The Second Thread

Nathan woke to the sound of birds chirping outside the house. He felt a strange sense of anticipation for today. Today was the day he was going to get stronger. Unlike his previous life, he now was going to become one of the greats. Today, he will be learning from Jynn and Garrick.

Nathan found Jynn in a corner of the training grounds, surrounded by an array of strange devices and jars filled with glowing liquids. The younger man was hunched over a small, brass contraption, his fingers moving quickly as he adjusted its gears.

"What's that?" Nathan asked, crouching down beside him.

Jynn looked up, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "This? It's a mana condenser. It collects and stores magical energy. Most people use them to power their spells or enchantments."

Nathan frowned. "But I thought Travelers didn't need those. You said our books are conduits for magic."

Jynn grinned. "Exactly. But you still need a reactor and a producer. We simply use the mana around us and store it in our books in which we cast powerful spells."

He handed Nathan a small, crystal orb. It was cool to the touch, and its surface glowed vibrantly.

"What do I do with it?" Nathan asked.

"Focus on the Book of Threads," Jynn instructed. "Feel the energy in the crystal and try to transfer it into your book."

Nathan closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He focused on the Book of Threads. Then to the crystal.

Slowly, once again, he began to sense the threads around him, their familiar feeling and a sense of relief. He reached out with his mind, trying to guide the energy into the book.

At first, nothing happened. Then, the orb began to glow, its light growing dimmer with each passing second. Nathan opened his eyes, a smile spreading across his face.

"I did it!" he exclaimed.

Jynn nodded, his expression approving. "Good. But remember, magic isn't just about power—it's about control. If you lose focus, the energy can backfire."

As if on cue, the orb began to shake violently, its light flickering. Nathan's eyes widened, and he dropped it just as it exploded, millions of glass shards flying.

Jynn laughed, brushing the sparks from his hair. "See what I mean? Control is key."

Nathan groaned, rubbing his temples. "This is harder than it looks."

"Everything is," Jynn said, echoing Kaela's words from the day before. "But you'll get the hang of it. Just keep practicing."

______________________________________________________________________________________

After a short break, Nathan made his way to the other side of the training grounds, where Garrick was waiting. The tall man stood with his massive broadsword resting on his shoulder.

"So you've finally arrived? You'll be learning swordsmanship from me!" Garrick said, his voice strong and sturdy.

Nathan gulped, scared of what's going to happen next. Garrick opened a cabinet nearby. There was a wide range of weapons, from spears to swords to even bows and whips. Garrick handed him a wooden practice sword, its weight heavy but manageable.

"First rule of swordsmanship," Garrick said, "Is to respect your master. You should always and always bring him drinks and help him in any way possible."

Nathan blinked a few times, confused about what he said.

"Oh cheer up" Garrick shouted "It was just a joke. But seriously now, pick up your sword"

Nathan gripped the sword and tried to get in a stance he saw on TV back in his world. The tall man stepped forward, adjusting Nathan's stance with quick pokes and jabs..

"Feet shoulder-width apart. Knees slightly bent. And keep your grip firm but not too tight. You're not trying to strangle the sword."

Nathan nodded, though his movements felt awkward and werid. Garrick stepped back, raising his own practice sword.

"Now, watch and learn."

Garrick got in the exact stance as Nathan and swung his sword once. 

A huge gust of wind followed the swords path and his slash seemed to cut the air itself, his huge frame now seemed bigger, winds blew and there was a huge boom near the mountains.

Nathan watched in awe, shocked at what had happened.

 When Garrick finished, he gestured for Nathan to try.

"What?? Me?" Nathan exclaimed. 

Garrick grabbed Nathan and threw him into the middle of the platform. "Start"

Nathan swung the sword, his movements stiff and uncoordinated. Nothing happened.

"These are basic skills you need to learn as a swordsmanship. You are a traveler but you need to be proficient in every class. People who choose that specific class will be one of the greats of their area. If an assassin approaches a mage at close range, what can they do? Nothing. So you need to be able to protect yourself at any costs necessary."

"You're thinking too much," Garrick said. "Swordsmanship isn't about force—it's about flow. You need to let go of everything else and just... be."

Nathan frowned. "That doesn't sound that easy."

Garrick shrugged. "I always give good advice. Now, try again."

Nathan took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He swung the sword again, this time with more confidence. Nothing happened again, but there was a hint of approval in Garrick's eyes.

"Better," he said. "But you've got a long way to go."