The instructor, Master Li, looked Kael up and down before nodding. "Alright, let's see what you're made of. We'll start with a simple trial. Defeat my student, and I'll consider taking you on as a disciple."
Kael nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. He was led to a training hall, where a young man was waiting.
The young man, Jian, was a few years older than Kael. He had a confident smile on his face.
"Let's get this over with," Jian said, drawing his sword.
Kael nodded, drawing his own twin shortswords. He had never used them in combat before, but he was determined to learn.
The battle began, with Jian charging at Kael with a swift strike aimed at his chest. Kael dodged to the side, avoiding the blow by mere inches.
Jian quickly recovered, launching a series of swift slashes aimed at Kael's head and shoulders. Kael parried each blow with his twin shortswords, but Jian's strength and speed were overwhelming.
Kael stumbled, his footwork unsure. Jian saw his chance and launched a powerful strike aimed at Kael's sword arm.
Kael tried to block the blow, but Jian's strength was too much. Kael's sword arm trembled, and he stumbled backward.
Jian pressed his advantage, striking Kael with a series of quick blows. Kael tried to defend himself, but Jian's speed and agility proved too much.
Kael stumbled, his vision blurring from a blow to the head. Jian took advantage of the opening and struck Kael's sword arm, sending one of his shortswords flying.
Kael tried to defend himself with his remaining sword, but Jian was too strong. He disarmed Kael, sending him crashing to the ground.
Master Li nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Not bad, but you're not yet ready to defeat a D-ranked fighter like Jian."
Kael stood up, panting and bruised. "I understand," he said, bowing to Jian. "Thank you for the lesson."
Jian smiled and clapped Kael on the back. "You're a quick learner, but you need to work on your strength and technique. Come train with me, and I'll help you improve."
Kael nodded, grateful for the opportunity. He knew he still had a long way to go, but he was determined to become a skilled fighter.
As Kael trained with Jian, he began to realize the vast difference between his current abilities and those of a D-ranked fighter. Jian's movements were fluid and precise, his strikes swift and deadly.
Kael knew he had a lot to learn, but he was determined to catch up. He trained tirelessly with Jian, honing his skills and building his strength.
Days turned into weeks, and Kael's progress was slow but steady. He learned new techniques and strategies, and his body grew stronger and more agile.
But despite his progress, Kael knew he still had a long way to go. He was determined to become a skilled fighter, and he was willing to put in the work.
As Kael continued to train, he began to notice changes in his body. He was getting stronger, faster, and more agile.
His senses were also improving, and he could detect subtle changes in his surroundings. Kael knew that he was becoming a formidable fighter, but he also knew that he still had a lot to learn.