"Excellent job everyone! Let's take a break."
A group collapsed and began to breathe in air heavily. Akiol nodded at the reaction, although the specialized group was small, they put in double the amount of effort. Compared to the other teams that is.
Mira walked up to Akiol, "Do I have to take a break?"
"It would be wise to digest what you have learned."
"Yes Sensei!"
Akiol watched as Mira skipped off to rest. The more he trained the kid the more he realized Mira's strange strength and stamina. Even though Akiol was at Second Stage he still couldn't compete strength-wise.
Both Mira and Givale were rapid learners. They quickly adjusted to Akiol's teachings and integrated it almost perfectly. The only thing they lacked was some combat training, but he feared to put them against each other. Givale's magic was deadly, and Mira's strength terrifying. If either one were to get hit. . .
Akiol shut down the thought process. He would give them some sparring personally in the future.
"Akiol!", Wrock greeted from a distance.
"Ah, you're done for today as well?"
"Yep! I think they're finally coming around, it took forever to get rid of those bad habits. Why do they insist on looking cool?"
The two chuckled while sharing their experiences. The players were quite stubborn when it came to their teachings. They believed in their ability and often rejected any mentoring from the two. Someone was always quick to try and prove their method to be right. It took Akiol and Wrock a lot of duels to finally convince them. Even then it took even more effort to get them to listen properly.
"At least Kan'na has it easy. Those Sorcerers are always quick to listen.", Wrock said, sighing ruefully.
Kan'na had heard this, "Who has it easy?"
"Ah! Well, not easy. Easier might be the better word?"
"These are some incredibly ignorant words you are saying. You know how hard it is to maintain a steady training environment while simultaneously keeping the door up? Much less teach a bunch of overly enthusiastic sorcerers the basics without them trying to overdo spells."
"W-Well-"
"Your combat muddled brain can't seem to grasp at the effort I have to put in!"
Akiol cleared his throat, "Allow me to correct Wrock here. You make it seem effortless."
"Now that's some better wording."
Kan'na stormed off, not bothering to listen any longer. Wrock tentatively asked, "Is. . . she in a bad mood?"
"That, or you put in her one."
"Aw man."
Akiol patted Wrock's shoulder, "Good luck man, you're on your own for this one."
Wrock made a face, "Thanks, I guess."
"Anytime."
Leaving Wrock to his own thoughts Akiol continued to overlook the revolution. A handful of players were practicing according to his instructions despite drills being over. Others sparring with each other to apply what they had learned. Despite the large amount of resistance towards learning it seems Wrock's efforts had finally begun to shine.
With renewed vigor the players were beginning to actually take shape. Akiol walked over to a dueling group and the moment they noticed him they stopped dueling and stood to attention. Suppressing a laugh at this Akiol thought that perhaps Wrock may have been too strict with the teachings. Although perhaps that's just because of the clan he was raised in.
"You, your name?", Akiol pointed out one of the players.
"You can call me Charlie sir."
'Sir? Wrock you made them obedient!', Akiol thought to himself.
"Charlie, you're swinging with your wrist. While you can use that to perform various maneuvers, when you're trying to swing with a proper amount of force you have to use more than your wrist. From your feet upward, swing with your body not just your arm."
Unsheathing Stars Akiol took up a stance, "Come, swing at me."
Charlie hesitated, glancing at the player he was dueling with. After a second he lifted his blade and began to swing.
"Good, that was your arm. Now your torso. Try not to wind up your swing too much."
Clang~
"Better, now footwork. From the tips of your toes to the ends of your fingers. Don't hold back you wouldn't be able to hurt me anyway."
Twang~
"You learn quick! Implement this towards your more damaging swings. Be careful not to overdo it too much, else your stamina will wear out before you can deal with a more formidable foe. You two can continue."
Sheathing Stars he stepped back to allow the two their space. Taking their positions back he watched their duel a bit before nodding. The improvement was noticeable, but not grand. Good enough.
There was a discussion on who should be in charge of which department. Some slots were obvious, such as Kan'na tutoring things about magic. Others caused a bit of debate. Originally Wrock wanted to teach the players with unique classes. Stating his ability to spot flaws should help them learn quicker. To which Akiol disagreed. His argument was that with the vast amount of fighting techniques he picked up he was more experienced in different fighting techniques that could be applied to unique classes.
After further discussion Wrock relented. His ability to spot flaws would be great, but with Akiol's experience in other weapons it was clear Wrock wasn't the best choice to handle that department. So he opted to use some of the training techniques implemented by his clan. Not the specific fighting techniques, since those were clan exclusive, but rather the general mindset and discipline.
Respect was something first taught to warriors in Wrock's clan. Respect to their teachers, elders, family, and most importantly: their God the Myriad Phoenix. Altering these teachings to omit the Myriad Phoenix, Wrock taught the respect and discipline that was imparted to him at a young age to the bloodthirsty players.
Wrock slipped through a few moving players and caught an arrow, "Careful! We do not need friendly fire!"
"Sorry!!", a player apologized profusely while retrieving their arrow.
Shaking his head he continued to move forward while overviewing the progress made. The amount of resistance he faced when trying to teach them discipline was substantial. There was a heavy unwillingness among the playerbase. As if they simply didn't want to be taught.
Wrock understood this mindset but did not tolerate it under his teachings. Those who refused to listen no matter what were sent elsewhere to assist with the revolution. Once a few began to pick up on the discipline it snowballed and many others were more than willing to go along with it.
They had now reached a point where new players quickly followed the actions of their peers and allowed Wrock to spend less time teaching them discipline and more on how to fight. Although Akiol was certainly more knowledgeable in other fighting styles, there wasn't time to teach them a sword technique. So instead Wrock was tasked with eliminating common mistakes. Thus there was still unique styles among the mass force, but they were organized enough.
Approaching a door he sighed and knocked a few times. Once it opened he entered the room and leaned against the wall. On the opposite end of the room was Kan'na, her hand moving magic circles as she explained the properties behind mana and its control. Pausing her lecture she asked, "What are you here for?"
Wrock held up his hands, "Came to see how things were progressing. Figured I could better understand if I participated in the class."
This held a different meaning to those participating in the lecture. To Kan'na it was something else. A faint smile could be spotted on her face as she replied, "Then you best not distract."
"Treat me as just another student."
~ ~ ~
Yielya pulled out a carton of juice from the fridge. As she was pouring herself a cup Tilia walked into the kitchen.
Looking over Yielya greeted, "Tilia, I've been meaning to talk to you."
"Is there something wrong?"
"No, just something I think I may need assistance with."
"Alright, what is it?"
"Akiol had told me that the revolution lacks proper equipment. Something about the standard being low. So I figured I would acquire some, but I've only managed to get the materials."
Tilia frowned, "You aren't asking me to-"
"I just want you to inform them of this opportunity. Weapons made by the dwarves are rare and powerful. If we can obtain equipment from them-"
"The revolution will stand a greater chance.", Tilia finished, "I understand that, but they've been forced to forge against their will for quite some time."
"I understand this, in return I've managed to create a generous offer. I just need you to act as a messenger."
"I cannot guarantee that they will accept."
"Naturally, but I think it's worth a shot."
"What's the deal?"
"I will ship them a vast amount of materials. I will pay them to create armor and weapons out of those materials of exceptional quality."
"Doesn't sound very generous."
"Hold on. I want only the exceptional pieces, if some of the weapons and armor came out less than satisfactory, I don't wish to see them. Those items can be used for whatever."
"Ah."
Yielya shrugged, "With this wording I can keep it hidden that I'm assisting the revolution. Additionally the high quality pieces of equipment can fetch a pretty good price. Should be enough to gain some profits to keep that manager off my back."
Tilia finished making her sandwich and said, "I will relay the message. I trust you have a backup plan in case they decline?"
"Yeah.", Yielya lied through her teeth.
"Just wanted to be sure."