Sen and Gordon followed her through a door leading them out to the back of the building. As they stepped outside, a broad open training yard unfolded before them. The training yard is open with targets set all around at different places. Wooden training dummies with scratches marks over them. To the side a long weapon rack stretched across the yard, lined with swords, spears, axes, and bows. Some glinted in the sun with fresh polish; others looked worn, their hilts wrapped in frayed leather. 

“Wow,” Gordon said in amazement. “When did you get this?”

“I got it a couple of  months ago. I’ve been using it to test some of my designs and the occasional customer comes to practice.” 

“This is amazing,” Sen said, looking at the different weapons. 

“Alright Sen. Before I can make you a weapon I need to see what you can do. So use whatever one you want,” Resha said. 

“Would it be ok if I tested all of them?” 

“Yeah that’ll be perfect.” 

Gordon and Resha moved back, giving Sen space as he goes and picks up a long spear with a sharp silver blade at the top. He gives it a small spin before gripping on tighter. Standing in front of the wooden dummy, he thrust the spear right at the dummy almost knocking it down. He spins the spear around his body at such a speed that it’s hard to see. Each time he spins it he swiftly swings it at the dummy before going back to spinning it. He dashes to the side of the dummy thrusting at it with such power that a chunk of it comes off. 

“Wow. This kid is incredible!” Resha said in astonishment. 

“This is the first time I'm seeing him use a spear.” Gordon said just as amazed as Resha 

“Um, is it ok if I use something else?” Sen asked 

“If you think you can then go right ahead,” Resha answered 

Sen walks back over to the rack, picking up a curved wooden bow with iron tips and strapping a quiver of arrows on his back. Pulling out an arrow out the quiver putting it against the string off the bow pulling back and firing at the target placed back. The arrow strikes the target sticking in. Sen then takes off the iron off the tip of the bow, then pulls off the string before wrapping once around the limb of the bow then putting back the string. He then pulls out another arrow, pulling back the string he holds it as he aims steadying his breath before firing. Releasing the string the arrow flies through the air cutting the wind as it spins making a small whistling sound before slamming right into the center of the target. 

“That’s incredible!” Resha exclaimed. “That first arrow he fired was to judge the condition of the bow and the strength of the string, so he adjusted it to be shorter and stronger for his body.” 

Sen then quickly pulls out more arrows firing them one after the other at each target before moving to the other one. He runs around the open field shooting arrows from all different angles and still managing to hit the target. He runs across the field ready to fire another arrow, but loses his grip on the ground slipping as he fires. He quickly recovers pulling out the last arrow aiming at the arrow still in air and firing directly at it, hitting the back of the arrow changing the direction of both arrows hitting two targets. 

“Gordon. Did you see that?” Resha questioned Gordon as she couldn't believe her eyes. “Not only did he move around, firing from the different available angles, because of the terrain he slipped causing him to misfire but used his last arrow to redirect it to the target. That’s not just something everyone can do.” Resha said standing in shock. 

“I didn’t even know he could do all of that,” Gordon said, standing in amazement. 

“What? You didn’t teach him how to use a bow? Well he probably picked up on it.” 

Sen then goes back over to the rack putting down the bow before grabbing the silver long sword.The blade gleaming as he holds it in his hand. Walking to the middle of the field in front of the dummy. Gripping the handle of the sword,feeling the weight of the sword in his palm. He begins to swing the sword around in wide arcing motions, slicing the air before pushing off the ground with all the power in his feet, dashing at the dummy slashing right across it before spinning around going behind it slashing at it.  

“It’s incredible. He had a basic understanding of all the weapons like he said. I got to say, you really did train him amazingly Gordon.” Resha said, patting him on the back. 

“That’s the thing, I didn’t,” Gordon replied 

“What do you mean?” 

“I haven’t trained him at all.” 

“Wait a minute, so you're telling me that you didn’t train him at all and this is just something he learned?” She asked wide eyed.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

“How?! How is that possible?” 

“And that’s not it. He took out two 5th class knights on his own.” 

She stayed staring at him stunned hearing what he said 

“Where did you find him?” 

“I found him after I saw him take out the knights. He said he’s been living in the streets since he was 10.” 

“And how old is he now?”

“12.”

“So for two years. And where did he learn all this?”

“He said from watching the other knights train everyday.”

“This kid had some serious talent. To learn such skills  at a young age in two years without proper guidance is amazing. I can see why you took him as your squire.” 

“Yeah. He reminds me of myself.” 

The two go quiet as Sen is still practicing on the dummy. 

“Alright kid I think that’s good,” Resha shouted at Sen. 

Sen puts the sword back on the rack before going back over to Gordon and Resha. 

“How did that feel?” Resha asked 

“It felt good. I was able to get some practice.” Sen said, clenching his fist. 

“So what do you think? What weapon do you want me to make for you?”

“I think a normal sword would do.”

“Oh? Why do you think so?”

“A bow is nice for range and unpredictability to be fired from wherever but running out of arrows is a big problem and if you lose your range and let the person get up close you're pretty much done for, and it’s the same for the spear. With the range, it also has the drawback of lack of dealing heavy strikes and the lack of blocking ability without risking the spear breaking or your opponent targeting your hand. So I think a normal sword would do better for me because it allows me to keep my decent range while also being able to do significantly more damage.”

Both Reshaa and Gordon stood still thinking and analyzing his words. 

“Good job. Not only did you analyze each weapon's pros and cons but also how the sword would benefit you and help your fighting style.” Resha said to Sen, clapping her hands. “With that I can make a sword for you in a week. Let’s head back inside, I gotta talk to Gordon about the final details and payment.”

Heading back inside Gordon and Resha continue talking while Sen waits outside the front door. The door creaks open as Gordon walks out massaging his neck. 

“It was nice seeing you Sen,” Resha said from behind Gordon. “I’ll have your sword done in a week, but for now you can have this as a place holder.” 

She hands him a sword in its sheath, pulling out the sword, a brown leather handle with a shining sharp silver blade. 

“Thank you,” Sen said, clinging onto the sword “I’ll make sure to treasure it.”

“You better. I don’t just give out a sword to anyone. Only if I believe they can accomplish great things.” 

They wave as they walk off leaving. Walking back into the shopping district seeing it less busy than before but with still a large amount of people on the street. They walk quietly through the street, Sen still clutching onto his new sword. 

“Make sure to keep that with you at all times,” Gordon said, breaking the silence. “A knight always remembers the first sword they were given. You’ll eventually outgrow it showing how far you’ve grown.” Sen nodded his head. 

“You know we’re being followed right?” Sen asked Gordon with a calm expression on his face. 

“How’d you figure that out?” Gordon asked. 

“Well when I was waiting outside I felt as if someone was staring at me and then it disappeared when you came out. Now I feel it again and I can feel where it’s coming from,” Sen explained with a calm demeanor. 

“Wow. To think he can already sense someone using surge. That must mean he already has a small understanding. Without training no one can really do it.” Gordon thought to himself. Looking at Sen, Gordon sees a faint flickering glow coming off Sen’s body. “It’s alright. He’s not going to attack us.” Gordon said. 

“How can you be sure?” 

“I don’t sense any killing intent and he doesn’t seem to have a weapon on him.” 

“How can you tell?” Sen asked

“It’s using surge. You’ll eventually develop your own and learn how to use it, but for now we’ll just ignore him unless he becomes a threat.” 

“Alright, but where else are we going?”

“To an armor shop.”

Arriving at another building but compared to the first one they went to, this one seems more well maintained and put together with the wooden floors being polished, the walls painted a cream white and the shelves and armor stands being organized. 

“Welcome. Take a look around to see what you like.” The shop keeper said. They walked around to different armor stands looking at the different armors on display. From heavy thick steel plated armor to the dark brown leather armor that wouldn’t even protect someone from a cut from a dagger. 

“So what do you want, kid ?” Gordon asked 

“I don’t know. They look nice but I can’t really pick one.”

“How about you get one like mine,” he said, patting his chest and smiling. 

“Yeah but no thanks. I don’t want to be a giant reflector for the sun. Plus I wouldn’t want to limit my movement. My agility is one of my biggest tactics. So I would probably only take a lightweight chest plate.” 

“You sure? You’d be leaving yourself open to attacks.”

“You're right. I should probably also get a pair of boots and gauntlets since I also use my fist when fighting. And the rest could be leather underneath.” 

“That sounds like a plan then.” 

Taking the steel and leather armor from the display, they pay for the armor before walking out the store. The sun finally goes down past the horizon as it brings out the bright moonlight over the whole region . With the lanterns and torches lit, the shipping district glows with light for the merchants still out. As both Sen and Gordon walk through the region to the inn they remain in silence. 

“He’s still following us.” Sen says

“Yeah I know. And he’s further back too.” Gordon says scratching the back of his head. “I’ll handle it so he doesn’t follow us anymore. Here…” Gordon hands Sen a small leather pouch of coins. “Get something to eat if you want and rest up. Tomorrow I want to test what else you know before the exam.” 

“What are you gonna do? Are you gonna kill him?!” 

“What? No, I’m just going to make sure he doesn’t follow us anymore.” 

Sen pauses and looks at Gordon

“Wait no. I’m just going to catch him and that should be enough to scare him off.” Gordon explained. 

“Ok. Then I’ll see you in the morning.” Sen turns and enters the inn. 

Gordon turns and starts walking away from the inn. While walking he peeks behind making sure the mysterious man is still following him and he sees him in a dark hooded cloak using the dark from the night sky and the people still out to blend in. Slowly speeding up, Gordon starts to weave through the people, walking away from lighted areas then turning a corner of an alley way. The mysterious man, not trying to lose sight of him, rushes and turns the corner. Gordon vanishes as if he was never there, shocking the man. The man frantically looks around for Gordon only seeing an empty alleyway with no sign of where he went. A high pitch whistle is heard from above the man, looking up as Gordon stands on the roof of one of the buildings glaring down at the man. Gordon nods his head up before walking off, the man jumps off the walls following him on the roof. Standing under the dark night as the moon lights up their surroundings both Gordon and the man staring intensely at each other without moving. Sparks erupt and start flying as their swords clash against each other grinding the steel and iron. Gordon pushes his sword pushing the man back, the man leaps in the air bringing his sword down meeting Gordon’s as he deflects it. The man relentlessly attacks Gordon, not sparing a moment for him to rest. All while Gordon remains expressionless blocking attacks defending the barrage of attacks. Getting tired of the never ending attacks Gordon releases a burst of his surge as the man attacked forcing him back tumbling knocking his sword out his hand. The man reaches for his sword but Gordon steps in front of it blocking his reach pointing the tip of his sword at him. 

“Give it up. You can’t beat me and you know that. Don’t you Kenny,” Gordon says with a small smile on his face. 

“Ah. I could never win against you even if you didn’t use surge.” The man says sitting up. Gordon sheaths his sword and extends his arm out in front towards the man. Grabbing his hand Gordon pulls the man on his feet and picks up his sword. 

“So why were you following me Kenny? Did someone hire you to follow me?” 

“Yeah it was a job to watch where you go for the day. At first I was confused on why it was an ordinary stalking mission till I saw the emblem of the letter. A pale silver stag under a white crescent moon. House Elwen.” The man says in a low tone. 

“I had a feeling it was her.” 

“I didn’t get the details for why she wanted me to watch you. All she told me was to be on the look out for where you go and who you're with. I just don’t get it.” He says looking down. “Wait. That kid you were with all day, is he…Is he your son?” The man asked surprisingly. 

“What? No. Why is… No he’s not my kid.” 

“Oh. I thought you finally found someone and settled down. But I guess not. So who is he? He’s carrying around a sword and I sensed that he knew I was following you guys so he has some sort of surge.” 

“My squire.” 

“Woah.” He said in surprise. “I didn’t think you’d have one.”

“Yeah, it’s a long story.”

“I guess. So what now. What do I say to her, cause if she hired me you know she’s serious.” 

“It’s fine. Just say whatever you want. Everything will be revealed during the exam.” 

“Alright. I guess that solves everything then I guess I should get going. It was nice to see you.” 

“You too Kenny. Take care.” 

The man quickly disappeared as if he was a ghost. Gordon remained standing on the roof overlooking the region, the shining stars lighting up the sky and the bright moon giving light to the areas without. 

“Kid, I hope you're ready for everything that’s going to happen.”