Getting better with weapons

Over the next few weeks, we continue our martial training. Owen showed us the basics of fighting with different kinds of weapons. We have tried hand-to-hand combat, swords, bows, daggers, spears, polearms, axes, maces, and throwing weapons. Since we were still a bit young, we couldn’t train with double-handed weapons. Owen told us that if we wanted to, we could learn them when we became older.

Today is the last day of our introductory martial training sessions. We tried different kinds of weapons and got a feel of which ones we liked and wanted to continue practicing. We will have to make our choice of weapon to pursue.

“Since this is the last introductory session, I would like to hear your thoughts on what weapons you want to keep training with. I know already which ones you have potential with so don’t hold back. Artias, you go first.” Owen says.

Arti gulps and clears his throat. “Uhm, I think I did pretty good with the bow. Not sure about other weapons, but, if I had to choose a close-combat weapon, I would choose a sword, I guess.”

“I agree,” Owen nods. “You have shown promise with the bow. I believe you can become good at using it if you keep training. As for the sword, I don’t think you will become a great swordsman, but at least you will be able to fight decently if you keep training. It might just save your life one day. What about you, Zenovia?”

I think for a second before answering. “I think I want to continue training with all of them. Not to sound cocky, but I feel like a can be good at any of them.”

Owen nods. “I agree. You have shown real promise. It is almost like holding a weapon comes naturally to you. I think if you choose to pursue any of the weapons, you can become a master in them eventually. I would recommend you build up the foundations of using all these weapons, then concentrate on a select few. Sword is a given for you. A bow would suit you well as well. Interestingly, I think Artias will become better with bows than you eventually. Throwing weapons could be a good third option. Throwing knives are compact and easier to carry than a bow and arrows. They can’t compete in distance but can save you in a pinch. For your fourth option, I would recommend a polearm. Depending on the type of polearm, it can be used more universally than a spear. It should add versatility to your arsenal. Continuing practicing hand-to-hand combat should also be very beneficial.”

I nod, agreeing with what Owen says.

“Alright, this will be it for today,” Owen says. “Starting next week, you will begin training with the weapons of your choice. I will be training you in the close-range weapons. As for bows and throwing weapons, I know a person who would be a great instructor. He is a scout in the Royal Army. The greatest shot I have ever seen. Can hit a target at 100 meters easily. I have even seen him hit a target 200 meters away. He is also proficient in throwing weapons.”

With that, we leave the training hall. “So, what do you think after a month of training?” I ask Arti.

“It’s alright, I guess. Still, I am not as big into it as you are. Bows were actually quite fun and I was good with them. Better even than you,” he replies teasingly.

“My sincere congratulations on being better than me, brother.” I gave him a low mocking bow.

He punched me in the shoulder and kept walking. I chuckled at that. Teasing him is good fun.

I catch up to him. “The fire and wind magic tutor will be arriving tomorrow. Are you excited?”

“Oh, right. She does. I am very excited. Can’t wait to finally start learning it,” Arti cheerily replies.

“Same. I am looking forward to being able to combine fire and wind magic to use lightning magic,” I reply and look sideways at him. “Can you remind me what are the six sub-elements of the four basic elements?” I ask him knowing the answer.

His face lights up at my question as I expected it would. Arti loves answering questions of all kinds. It is truly adorable. “There are six sub-elements of four basic elements. As you know, the four basic elements are fire, water, wind, and earth. By combining two of those elements, we get a sub-element. Fire and wind make lightning magic, water, and earth make plant magic, water and fire make mist magic, fire, and earth make magma magic, earth and wind make sand magic, and wind and water make ice magic,” he proudly answers.

“And which element is the strongest?” I continue asking the questions, answers to which I already know, just so I can see the delight on Arti’s face when he answers them.

“There is none. All elements work in perfect balance. Water works best against fire magic, but is **** to wind magic. Fire works best against earth magic but is weak to water. Earth is great against wind magic, but is weak to fire. And the wind is good against water magic but is weak against earth. The six sub-elements work in the same way. It is all in an equilibrium,” Arti finishes.

“Look at how smart you are,” I ruffle his hair.

“Stop it,” he says blushing but doesn’t try to stop me. We keep walking and talking until we need to go separate ways for our classes.

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