Restart Again: Volume 1 by Adam Scott (pocket ebook reader TXT) 📕

too quickly, any little adjustment could knock you off balance.” We turned to face each other again. “Try a slower, more measured approach this time.”

Lia nodded silently, taking a neutral stance as she approached, cautiously this time. Once she came within range she leaned forward with a quick stab pointed up towards my shoulder. I twisted quickly, allowing the blade to fly past me unimpeded to bring her into close quarters. With an open palm, I shoved her in the sternum, pushing us apart. She looked shocked by the counter, so I took the opportunity to bat her arm with my dulled sword. “Did you forget I have a second hand? Just because it’s not holding a weapon doesn’t mean it’s not a threat.”

To my surprise, Lia immediately launched into another attack, swinging her blade up in an arc at my hip. Her tenacity brought a smile to my face as I parried outwards. The impact of the two swords directly colliding sent a rough shockwave up her arm which seemed to stun her momentarily. My sword rose up quickly to rest in her armpit, stopping just short to avoid hurting her.

“That was a good one!” I jumped back a few steps. “You’ll get used to the impact from clashing swords after a while, but it definitely takes a lot of energy out of you.” Waving her back onto the attack, I smiled. “Let’s try some of your low attacks.”

The session continued on for a half hour following the same general flow: Lia would attempt some opening attacks which I would dodge or block, we would exchange some close combat blows, and then I would give her some critiques and suggestions. Lia performed valiantly, always accepting the pointers with a nod or a grunt and continuing on without a single complaint. By the end of the practice she was panting from exertion, shoulders rising and falling with every breath.

“Alright, let’s call it quits for today.” I tossed my sword to the ground beside me. Lia did the same before collapsing down into a heap, letting out a long moan. Chuckling under my breath, I sat down next to her. “You did a great job.”

“I think my arm is going to fall off.” She rubbed her right shoulder tenderly. “That didn’t take nearly as long as my practice cuts, but it’s so much harder!”

“That’s true. It’s easy to miss how much effort goes into a sword fight. Until you’re the one doing the fighting of course.” I stretched my arms out over my head, feeling the burn of lactic acid build-up. “I know a great cure for tired muscles, though.”

Lia rolled to face me from her sprawling sideways position in the grass. “Really? Tell me!”

“Meditation!” I gave her a wide smile, then folded my legs into my usual stance and closed my eyes. Lia let out an irritated grunt, but after a moment I heard her shifting to an upright position. “Before you get settled, grab your sword and rest it across your lap, holding the grip in your dominant hand. We’re going to start working on Combat Enhancements.”

There was a small excited gasp as Lia rustled around to get into position. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“We’ll start with our usual routine. Clear your mind and take a deep breath down to your core, allowing the energy inside to start flowing. While it moves, try your best to direct it where you want it to go. Down your legs to your feet and back up again, all the way to your shoulders and down to your hands.” I followed my own instructions as I spoke; manipulating my mana supply was a comforting relaxation exercise at this point and required little thought.

“After you’re feeling comfortable, try to move the flow down your right arm and hold it in your hand.” I opened my eyes and spun to face Lia beside me, observing her form. “When you’re ready, try to hold an idea in your mind, letting everything else fall away. The sword in your hand is going to become dull, just like mine was before. Visualize what I did, keeping your intentions rock solid.” Her brow furrowed and she readjusted her grip on the shortsword.

“Once you feel prepared, you just have to say the words. If your focus is right, the energy in your hand will know what to do.” I extended my hand out slowly to hover over her sword and watched it anxiously. “Whenever you’re ready.” For a while, the clearing was silent aside from Lia’s rhythmic breathing. I watched her eyes darting back and forth behind her closed eyelids in exertion as she struggled to find her focus.

“Blunted blade.” The words were almost a whisper, passing from her lips in a tired sigh. A faint orange glow flickered to life along the edge of her sword, running from hilt to tip. Excitedly, I ran my thumb along the blade’s edge and was relieved to find the skin unbroken. Lia’s eyes fluttered open and she observed the fruits of her labor. The orange shimmer lasted only a few moments before fading away, gone as quickly as it had arrived.

“You did it, Lia!” I rocked forward onto my knees and embraced her tightly. “You really did it! You used magic!” She dropped the sword onto her lap and returned the hug, slumping forward.

“I...did it.” Lia said lazily. She giggled as her head drooped forward momentarily. “I’m a...wizard now. A very...tired wizard.” We both shared a laugh.

“Using magic for the first time takes a toll. I’m surprised you’re still conscious, honestly.” I leaned back carefully, lowering her to a resting position with her head in my lap. “After all your hard work tonight, you deserve a nice long rest.” Gently, I ran my fingers through her silky black hair, lightly scratching the back of her head.

“Ooooh...That feels...nice.” Lia rolled into a more comfortable position, looking up at me with drowsy eyes. “Thanks, Lux. For...everything.” She smiled sleepily, then turned and pushed her head back