Chapter 9: Training Part 1

The sound of knocking at the door and Taka's voice woke Jake from a much-needed sleep, Jake was just able to open his eyes and reply to Taka.

Jake: I'm awake

Taka: Get ready and meet me in the main hall

Jake: Yep, okay

Jake was still a little dazed and had hardly woken up, grabbing the robes that he was given yesterday and putting them on, Jake also grabbed his phone realizing that it was out of battery decided to check the plugs and see if he can charge it.

Luckily there was an adapter for his phone so he plugged it in and left it on the counter leaving the room and heading down the hallway.

Reaching the main hall, looking around he could not see anyone around

Taka: over here Jake

Taka was standing in a room just off the main hall,

This room was empty with mats on the floors and bamboo swords hung up on the walls.

Jake: what are they for?

Taka: well this will be your first lesson, now pick one up

Jake walked over to the wall and picked up a bamboo sword

Taka: show me what you can do

Jake: what?

Taka: show me how you would use a sword

Jake: okay

Jake grasped the bamboo sword and swung it around aimlessly and striking down at the floor not really knowing what he was doing.

Jake: This is a bit stupid isn't it, I'm acting like a kid that has just found a cool stick

Taka: yes it would seem there is a lot to teach you

Jake: oh thanks

Taka: *laughing*, Of course, you wouldn't be perfect straight away that's why I will train you, now then ready yourself

Taka then took a bamboo sword off the rack and kept it held up with both hands, Jake took the same stance opposite him, as he did Taka struck down hitting Jake on the hip, knocking him down to the floor.

Taka: useless, you could have at least tried to block it

Whilst saying this put the bamboo sword on his shoulder.

Taka: now get back up and try again

Jake stood back up and took the form again and waited for the attack Taka took a swing again that went for Jakes side, Jake was only just able to block the attack, as he did Taka moved the attack, darting for Jake's legs, Jake then jumped back out the way of the attack, which led to Taka pushing towards Jake with more and more attacks.

The hits kept coming at Jake, but Jake kept either dodging or blocking the attacks, after each attack Taka would speed up his swings making Jake lose focus eventually taking a hit to the side of his face, knocking him down.

Taka stood over Jake and looked impressed

Taka: That was good you lasted longer than I thought you would for your first lesson

Handing out his hand for Jake lifting him up of the floor.

Jake: The hit hurts like hell though

Taka: there will be many more

They put the bamboo swords back on the racks and Lead him toward the main hall.

Taka: well I guess you're going to want a tour of the place seeing as you will be living here

Jake: yeah I guess

As they walked out the room Taka lead him across the main hall into the room that was opposite the room they just left.

Taka: as you could probably tell that was the training room, there you will mainly practice your sword skills, this room is the kitchen and dining room, stocked with plenty of food and water

Walking into the kitchen area Jake could see many seating places.

Jake: Are we the only ones here because that's a lot of seats for us

Taka: no not exactly, there are 11 other masters within this place but you are not going to meet them for some time

Jake: what do you mean by masters?

Taka: Oh I guess I forgot about that part, it's what we are called here, each of us is a master of different power, that is all I'm saying for now.

Jake didn't question it as he knew there would probably be a good enough reason to not tell him

As the tour went on Taka showed Jake each of the rooms that spread of the main hall and corridors, many of the rooms were used for various training routines they approached a room with a closed-door.

Taka: this room I will not show to you just yet

Jake looked at the door curious on what could be on the other side

Walking down a long corridor Taka opened up a door at the end of it, through these doors led to a spiral staircase that went up.

Taka: take the lead, please

Jake: okay

Heading up the spiral staircase, which seemed to go on forever until they reached the top of the staircase, a latch was in the ceiling with a wooden ladder to access it, and Taka took out some keys passing them to Jake to unlock the hatch.

As he did the hatch flung open blowing in snow and blasting them both with the freezing cold that was outside, Taka then took the lead and ascended out into the snow.

Taka: WELL WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR

Jake climbed the ladder, only climbing up enough so only his head was outside, his eyes barely able to see through the snow, what he could see was the top of the mountain and Taka standing next to a large boulder with 4 can candles that somehow were still lit even though it was basically a blizzard out.

Jake climbed out and was instantly freezing as he was only wearing the robes provided which did not provide much warmth.

Taka: Here is where you are going to spend 8 hours of your day

Jake gave him a funny look as if he was joking with him

Taka: you are going to need to clear your mind and completely relax within this environment to access this power

Clearing off the snow that was on the boulder revealing some sort of symbol etched into it.

Jake: are you insane, like really, I will freeze to death before the day ends

Taka: don't worry about that if you were to lose consciousness you will be brought back in healed and sent back out

Jake looked in complete shock at Taka thinking this was some sort of joke.

Jake: You know it would be a lot more tempting if I could at least see this so-called power and prove it's not just some made-up thing

Taka sighed then opened his palm up and making a small fireball within his hand, Jake looked in amazement seeing that the power was real he instantly sat down on the boulder between the candles.

Jake: So clear my mind and I'll get this power yeah

Taka: Well yes and no you have to be in a different state of mind blanking out all elements around you

Walking back toward the hatch Taka turned back towards Jake who looked focused in his mission to gain this power.

Taka: I'll see you in 8 hours, or less, depends if you pass out or not

Jake did not reply but looked focused on his task which pleased Taka as he stepped down the hatch and closed it behind him.

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