Chương 22: Teacher and Student
The banquet lasted an entire week. What was originally planned as a one-day event turned into a full-blown festival. People were celebrating the heroes and calling them the champions of the people. Although the banquet lasted for a week, Lord Taitez and Algran were only there for the first two days. As the Lord of Bez'eru and the first son, they had many obligations to uphold.
Garret, on the other hand, was one of the reasons the banquet could last so long. He put in his will and effort to celebrate his own brother. He was truly proud to be part of House Falstone.
Lilith and the group used the week of festivities to learn more from Kai. As one of the heroes celebrated, he was there the whole week with the other adventurers.
Lilith was particularly interested in his tale of adventure in the mountains. She listened intently to all the details he shared.
In the end, Lilith asked Kai if he could teach her spearmanship. Kai, as a seasoned adventurer, looked at Lilith with a smile and spoke softly. "But I'm not a teacher, Lilith. Besides, isn't Elara teaching you the way of the sword as a maid-knight?" He glanced over at Elara, who was chatting with Garret and Ella at the time.
Lilith smiled. "Yes, she is teaching me some swordplay and magic too. But with my still growing body, the sword seems to lack reach. I can use it, yes, and I might be good with it, but compared to other adventurers, I'm just so-so," she answered with a saddened smile.
"Let me think about it," Kai then said. "As an old and seasoned adventurer, I do have a duty to help new adventurers so we don't lose them. And you do have some skills, so maybe I could teach you spearmanship. But remember, Lilith, I'm a battle-mage, not a spearmaster. I use magic spells along with my spear, but a true spearmaster would use their martial art of the spear. In a one-on-one fight, the master would win more times over the battlemage than the battle-mage would win."
Days after the festival, Lilith saw Kai chatting with other adventurers in the guild hall. Gathering her courage, she walked up to him boldly and asked, "So, Kai, have you thought about it?"
Kai looked at her with a knowing grin. "Yes, I have, Lilith."
Lilith's eyes lit up with expectation as she gazed at him, her question clear in her expression.
He continued, "It won't be easy to learn spearmanship, especially my style. To learn my spearmanship, you also need to learn how to become a battle-mage. This means you'll not only learn about the spear but also how to incorporate magic into your combat. If you're willing to commit to learning all of this, then I'd be delighted to teach you. But remember, I've never taught anyone before; I've only trained myself."
Lilith nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "I understand. Then please, Teacher! Teach me how to become a battle-mage."
Kai chuckled, appreciating her enthusiasm. "Alright, Lilith. We'll start tomorrow at dawn. Meet me at the training grounds. Be prepared for a lot of hard work. This will be challenging, but I see potential in you."
Lilith beamed with excitement. "Thank you, Kai. I won't let you down."
Kai nodded, his expression serious but kind. "I know you won't. Now, go get some rest. You'll need it."
As Lilith turned to leave, Elara, who had been observing the interaction from a distance, walked over and placed a hand on Lilith's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Lilith. This is a big step."
Lilith smiled up at her. "Thank you, Elara. I want to get stronger and be able to protect everyone, just like you."
Elara nodded, her eyes shining with pride. "I know you will. And remember, we're all here to support you."
With renewed determination, Lilith spent the rest of the evening preparing for her training, eager to begin her journey to becoming a battle-mage under Kai's guidance.
The dawn's first light peeked over the horizon as Lilith arrived at the training grounds, her breath visible in the crisp morning air. Kai stood waiting, his spear leaning against a nearby tree, a serene yet intense look on his face.
"Good morning, Lilith," Kai greeted her with a nod. "Today, we start your training as a battle-mage."
Lilith's heart pounded with excitement and anticipation. "Good morning, Teacher! I'm ready."
Kai began with physical conditioning. "Before you can master the spear and magic, your body must be prepared."
Warm-ups started with basic stretching exercises, loosening Lilith's muscles and increasing her flexibility. They moved on to running laps around the training grounds, pushing her endurance. Next came strength training: push-ups, pull-ups, and lifting weights fashioned from heavy stones.
"These exercises will build the muscle strength you'll need to wield the spear effectively," Kai explained.
After an hour of rigorous conditioning, they moved on to basic spear techniques. Kai demonstrated the proper way to hold the spear, emphasizing the grip and stance.
"Balance and agility are key," he instructed, showing her how to shift her weight and maintain a stable posture.
Lilith practiced basic strikes, thrusts, sweeps, and blocks. Kai corrected her form patiently, ensuring each movement was precise and controlled.
In the afternoon, they transitioned to magic basics.
"Mana control is essential for a battle-mage," Kai said. "You must learn to sense and direct your energy."
Lilith closed her eyes, following Kai's guidance to channel her mana into her hands. She felt a warm, tingling sensation as the energy flowed through her. They practiced simple spells, like conjuring a small flame or a gust of wind, focusing on control rather than power.
As the days progressed, Kai began integrating physical and magical training.
"You need to combine your spear skills with magic," he explained. "Let's start with infusing your spear."
Lilith practiced channeling her mana into the spear, making it glow with a faint light. They moved on to basic combat drills, where she combined physical strikes with magical enhancements. A thrust would be accompanied by a burst of fire, or a sweep would be followed by a gust of wind.
Each day followed a routine: morning conditioning, afternoon mana training, and evening sparring. Lilith's body and magical abilities grew stronger, and her confidence increased.
By the end of the first month, Lilith was ready for more advanced techniques.
"Today, we'll focus on elemental integration," Kai said. "Let's combine different elements with your spear techniques."
Lilith learned to create a burning spear engulfed in flames or to use wind magic to increase her strike speed. They also practiced defensive magic, conjuring barriers and shields to protect against attacks.
In the afternoons, they discussed battle scenarios, with Kai setting up mock battles. Lilith had to use both her spear and magic to overcome obstacles and opponents, honing her tactical thinking.
Kai introduced advanced mana techniques in the second month.
"This is a mana burst," he demonstrated, releasing a powerful, short-range attack. "It's useful in close combat."
Lilith practiced sustaining magical enhancements over longer periods without exhausting her mana, learning to balance power and endurance.
Their sparring sessions became more intense, simulating real combat situations. Kai also taught her to fight alongside others, coordinating magical and physical attacks in a team setting.
"You need to develop your own signature moves," Kai advised. "Combine your strongest abilities into a unique combat style."
They spent hours crafting and perfecting these moves, integrating her spear techniques with her most potent spells.
Even after two months, the training never truly ended.
"Adaptability is key," Kai emphasized. "You must be able to adjust your techniques for different opponents and environments."
Lilith practiced meditation to improve her focus and mana control. They played strategy games and studied historical battles to enhance her tactical acumen.
Kai regularly assessed her progress, providing feedback and adjusting their training plan as needed. Lilith learned to identify her weaknesses and worked on them independently, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
One evening, as they sparred under the setting sun, Kai paused and looked at Lilith with pride.
"You've come a long way, Lilith. Your dedication and hard work have paid off. You're well on your way to becoming a formidable battle-mage."
Lilith smiled, her heart swelling with pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Teacher. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Kai nodded, a rare smile touching his lips. "Remember, this is just the beginning. Continue to push your limits and never stop learning."
As they stood there, the last rays of sunlight casting long shadows, Lilith felt a deep sense of accomplishment. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with her newfound skills and the determination to protect those she cared about.
Little did Lilith know, what was to come the next day.
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