The Way of Darkness

The following morning after my birthday, everything seemed to go back to the way it used to be: my parents worked, I studied and trained. Well, at least that's what I thought, but after the normal first half of the day when I studied at my desk, instead of the regular physical strength and endurance training, my Dad took me to the underground training area, where they train with weapons and magic.

The stone stairs to the training ground were quite long, and it took us several minutes to get down. Once we reached the bottom, we found ourselves in a wide full-stone corridor with carpet laying on the floor and lamps hanging on the walls, which lit up as soon as we reached the last step. There were many doors in the corridor, which looked really sturdy and most likely reinforced for training purposes, but they were quite far apart, and the end of the corridor was farther than I could see. We went through the first door on the left.

Inside, an elderly man in rather light yet fancy armour with a sword on his left side was waiting for my Father and me. He had rather short grey hair, a well-groomed short beard, a scar on his face near his eye, and a pair of black horns with an unusual shape, while his aura radiated power. However, when he approached him, he got down on one knee and bowed.

"I greet His Majesty. I am glad to see that you are well," said the old knight, in a surprisingly calm and deep voice. It's not for nothing that they say don't judge a book by its cover.

"Hello, Marcus. Stand up, there's no need for such formalities. It's been a long time, I'm glad you're doing well.

"Yes, my Lord. So am I, to see you fine." Replied Marcus, while standing up on his feet.

"Now, this is Dominique, the one you're supposed to be training. Domi, this is General Marcus, he's going to be your mentor, you're now 10 years old and your body is in good shape thanks to your previous training, so it's time for some real training."

"I am glad to meet you. It's an honour for me to be a mentor for the young Master. I'll make sure to train you to the best of my ability." Marcus said, looking at me with a slight, gentle smile.

"It's an honour for me too. Let's get along, General," I replied to the old man. He seemed good and skilful, and my Dad seemed to trust him, so I had a feeling that everything would be fine.

So, after we were introduced, the first lesson began. Dad also stayed. Although he was just sitting on a bench and watching. He was quite far away, because the playground, despite being considered small, is quite large. It is rectangular in shape, several dozen metres long and about a dozen and a half wide, and the ceiling is also quite high, about the width of the playground. The seating area and all kinds of equipment were near the door, while Marcus and I stood in the centre.

"I'm glad you came straight away in proper clothes. Let's get started with our first lesson. Master Dominik, have you studied the basics of swordsmanship before?"

"Well, I've read books on fencing and my father taught me some when I was a kid. So I know some of the basic rules and fundamentals."

"Good, very good. Then let's start with a practice match. What do you say? It will help me understand your level, your mistakes and some more."

"Okay, let's try it, General."

After that, Marcus took off his armour and sword, put them in the training equipment and picked up a wooden sword. I didn't hesitate to pick one up as well.

Returning to the centre of the court, Marcus said: " So, here are the rules of the fight: I'm chained to one point - the centre - and I can't move from there; I can only use my right hand; Magic is forbidden; I win if you can't fight anymore or admit defeat; you win if you force me to move or knock the sword out of my hand. Are we clear?"

"Yes, it's clear as day!"

"Ha ha, I like that spirit of yours. Let's get started!"

And so the fight began. I got into the stance I remembered from the book, took the sword with both hands, and analysed my opponent for a few seconds, but so far it hasn't helped me.

His stance is much better than mine, he doesn't move at all, and he radiates both calm and danger at the same time.

The only thing I've learned is that I need to hit his legs, because that's probably my only chance to make him move. I can also hit the arms at the same time to knock the sword out.

So, understanding the task, I rushed forward. As soon as I started getting closer to Marcus, he quickly raised his sword up and struck down with a straight swing, but I was able to dodge it with a dive to the side, landing in a roll.

After that, I ran a little further forward, getting behind the general. Hoping that it would be difficult for him to repel my attacks from behind, I did not hesitate to rush at him, aiming to hit him on the back of the knee.

Thinking that I would succeed, I let my guard down and only at the last moment did I see the sword rapidly approaching my face in a wide swing. I still managed to duck, but the wooden sword caught my hair and I felt the breeze on the back of my head.

Damn! I thought to myself.

Because of my speed, I rolled forward a little bit trying to dodge, and I was lucky to get out of Marcus' range.

When I got up, I continued my attempts to hit his legs. But so far, I was only able to hit the general's sword and dodge it. Our exchange of blows continued for a while.

After a minute, I seemed to be running out of energy, but after a few more blows, I seemed to have gained some of my strength back, my heart was beating faster and faster, but everything around me was getting slower. And then I saw a gap.

That's it! Now I can do it!

Without hesitation, I rushed there to strike. Marcus, obviously shocked by my acceleration, did not have time to react and missed the first hard kick to the leg. This blow failed to move him, but he staggered a little.

Wasting no time, I jumped behind the almost confused general to the other side and swung vertically at his right hand. Before I could finish, something hit me in the area between my stomach and chest. It was so fast that I did not understand anything and the blow was so strong that I immediately lost consciousness.

General Marcus' POV:

A few seconds earlier:

The young master started to get faster, it looks like he entered the so-called flow, incredible. But I don't think it's that simple, it's more like his body's reaction to the danger he felt. Nevertheless, it increases his chances and will help him in the future.

After exchanging a few more blows, I unintentionally let my guard down even more and then young master Dominique launched another attack that I was not expecting.

He managed to hit me on the back of the knee, which made me stagger and confused. At that moment, he ran to my other side and took a swing.

What? He's already managed to ...! What the hell is tha ...?!

At that moment, I didn't just sense a 10-year-old boy with a wooden sword, I felt as if there was some kind of monster with incredible strength on my right, about to tear off my right arm. Baffled, out of reflexes and instincts, I hit young Master Dominik with the flat side of the sword with much of my strength just above his stomach.

After that, I reflexively rushed forward at high speed to take advantage of my opponent's weakness, but it only took me a moment to regain my senses.

The moment I stopped, the young master was being held in one hand by Lord William, his other hand was at my throat, ready to stop me at any cost.

William Darkswing's POV.

A few seconds before:

Domi's power is starting to show itself. Now he uses it subconsciously, without realising it. But it gives him a chance to strike one or two blows at Marcus. He's an experienced warrior, but he got too relaxed in the fight, so I'm sure he'll miss at least one punch.

Although Domi is still just waving his sword, which he holds tightly, you can see that he knows the theory in part, but hasn't practised.

Oh, Marcus missed the first strike. Domi has moved to the other side and is aiming for his right arm. He is almost completely absorbed by his power. Even I can feel it, they are awakening. This is good news.

 Marcus seems to have felt it too, so he didn't hold back and hit Domi. This is dangerous.

I reacted instantly. Without wasting a moment, I rushed to catch him and stop the fight.

"That's enough for today, the training session is over. You overdid it, Marcus."

When Marcus regained his senses, he threw his sword aside, took a step back and got down on one knee: "'I beg of you to forgive this old fool. Please accept my most sincere apologies, my Lord! I will accept any punishment!"

"Calm down, it's no wonder you reacted that way. It seems the time has come, it is awakening. A little earlier than expected, but it's for the best." I said as I walked over to the bench to heal Domi.

"Your Majesty, are you talking about —– – ––––?" Marcus asked in surprise right after I finished speaking.

"Yes, that's right."

"Then that explains everything. No wonder I didn't recognise the young master. But that doesn't change my mistake and doesn't absolve me of my punishment!" - Marcus replied decisively and I agree with him.

In any case, I need to heal Domi first. It won't be easy, since he doesn't have magic yet and his element is unknown, but I have no other choice.

Putting Domi on the bench, I began the healing process, if you can call it that. A few minutes later, I successfully finished my work.

Marcus and I waited a few more minutes for Domi to wake up.

Dominique Darkswing's POV.

My eyes slowly opened. I didn't understand how I ended up on the bench near the entrance to the training ground.

The last thing I remember was swinging before hitting Marcus' right hand. And then it was dark and I woke up here.

"What... happened? How did I... end up on the bench?" I asked in confusion, obviously not understanding what was happening.

"You lost consciousness after Marcus hit you. Because he has let his gourd down too much in the fight and because of the unexpected situation, Marcus' reflexes got the better of him and he instinctively struck. But congratulations, you won, Dom!" My father said, starting out in a normal, unruffled voice that softened towards the end, seemingly happy for my victory.

"Young lord, please punish me for my mistake! I have committed a sin that cannot be justified! I will accept any punishment!" the old general said resolutely, on one knee.

"Huh...?" I was puzzled. A few more seconds passed before I continued: "Wait, Marcus. I don't think a punishment is necessary, I don't remember anything anyway, and I'm not even injured..."

When he had finished speaking, my Dad expressed his opinion: "If you want to, I will not punish him on your behalf, Dom. But you have to understand something: you have no injuries because I healed you. Besides, there will be punishment from me no matter what."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I would not be able to sleep well if I got away with it. And I am infinitely grateful for your kindness, young master!"

"If that's the case, then it's fine, *but, Dad, don't punish Marcus too much, please.*" I whispered.

"*Don't worry, Marcus has to teach you the art of the sword for years.*" my father whispered back and continued: "Well, I think that should conclude today's training, don't you agree, Marcus?"

"Yes, My Lord. I am of the same opinion." Marcus agreed.

"But before we do, how about a duel between us? Just to warm up and show Dom what he needs to strive for." Dad suggested, surprising both Marcus and me judging by the look of our faces.

"Well, I think it's a good idea. Of course, we won't be able to fight at full strength here, but it's not difficult to demonstrate our sword skills," Marcus supported the idea.

I sat on the bench, still surprised, watching Dad and Marcus prepare for the fight. They took their wooden swords and went to their respective places and started.

"Well, may the strongest one win!" said Dad. You could hear in his voice that he was already enjoying this match.

"Yes, my Lord. May the strongest win!" agreed Marcus, who also looked as if he had been waiting for this.

I, too, was really excited. I had never seen my Dad fight before, so it was a very exciting moment for me. Besides, when they stood in the stances, I could see the aura they were emitting and the level of concentration.

I wonder if I will ever be able to reach the same level as them. I already have goosebumps just from their aura alone.

So, the battle began. After a few seconds of just standing still in the stances, they just disappeared in an instant, then I heard the first strike, then the second, followed by the third, fourth, a whole series of dozens of strikes, but I still can't see anything. Just a trace of their movement and the sound.

But I was fascinated. This whirlwind of blows from both sides was incredible, sometimes I could see one or two blows and... their movements were incredible: so smooth, calm, at the same time sharp and precise, with incredible power that even I could feel, like a kind of dance.

They were literally flying all over the training ground, exchanging blows. Although I couldn't see much of anything, one thing was clear - neither of them had missed a single hit.

The fight continued for a few more minutes at the same fast pace. But at one point, they both stopped in opposite parts of the court, standing with their back to each other.

"It looks like we can't continue at this pace, these swords will break soon!" Dad stated. He seemed quite disappointed by this.

"Indeed. Looks like we'll have to finish it off with another attack, my Lord." replied Marcus with a similar expression on his face.

"Then let's do it!" my Dad said impatiently and changed his stance. Marcus didn't keep us waiting and changed his stance as well.

A few seconds later, while they were waiting, a simultaneous lunge occurred. Both of them rushed forward at an incredible speed that I still couldn't see, so for me it was more like teleportation. It was all over in an instant. All I could see was them flying past each other and stopping, both holding broken wooden swords, or rather what was left of them.

To be continued...