In the training field at night, Thales strode forward, drew his weapon, and swung his sword horizontally!
Two crisp sounds were heard.
The two pendulums hanging in the air were nimbly flicked aside by him.
Thales took the opportunity to move forward. He passed through the gap created by the pendulums and stabbed the person in front of him with his practice sword!
* Thud. *
His blunt sword struck the thick wooden shield in the person's hand and let out a dull thud.
From the feel of it, the effect was pretty good.
But he did not have time.
In the narrow vision of the helmet, Thales gritted his teeth, retreated along the path he came from, and retreated quickly!
He wanted to return to the starting point unharmed.
The creaking sound of the rope swaying could be heard.
The pendulum closest to the teenager swung back, and it was getting closer and closer.
Thales' nerves were tense. He could only increase the strength of his calves pushing against the ground and try his best to maintain his precarious balance as he retreated.
The Sin of Hell's River in his body felt nervous. It became restless, but Thales did not care.
* Whoosh! *
The pendulum brushed past his shoulder and did not hit him.
Thales breathed a sigh of relief.
'Very good. There's only one last thing left …'
* Clang! *
Before he could finish his thought, Thales felt a sharp pain in his eardrums!
His helmet was hit by the second pendulum, and it buzzed.
'What the hell …'
Thales crouched down in great discomfort, threw away the longsword, and quickly pulled his neck out of the helmet. He rubbed his left ear, which was in great pain, and the ringing in his ears did not go away.
In front of him, the middle-aged guard who was training with Thales, Vanguard Vladivostok, who was about thirty years old and always tried his best to hold back his laughter when the prince made a fool of himself. He put down his shield and looked at the commanding officer present.
"Your steps must be steady."
Mallos walked forward and patted the lime spots on Vladivostok's shield. He looked at the two pendulums that were entangled and could not be separated from each other as they swung back and forth. He seemed to be deep in thought.
"Your strength must be ruthless, your sword thrust must be accurate, and your movements must be straight.
"The most important thing is not to be hit by the swinging pendulum.
"If you fail to do any of these five things, your training will not be counted."
Mallos mercilessly looked away from the prince who was suffering from tinnitus. He knocked on Vladivostok's shield and gestured at Protector Kommodore.
"Again."
Kommodore walked down the stage and used a brand new shield to exchange for the thick shield in Vladivostok's hands that was covered in limestone spots.
With great difficulty, Thales smoothed out his left ear, which was in great pain, and got up in frustration.
"I don't understand."
"Why is this training so inflexible? I have to go up and down, I can't swing my sword to parry, I can't bend my body and roll … Just to compete with the speed of two swinging pendulums?"
Thales stared indignantly at the metal pendulum that was swinging back and forth like a swing.
Thank God — or, to be politically correct, thank the setting sun — that not long ago, the static stances and confrontational training in his martial arts class had come to an end.
But what replaced it was sword practice.
Thales looked at the pendulum that was suspended in the air on the wheels that could be moved freely.
Over the past few days, from pendulum training to ring training, dodging training, thrust training …
There were more than seven to eight types of targets, and each type of training had multiple choices with different levels of difficulty.
Of course, Thales was also beaten up in new ways every day. He was swung by the swinging pendulum until his helmet became deformed, he was hit by the rotating wheels that spun faster and faster until he foamed at the mouth, he was hit by the sandbags that rained down from the sky until he was covered in dust, and he was dizzy when the targets were called out in a random order …
To say something that he would not admit even if he died …
He was starting to miss the dead face.
Nicholas' training was to destroy one's confidence through endless setbacks.
Mallos' training was to wear down one's patience through boring repetitions.
In the training field, the Royal Guards, who were used to this, looked at each other. Logistics Officer Procca, who was in charge of the equipment at the side of the field, tactfully handed Thales a cup of water so that he could buy some time to rest.
As time passed, the young Duke of Star Lake began to slowly familiarize himself with his Star Lake Guards, which consisted of more than twenty people, even though he had to attend classes every day.
Among the Vanguard Officials, Caleb Glover seemed to be the leader, whether it was due to his family background or his personality. Zombie himself was introverted, reliable, and did not complain (which was a huge contrast from Doyle). He was also deeply trusted by Mallos, and the watchman entrusted many matters to him. Under Glover's leadership, the eight Vanguard Officials under Duke Thales were all swift and decisive, and they had distinct personalities. The left-handed swordsman Jonveled, whom Thales had fought against before, and Vladivostok, who was now his sparring partner, were among them.
The six-man Protector Team Wu was the closest to Thales. Unexpectedly, the joking and cynical Danny Doyle was doing very well among them ("Who doesn't want to be friends with a rich nouveau riche?" Mallos said casually while he was eating). They were like a gang of scoundrels, and they did not hesitate to bully others for the prince. Kommodore, who had once sparred with Thales and was promoted from a police officer to a guard, was also one of them. The six-man Protector Team Wu was the closest to Thales.
Gray Patterson, the leader of the former, was a small bald old man who liked to nitpick. ("Hehe, do you know why that guy's nickname is' Gardener '? Because once, he caught a guy who was having an affair with a maid in the bushes, and then … Oh, Sir Patterson, you're actually here. I, um, need to pee, I'm leaving first, hehe! "(Doyle, who met Patterson at the corner thirty seconds later).
Durward Stone, who was in charge of the Logistics Department, was amiable. He often asked Thales if he was satisfied with the food and expenses with a smile. ("How stupid do you have to be to believe that the people in charge of keeping accounts and managing money are good people?" (Doyle, who was chewing hard on his bread).
Hugo Fuble, who was in charge of the Flag Bearer Division, had a gloomy expression. He came and went like a ghost, and he walked without a sound. ("He probably died a few years ago. Only his ghost is left floating in the air. We just don't know about it." (Doyle, who was picking his teeth with a face full of enjoyment). He and his two subordinates who were flag bearers only talked to Mallos, and they rarely participated in the affairs of the guards.
And according to Thales' malicious speculation, the captain of the guards, the Watchman of the guards, the respected Wang Yuyan — ahem, Lord Tormond Mallos, who had a fifty-fifty chance of winning against anyone, led his three subordinates and the leaders of the five divisions to arrange the complicated and newly arrived Star Lake Guards in an orderly manner. Their work went smoothly, especially when the banquet was about to arrive. It had to be said that they were quite capable.
"Practicing with the sword target does not mean that you can be opportunistic and make up stories."
Mallos looked at Procca indifferently. Doyle, who was supposed to serve the prince by his side, had yet to finish his sentence as a kitchen. He passed a cup of water to Thales.
"In the past six years, what you learned from the Northlanders is the skill of fighting with your life on the line.
"This might have stimulated your Power of Eradication …"
"But it also means exchanging blood for blood, seeking victory in the midst of danger. It means that you have to move forward even when you are in a frenzy, and you have to grit your teeth even when your blade is broken. It means that you do not leave a path of retreat, and do not distinguish between the severity of your actions. Half of it is a gamble on luck, and the other half is a gamble on madness."
The watchman's gaze focused slightly.
"In reality, this kind of situation will only happen when the weak fight against the strong, and the chances of winning are extremely small. It is a fight with your back against the wall, and if you do not succeed, you will die trying."
Thales returned the cup of water to Procca and soothed his sore muscles.
"But most of the time, you will have a lot of chips in your hands, but you will face complicated enemies and more constraints. You will have a lot of choices, but it will be difficult for you to make them."
Mallos narrowed his eyes.
"At times like this, what you need is not just the will to sacrifice yourself for a moment, but also the actions, habits, focus, calmness, sensitivity, and courage that you have cultivated in your daily training.
"This is the reason why you are here today."
'Alright,' Thales admitted. At least in terms of words, Mallos could still completely crush the Star Killer. 'Listening to him …'
'As for the rest …'
"Battles require meticulous planning and preparation. You must consider all aspects, take every factor into consideration, and be fully prepared. You cannot just muddle through and go wherever you go," Mallos said leisurely.
"This is the opinion left behind by the former watchman of the guards. He was highly skilled, and was once in charge of guarding Mindis Hall."
Thales' thoughts paused for a moment.
This time, the prince turned his head around. With complicated emotions, he once again sized up the vast but exquisite and unique courtyard of Mindis Hall.
A breeze blew past. Under the illumination of the Everlasting Lamp, Mindis Hall at night looked more like a tourist attraction than the solemn and restrained royal family's garden.
'The former watchman.
Guarding Mindis Hall. '
"Your predecessor."
Thales turned around.
"You know him?"
Unexpectedly, Mallos' gaze was profound, and he seemed to be deep in thought.
"Yes.
"I know him."
Before Thales' slightly surprised expression, Mallos added leisurely,
"From the historical records."
A second later.
Thales exhaled and rolled his eyes.
'You know a hammer.'
"Of course, I know that sword target practice is dull and boring. It's not as interesting as fighting against real people."
Mallos took Thales' waterskin.
"Just like what you have already experienced, there are three main martial arts styles in the country: martial arts, new trends, and offense and defense."
The watchman turned his head around and glanced at Procca and Kommodore, who came in shifts to train with the prince.
Their expressions changed at the same time.
Mallos waved at the old logistics officer and the short and stout protector and smiled.
"This is enough for me to digest for a while."
Procca and Kommodore sighed in relief. They put on a smile again and nodded politely at the prince.
"But they can only be considered to have unique styles. They are far from the current mainstream of martial arts.
"How about this, when you pass the first stage of sword target practice?"
Mallos turned his head around.
"We will return to the confrontation training. We have talents among our lads. They can show you and teach you the two main martial arts styles that transcend regional differences and dominate the martial arts styles in Constellation and even the entire Western Peninsula."
Thales' gaze shifted.
"Dominate? Two main martial arts styles? "
"Yes." Mallos' words were filled with the allure of a grandmother telling a story.
"Since the Age of Empires, they have fought against each other for a thousand years. They have experienced countless things along the way, witnessed countless storms, and passed down to this day."
Thales continued asking.
"And that is?"
Mallos did not answer. He only shook his head and gestured at Vladivostok, who was on the other side of the pendulum.
Vladivostok curled his lips. He quietly lifted his shield and returned to his pendulum.
Thales sighed, stood up in resignation, and put on his helmet.
Under the illumination of the moonlight and lamps, the sound of footsteps and swords being swung rose in the training field again.
Finally, after Thales did not know how much time had passed, how many times he had struck his shield, and how many times he had been hit by the pendulum, Mallos spoke gently.
"Hmm, your movements these few times are not bad. You pass."
'Thank God, thank — Ahem, thank Sunset.'
Thales exhaled and placed his longsword on the ground.
Until …
"Then let's do it twenty more times."
Mallos was beaming with joy.
Thales' downcast face tensed up again.
"What?"
"But my footwork, strength, precision, movements, and that damn pendulum … I did all five of them very well!"
The teenager protested indignantly.
"Yes, Your Highness, you did all five of them very well. So, to maintain this good condition …"
Mallos grinned and said,
"Let's consolidate our training a little more."
Thales felt that the night was very long.
Finally, after twenty standard pendulum thrusts (which included many more failed moves that were not included in the total number), Thales collapsed on the ground in exhaustion. He could only pant.
"I heard that 'Wrath of the Sea' is a form of improvisation when you are on the verge of life and death."
Thales still lay on the ground and did not move. He only raised his head laboriously and tried to change the topic to avoid the next 'consolidation'.
"And this is the best training method you found for me? To tire me to death?
"Is it really meaningful in actual combat?"
Mallos snorted softly and gestured for the others to start packing up.
"If we are talking about the meaning of actual combat, Your Highness, do you think that as the Duke of Star Lake and the second prince …
"How many chances do you have to personally go to the battlefield and face the enemy?"
'As the Duke of Star Lake and the second prince …
'The chance to personally go to the battlefield and face the enemy …'
Sitting on the ground, Thales tilted his head and looked at the sky. He frowned and recalled.
'It seems like …
'Quite a lot.'
There was sarcasm in Mallos' words.
"So, according to what you said, why don't you learn how to blow the most piercing whistle and shout 'help' in the loudest voice, then wait for others to kill and save you at the most critical moment?"
Thales twitched the corners of his mouth on the ground.
'I want to too.
'In your dreams.'
"Unlike the ancient nobles who personally led their troops and charged at the frontlines a thousand years ago, today, the martial arts class is not for you to become a warrior who can fight against ten people alone, nor to be a vanguard who personally goes into battle.
"That is the job of others."
Mallos glanced at him.
"Our job."
The watchman's attitude became serious.
"In the royal family and even most of the High Nobles, this class is just for you to know and feel the same. In the past, the warriors who faced death with equanimity by your ancestors' side, and in the future, the brave warriors under you who do not care about their own safety …
"When they fight for you wave after wave and die for you …
"You have to know what they have experienced and what they will face.
"To not forget."
Thales exhaled as he lay on the ground. He remembered the bloody scenes of the past: the birch tree forest, Broken Dragon Fortress, Dragon Clouds City, Blade Fangs Camp …
Thales sighed.
"Whether you believe it or not, I know more than you … than many people."
Mallos walked to his side and appeared in Thales' field of vision upside down. He blocked the stars in the sky.
"I have no intention of doubting you.
"But that's not all."
The watchman said faintly,
"All of us, including the Royal Guards, have sworn this oath and held this belief: If danger comes and war is about to break out, we will sacrifice everything to protect our master.
"But there is only one person who cannot think this way." His tone suddenly became stern.
Thales' expression changed.
"You."
Mallos' tone was indifferent, as if he did not care.
"You must always think about it and be prepared. When we cannot carry out our duties, or even when we are not by your side, what will you do?"
Cannot carry out our duties, or even when we are not by our side …
For some reason, the dark Black Prison under the Prison of Bones suddenly appeared before Thales' eyes.
The teenager closed his eyes, then opened them again.
"Are you talking about when even my closest and most trusted guards betray me and abandon my master?"
For a moment, the air in the training field seemed to have frozen. The guards on shift were all stunned.
Mallos was quiet for a second.
"I did not say that."
But Thales ignored him.
"Then, will you?"
The duke stared at the captain of his personal guards above his head.
"Perhaps it is for a better and higher reason …
"Betray me?"
Vladivostok subconsciously glanced at Mallos.
It was not easy to answer.
But Mallos only stared at the prince and did not speak for a few seconds.
Perhaps it was because it was autumn, or perhaps it was because the temperature in the training field at night was not high, but Thales, who was lying on the ground, felt a slight chill on his back.
"You should take a bath."
Mallos' voice was still indifferent and at ease.
"Rest early.
"After all, your welcome banquet will begin in fifteen hours."
I hope that tonight can help you reduce your anxiety. "
'Yes, welcome banquet.
'Damn banquet.'
Thales sighed, and the back of his head fell to the ground again.
The guards on shift began to pack up their things.
In the distance, a listless figure approached with a limp. Another sturdy figure followed behind him.
"Are you done?"
Doyle, who looked exhausted, arrived in front of Mallos. Behind him was the expressionless Glover, who followed him.
"At least give me a chance to get close to the prince, or else tomorrow, my father …"
Mallos did not even look at him. He just walked forward.
"How is it?"
Doyle looked at Mallos with a lifeless expression.
"Don't worry. Over the past few days, I have been in the scullery, the warehouse, and the haunted rooms in Mindis Hall that have accumulated dust for hundreds of years. I have been following behind Stone, and I have never left his side. I have even built a good relationship with a group of maidservants — ahem — and understood the situation …
"At least no one can poison the prince and his guests at tomorrow's banquet. Of course, I don't know about the aphrodisiac."
Mallos chuckled and ignored Doyle's tactful complaints.
"I have already finished coordinating with the police station, the regular soldiers of the royal family, and the guards of Renaissance Palace. There are no problems with the arrangement of personnel and posts, even after His Majesty leaves," Glover said coldly behind Doyle.
"No one can threaten him, much less assassinate him."
Mallos was silent for a while.
"Poison? Assassination? "
The watchman turned around and looked at Thales, who was lying on the ground and watching the stars. His gaze froze.
"That's the least of my worries."
— — — —
Today was the 30th of October. It was the Day of Holy Pursuit, which commemorated the first defeat of the orcs in human history.
It was said that on this traditional festival, the entire world celebrated from Crystal Jade Island to Demon Sea, from Sighing Mountain to Flame Sea.
Thales still remembered that this was the Day of Fat Sheep that the child beggars spoke of. On this day, the citizens on the streets would celebrate and parade noisily, not caring about the location of their wallets. It was the cutest.
Unfortunately, for Prince Thales, today was no longer the Day of Fat Sheep. Instead, it was his damn welcome banquet for his return to his country.
Since he was young, Thales had only attended one banquet.
And the experience from that time could not be used as a reference. The dignified Duke of Star Lake could not possibly roll up his sleeves, raise his wine glass, and roar at the guests in Mindis Hall, "Eat! Drink! Fight! F * ck! Do whatever you want! "
But it had to be said that it was not until the next afternoon, when Thales, as the host of the banquet, stood under the statues of the Three Constellation Kings to welcome the guests, that he realized how difficult the job was.
"Look at you, what a man."
Viscount Patterson looked old, and his body was even older. He was supported by two nephews to attend the banquet. His eyes were murky, but he had an important status. He was one of the distinguished guests that Thales needed to welcome personally. He ruled over the Forde Castle area, which was an important stronghold in the east of Central Territory. He was also a direct vassal of the royal family.
He was one of the Seven Jadestar Attendants.
Among all the important VIPs, he was the first to arrive early. This made Thales, who was in the lounge getting dressed and reciting the banquet procedures and various etiquettes, flustered. He had no choice but to mess up his arrangements and rush out to welcome the viscount.
Viscount Patterson pushed away the two nephews who were supporting him with trembling hands, leaned forward, and held Thales' arm firmly.
"I still remember … eighteen years ago, I sat in the Hall of Stars … and watched your father be crowned king.
"Now …" The old viscount panted.
Glover and Doyle stood nervously by the prince's side. Their knees were slightly bent, and their bodies were leaning forward, as if they were ready to pounce at any moment.
But Thales felt that this was not to protect him. They were afraid that the old man, who could not even speak, would fall to the ground and die suddenly.
'The prince was ruthless and merciless at the banquet. As he chatted and laughed, the old vassal was reduced to ashes.'
Thales maintained his smile and followed the standard royal etiquette that Jines taught him. He held the old viscount's hand, which was as thin as a chicken's skin, while maintaining his elegance and amiability. He paid attention to the viscount's balance at all times, and even asked about his health gently. The viscount was a little hard of hearing, and his nephews had to repeat the prince's words loudly in his ears several times.
Just like how a standard Duke of Star Lake should do.
"I know my own body. Your Highness, I will not be able to live for more than a few years.
"But it does not matter." At that moment, a glimmer of light flashed in Viscount Patterson's murky eyes.
"Because … time flies, but Constellation remains the same."
Thales felt his palm tighten. Viscount Patterson bent down, and with a lot of strength, he pressed his chin heavily against the prince's glove.
"The kingdom is young."
The wrinkled, white-haired viscount panted and gritted his teeth.
"It is time."
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