Chapter 226: The Title of Founder
Zanyill stood casually, his hands resting on the strange stick.
Travis drew Abe, sunlight glinting off its surface.
Zanyill casually spoke, "I shall be attacking now."
He vanished, leaving no traces of his existence. Travis remained alert with his sword steady. Suddenly his senses screamed at him and he forcefully moved to the side.
Zanyill reappeared, his stick where Travis was. Travis swung towards him, the moment his sword was about to make contact, Zanyill vanished again.
"Not bad, your movements are quite skilled. You even dodged my strike."
Travis looked to his side and noticed Zanyill standing on his sword. He quickly drew his sword back. Zanyill leaped off lightly with a flip.
A dark energy coated Travis' blade. He swung it forward twice, two dark crescent shapes moving towards Zanyill.
The old man moved his hand and batted away the attack.
Travis vanished and reappeared behind Zanyill using [Truth Twofold: Existence]. Every time he had used this move his opponents could never tell his movements! He was completely positive that his teleport left no traces.
He swung towards Zanyill's shoulder, unwilling to lethally harm the old man. Yet to his surprise Zanyill easily dodged the blow. The old man grabbed Travis wrist and flipped him over. Travis was slammed into the ground, causing him to grunt.
Zanyill wondered aloud, "Your movements are solid, even skilled. I see very few flaws to take care of, I am certain if we were of the same strength I would only have a forty percent chance to beat you."
"It's a shame that percent is far larger."
Travis rolled to recover and shot forward, he wanted to land a single blow! Just a single one! He unleashed a flurry of blows within a moment.
Zanyill moved through the strikes like water. At the last strike Zanyill disrupted the movement with the strange stick. Travis found his sword unwillingly being pushed away. With a spin of his stick Zanyill hit Travis' jaw, causing him to be lifted off his feet.
Zanyill gripped his ankle and threw him to the side, 'This guy is quite talented. His fighting sense is well tuned, his strikes are lethal. Such a talent, with such desire to improve!'
Travis grit his teeth, he would have to use all his cards to just land a hit! Twisting his body he landed squarely on his feet, sliding slightly. He prepared to use his Berserk Skill, but Zanyill held up a hand, "Stop, it would be a waste."
Travis felt shocked, he hadn't heard of someone being able to tell when they were using a Berserk Skill! Sure some could predict it, but it looked like Zanyill read him like a book!
Zanyill rested his hands on his stick, "I assume you wish to reach Second Stage, correct?"
"Yes."
"Are you aware of the requirements?"
"Strength."
Travis had reached Second Stage in his past life, it was when he reached level 500. However he had heard of people reaching Second Stage before level 300! He assumed that was because they had come into contact with fortuitous encounters. Gaining the strength of an average level 500 early.
"Partially, Second Stage requires more than just strength. Instead it has three requirements. The first being something you already have, that is strength of course. The second is Prominence, your mark on this world must be significant enough. Whether it be the world itself, the gods, or the people. This usually could be through Titles, but you should have enough Prominence through your status in the Everlasting Abyss. Finally the last requirement is mana control, something you have. . . barely any knowledge of. Your every movement was devoid of mana, in other words terrible."
"Mana control?"
Travis was only slightly familiar with this term, the knowledge on this subject was always suppressed. Only basic info was given, and any information regarding how to improve your mana control was basically nonexistent. Even Travis with his vast amount of researching didn't come across anything regarding further increasing your mana control.
Travis now realized the issue, the powerful Guilds kept info on this hidden. Using it for their strongest people. Monopolizing it for their own purpose.
How many talented people were kept unnoticed because of this? How many legends could have been born? The Guilds! It was always them!
Zanyill clapped his hands, "I changed my mind, I shall teach you about mana. I cannot let such a talented individual go down the wrong path."
Travis immediately turned ecstatic, "Really?"
"Mhm. Come here tomorrow morning, training starts then."
Zanyill vanished. Not knowing whether or not his voice could be hear, Travis still called out, "Thank you!"
~ ~ ~
"Ah! Founder! You are here, please take a seat."
Wrock did so whilst greeting, "A pleasure to meet you your Majesty."
The King held up a hand, "Please, call me Kayne. I shall not have a founder speak to me so respectfully."
"I am Wrock, I ask that you refer to me as the same."
Kayne was quite pleased with the respectful tone Wrock had. Most of the Founders were quite arrogant and proud. One so humble was a breath of fresh air.
Wrock then asked, "Is there a reason you wished to speak to a Founder?"
"Ah yes, I have a request for you."
"Then please do say."
"My youngest son. . . he wishes to be a pugilist. I've tried to change his mind, but he is determined on this path."
"Is there something wrong with this path?"
A guard held a weapon up threateningly, "Watch how you speak to His Majesty!"
Kayne held up a hand, "Calm yourself. My apologies Founder Wrock, I had not meant to insult your profession. It simply brings a little harm to the Royal image if he decides to use his fists. As much as your profession is equal to the others, many people do not think so."
"Pugilists have a history of being viewed as the weakest."
"I'm glad you understand. Since my son is so determined, I wanted only the best to teach him. I had prepared to pay a high fee, but not a single Founder has answered my call."
Wrock pondered, was this fate?
Kayne continued, "I am positive you had not come here to answer my call. So I ask that you please teach my son. I am prepared for your price."
"I cannot guarantee that your son has any talent in the path of a pugilist. I cannot guarantee that he can become skilled. Moreover I cannot guarantee that I have the free time to teach him properly."
"I am aware of all of this."
Wrock smiled, "However for the King of a Kingdom to speak so respectfully. I can at the very least spend some time to guide him down the right path."
Kayne felt excitement rising in his heart. Yet he still asked, "May I know your price?"
"I simply wish to speak with the Royal Blacksmith."
Kayne was surprised, "This is all?"
"This is all. In return I shall spend some time once a month to check your son's progress. Perhaps correct his mistakes and point in the right direction. Do you view this as fair?"
"This. . . is not fair at all! This is blatantly in my favor! I cannot accept such an offer for such a low price! Please! If there is anything else! I cannot let word get out that I had payed so little for a Founder's service!"
Wrock smiled, this was a good king. Even if all this was to maintain reputation, he was treating everyone well. The Kingdom itself was well maintained, and its people happy. However since the King was so adamant.
"An accessory then. One suitable for a mage."
"A mage?"
"For a friend of mine you see."
"Ah, that I can do! I shall let you see my treasury and choose one of your liking."
"You have my thanks."
"As do you."
Wrock stood up, "Then let us see your son then. I shall test him today."
Kayne nodded and whispered to a servant. The servant bowed and scurried off. He stood up, "Let us go to my personal training ground. My son shall meet you there."
Wrock followed the King, making sure to walk beside him.
Although he might seem like a numb headed battle maniac, Wrock was actually quite well versed in conversation and proper manners. Being part of the hero's party made him come into contact with a lot of royalty. Even though Akiol usually took the lead in conversations, he wouldn't embarrass himself when alone.
The way one walked with Royalty was incredibly important from his world. Walking behind someone meant you were under them, mainly servants and common people. Walking beside meant they agreed to be equals, something that was mutual in understanding. Walking beside a Royal without a mutual understanding was considered rude and offensive. Finally walking in front of someone meant that you were above them.
This process becomes more and more complicated the more people there is involved. But with just himself it was only the basics.
Kayne walked to a door, "We are here."
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