NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Training Ground
The valet led Arthur through the sprawling castle corridors. Along the way, Arthur caught glimpses of intricate tapestries lining the walls, each depicting pivotal moments in the kingdom's storied history.
After several minutes, they arrived at the training grounds. The clang of steel on steel, the sharp commands of instructors, and the occasional crackle of magic filled the air. Arthur stopped at the edge of the entrance, taking in the scene before him.
The training ground was a vast open field situated behind the castle, spanning an area roughly the size of ten football fields. It was a carefully organized space, alive with activity. Knights sparred in pairs under the watchful eyes of their instructors, their swords clashing in precise, measured strikes. Mages stood in a designated section, focusing their energy on stationary targets, sending bursts of fire, ice, and light shooting through the air.
Each area of the grounds was purpose-built: rows of straw dummies lined one section for melee practice, a range with distant targets was set up for mages, and a sand-covered zone hosted endurance and stamina training drills.
"This is the training ground for the soldiers and guards of Eldoria," the valet explained.
Arthur's gaze swept over the scene, lingering on the knights and mages honing their skills. "Thank you for showing me the way," he replied.
"My pleasure, Your Majesty. I'll wait here if you need me," the valet said, bowing slightly and stepping aside.
Arthur stepped onto the training ground, the crisp air carrying the sounds of clashing swords and shouts of determination. As he strolled forward, his eyes scanned the bustling field until they landed on Klein, the guard captain of the royal palace.
Klein approached with a steady gait and greeted. "Your Majesty, what brings you to the training grounds today?"
Arthur offered a small smile. "I wanted to see what the training grounds look like and observe our knights and mages in action. Also, I've decided it's time to train this body of mine which is cover in fat."
Klein's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. "That's an admirable decision, Your Majesty. I'd be happy to show you around the facilities and introduce you to our knights and mages. But how do you plan to start your training?"
Arthur replied with calm determination, "Since I can't use magic, I'll focus on building stamina and improving my fitness. If time allows, I'd also like to learn some swordsmanship."
Klein's surprise turned into a pleased smile. "That's excellent, Your Majesty. It's good to see you taking an interest in improving yourself. Do you have a specific style or technique in mind for swordsmanship?"
Arthur shook his head thoughtfully. "Not yet. I'd like to take a look around the grounds first and see what catches my attention."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Klein replied with a respectful nod. "Let's start with our knights, as they're the closest from here."
The two made their way to the section of the training ground where knights were engaged in mock battles. The clang of metal against metal grew louder as they approached. Groups of knights sparred energetically, while others rested on the sidelines, catching their breath.
When the knights noticed Arthur, a ripple of surprise spread through the group. Many of them halted their training and straightened up, offering bows and greetings. Arthur caught the bewilderment in their expressions and couldn't help but reflect to himself, 'It's no wonder they're shocked. The former Arthur only stepped foot in these training grounds when he was 12 years old, and that was 14 years ago. For them, the sight of a "good-for-nothing" king walking into the training after a long time must be unimaginable.'
While Arthur was in thought, Klein gestured toward the knights. "These are some of our finest. In total, Eldoria has 416 knights, but since they rotate training shifts, there are around 150 present today."
Arthur nodded as he observed the knights closely, then raised his voice to address them. "Continue with your training," he announced firmly. Though he noticed a few displeased glances from some knights who seemed unsettled by his sudden presence, Arthur chose to ignore them, maintaining his calm demeanor as he walked alongside Klein.
Gradually, the knights returned to their training. The rhythmic clash of swords and the grunts of effort filled the air once more. Arthur's eyes scanned the field, taking in the diversity of styles among the knights. Some favored raw power, their strikes heavy and deliberate, while others relied on speed and precision, their movements swift and calculated.
As he observed, a particularly intense duel on the far side of the field caught his attention. Two knights were locked in combat, their clash far more dynamic than the others. Intrigued, Arthur approached, drawn by the sheer ferocity and skill on display.
"Who are those two?" Arthur asked Klein, gesturing toward the knights. "Their fight is on a completely different level. One is moving so fast it's hard to follow, and the other strikes with such force that the ground cracks a little beneath him."
Klein followed Arthur's gaze and replied, "Those are Adam and Amon. Adam is the knight wielding the longsword, known for his sheer strength. Amon, on the other hand, is renowned for his agility. Both are 5-star Aura Knights, among the strongest in Eldoria."
Arthur nodded, impressed. 'So these are Aura Knights,' he thought to himself. Watching their duel felt surreal, like something out of the fantasy anime he used to enjoy on Earth. Yet, unlike the exaggerated flashes of light and impossibly dramatic effects he remembered from those shows, this battle had a raw, realistic intensity.
Adam's powerful strikes sent shock through the ground, each swing of his sword carrying a weight that could shatter the bones of a normal person. Amon, in contrast, moved like a blur, his speed almost too fast for Arthur to track. His movements were so precise and fluid that he seemed capable of dodging an arrow in flight.
'Even without the flashy effects,' Arthur mused, 'this still feels like watching two superhumans in action. Adam's strength and Amon's speed—either would be terrifying on their own. Together, it's like witnessing the embodiment of force and finesse clashing head-on.'
Arthur snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Klein. "How many knights in Eldoria are 5-star or above?" he asked.
Klein paused for a moment, considering his answer. "In Eldoria alone, we have four 5-star Aura Knights, two 6-star knights, and myself as the sole 7-star knight here. Across the kingdom, there are two other 7-star knights stationed in different regions of Keldoria. Including the Luke Dukedom, there are only five 7-star Aura Knights in the entire Keldoria."
Arthur's eyes widened slightly. 'Klein is a 7-star knight? That's incredible. No wonder he's the guard captain of the royal palace,' he thought to himself, impressed.
"Wow, Klein. You are amazing," Arthur said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Klein offered a humble smile and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored to serve." He straightened up and added, "Shall we head to the mage training area next?"
Arthur glanced back at the ongoing duel between Adam and Amon, their movements still captivating in their intensity. "Let's wait until Adam and Amon finish their battle," he replied.
Klein nodded in agreement, and the two stood side by side, watching as the mock duel between the two exceptional knights unfolded before them. Every strike, parry, and dodge showcased the high level of skill.