Tale Number Three

-WHAT THE... RUN!!!
-YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY THAT TWICE!!!
As a wide-bodied Orc Lady chased them down, Ryan and Hayden ran for their lives and innocence without even looking back.
-It's almost catching up, I'm not sure I can run for much longer... - Hayden said, panting from the run.
-There's some sort of entrance to that building over there, let's go inside! - Ryan answered, pointing to their right.
The two seized a moment of distraction from the Orc Lady and sneaked into the building. A strong smell of Orc breath and putrefaction invaded their noses right as they entered.
-What is this smell? Gross! - Hayden groaned.
-This is the entrance to the Orc Village Dungeon. Don't worry, you'll forget about the smell when you take a good look at those zombies.
-That's not quite... erm, reassuring. Still, any stinky Zombie will be more welcome now than that thing that was chasing us down earlier...
-That's a point you got there, my friend. Now, get ready! We're gonna hit those Orc Zombies full power!!
Hayden nodded and the two quickly crossed the entrance towards the first area of the dungeon. A brownish, rotting Orc figure spotted them and started dragging itself in that direction.
-Now, Hayden! Unsheathe your sword and hit it before if attacks you!
-What, weren't you going to help me? I can't do it on my own!
-Stop being a crybaby, it's drawing closer! Once in your life, do something for yourself!
On the verge of being hit by the monster's heavy Axe, Hayden drew his sword and hit the ground with the tip of the blade, releasing a circle of flames around his feet.
-I'm going to kill you once we get out of this place! MAGNUM BREAK!!
-Sure, but don't expect to do that if you can't kill a mere Orc Zombie! Hit it harder!
-I'm trying, I'm trying!
Seeing that the fire attack had dealt a good damage to the monster before pushing it back, the Swordsman felt reassured. He got some grip on his right feet and fiercely ran towards the Orc Zombie, hitting it with three precise strikes from his blade while blocking the Axe with his wooden shield. As he dealt the last blow, the Zombie fell on its knees and vanished in the air.
-Did... did I really kill it? - Hayden whispered, out of breath and still astonished.
-As you can see, it's not that hard to train around these parts. Let's go a little deeper inside, shall we? Maybe we'll find some more Orc Zombies to hit.
-I think I'm getting pumped up about this... Let's go! - Answered Hayden with a smile, walking a few meters ahead.
The whole place seemed strangely quiet, as not even the flames from the torches on the walls were cracking.
-What's up with this? Shouldn't the whole place be crawling with Zombies and the likes? - Asked Hayden, playing around with his sword and pretending to cut a flame from a torch with it as he walked further ahead. - Something feels wrong...
Suddenly, as the light from the torch trembled, the two heard the sound of a very heavy breathing getting closer on them. The air was quickly filled with similar sounds from all directions, and pairs of shiny threatening eyes started glowing in the dark around them, one at a time, at an alarming pace.
-This doesn't smell too good to me... - Ryan whispered.
-Does it ever?
A massive army of Orc Zombies gathered right in front of their eyes, coming from all corners of the dungeon, and started running after the red-haired Swordsman.
-WHERE DID ALL OF THESE COME FROM? - Hayden screamed.
-They must have felt the heat from your body closing in too fast! - Ryan answered, staring at the numbers of their enemy.
-We're done for! - The other said, running back to his friend. - There's no way we can reach the exit in time!
-Get your potions ready, Hayden! This is going to be a tough fight! - Said the Knight, holding onto his two-handed sword and staring at the Zombies with a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.
-I must be getting mad, but we don't have much of a choice... I'll cover your back!
The blonde young man nodded with a grin and the two stood back-to-back in the middle of the dungeon as the monsters drew closer.
-You know what to do when they're close enough!
When the first Orc Zombie stepped within range, the two gathered all of their focus and unleashed a spinning flame attack from their blades.
-MAGNUM BREAK, DOUBLE!!
A circle of flames hit the Zombies closer to them, setting them on fire and pushing them towards the ones lying behind, which made about half of the monsters fall on the ground.
-Two-hand Quicken!! - Ryan shouted. He became surrounded by a yellow aura and dashed towards a group of Orc Zombies, taking them on all by himself and swinging his blade at a faster pace than normal.
-Ryan... Allright, I won't fall behind! - Hayden said, holding to the hilt of his sword with renewed strength. He picked a bunch of Zombies and dashed at them as well, hitting them with a second Magnum Break and then finishing them off with a Bash attack, one by one.
-Phew, you're getting the hang of that pretty fast! - Ryan commented while cutting a zombie in half.
-Maybe, but this isn't good, I can't do any more...
The young Swordsman tried to strike at the remaining enemies, but only a few weak, regular attacks came out.
-Hayden? What's the matter with you? - The Knight asked, running to help him.
-I think I ran out of stamina to take all of them on... - Hayden answered, slowly finishing off the last of the Zombies surrouding him. - If this were to go on any longer, I'm not sure I could keep fighting...

-Look out!! - Ryan shouted, pushing Hayden to the ground all of a sudden and turning around right in time to parry an attack from an Orc Skeleton that showed up while the two were talking. -Dang, what's with this thing? Have we travelled this far inside the cave without noticing?
Hayden took a deep breath and got off the ground, striking at the Skeleton while Ryan kept its attack parried and turning it to dust.
-Hey, since when can you...?
Hayden cleaned a little blood that was coming out of his lip with the back of his hand and smiled faintly.
-I think I got how it all works now. The right points to strike, the timing... - He took two potion bottles out of his backpack and handed one to his friend. - Here, take this. We'll have to recover fast  in order to get to the other end of this cave, going back now would be useless.
-Gee, drinking these things all the time will give you cavities, you know. - Ryan answered, taking the potion from Hayden's hand and drinking it all at once. - But you're still right. - He said, as he threw the bottle away. - How's your stamina?

-It's all better now, I'll just have to be careful not to get tired this easily next time!
The two faced towards the end of the cave and set it as their next goal. Slowly, they started moving forward once more.
-Eeeep!! - Hayden screamed, as he tripped on a rock on the ground that his eyes had missed. Ryan caught his shoulder in time to avoid him falling, but an orc fang that he had saved for some purpose during the previous battles fell down from his backpack.
-Thank you. - The boy said, slowly bending down to catch the fang back. - WHA...?
Before his hand could reach it, another purple hand appeared out of nowhere and grabbed the dirty fang at an incredible speed.
-Look, it was that thing! - Ryan said, pointing towards a short, deformed, skinny purple creature with the face of an Orc that had sneaked on both. - I didn't know Zenorcs were looters...
The Zenorc placed the orc fang inside his mouth and started munching frenetically. He then swallowed and let out a deep, stinky burp.
-...And I thought the creatures in this place couldn't get any creepier. Think we can take one of these on?
Ryan thought about it for a few seconds.
-I'm not sure it's safe, I usually avoid these... But since there's two of us now, I don't think there will be a problem in trying. You can Bash it, I'll keep this thing distracted and attacking me while my Quicken effect still lasts!
Hayden nodded and the two started attacking the Zenorc, but it seemed to be able to dodge most of their attempts to damage it. Thinking as fast as he could, Ryan dropped his sword and grabbed the Zenorc by its arm. It turned towards him and started attacking powerfully with its remaining arm.
-Do it!! - He yelled, while using his free hand to take a potion bottle from his own pouch, taking off its bung with his teeth and drinking its content in order to endure the attacks.
-Bash!! - Hayden shouted while hitting the Zenorc with the hardest blow he could pull off. The creature stopped attacking and fell on the ground, vanishing right after.
The eyes of the two adventurers met with a smile of victory.
-We can do this!!

Exhausted from the fighting, the two friends finally reached the end of the dungeon. As they went through a heavy wooden door, they reached what looked like a building similar to the one they entered through from the inside.
-Finally, we made it through the whole dungeon... I had never made it this far before!
Hayden nodded, slipping down a wall and sitting on the ground.
-This was harsh, but I feel like I've learned a lot. I wonder when will I be ready to re-take the Knight test...
-If you want my opinion, I think you could re-take it as soon as we get back to Prontera. - Ryan said, sitting next to him. - You did well in there as soon as you got the hang of managing your stamina.
-Eh, are you serious?! I dont feel THAT much stronger... - Hayden said, staring at his own, trembling wounded hands. - Why can't I stop shaking...?
-It's the tension. If you managed to pull off something like shaking after a battle, that's when you can tell that you surpassed your previous limits.
The boy thought about these words for a short while, and let out a faint smile.
-Let's not waste more time here, then. We still have a long and dangerous way ahead before we go back to Prontera.
-Now you're talking! Don't forget there's a chance we'll be chased by Orcs again, so get ready to run at the first sight of one!
-Got it!
The two opened the door to the outside, and as they walked back to the field they were blinded by the sunlight for a few seconds. It was evening already, but their eyes had gotten used to the darkness inside during that time.
-No sight of Orcs so far... - Ryan said. - We must be extra cautious here, I think Dylan came to this place to train a couple days ago and there's still no report of him going back home...
-What, really? Damn, I wonder if he's still allright... - Hayden answered, aprehensive.
-I don't know, either...
-HEAD FORWARD, MY MINIONS!! LET US ALL SHOW THAT COCKY ORC LORD WHO'S THE NEW BOSS AROUND HERE!! HAHAAAAH!! - A voice echoed throughout the field. It sounded awkwardly familiar.
The two turned their heads to the source of that awfully loud scream. They saw a gang of Orcs carrying a throne on their shoulders, on which a young Wizard was sitting and laughing like a maniac. Some other Orcs were following the throne, though without showing any sign of discipline, worshipping the Wizard like a king. Once in a while, one would let out a deep, awful battle cry.
-Ryan, isn't that...
-That's... Dylan...
As this odd parade passed by, completely oblivious of their presence, the two stared speechlessly.
-Let's just tell everyone back at Izlude that we found no trace of him.

The following day, at Prontera, Bran Hayden got up from his bed at the Inn. As he turned towards Ryan's empty bed, he remembered that his friend had gotten up earlier so he could meet up with the other Knights at the Guild. Quickly getting dressed, he went downstairs to pay the daily room rental and took a packet of biscuits from his backpack. On his way to the Guild, he also bought a bottle of milk from a vendor to go with it.
"Today's gonna be it!", he thought to himself. "I just have to put more faith in what I do and I know I can pass that test!"
Reaching the street where he and Ryan had met the Rogue the previous day, he looked in every direction to check if it was safe to go ahead on his own. Slightly aprehensive, he went on and sighed from relief when he reached the Guild building entrance safely.
On the inside, he saw a group of lined-up Knights receiving their patrol orders. He noticed one of them was Ryan, who was discretely looking at him and smiling, and he felt reassured. He could be joining his best friend soon if everything went right.
-Regular Ryan Thorvald, - A deep, strict voice announced. - you will be on your first day of service today, so you are to stay at the Guild and observe how we work in here. Any questions?
"Dang, I wanted to be assigned real missions already!", Ryan thought to himself. "Still, they seem to be real strict on new Knights. I'd better stick with what I'm told for now..."
Hayden immediately recognized the expression of annoyance on his friend's face and couldn't help but let out a little smirk.
-Oh, you're that young Swordsman from yesterday, aren't you? - Said a voice from behind.
-Yes, Sir Andrew! - The red-haired boy answered, quickly turning around and becoming much more composed all of a sudden. - I have come here to re-take the test.
-You look more confident than you did last time. I hope that will also reflect on your results. - Sir Andrew answered with a kind smile.
The two moved outside, and Hayden re-took the first test. To great susprise both his and Sir Andrew's, his attacks were much different from before. The metal from the plate he had only managed to scratch just the previous time bent with the impact of his sword, just like Ryan's had before, which made him feel really satisfied.
He further knew that the tough training from the previous day had been totally worth it as he advanced through the remaining tests. When he next knew it, he had already been assigned the last practical test of the whole examination.
-So... all I have to do is enter that room and restrain myself from attacking the monsters inside until the time limit is reached? - He asked his tutor.
-Yes, that's pretty much it. Your friend Ryan seemed to find this one the hardest test out of them all.
This discouraged him a little at first. Hayden imagined the test would be some sort of endurance trial, in which he had to withstand attacks from monsters without being knocked out nor counterattacking, which seemed way too hard to withstand. He was surprised as the tutor guided him into a room where Porings, Drops and Lunatics were bouncing around peacefully.
-P-porings?! - He gasped, as Sir Edmund closed the room on him.
-Good luck. - The instructor said before vanishing behind the door.
-Porings, huh... - Hayden sighed, looking at the bouncy little creatures with a smile.
Minutes later, Sir Edmund went back to the room.
-The trial period is over, you can come out now. - He said, as he walked in.
-...Sir, can't I stay for just a little more?
The tutor wide opened his eyes to the image of his young applicant sitting on the ground peacefully, holding one of the Porings on his lap and patting it with one hand. His sword was dropped on the ground next to him, untouched.
-Y-you pass...! -The Knight announced, surprised. - Please try not to take too long before you move on to the interview, Sir Grey is awaiting you outside...
It didn't take long, though, until the boy finally decided to move to the last test before being invested. The first question caught him off guard.
-Why do you want to become a Knight?
He hesitated to this question, never really having thought of a real reason.
-I... To be honest, I...
At that moment Ryan was passing nearby, unaware that his friend was already taking that part of the test.
-I want to stop being hopeless...
-HAYDEN, YOU IDIOT!!
Having recognised Hayden's voice from behind a wall, the blonde Knight bursted into the interview area in rage.
-Ryan...? You were listening?!
Ryan grabbed him by his collar and enclosed his face to his friend's with a quick move, too fast for Sir Grey to interfere.
-Listen well, Hayden!! THE ONLY THING THAT'S HOPELESS ABOUT YOU IS THAT ATTITUDE YOU ALWAYS HAVE!!
Sir Grey then looked at him in reproval, making him realize the situation they all were in.
-Ryan... - The red-haired boy said with a trembling voice.
-Regular Ryan Thorvald, I understand that you overheard our conversation by accident, but I must ask you to withdraw yourself from this room. This is a private interview.
He slowly let go of his friend, confused.
-It's allright, Sir Grey. - Hayden immediately excused him, rearranging his collar with slight embarrassment. - I don't mind it that much, it is me who should stop saying this kind of stuff to others and myself, but...
-Hayden, - Said the other boy, placing a hand on his shoulder - just remember this... you're NOT hopeless. No matter what you might come to think. Got that?
The red-haired boy looked at him in the eyes and smiled. His friend didn't always find the best way to make people see his point, but he surely could make them see it one way or the other.
Ryan turned his back on the two and buried his hands down the pockets of his tunic.
-Well, then... I'll go outside to get some fresh air. Being locked here all morning is killing me. Please join me when you're done with that, will you?
-Sure thing!
-Well, let's proceed with the interview now that this small irregularity was solved. - Announced the elder Knight, clearing his voice with a short cough.
-Oh, I forgot to say something about that first question. - Hayden said, interrupting him. - My reason to become a Knight... Is because I want to help protect people. I want to be able to defeat monsters who pose real threat to everyone and stop mindlessly killing peaceful, friendly ones. I want... to live in a world where we all can live at peace!
-So that is your true goal. I knew I wouldn't be dissapointed at it.

-Phew, I never expected to go through all of it so smoothly. Seeing how I was rejected the first time I tried taking this test...
Ryan turned around to see his best friend sit next to him under a tree near the entrance. Hayden was already wearing a tunic similar to his own, just made of light blue fabric and longer, almost down to his knees. Instead of long pants tucked into his metal-plated boots he had a pair of shorts that were mostly covered by the tunic, and he had also been given a more protective set of gauntlets to wear instead of his old fabric mittens.
-Oh, it's you. Do you still feel "hopeless" with the weight of that new armor on your body?
-I'm not quite sure how to feel, so I'll just be happy. Still, this is harder to believe than it was to achieve...
-And take it from me, it's even harder to endure one day around here without doing anything. Anyway, congratulations... Sir Bran Hayden.
-Heey! We can't go by the title of "Sir" just yet! - Hayden replied, embarrassed. - I like the sound of that, though...
-Hehe, if we keep working hard like we did yesterday it will be piece of cake to become worthy of that title, just you wait!
Suddenly, they heard some screaming and what seemed to be the sound of things falling to the ground coming from the building.
-Look there! What's with all the commotion at the front gate? - The blonde-haired boy asked, getting up and looking at the Guild entrance, from where seemed to be coming some unusual noise as a few of the Knights that stood closer to it joined in a small crowd that was blocking the gate.
-Don't let that thing escape! - One yelled, apparently furious at something.
-I'm sorry, captain! It's too tricky for us!! - Another voice replied.
All of a sudden, the crowd noise started moving from the inside to the outside of the building, as many of the Knights seemed to be investing bare-handed at something. In the blink of an eye a round, pink-shaped creature jumped from among the crowd.
-EEH, IT'S A PORING?! - Hayden shouted, surprised.
-And all of those Knights can't even catch one jello-ball...? - Asked Ryan, with a tone of sheer disappointment in his voice.
Looking around, the little monster started jumping towards Hayden as it spotted him, landing on his lap and bouncing up and down in expectation.
-H-hey, could you be that Poring from the last examination...? - He asked with a smile, patting it gently. - What are you doing here?
-Hayden, why are you patting that thing...?
-LOOK, IT'S OVER THERE! IT ATTACKED ONE OF US!! - One of the Knights shouted. - ATTACK!!
-Wait, I'm allright! Please don't hurt it! - The red-haired boy cried, putting the Poring on the ground and standing in front of it.
Suddenly, a Swordsman a little older than him and Ryan ran out of the Guild building holding a sword with both hands.
-WHERE'S THAT THING? WHERE IS IT?! - He yelled, gazing around and breathing really hard. His face was all red and one of his eyes seemed to be twitching.
-Cut it off, all of you! - A female's voice shouted from the other end of the street. - What is this shameless commotion all about?
A beautiful woman quickly dashed towards the spot on her PecoPeco and then dismounted, trying to get a hold of what was going on.
-Lady Shayla! - One of the Knights exclaimed, with a hint of fear in his voice.
-She's that Knight who saved us before, isn't she? - Ryan whispered to his friend. - They seem to respect her around here...
Hayden nodded, astonished. Her bare presence and intimidatory gaze was enough to make everyone mute in the blink of an eye. He started feeling a hint of admiration for her.
-Please excuse us, Milady! - Another Knight said, standing in front and saluting to her. - It seems like one of our applicants couldn't hold it and started attacking all monsters inside the final training room, and this one was so afraid it escaped when the door was opened...
Ignoring him, the woman turned towards the young Swordsman, and quickly drew her sword and pointed it at his chest.
-YOU! Are you the one who lost it in the test room?
The Swordsman stared at the sharp tip of her blade, struck with fear, and his knees started to shake.
-Y-y-yes, Ma'am! I'm terribly sorry, it wo-wont happen ever again!! - He stuttered.

-Of course it won't. Get out of my sight, now! - She said, cutting the air with her sword in the opposite direction. - And may I never set my eyes on your face again! Undisciplined fool!
He started running without even looking back and leaving behind half of his belongings.
-THAT'S IT FOR ME, I'LL GO BACK TO MY DAD'S FARM!!
-Maaaan, she's scary... - Ryan whispered, as they saw him run as if he was being chased by a pack of hungry wolves.
-She's... she's so cool! - Hayden replied, his eyes sparkling as he held the Poring tighter in his arms.
-As for you... - Lady Shayla kept on, putting her sword back in the sheath and now turning towards an older Knight with slightly long, wine-colored hair in a dark suit of armor and shoving her hair back from her face with a hand. - Sir Logan, may I ask what are YOUR men doing out here, playing Tag with a pink beast?
-Don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong, Shayla! Aren't you always complaining about my soldiers getting too fat because they don't exercise enough? Well, I found them some nice exercise. - Sir Logan said, staring back at her with a hint of challenge in his eyes.
-Since when have I allowed you to address to me by my first name, you piggish lowlife? - She replied immediately, then turning her back on him and heading into the Guild. - You're the shame of the Prontera Knights!
-I'm still a "lowlife" that can defeat you anytime. - He said, calling his men off with a gesture of his hand.
-And you're also still as sharp-tongued as always, but I wouldn't bet my boots on that if I were you.
Obviously irritated, Sir Logan went back inside the Guild as well, followed by his men.
-So, there's also rivalry like that in here, huh... - Ryan mumbled. - This is more interesting than it seemed at a first glance.
-Maybe, but still... they seem to have forgotten about this little fellow... - Hayden replied, looking at the Poring in his arms. - There, you were pretty scared back then, weren't you? - He said to it, smiling.
-I won't even ask why are you talking to a Poring, but how come it came running for you out of all people? - The blonde one asked.
-I don't know, either... Anyway, I should probably let it go back to the fields since the Knights don't seem to interested in it, but still...
The boy put the Poring on the ground and nodded at it, expecting for the pink little monster to bounce away from them and back to its home.
-I'll see you around. - Hayden said to the Poring with a sad smile. - Now you should go back to where you belong.
-Come on, it'll be fine on its own. It seems to be a toughie one too, so don't worry... I'm sure no Novice will have an easy time hitting it.
-Yeah, you're right... - The boy answered, as both turned to the Guild building. - Let's head back, then.
-That's right, we still have to celebrate your investment!
-Eeh, do they have that use here?!
-Seems like it, there were a few of our new comrades trying to throw a small welcome party when I was invested, but it was postponed since I went chasing after you right when I was finished with the formalities. Maybe we can have our parties joined together now...?
-Yea, that would be great!! - Bran replied, excited. - I can't wait to meet more people from the Guild, either!
And so, the two Knights headed back inside without looking back, leaving the small Poring to return to its home.

To be continued...

Tale Number Two

-Damn it, the guy from the Swordsman Guild said it should be around here...
-Ryan... Why don't you just look at the map we bought? I'm always the one who has to find the way...
Ryan grinned and turned around to his friend.
-My job is slaying. Yours is reading the maps.
-For a change...! - Hayden scratched his head and sighed with a sorrowful expression. - Hoy, let's ask that guy over there!

He pointed towards a nearby tree, under which a young man, dressed in dark and blue and bearing a scar on his right arm was chilling out.
The two drew closer to the bystander, as Hayden waved to catch his attention.
-What do the two of you want? I'm busy. - The guy said.
-Excuse us, - Said Ryan. - Could you by any chance know where the Knight Guild is located?
The stranger grinned to them and placed a hand on Ryan's shoulder, placing himself by his side.
-Kid, see the building surrounded by the two armored statues down the street?
Hayden placed himself to the other side of the man to try and see where he was pointing to. Ryan nodded.
-Well, that's some place your wallet is not gonna make it to.
The stranger drew a knife from his belt and used it to threaten the two swordsmen.
-A Rogue...! - Hayden said, surprised. Both him and Ryan crossed sights and drew their swords right away, pointing them towards the man and falling one step back.
-Oh, so you two are adventurers... This is good, I haven't had some fun with brats like you for a looooong time!
"This guy seems awfully strong, I hope we can handle him...", Ryan thought.
The Rogue got ready to attack. He tried to strike Hayden first, but the swordsman dodged the attack fast enough for the blow to hit him only in one arm.
Ryan seized this opportunity to attack the robber from behind, but he quickly turned around and put a foot in his way to make him trip. He lost his balance for a second, leaving his defenses wide open for the Rogue to attack him wherever he wanted.
Before Hayden had the time to go rescue his friend, a rumbling sound approached them at a fast pace.
-S-Shoot! Those nosy guys... - Mumbled the Rogue.
A fighter in a plate armor with a helm covering the face and head, mounted on a large bird with strong legs and wide beak, carrying a large sword in one hand and a guard strapped to the other arm, ran from the direction of the building towards the three.
-Who's that? - Groaned Hayden, grabbing his wounded arm to slow the bleeding down and reaching for his own sword.
The Rogue let go of Ryan and rushed towards the mysterious person who had joined them.
-You Knights are such showoffs! Do you think you rule this city?
Without a word for an answer, the Knight jumped off the orange PecoPeco and with one single movement blocked his attack with the shield. Quickly recovering from the impact of the blow, the mysterious saviour launched a counterattack in the form of a strong blow that shove the thief a few meters back.
-Bowling Bash!! - Said a surprisingly high voice from inside the helmet. Hayden seized the moment the Rogue was driven away from his friend to check if he was wounded. Ryan was sitting on the ground, staring at the Knight with admiration.
Their enemy seemed to have felt the blow quite badly. When they looked at him, waiting for another attack, they noticed most of his arms and torso were covered in wounds that were starting to bleed.
-Tsch, they're not sending regulars anymore now? The Knight Guild must really be short on requests these days. - He said, wiping the blood from his face. - Hide!!
With a movement so fast their eyes could not even follow it, the Rogue vanished in the air like a magic worker.
-Hey, where'd he go?! - Ryan shouted.
-It's OK now, both of you. He won't be stupid as to attack you with me by your side... even those Rogues value their lifes.
The two friends turned their sights to the Knight, who was taking off the helmet. Their savior was actually a tall female, with black wavy hair tied back in a ponytail and serious, sapphire-colored eyes.
-A... a woman! - Said Ryan, overwhelmed.
-Such a strong person... So, that's a Knight... - Whispered Hayden to himself.
She kindly smiled towards both.
-You look like young Swordsmen, could you be here to apply for Knighthood?
Ryan quickly rose from the ground and cleaned the dirt from his pants.
-Yes, that's right. - He said, putting his sword back in the hilt and facing her.
-Thank you so much for saving us! - Hayden said, slightly ashamed for having done nothing to help in the fight.
-It's a Knight's job to ensure safety for all citizens, after all. I'm glad two youngsters like you are willing to join us.
With the female Knight by their side, they headed towards the building surrounded by two Sword Guardian statues.
-Welcome back, Lady Shayla. - The Chivalry Captain told the Knight with a smile. - Who are these two young people?
-My name is Ryan Thorvald, and I'm here to apply to become a Knight!! - The blonde one said with a grin, boldly stepping forward.
-And uh... I'm Bran Hayden, I want to apply to join the Knights as well... - The red-haired one said, slightly embarrassed.
-Oh, I see. - The Captain looked at both with an inquisitive gaze. - Very well then, I shall explain the rules for the Knight test to both of you.
Taking two sheets of paper from a drawer, he distributed both in front of the swordsmen.
-These are your application forms. Once you have proved yourself experienced enough, I will let you fill these in and start your test to become Knights.
-I thought proving ourselves strong would be enough for a test...? - Ryan asked, confused.
-I will allow your first examiner to explain this better. Sir Andrew, could you come here? We have two new applicants and I would appreciate it if you could clear out a few things for them before their first testing.
A blonde Knight wearing a long, blue tunic over a dark maroon suit of armor joined them from behind.
-Oh, I'm glad to meet the two of you! My name is Andrew, and as a Chivalry member it is my duty to assist our Captain with the selection of our new applicants. Would you be kind as to follow me outside?
The two nodded, and after the tester grabbed some large package from a corner they left the building. Having reached the small grass field near the town wall, Sir Andrew unpacked something that looked like a training dummy and set it near a tree.
-Before we start, I will give you two a brief explanation on what this examination is like. - He told them. - First of all, we need to know if you are experienced enough as Swordsmen to apply for Knighthood. Only then, if you pass, you will be assigned a series of tests that aim to know how far does your strength go, and also if you are familiar with the Chivalry honour code. For this first assessment, I want you both to attack this training dummy using the skills you have learned as Swordsmen. I will then check how much damage you can deal to it and tell you if you pass. So, who's coming first?
Hayden hesitated for a few seconds, staring at his friend.
-Ryan, you can go first. - He said. - I want to see how you do in the test!
But the blonde swordsman was already fiercely running towards the training dummy, holding his sword with both hands.
-Bash!!
He striked on the metal plate that was covering it, bending it with a strong blow.
-Pretty impressive! - Sir Andrew said with a nod of approval. - Now, can I see your Magnum Break?
Ryan nodded, grinning with satisfaction.
-Magnum... Break!! - He shouted, hitting the ground near the dummy with his sword. From the tip of the blade, a red shockwave bursted in flames towards its target, causing the metal plate to bend even more and pushing the dummy back a little from the impact.
Sir Andrew went checking on the damage once more.
-You have dealt quite a good amount of damage to this dummy, I can tell you have trained enough to become one of us. You can go back inside and talk to my fellow, Sir Siracuse. He'll get you started with the rest of the tasks.
-Got it!! - Ryan said before starting to run back to the Guild. - Bran, I'll see you when we finish our tests!
-Don't call me that...! - Hayden yelled at him before he vanished through the door.
-Well, are you ready? It's your turn now. - Sir Andrew asked.
The boy drew his sword by the hilt hanging from his belt and nodded. He then ran towards the training dummy, trying to focus on his attack.
-Bash!!
He attacked the dummy with all his might, but the metal plate covering deflected the attack almost completely, taking only a scratch. Discouraged, Hayden looked at the damage he had dealt and knew the test result right away.
-I'm sorry, kid... - Said Sir Andrew. - I'm afraid you're not quite ready for this yet.
-I could see this coming, kinda... - The swordsman answered, embarrassedly scratching the back of his head and staring at the ground. - I've trained so much since I became a Swordsman, but it seems like I still haven't caught up to Ryan. Anyway, will it be OK for me to go back in and wait for him?
-Sure thing. - The Knight said, paternally patting Hayden on the head while passing by him back to the Guild building. - And don't worry, I'm sure sooner or later your time will come to become one of us. I can tell you gave your best here.
As he entered the Guild once again, another female Knight came towards him.
-Andrew told me you didn't pass the test... - She said. - I'm sorry to hear that. Your friend seems to be doing allright in his tests, though. By the way, I am Lady Amy. I'm in charge of one of the Knight tests.
-Pleased to meet you, I'm Hayden. - The boy said. - So, Ryan is actually doing good... I wouldn't expect anything less from him. He's quite the natural sword user...
Lady Amy smiled to him.
-Come and have a seat. Oh, that's right, your hair is quite long but you're a young man, aren't you?
-Yes, indeed. - Hayden replied, embarrassed once again. - Thanks for noticing.

-Phew, I was finally let out... Those porings were starting to get on my nerves, one more second and I would have attacked them for good... - Ryan said, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his wrist. He then looked towards the Chivalry Captain, waiting for his next trial to be assigned.
-You can go see Sir Grey next. - He told him. - Don't worry, your trials are over. All you will have to do is answer a few, more personal questions.
Ryan was about to ask him if he could skip that step, but decided it would be faster if he did it when he was first told. Heading towards the corner near which Sir Grey, a large-built knight with golden hair and beard, was sitting on a bed, he saluted him and sat on the floor in front of him.
-Oh, so you are the kid who's been doing the test until now. - He said, looking at him with a sparkle of interest in his eyes. - Your name is Ryan Thorvald, am I right?
The boy nodded impatiently.
-I can tell by your eyes that you want this to be as quick as possible, so let us get started. First of all, I think the most natural thing to ask would be... Why do you want to become a Knight?
-Well... - He started answering. - Mostly because I want to become stronger. I want to be able to travel the world freely, fearing no creature. I also want to eventually become famous around the country.
-Heh, that's an interesting goal you got there. By the way, how do you and that other Swordsman friend of yours work in the battlefield? You two looked like you form a party, even though he is still weaker than you.
Ryan thought about this question for a few seconds before answering.
-Well, we usually join to train together sometimes... It's true that he has been a little behind me all this time, but that is why I always let him fight on his own to become more experient. Of course, there's no way I would leave him on his own during a pinch... We are friends since we were kids, so I want to help him grow stronger.
Sir Grey nodded.
-It's very important to encourage him, both as your friend and a fellow sword user and adventurer. Never forget that. You two are indeed interesting... I am looking forward to have your friend join us as a Knight as well, when he gets stronger.
-What do you mean, when he gets stronger? Wasn't he taking the tests as well...?
-Your friend wasn't able to pass the first test after you left. - Said Lady Amy, poking into the conversation. - He ended up getting impatient and asked me to warn you he was going to the fields to train a bit more. Maybe it would be better to go see him after you are invested as a Knight. I wouldn't worry much, though. He seemed to be expecting it already.
Ryan closed his fists, concerned.
-Why didn't he tell me in the first place, I would have helped him more before we came here... Lady Amy, thanks for telling me! - He said, hurrying towards the Chivalry Captain, saying goodbye to both Knights with a gesture.

-Haa... It seems like I'm finally able to kill most monsters around here easily...
Hayden stared at the clouds for a few seconds, holding the sword tightly in his hands, taking a break from his training. A purple insect suddenly passed by.
-Oh, another one of those hardies! You're not escaping me! Magnum Break!!
With a quick move, he hit the ground with his sword like if he wanted to split the field in two, and a wave of flames surrounded him with a shockwave. The Thief Bug ran towards him in rage, half-burnt, but a second blow from the Swordsman finished it.

-Not a bad Break, but aren't you underestimating yourself? - A voice said from behind, making Hayden turn back. A blonde young man, wearing a long tunic over a chain mail and a cape, approached him at a fast pace.
-...Wow, that armor fits you all too well. - He told him with a smile. - Congratulations, Ryan.
The boy looked at his tired friend, trying to find something to say.
-It isn't all that special, you know... Focus on yourself now! Getting to where you already made it killing only Thief Bugs and Pupas... You could have asked me some better places to train, moron!
Hayden sighed, feeling a little nervous.
-I was afraid I couldn't fight alone in the same places you do...
-That's why we travel together, isn't it? Don't let yourself fall behind! Tomorrow I'll be leaving for my usual training spot, and I want you to come along. You'll see how fast you get the hang of it!
-A-are you sure? I don't want to slow you down!
-Moron. - Ryan answered, hitting Bran on the head. - No more complaints. Tomorrow, we're going to the Orc Village Dungeon!!

To be continued...

Tale Number One

The Kingdom of Rune-Midgarts, ruled by King Tristan III. A place where many different cities and people cohexist in - somehow unstable - harmony. Among the many inhabitants of this country, placed right by the ocean, there are a few with great courage and determination. Willing to explore the continent they live in, these adventurers leave their homes from all over the country to master all sorts of weapons and abilities and test themselves against strong creatures that live in the fields and dungeons all across the region.
Home to the adventurers who choose to follow the way of swordplay is Izlude. Satellite city of the capital Prontera, this little island connected to the main land by a bridge said to be indestructible is the location of the Swordsman guild. Young Novices seeking renewed strength arrive at this place everyday, to leave it one step closer already from the dreams and power they seek. Sometimes, though, even the once common citizens are allowed to dream further and enroll the long list of swordsmen that spread out to discover the world.

The sun was already high in the sky and the seagulls were flying around like in any other day. At one of the houses in the Southeast town, a blonde, young male dressing like a swordsman knocked impatiently at the front door.
-Hayden, HURRY UP ALREADY! Do you know what time is it? - He yelled, stopping right when the door opened from the inside.

-Geez, Ryan, what's with all the hurry... - Said his friend, dressed almost like the blonde swordsman and with very long, red hair, while coming out through the door. - I still wasn't finished with packin' up my stuff!
-At this rate the Porings will kill themselves before we reach the field, damn it! - Ryan answered. - Are you done with that now?
Hayden nodded nervously and both headed for the South Bridge. Ryan alread had some battle experience , but for him it was going to be a whole new thing. He didn't have to kill more than a few, weak porings before being admitted as a member of the Swordsman Guild, but now the idea of wielding such a heavy weapon as a sword with only one hand was discouraging him.
It didn't take long until both of them reached the field. Immediately as they set foot off the bridge, they put their eyes on a glitterish, pink creature that looked like a jelly ball with a face.
-Now, what about testing your new abilities on this Poring? - Ryan asked. - It probably won't have the chance to attack you back, anyway.
The red-haired swordsman drew his sword with some difficulty from the hilt hanging from his belt and studied the monster for a few seconds.
"It's rather cute...", he thought, "...but I have killed things like these before! I know I can do it!"
He hit the poring a first time, but roughly cut through his bouncy body. The poring stroke back and bit Hayden's arm, but a second blow completely smashed it.
-What the... Hayden, you could simply Bash at it. - The blonde boy said, scratching the back of his head with one hand. - That's what your training was for. Here, let me show you.
He drew near a white, fluffy creature with big ears and drew his own sword, which was much larger than Hayden's. Holding it with both hands, he raised the sword above his head.
-Bash!!
With a quick strike, the sword hit the Lunatic before it even had time to counter such a fearsome attack. As its furry body faded in the air like a magic work, it left behind a half-bitten carrot.
-Interesting... - Hayden mumbled, drinking the red liquid from a small, glass bottle. The bite mark on his arm dissappeared under his clothes as he threw the bottle away. - I'll see if I can do it, too... I'll start with a Pupa, they are resistant enough for me to test it a few times without being hit back...
Ryan sighed.
-Well, they are actually good for practice, but soon enough you will have to start hitting some real monsters or you won't be able to reach me!
Hayden smiled, a little embarrassed.
A couple of hours later, the two arrived back at Izlude, tired but happy.
-So, what do you think of our new abilities? - The blonde one asked.
-They sure are powerful... - Hayden started. - But I hate how they make me run out of stamina so fast!
-That's why you have to be able to tell the right time to use them in a true combat, allright?
-OOOOOY, the two of you! Where have you been? I've been looking for you guys for ages! - Yelled a voice from the center of the city.
The two didn't take long to realize that the loud, rough voice calling them without the least discretion was that of their old friend, Dylan. He stood near a bench, wrapped in a long cape with a manteau.
-What's up, Dylan? Are you back from Geffen already? - Ryan asked, heading towards him.
-Yea, and as you can see from this cape I haven't been just sitting around. I managed to be admitted as an apprentice magician and even polished my skill a little on the way back home.
-Oooh, I'm kinda curious about what the abilities of a magician are like! - Said Hayden with a smile. - Mind to fight me?
Dylan, who had not noticed Hayden's outfit or weapon until that moment, looked at him with some surprise.
-I see, so you actually managed to become a Swordsman. Took you long enough, Bran.
-I told you hundreds of times already, I'd rather be called by my surname...
-Fine, have it your way. But I warn you, I won't hold back just because you've just graduated from being a Novice. - Said Dylan with a slight grin.
The two stood in front of each other. Ryan sat on a wooden, cubic box near a house watching them.
-Hey, Dylan, you'll have to duel me afterwards! - He said before his friends got prepared.
Dylan nodded.
-Are you ready, Hay?
Hayden twisted his nose to what Dylan called him and nodded. Dylan immediately grabbed his staff and a circle of energy gathered under his feet at a slow pace.
-Whoa, what is he up to? - Asked the young swordsman, staring at his friend for a few seconds while running at him with his sword. When he realized it, Dylan was already finishing his enchantment stance.
-Fire bolt!! - Dylan shouted proudly, cutting through the air with his staff towards the ground under Hayden's feet. Ten arrows of fire fell from the sky one after the other, hitting the red-haired boy all over his body. Hayden coughed and fell on his knees, defeated and holding some serious burnmarks.
-That's quite some scary power you got there... - Said Ryan, standing up from the wooden box. - But I think I got how it works. Dylan, duel me now!
-Good, and while those two fight I lay here on the ground, on the edge of consciousness... - The red-haired swordsman mumbled before his burns started hurting too much for him to speak.
The same circle of light from the fight with Hayden appeared under Dylan's feet once more.
-Fire...
He got hit by a swing of Ryan's sword before he was able to finish naming the spell.
-What, you stopped my magic attack?
-So I was right! - Ryan grinned, swinging the sword back. He had already given Dylan a bad injury to worry about.
-Energy Coat!! - Dylan shouted, covering himself in a grey aura of protective energy while falling back a few steps. - Soul Strike!!
Another spell, much faster than the previously used Fire Bolt, took shape at the head of Dylan's wand and flew towards Ryan in the form of five white spheres of light. The swordsman didn't have enough time to dodge them, but all he felt was some sort of force pushing him back and barely hurting him as the spheres passed through his body.
-Crap, I forgot these don't work so well on normal humans...
-Fatal distraction. Bash!!
Ryan bashed really fast at Dylan, opening a large wound with his sword on the side of his body. The magician dropped his staff and took his hands to the wound, trying to stop the bleeding, but fell on the ground right after.
-You magicians are tricky indeed... That "Energy Coat" of yours cut almost by half the damage my sword would have dealt to you. Nicely played, but victory is still mine.
Only then Ryan noticed that both of his friends were now completely trashed on the ground, nearly unconscious.
-Oh, you guys have to be kidding me... - He whispered to himself. Taking both of them on his back with visible effort, he headed to a cottage near the center of Izlude and knocked at the door. A young male wearing a brown long coat, whose eyes were completely covered by his light brown hair, opened up.
-My, my... What have you guys been doing, getting this badly injured... - He said, surprised.
Ryan dropped them slowly on two beds inside the cottage, and the young man placed one hand on each's forehead. Their bodies were involved in light for a second, and their wounds closed right away.
-There you go, all healed and in order! - He said with a smile.
-I'm so sorry for the trouble, Healer Dunham... - Bran Hayden apologised, getting up from the bed.
Dylan kept staring at Ryan Thorvald with an expression of annoyance on his face. He didn't seem to like having been defeated by a close-range fighter. Ryan, on his side, seemed pretty much indifferent to this kind of glare. He was used to it already.
-Ooooh, It's 'kay! - Dunham replied still with the same eyeless smile. - I'm always happy to help adventurers like you guys during your journeys!
-Should we tell him that we got like this because we were fighting each other...? - Whispered Dylan, maybe a little too loud. He was silenced right away by Hayden's elbow hitting his tummy.
As the three walked back to their houses, and after Dylan left them, the recently graduated Swordsman sighed.
-What's up, Hayden? - Ryan asked.
-As I expected, I'm still much weaker than you are...
-Don't worry, with time you'll get the hang of it! - Replied the blonde one, feeling a little embarrassed for being considered the strongest. - We'll leave to Prontera tomorrow, so just focus on your training. In no time you'll catch up, and when we are strong enough we will become Knights!!
-Yes!! - Said Hayden, smiling to his friend and nodding with renewed hope, as the two split up down the road. - Tomorrow's another day.

To be continued...