Trial by Combat

The training grounds bustled with activity, soldiers sparring, practicing archery, and honing their skills. Kaito followed Commander Gavril to a clear patch of ground, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

He had trained with the soldiers, learned the basics of swordsmanship, but facing the Commander was a different matter altogether.

"We will use wooden swords," Gavril said, his voice gruff but fair. "I don't intend to cripple you before you even begin."

Kaito nodded, grateful for the consideration. He took the wooden sword offered to him, its weight familiar and comforting.

"First," Gavril continued, "you will face one of my soldiers. Defeat him, and we will proceed."

A young soldier, barely older than Kaito, stepped forward, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and challenge. Kaito bowed respectfully, then took his stance, his grip tightening on the sword.

The soldier lunged, his wooden sword whistling through the air. Kaito parried the blow, his body reacting instinctively, the movements ingrained from countless hours of practice.

He remembered the countless hours he had spent training on this very ground, the sweat and frustration of learning the basics, the gradual improvement of his skills with each passing loop. He had sparred with these soldiers countless times, their movements, their strengths, their weaknesses, all becoming familiar patterns in his mind. But this time, something was different. He had a purpose, a burning desire to protect those he cared about, and that fueled his every move. He countered with a thrust, forcing the soldier to step back.

They exchanged a flurry of blows, their swords clashing, their footwork a dance of attack and defense. Kaito, remembering the lessons he had learned from the soldiers and Elara, used his agility to his advantage, dodging and weaving, his strikes finding gaps in the soldier's defenses. He had learned from his mistakes in previous loops, his body remembering the pain of each blow, the sting of each defeat.

Finally, with a well-timed maneuver, Kaito disarmed the soldier, his wooden sword clattering to the ground. The soldier, panting and bruised, bowed in defeat.

Kaito, his breath ragged, bowed in return. He had won, but he knew this was just the beginning.

Gavril's expression remained unchanged. "Next," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "You will face two soldiers simultaneously."

Two soldiers stepped forward, their faces grim, their movements practiced and efficient. Kaito felt a surge of apprehension. This would be a true test of his skills.

The soldiers attacked, their swords a whirlwind of wood and determination. Kaito found himself on the defensive, his sword deflecting blows from both sides, his footwork a desperate scramble to maintain his balance.

He remembered Elara's words, her advice on using his agility and his opponent's

momentum against them.

He ducked under a swing, rolled away from a thrust, and countered with a swift strike, his sword connecting with one soldier's arm, sending his weapon flying.

He pressed his advantage, his attacks becoming more aggressive, his movements more fluid.

He disarmed the second soldier, then turned his attention to the first, his sword forcing him to retreat.

The soldiers, realizing they were outmatched, yielded, their faces etched with a grudging respect.

Gavril's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Impressive," he admitted, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're not just a commoner, after all."

Kaito, his chest heaving, bowed his head in acknowledgment. He had proven himself, at least to some extent.

"Now," Gavril said, his voice hardening, "you will face me."

Kaito's heart pounded in his chest. This was the true test, the ultimate challenge.

Gavril drew his wooden sword, its movements swift and precise. He took his stance, his body radiating an aura of power and experience. Kaito felt a wave of intimidation wash over him. Gavril was a formidable opponent, his every move honed by years of training and countless battles.

"Land one clean hit on me," Gavril said, his voice a challenge. "And I will consider training you."

Kaito nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. He knew this wouldn't be easy. Gavril was a seasoned warrior, his skills honed through years of training and countless battles. He had seen Gavril fight in previous loops, witnessed his strength and speed firsthand. He knew he was outmatched, but he refused to back down.

"Three blue stars," Kaito muttered to himself, remembering the information he had gleaned from the library. He had seen Gavril activate his mana before, the faint blue glow outlining his body, a testament to his physical prowess. But today, there was no such glow. Gavril was fighting him without enhancing his strength with mana.

The clash of wooden swords echoed through the training grounds as Kaito and Gavril engaged in a fierce duel. Kaito struggled to keep up with Gavril's speed and precision, his attacks deflected with ease, his defenses tested to their limits.

He felt a growing frustration, his own limitations painfully evident. He was still too slow, too weak, too inexperienced.

But he refused to give up. He pushed himself harder, his movements becoming more desperate, his attacks more frantic. He remembered the lessons he had learned, the techniques he had practiced, the strategies he had devised in countless loops.

He saw an opening, a brief lapse in Gavril's defenses, but it was too high, out of his reach. Thinking quickly, Kaito dropped to one knee, scooping up a handful of sand from the training ground.

He flung it towards Gavril's face, the grains catching the sunlight, momentarily blinding the Commander.

Gavril flinched, his hand instinctively rising to shield his eyes. Kaito seized the opportunity, lunging forward, his wooden sword finding its mark. He felt a satisfying thud as the sword connected with Gavril's arm, leaving a shallow scratch on his skin.

Gavril stumbled back, his eyes widening in surprise. He looked at the scratch on his arm, then at Kaito, his expression a mix of disbelief and grudging admiration.

"You have potential," Gavril admitted, his voice laced with a newfound respect. "Raw, untamed, but undeniable."

He sheathed his sword, his gaze meeting Kaito's. "I will train you, Kaito," he said, his voice firm. "But be warned, I will not go easy on you. You will train harder than you ever have before, and you will push yourself to your limits. Are you prepared for that?"

Kaito, his heart soaring with triumph and determination, knelt before the Commander. "Yes, sir," he said, his voice filled with gratitude and resolve. "I am ready."

He rose to his feet, his eyes fixed on Gavril's. "I will become stronger," he vowed, his voice echoing across the training grounds. "I will learn everything you can teach me, and I will protect those I care about."

Gavril nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "Good," he said. "Then let us begin."

As Kaito and Gavril began their training, a figure watched from a window high above the training grounds. Elara, her heart filled with a mix of pride and concern, smiled as she witnessed Kaito's determination and Gavril's grudging acceptance. She knew this was just the beginning of a long and arduous journey, but she also knew that Kaito had the potential to become a true hero, a protector of Aloria, a champion of Eldoria.

And she would be there to support him, to guide him, to fight alongside him, every step of the way.