Epic Of The Demonic Sage

Lucius carried his Wind Scar Sword. Captain Donald set himself in the center of the training ground. Most of the guards were still in the barracks, a couple of servants who prepared for the day early noticed the fight and stood a bit to watch.

As usual, Lucius used his youth and agility to his advantage, against someone like Captain Donald, it was being light on one’s feet that needed practicing.

Captain Donald didn’t rush in like the Viscountess nor did he have any projectiled attacke like Kiana. He was simply a steady fighter who knew how to hold his ground.

‘He’s not activating his gift. He wants me to tire myself out first so I can’t react to when he’ll use Tremor Stomp.’ Lucius thought as they clashed blades and he withdrew to check Captain Donald’s feet.

It wasn’t exactly hard to keep watch, and with the distance already being crossed, it was easier to draw the man’s attention away from using his gift if Lucius wanted to.

“Will you be using that artifact, Young Lord Asher?” Captain Donald asked.

“Perhaps. When will you use your gift?”

“At the right time.”

Lucius chuckled and spun back. The fight drew out a little longer, even when Lucius intended for it to be a quick and short one.

Captain Donald was waiting for the right opportunity… and then it hit. He didn’t even do much lifting of his foot this time, it happened rapidly that when it did, the ground shook and Lucius performed the same evasive maneuver that Lieutenant John did.

In that moment, Lucius rolled over and then blocked Captain Donald’s attack.

“You’ve anticipated it.” Captain Donald said both in awe and with slight disappointment.

Lucius saw the look in Captain Donald’s eyes and knew that this was something that he could use.

“It is because I have already seen you do it, Captain Donald.” 

“You and most other people. Though not everyone is as skilled as you and Lieutenant John to get back on your feet as quickly.”

“I see. What about your guards though?”

“They are learning fast and well, even Gifts like Rabbit Feet become useable in such an instance against me when the guard knows how to use it well.” Captain Donald chuckled.

‘He is skilled but there is of course some worry about his gift and position maybe. Not too difficult to entice.’

“And wouldn’t you like to catch them off guard once again, Captain Donald?”

“I can still do that, Young Lord Asher,” Captain Donald activated his gift again and Lucius nearly twisted his ankle in one position and scarcely saved himself.

“You only need proper timing?” Lucius said with a chuckle. 

“Reading the environment yes.” 

The two met blades. Captain Donald wasn’t actually a frequent talker as compared to someone like Gellor and especially Viscount Felldan.

The Captain that Count Inanis chose was someone who was able to lead a group effectively while also being able to make rapport with a man such as the Count.

However, compared to Gellor with a far more relaxed stance when it came to dealing with his teammates, Captain Donald still had some hierarchy within their ranks and that was made very clear on a day to day basis.

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“I mean it, Captain Donald.” Lucius said after the spar. He broke into sweat and was wiping a towel across his face courtesy of Neta who came at the word that Asher was fighting Captain Donald.

“Mean what, Young Lord Asher?” Captain Donald asked.

“A chance to catch everyone off guard again. You are already quite an incredible warrior, Captain Donald but I think that someone like you is probably curious about what else he can achieve and do right? If you were a little bit stronger, would you have been able to do this or do that? Thoughts like wondering if your Gift was an Epic Rank, Legendary or higher than those. This fantasies of what-ifs, a chance to experience them, wouldn’t you want that, Captain Donald.”

Captain Donald had been a long time servant of the Inanis Family and found himself in one of the highest position available and now Asher asked him about something that caught his attention.

“Perhaps so, Lord Asher. But I try to separate dreams from reality.” 

“And what if one was able to show that it is not mere fabrication but actual truth?” 

“… then I do not know. I must see things for myself before I decide what I can believe in.” Captain Donald said. “That is at least how I try to train my guards. To know what’s right in front of them and what is or isn’t possible.”

‘Empirical Proof first. That is a good thing, to never trust what you cannot see.’ Lucius thought.

It was around the same time that Kiana arrived in the barracks place. She didn’t have anything on her, but her presence meant that everything was prepared. 

At this moment, the guards of Captain Donald also arrived and greeted their Captain as well as Young Lord Asher.

“Greetings, Young Lord Asher!”

“Captain Donald!”

“Is Viscountess Blackshield not awake yet?”

“She promised to teach me today and give tips.”

Lucius was surprised but it became much more explainable as to why the Viscountess liked being at Inanis City, the guards were all extremely fond of her and were excited to see her.

Meanwhile, Captain Donald was present, but somehow seemed to pale in comparison for the recent weeks because of it.

‘I guess this morning is the chance where he gets to teach everyone without any interruption.’ 

“Captain Donald, I do not think that you have had the chance to eat breakfast.” Lucius said. 

“Oh, Young Lord Asher, that is not actually…”

“If you would come with me, I actually have a few things that I wish to discuss with over breakfast. Please leave instructions to your guards and return at a later time.”

Even though Lucius was polite, inexplicably, it was an order that Captain Donald couldn’t disagree on and soon the man found himself led away from the barracks.

“What is it that you wished to make me believe in, Young Lord Asher?”

“In growth and power. For those who are willing to serve.” Lucius said.