Ascendance The Original Lands Book 1

I parried the incoming strike, redirecting what could've been a killing blow away from its strike zone. My body was drenched in perspiration, and my muscles ached.

We'd been going at it for hours ever since Folduin wanted to begin my training in combat. And at first, it was fun. It felt like I was starring in some sci-fi medieval movie with swords. Which, I suppose I am in a way, it's all a matter of perspective.

Zurlian was not going easy on me, and if I hadn't gone through the last few days as I had, then I would've believed he was trying to kill me. He showed no mercy and struck as soon as I had an opening, then pointed out my mistake and tried to have me rectify it.

He had complimented me a few times on my dodging and even said that my blood should help me learn the sword sooner rather than later. As previous members of the Royal Family with my gene all had talent in close combat. I questioned that, as it felt like I had gone nowhere ever since stepping foot in this room.

Folduin had chuckled from his spot outside the dueling zone and made a good point, saying there was no way a total novice could ever hope to match Zurlian with a blade. And as I said before, it did make sense.

I've only used a real blade in combat once, the mansion battle didn't count as I did nothing but tremble with the blade as my friend and mother were struck. A regret that still haunts me.

Break time in my mind was over as another swing came straight from above, looking to cleave me in half, and had I been just a second faster, I could have stopped it or dodged it.

But instead, the blade had found its mark, hitting me and directing a harsh blow reverberating through my body.

I fell to my knees, my legs unable to go on and sweat dripped to the floor.

"That's enough, Zurlian. Let's take a break for now." Folduin called out as he approached.

Adelina rushed past him with a towel and a very cold cup of water. I feared that the water would freeze my teeth as soon as it touched them but I took the cup gratefully nonetheless and drank my first drink.

And oh, was it absolutely the best water I have ever drank. There was nothing special about it, just the fact that it was here when I needed it the most. I quickly gulped the cup of water and tried to ignore the cold sensation as the water froze my throat when it passed through.

I then took the towel from Adelina, smiling at her to show I appreciated it as I wiped myself down.

I saw a slight blush as she bowed her head.

"You're getting a bit better, but nowhere near the level of even a basic soldier," Folduin commented as he watched me.

It was embarrassing to be told that but there was nothing I could do about it. Our side of the world hasn't used melee weapons in ages besides from the bayonet and a knife. I couldn't be expected to know melee combat when it was relatively safe here.

But still, for reasons I can't explain, my pride was wounded. I had to train, I had to have the ability to defend myself. Even more so if I was going to be at the front.

"Luckily, you won't really need to fight until after you get out of the Academy. Though there will be contest and duels, you don't have to participate in them. We plan on training you during your holidays off at Count Syldi's. And Tirieal and the other Knights will train you at the Academy during your free time when you aren't studying."

I nodded, wiping the towel over my arms for good measure. Ugh, a shower later would definitely fix this mess. But before then, there was still too much for me to do.

"So how long until the Academy year starts anyway?" I asked, hanging onto the towel.

I didn't want to give the dirty cloth to Adeline, it was drenched in my sweat. She had other plans though and came over and gently took it from me while her soft smile graced her perfect face. I blushed and looked away as she made contact with the cloth.

"You'll have about a month to adjust to Galia, and then the academic year will begin, but we will make sure you're ready within that time frame, so there's no need to worry."

As if to emphasize, Folduin waved his hand away as if he were waving away all my troubles. But I had a feeling it wasn't going to be that easy. At least, not that easy for me. I had a very long road ahead. I hope Allen would walk it with me.

Folduin clapped his hands as if remembering something, "Ah! How about I have Adeline show you the ship? This is a chance for you to meet the crew and look around at a few of our customs?"

I nodded, "That sounds like it'd be fun. I haven't gotten the chance to meet many Galians, aside from you guys and my Knights. Oh, and Tirieal and his crew."

Folduin nodded in agreement, "Alright, Adeline, I'll trouble you to show his Majesty around. Do your best."

She bowed slightly, "I will do my best."

***

"You already know the bridge, how about I show you to several popular lounges, mess halls, recreation rooms, and even the hanger?" Adeline asked as she escorted me down the halls. Four of my personal guards followed behind me, maintaining a respectful distance so I could enjoy the tour more.

I also figured it was to not intimidate the crew as much and would allow them to approach me. I didn't mind it, and was actually looking forward to this, so I agreed with Adeline and we began our journey through the ship corridors.

I was pretty nervous at first, being here with such a beauty like Adeline. Back home, I hadn't had the chance to interact with girls one on one, as embarrassing as it is to admit that. Even if it's to myself, so the tour was quiet for the first few minutes as she pointed out random facts.

"Did you know that duels are customary even to this day in Galia?" She asked, turning slightly towards me.

"I didn't, it is in my world though, I think it was seen as barbaric," I replied as smoothly as I could, I wonder if she was impressed.

She shrugged her shoulders, "There's nothing barbaric about fighting to the full extent of one's abilities for honour. It's popular among both, nobles and commoners."

I raised a brow at that. I know that in the medieval ages of our times, that duels were usually a hobby of nobles and not studied by commoners. "So you're saying commoners use duels to settle disputes too? That's kinda weird, then what if murders could be gotten away with as a simple duel?"

Adeline graced my ears with a light chuckle, my heart fluttered.

"The Magister guild sanctions all duels. If there is no Magister present when a duel is held, then it is considered an illegal duel, and both participants are arrested for participating in an illegal duel. This is something that is highly looked down on and the punishments are high," she told me.

"I see. That makes sense. I'm glad there's some sort of safety put in place."

She laughed again, "Of course, we're a civilized empire after all. We can't hold barbaric practices and allow people to get away with murder."

I shrugged, I didn't know what these countries were like. There very well could be some over here that allow murder.

"Ah, here's one of several lounges, it's also one of the more popular ones."

We stopped outside a double glass door, I glanced inside and saw the place packed with men and women in like a military uniform, it looked really comfortable. Just regular white pants and a t-shirt with blue trimmings. There were some in their armor, and people who looked like the mechanics I saw in the hanger, but no more.

We entered, it wasn't too loud in here. Just sounded like one would enter a mall, a storm of chatter echoed around the room, with a variety of sounds. Some watched what looked like a Tv, while others looked to be playing video games.

That noise slowly died down, however, as people began to notice who entered.

I gave a soft wave and Adeline stepped a few steps behind me.

"Uh, hi?" I sort of asked, a bit shy. Didn't know I had stage fright, I guess you do learn something new every day. Though I suppose I've learned many new things today.

The hall sudden burst into motion as every crewman in the hall jumped to their feet and kneeled.

I did nothing but smile, although awkwardly, and scratch the back of my head.

"Uhm, you guys may stand, and return to whatever you were doing," I said, I was getting the hang of this, I knew I would.

The crew all got to their feet, and some timidly approached me.

"Emperor Sebastian, it's an honor," said one dark-skinned man. Dreads were woven into his hair quite neatly, and it looked really good on him.

"I suppose the honors all mine, please take care of me," I replied smoothly, surprising myself and grinning at the friendly man.

Other people rushed forward and greeted me until I felt like I was going to be overrun.

I saw Adeline turn and motion with her head to the men behind us and they stepped forward.

"Our apologies, but his highness should return to the tour." said one of them, his voice carrying a hint of command.

The crowd backed away, "Of course, our apologies," said the black man from earlier. I think I had heard him mention his name as Volodar. "May your reign be long, my lord." He bowed with the rest of the crew, and we made our way from the hall after that.

"That was overwhelming," I said to Adeline and the Knights once we got back in the hall.

She chuckled softly, she seemed to do that a lot.

"It's something you should probably try to get used to. The Emperor is admired by almost all in the country after all!"

I grinned but said nothing, unsure of how to reply.

Adeline then suddenly tapped her ear and stood still for a moment.

"Ah, I've just received word. Your friend, Allen, is fine and can have visitors. He hasn't awoken yet, but would you like to see him?"

My head snapped right at her.

"Yes, please."