“If you have finery, do not let it sit idly by, molding away in a storeroom. Display it so that others may enjoy its presence as well.” Baslin smiled as he reached for the cloth.

“Right. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Gotcha.” Duke responded and Baslin raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not getting into idioms right now. I have something to show you. And you’re going to love it. Really. At least I hope so. So many great materials to work with now. Giant bones, golem parts, dire beasts, so much. So much! Anyway, I digress.” Baslin drew the cloth off the table with a flourish. “Here you are, Duke. Try these out.”

Duke reached down and picked up the pair of ebon tonfa revealed. They were made of some substance that looked like wood and felt comfortable in his hands but were astonishingly dense. As he looked closer, he saw that there were runes inlaid throughout their construction. He tried a few blocks and strikes with them and felt their strength resonating with his own.

“These are amazing, Baslin. Thank you. What are they made of?” Duke twirled the tonfa in his hands, finding that they were perfectly balanced for him.

“Primarily the thighbone of that forest giant but I have enchanted them for durability. You went through so many pairs of wooden ones in training that I knew you needed something that could handle your full strength. These are enchanted all the way up to the equivalent of Tier Eight material. They should be able to handle your strength for at least for another Tier or two. That is, unless your growth accelerates again. Then, we will need to find something even stronger. Go practice with them.”

Duke thanked Baslin again as he headed towards his waiting instructor and the hours more training he was expecting. He triggered his IDENTIFY Ability as he walked. His smile grew as he read the item’s information.

*** You have found Duke’s Hitting Sticks. These weapons were crafted by Baslin the Best specifically for Duke to use. They have been enchanted to extreme durability. There is little on the Mortal plane that can harm them. ***

“Are you ready to begin your advanced training?” The instructor addressed Duke as he approached.

Duke smiled and gave a bow. “I am ready.”

“Good.” The instructor produced a pair of his own tonfa that gleamed with an inner light. “Strike me.”

Duke surged forward, striking with every technique that the instructor had taught him. Each and every one was countered or blocked easily. Each time the instructor blocked Duke’s strikes, his weapon flashed a bright white. Duke increased his tempo, varying his attacks but achieving no better result. Finally, Duke poured his full strength and agility into his attacks, blurring from sight. The fury of his attacks could only be seen as strobing lights as the instructor continued to block each and every move. Finally, the instructor stepped back and Duke ceased his attacks.

“Excellent. You have mastered the basics, and your underlying ability is far above normal. Why were you unable to strike me?” The instructor asked.

“You were able to match my speed and strength. You also know each and every move that you taught me and were able to predict my patterns.”

“You have been paying attention then. You are correct. Now, let’s move beyond the rote. You have a Feel for the tonfa, but you must learn the Heart of the weapon and for true mastery, you must learn the Soul of the Tonfa. This is not like a sword that was made for a noble brat. This is not a bow that is used to put food on the table. This is not a stiletto, used to stab in the dark. The Tonfa is a peasant’s weapon. It is used to fight the oppressive soldier that has come to take the last scrap of food from the peasant’s table. It is, in essence, a weapon of freedom.”

Duke felt his PURPPOSE flare in response, agreeing with the instructor’s words. He set his jaw and searched inside for the link between this weapon and his PURPOSE. The words of the instructor fell away from his ears as he concentrated on the tenuous link. The training area faded from his sight, the entire dungeon level dissolving into nothing as he felt the links from the pair of tonfa he held travelling up his arms, through his chest, and connecting with his heart. From within his heart, he could feel the upwelling power of his PURPOSE.

That enormous drive for freedom above all things washed over his whole body in a flash. He could feel the heat of its power suffusing his muscles, washing over his brain, and filling him completely. He enjoyed it for a few moments as the sense of power it brought was more addictive than any drug. He then concentrated all his considerable willpower into pulling the feeling from him and focusing it on the path between his weapons and the heart of his PURPOSE.

Increment by increment, the power withdrew from his brain, from his legs, and from all other areas. It concentrated like contained lightning, crackling against its bindings. His PURPOSE railed against being restricted for it was a force of freedom. Duke could feel the strain but continued to force and concentrate the connection until, finally, his PURPOSE fully connected with the weapons. The relief as he released his PURPOSE was like falling into a cold pool on a hot summer’s day. It both shocked and relieved him, soothing the burning throughout his system.

Duke’s eyes opened to find that he had fallen to his knees, and everyone was surrounding him again. He was greeted with a system message that forced its way into his consciousness.

*** Congratulations, you have achieved the Heart of the Tonfa. Your Skill with this weapon has been automatically advanced to Adept 1. You will find it easy to use this weapon as it will move with you in synchrony. Continue to learn the weapon’s true secrets to advance your Mastery and learn the Soul of the Tonfa.

Due to the ordeal you endured and the intense focus of your willpower throughout, you have expanded your Psyche by 10 points. ***

“Are you alright, Duke?” Elaine asked.

“I am better than alright. I have achieved the Heart of the Tonfa.”

“What in the name of the seven does that mean?” Grat asked.

“It means that his instruction here has concluded.” The instructor bowed in Duke’s direction and smiled as he straightened up. “You may continue to practice as you like and I will continue to train the others, but I can teach you no more. Anything you learn from now on will be along the path of the Soul of the Tonfa and must be discovered by yourself.”

“Thank you for showing me the way.” Duke replied.

“It is my PURPOSE to teach those willing to learn.” The instructor responded and then turned to Elaine. “Do you wish to continue your training?”

“I do.” Elaine responded.

The instructor nodded then beckoned her forward. “If you all would give us some space, my student is going to attack me…with her true claws.”

Elaine’s eyes shot to the instructor, alarm etched into her features. It took a moment for her to regain her equilibrium before shrugging and morphing into her bear form. The instructor only smiled in response. She thundered forward, slashing at the instructor with one paw while the other sought to spear his throat. He slipped around her blows, tapping her on her ursine nose. With a growl of frustration, the fight was joined in earnest.

Duke had seen Elaine fight before on numerous occasions but never against a foe so able to shrug off and evade her attacks. She put enormous power into each strike but still managed to keep her balance centered. There was a natural grace to her movements that was rather terrifying. Such powerful blows should pull her off-balance but the bear form moved to keep her stability in place.

The pair battled back and forth for nearly an hour before Elaine collapsed to the ground in her human form, exhausted. The instructor stepped back and admired her. “You have that form nearly mastered. I do have to ask why it is the form you chose. There are so many more that could serve you well.”

Elaine responded between massive gulps of air. “Nothing dares stand between the mama bear and her cubs. That is what I want for myself, what I have always wanted. I will protect my children from anything that would dare bring them harm.” She spoke with such conviction that her words hung in the air like an oath.

“If you truly wish to be the protector, you must change your style. You leave yourself open to counterattack too often. The mama bear that dies protecting her cubs from a single predator leaves them to the mercy of dozens more. Learn from this.” The instructor stepped back and turned to Grat. “Your turn?”

Grat held his staff out in front of him, studying it for a long pause. “This is a weapon, true, but it is not my path. I know what I need to know.”

The instructor inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Then you all have finished here.” He made an arcane gesture in the air and faded from sight. His voice carried a single message, “Your path is open to you. Proceed and finish the trials with my blessing.”

Duke and Elaine both looked at each other as they simultaneously noticed a change in each other’s martial robes. They had changed from white to yellow. Duke chuckled and turned to help break up camp yet again.

“What has you chuckling?” Baslin asked.

“I am betting that our robes will turn orange after we complete the next test that qualifies.” Duke responded.

“What makes you so sure?” Baslin inquired, wondering what Duke was on to now.

“This dungeon level is drawing a fairly close parallel to the Shaolin training methods from my world. Their teachings fall under the general category of martial arts. Within that general category, there are most often colors depicting rank. They range from white to yellow to orange, all the way up to black. That is my guess as to what the progression will be. We’ll find out if I’m right soon enough.”

The group moved on to the next chamber.