Befitting weapon
Alex slowly opened his eyes, greeted by the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. Today marked the beginning of the weekend – Saturday. The anticipation of a day without classes heightened his sense of freedom.
In the quiet of his room, a thought bubbled up in Alex's mind, "I'm a bit bored. What should I do today?" As the question lingered, he pondered the recent growth in his abilities. While he had become physically stronger, the nuances of skill still eluded him. The memory of his victory over Bin, achieved with super healing and a powerful form, emphasized the importance of mastering his abilities.
His thoughts meandered towards the practicality of using his powers effectively, especially in combat situations. A realization dawned – having power wasn't everything without the knowledge of how to wield it. The challenge lay in finding a way to harness his strength without exposing himself to public scrutiny, avoiding potential consequences like being crucified or turned into a lab experiment.
With a determined spirit, Alex swiftly freshened up and donned his school uniform. His wardrobe was modest – two tops and three pants, a testament to financial constraints. Even the blood-stained uniform from his clash with Del still occupied a corner of his cupboard.
Exiting the dormitory, he treaded carefully so as not to disturb the peaceful slumber of his dorm mates, Zac and Luis. Beyond the door, the hallway beckoned him, leading him to the objective he had set for himself – the martial art dojo, a sanctuary for honing combat skills.
Lost in contemplation, Alex strolled through the dormitory hallway. Unbeknownst to him, a girl carrying a towering stack of books approached from the opposite direction. Their paths collided, and the books tumbled to the floor.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Alex apologized, realizing his mistake. He bent down to assist, and the girl, revealed to be Jade, joined him in gathering the scattered books. Their eyes met, and recognition dawned on both.
"It's you," Jade exclaimed, extending her hand for a handshake. "My name's Jade. We took the test together, with a few others."
"Yeah, I remember. I'm Alex," he replied, acknowledging her handshake. Despite her soft touch, Alex knew that her rank 4 status on her watch betrayed a formidable battle prowess.
As they sorted the books, Jade, looking away, unexpectedly asked, "If you're not busy, can we, um, hang out?" A peculiar request, especially considering their limited acquaintance. Jade's curiosity stemmed from witnessing Alex's victory over two rank 2 opponents, a feat she found mystifying.
"I'm busy right now," Alex responded, but seeing her disappointment, he quickly added, "How about tomorrow morning? I can give you my ID number to contact me on my watch."
Their exchange concluded, Jade departed with a satisfied expression, leaving Alex with a lingering sense of curiosity about the unusual encounter.
Unfazed, Alex refocused on his primary goal. The school training grounds seemed too crowded for his liking, leading him to the empty dojo in the eastern building. Upon arrival, he discovered a serene ambiance disrupted only by the presence of someone meditating on the floor.
It was Dan, an embodiment of tranquility amid the bustling school life. "What do you want?" Dan inquired without opening his eyes, surprising Alex with his ability to sense his presence.
"I came for some training," Alex replied, determined to make the most of his free time.
"There are no classes on weekends. Just wait till Monday. Why spend your free time training?" Dan questioned, his eyes remaining closed.
"I don't have much else to do. Could you show me some moves for fighting?" Alex requested.
Dan opened his eyes, studying Alex intently. "So, you want to learn how to fight. Fine. How about a spar?" The challenge hung in the air, promising an opportunity for Alex to unlock the mysteries of combat under Dan's watchful eye.
Dan gracefully rose from his meditative stance, his eyes narrowing slightly as he pointed towards an assortment of weapons adorning the wall. "Select a weapon befitting your battle style," he instructed with a calm authority.
Eying the arsenal before him, Alex contemplated his options. His gaze lingered on a finely crafted sword, its gleaming blade catching the ambient light. However, as his hand reached for it, Dan's discerning voice intervened. "Not that one. The path of swords doesn't align with your fighting style. Seek a weapon that resonates with your approach."
Brows furrowed in thought, Alex pondered the nuances of his previous encounters. Recollections of his skirmish with Mark surfaced, revealing that the sword hadn't been his primary tool – more of a strategic distraction.
"What weapon suits my style?" Alex queried, a genuine curiosity etched on his face.
Dan, in response, beckoned him to wait and traversed to the door at the far end of the room. The wooden door creaked open, allowing Dan to step through, closing it behind him. An air of mystery enveloped the room, leaving Alex standing in anticipation.
Within moments, the door swung open again, and Dan reentered, this time carrying a substantial chest that exuded an air of secrecy. Placing it deliberately before Alex, Dan spoke with a subtle hint of excitement, "I believe this will complement your skills well." His hand gestured encouragingly for Alex to unveil the contents.
With a mixture of caution and eagerness, Alex opened the chest, revealing a sight that stole his breath away. Nestled within was a striking red gauntlet, an embodiment of raw power. The leather material, rich in color, embraced his hand, while metal knuckles promised a potent offensive capability. As caution faded, curiosity took the lead, prompting Alex to employ his skill, delving into the gauntlet's mysteries.
[Gauntlet of Pain]
[Basic tier weapon]
[+3 Strength]
[+1 Agility]
[0+ Stamina]
[The weapon is compatible with the user's ability]
A surge of elation coursed through Alex as he marveled at the gauntlet's attributes. "This is just perfect," he thought, the corners of his mouth curling into a satisfied smile. With nimble fingers, he slid the gauntlet onto his hand, marveling at the snug fit.
Taking a moment to absorb the newfound power, Alex shifted his focus to his updated stats, scrutinizing the changes brought about by the Gauntlet of Pain.
[Strength: 11(+3)]
[Agility: 11(+1)]
[Stamina: 12]
The intricacies of his enhanced capabilities unfolded before him, a testament to the potential held within the gauntlet. Armed with this newfound weapon, Alex stood prepared for the imminent training session, eager to explore its capabilities under Dan's watchful guidance. The prospect of mastering a weapon tailor-made for his abilities fueled his determination, setting the stage for a journey of discovery and growth.
*****
Check out my other novel 'The Undead uprising '
http://wbnv.in/a/3ci36M4
You can join my server and tell me what you think about the novel.
https://discord.com/invite/VXxPqcnn