Broken Tower Saga: The First Swordsman

"I'm not sure even now," Jacob said.

"That's going to be a problem," Sophia said to Jacob. "The more you delay making your choice, the ugly your situation will become. If you continue half-heartedly, you better not go to the tower."

"I know," Jacob said with a clenched fist. "It's just that I am not sure of the fighting thing, but I love archery. It may sound wrong, as it'd been just over a couple of weeks since I picked up the bow, yet I can't get over it. It's like the bow and arrows are calling me." He sighed. "I'll continue with archery and other training with my best effort, but if I still can not get over the fighting and killing business, then I'll give up.

Sophia frowned, looking at the archer. "You should get a professional archer to train you when the third phase begins," she said. "For now, continue the way you are doing."

Sophia moved to the next person after that. "Davin?" she called. "Why are you so down these days?"

"I had some problems blending into the new environment," Davin said as he seemed to have already prepared those words. "And I learned I'm not so good at actual combat. Even in front of the lowly goblins, my hand shakes, and I forget the way I use the sword. I think I'm no good at killing like Jacob."

Sophia sighed a little at hearing that. Davin was the best candidate she could find after Wrik declined her offer, and he showed his worth in the Trial with a decent enough result. But she heard from Tanya in real confrontation Davlin hesitated more than half a dozen occasions. It had caused some insignificant problems during the trial, as there were others with him, but the story would be entirely different if he was alone.

Sophia could not allow this type of novice mistake.

"You will get used to it. The only advice I can give you is don't hesitate," Sophia continued, seeing Davin's nod. "From now on, Kevin will be your training partner. There's no limit to the training both of you could do. I want to see who among the two has more resolve.

"Next, Kevin. I heard you're the one who's training the hardest without caring about your body. Is it because you have no element affinity?"

Kevin did not answer immediately. He thought to come up with an excuse, but found none. "Yes," he finally admitted.

"You have to stop that," Sophia shook her head. "You should know that elements are not everything about Mahasayer. There are many other roads for you. Rest properly from now on, and remember you're from Knightshade, if you need something, just ask me."

Kevin nodded silently.

Then Sophia's eyes shifted towards Wrik, Anton, and Evan. She looked at the three of them for a moment, pondering, before opening her lips. "Evan and Anton are the best with physical fitness, and you two only lose out to the two mages in mahasaying. Both of you can be described as prodigies, but there are still many things to learn for both of you.

"Continue your usual training but put on more tungsten-training wears now. You two can do the mission immediately after the third round begins."

"Mission?" Anton asked doubtfully.

"Mission board will open in phase-III. It will help you earn a few credits, but that was not the main reason to do missions," Sophia answered. "You would gain something the two of you need the most. A better understanding about your strength, and a proper battle experience."

Now the only ones left were Tanya , Michelle and Wrik. The two mages were in their usual mood, while Wrik Waited for Sophia.

"Wrik Everknight." Sophia gazed at him. "I heard you bought a class from the omega store. Why are you not using it?"

Wrik pondered for a moment, before spelling out the truth. "Well, after all the training I'm too exhausted for the class advancement, so I decided to use the class-advancement bead once when I get used to the training."

"And how long will that be?"

"Probably two weeks or more," Wrik answered.

''That's too long. You need to get used to the class, and the time you'll have after that would not be enough. I'll give you for a day free from the training for the advancement,'' Sophia said. "From now on, spend an hour or two more on combat. After the mission board opens, you can take quests, but you have to go alone."

Wrik raised an eyebrow, but did not open his mouth with a 'why'. The few days of experience with the blonde woman taught him never to question her judgement.

''And that leaves with you three,'' Sophia eyed the three ladies. Tanya, Michelle, and Byul—who still had not entirely recovered from her injuries but decided to come only to listen to the teachings. "Byul, after recovering you can train with the other two. They can help you more than me," Sophia moved to the other two. "I have a headache just thinking about you two. No training seems hard enough for you two. Did I go soft with you two?"

The two girls giggled at the same time.

"Sister," Michelle called. She had been calling Sophia — sister after only a couple of days of knowing. "Can I do that mission thing as well?"

"Do as you please," Sophia sighed. "As I'm not a mage myself, I can not help you further in your path."

"Sis, are you leaving?" While Tanya asked, noticing her big sister was making a training plan for all of them. And Sophia's nod only proved her right. Tanya asked again. "When?"

"I'll be here for two more days."

Tanya nodded silently. "What will I do after you leave?" she whispered.

"I'll not tell you that. You are already an adult now," Sophia whispered. "You can make your decision."

Tanya did not say anything after that, just remained quiet in the chamber.

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End Of the Chapter: Assessment.

Next Chapter: Armament Reinforcement.