Chapter 7: Training Lieutenants 2
Josh Aratat sat cross-legged in a meditative pose, his piercing gaze fixed on Conrad Stan and Lola. They sat before him, eyes closed, their postures disciplined yet expectant. Though their eyes remained shut, their senses were keenly attuned to Josh, ready to absorb his instructions.
Rising to his feet, Josh wandered over to the sparse supplies they had scavenged and retrieved a sturdy bamboo shoot. His fingers moved deftly as he consulted a blueprint stored in his system interface. With precision born of necessity, he used a carving knife to craft the bamboo into a flute. It was crude yet functional, a tool that would help amplify the power within his voice.
Josh turned to his subordinates. "Listen carefully," he said, his voice resonating with quiet authority. "I will sing and play this flute. The song will awaken the dormant energy within you, laying the foundation for your strength. Once we have proper weapons, we will begin physical training."
Conrad and Lola nodded slightly but maintained their meditative state.
Josh lifted the flute to his lips and began to play. The first notes were soft, tentative, like the dawn breaking over a battlefield. Gradually, the melody grew richer, its tones weaving an intricate pattern in the air. Then, Josh began to sing, the power in his voice became evident overtime:
——:——:——
Song Title: "Rise of the Blade"
(Verse 1)
From shadows deep, I rise unseen,
Increase in strength, a force serene.
Every step, a dance with death,
An assassin maid with a whispered breath.
Through storms of fire, I claim my place,
Gaining mastery, I quicken the pace.
Steel in hand, my spirit burns,
A lieutenant's call, as the tide turns.
——:——:——
Then Josh switched to the flute as he took the chorus after.
——:——:——
(Chorus)
Rise, rise, let the world tremble,
A blade that cuts, a force to assemble.
Increase in strength, no foe can stand,
Mastery earned by a disciplined hand.
Rise, rise, from the shadows we lead,
A lieutenant's heart, an assassin's creed.
——:——:——
As the melody and lyrics fused, the atmosphere shifted. A subtle yet undeniable power began to ripple through the air. Conrad felt a faint whirlpool forming at the base of his core, a telltale sign of initiation into the path of a martial artist.
This is usual the first thing that happens when a novice or commoner is starting to thread on the steps of a martial artist. Meanwhile, Lola experienced a similar awakening, though her path diverged slightly. While Conrad's energy channeled the steadfast resolve of a lieutenant, Lola's coursed with the deadly grace of an assassin maid.
Josh observed their progress keenly, his song never faltering. He transitioned into the chorus, the flute's haunting tune elevating the power in his voice.
The song continued with both subordinates immersed.
——:——:——
(Verse 2)
Silent steps on a moonlit floor,
A maid's guise, but a warrior's core.
Every strike, a lesson learned,
In the heat of battle, my power is earned.
Eyes aflame with a deadly light,
Gaining mastery in the dead of night.
From servant halls to the field I stride,
A leader born, with a blade as my guide.
——:——:——
At this time, Josh could see the development in their core, the percentage of Conrad Stan's core development had risen to 5%, while that of Lola had reason to 6%, if they were to reach the level of 100% they both would fully enter their ranks, however, Josh Aratat's level at Vortex D+ level and 20% storage is too low and as such, they would need to complement this with personalized training inorder to push further or wait till another session.
——:——:——
(Chorus)
Rise, rise, let the world tremble,
A blade that cuts, a force to assemble.
Increase in strength, no foe can stand,
Mastery earned by a disciplined hand.
Rise, rise, from the shadows we lead,
A lieutenant's heart, an assassin's creed.
(Bridge)
Through trials of blood and endless pain,
I forge my path, I break the chain.
From a servant's role to a warrior's pride,
A maid no more, but a storm inside.
——:——:——
The chorus and the bridge came in at this time, by then, Josh's Vortex storage had dropped to 9% from 20% of the D+ level. He was very weak to be honest.
Josh had finally started to nose bleed as the strain started to take its toll on him, but he persisted and continued nonetheless.
——:——:——
(Final Chorus)
Rise, rise, let the skies ignite,
A force reborn, in the heat of the fight.
Increase in strength, as the world takes heed,
Mastery flows like the air I breathe.
Rise, rise, from the depths we ascend,
An assassin maid, a lieutenant till the end
——:——:——
As he finished the last chorus and began playing his flute, his vortex storage dropped to 2%. He could also see that the core development percentage of Conrad Stan had risen to 15%, while that of Lola had risen to 19%.
At this point, he just slummed back and fainted, his body giving in to exhaustion. His body had gone beyond Its vortex limit. At that time, Conrad Stan and Lola woke up from their immersive state.
They felt alive, and considerably stronger. As they were checking their bodies for changes, they noticed that Josh Aratat had collapsed backwards.
They quickly rushed towards him and got him in a comfortable position and then used their clothes to get rid of the blood on his nostrils.
By normal standards, they were poor and needed a lot of resources, but they could feel within them that it was a matter of time before they have more than they would need. With Josh Aratat leading them, they had no fear or discouragement.
"I feel... stronger," Lola said, marveling at the changes in her body. "The fatigue I've carried for years is gone."
"This method is incredible," Conrad added, though concern creased his brow as he glanced at Josh's pale face. "But it takes a heavy toll on him."
"We are at war right now, we need all the strength we can get if we are to support him, otherwise, he would be the one always trying to protect us..." Lola spoke thoughtfully. She had grown up in the palace as a maid, so she was used to the power schemes unlike Conrad Stan who only ever saw the cruelty of commoners.
As they were talking, Josh Aratat stirred and got up. As he got up, an icon popped up in his kingly system interphase.
——:——:——
Congratulations to the host for creating the first training song- "Rise of the blade." Your vortex storage has risen by 10%, now you have Vortex level at D+ 30% storage.
Congratulations to the host, your two subordinates has formed a partial core. Conrad Stan (15%), Lola (19%), keep developing their cores till they enter their next rank to earn a reward.
——:——:——
As the massage sounded in Josh's mind, he looked at his subordinates. Josh smiled faintly, though he was still drained. "Looks like we're on the right track," he muttered, glancing at his two subordinates.
Conrad and Lola exchanged a determined look. With Josh leading them, they had no doubt—they would rise to greatness.