The next two days merged into a relentless symphony of training, focused on mastering dual-wielding techniques and enhancing both offensive and defensive skills. Dawn found me in the practice yard, muscles still aching from the previous day's session, as Mac demonstrated yet another complex dual-wielding combination.
"The key," he explained for what felt like the hundredth time, "is making your off-hand feel as natural as your main hand." His blades whispered through the morning air in a perfect demonstration. "Right now, you're still treating it like an afterthought."
Koren materialized three training constructs—basic sword wielders with that unnervingly blank helmet design, their faceless appearance adding an eerie, inhuman quality that made them even more disconcerting. "Focus on defence first. Let's see if we can polish off those Dissonant Defence requirements."
The music rose in my mind as the constructs attacked in sequence. I let it guide my movements, weaving between their strikes while maintaining the defensive rhythm we'd been practicing. The familiar blue glow flickered around my weapons.
Dissonant Defence successful!
Dissonant Defence successful!
"Better!" Mac called out as I spun away from an aggressive combination. "Now work in those off-hand strikes we practiced!"
I tried incorporating my secondary blade into the defence pattern, finding gaps in their assault where I could counter. The melody in my head shifted, adding a counter-rhythm that helped time my attacks.
Off-hand attack successful!
By midday, my arms felt like lead, but Koren wasn't finished. He conjured what looked like a heavily armoured knight construct—definitely boss-level material. "Time to test your progress against something more substantial."
The construct moved with frightening speed for something so heavily armoured, its attacks coming in rapid, unpredictable arcs that forced me to adapt on the fly. Each strike carried immense weight, aimed at breaking through my defenses or knock me off balance. The music surged, helping me coordinate both blades in an intricate dance of defence and counterattack.
Dissonant Defence successful!
Boss-level engagement requirement met!
"Don't get cocky," Mac warned as I successfully deflected a powerful overhead strike. "Maintain your rhythm!"
The warning came just in time as the construct launched into a devastating combination. I barely caught the first strike on my main blade while using my off-hand weapon to deflect the follow-up.
Dissonant Defence successful!
Requirement Complete!
The afternoon sessions focused on pure offense. Koren conjured simpler constructs, but with the twist that I could only use my off-hand blade to defeat them. It was like trying to write with my non-dominant hand while someone threw rocks at me.
"Stop thinking about it as your 'off' hand," Mac coached as I struggled with an agile construct. "Both blades are equally important. Feel the rhythm between them."
Gradually, I began to understand what he meant. When I stopped second-guessing my off-hand strikes and let the music guide both blades equally, my movements became more fluid. The blue glow of my magical enhancement pulsed steadily now, rather than flickering uncertainly.
Off-hand attack successful!
Construct defeated using only off-hand attacks!
The second day brought new challenges. Koren introduced environmental hazards—platforms that shifted unexpectedly, magical barriers that appeared and disappeared in rhythm, even those infernal flour bombs again. All while Mac pressed his relentless attack, forcing me to maintain proper dual-wielding form.
"Coordination is everything," he said, demonstrating a complex manoeuvre that had me blocking high with one blade while striking low with the other. "Your blades should move like partners in a dance."
Hours blurred together in a haze of parries, strikes, and near-misses. The music in my head grew more complex, weaving together defence and offense in patterns I was only beginning to understand. Each successful sequence added to my growing expertise, then finally I got the message.
Dual Wield Reached (Uncommon 4)
Dual Wield (Uncommon 4)
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Effects:
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Off-hand attack penalty: -1 to hit
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New Ability: Harmony of Blades
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Make an additional attack with his off-hand weapon
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Cooldown: 6 turns
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Mana Cost: 10
Requirements for Uncommon 5:
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EXP Requirement: Gain 400 EXP in dual wielding.
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Skill Usage Requirements:
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Use Harmony of Blades successfully in 5 different combats.
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Land 50 hits with off-hand attacks with no penalties.
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Defeat 10 enemies using dual wielding techniques.
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Mac looked impressed with my progress. "Your form's finally starting to look like actual dual wielding instead of just waving two swords around."
Koren nodded in agreement, as he dismissed the last training construct with a gesture. "Your progress these past two days has been remarkable. You've reached the limit of what we can teach."
I collapsed onto a nearby bench, every muscle screaming in protest. The familiar blue glow faded as I let my enhancement magic dissipate. "It helps to have teachers who don't believe in taking it easy on their students."
Mac rolled his shoulders with a satisfied nod. "Well, that's it for formal training. From here on out, actual combat will be your teacher."
The realization struck me—I'd mastered everything they could show me about fighting with two blades. Any further advancement would come from actual battle experience. The music hummed thoughtfully in the back of my mind, already memorizing the patterns we'd practiced, weaving them into its endless melody.
Koren gathered his training materials. "You've learned all we can teach. The rest is up to you."
Training Summary
Dual Wield:
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Successfully used Dissonant Defence to avoid 10 attacks (completed)
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Defeat a single enemy using only off-hand attacks (completed)
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Dual wield successfully against a boss-level enemy (completed)
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
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EXP Required: 300/300
That evening after supper, I made my way up the garrison's west tower to Reed's office. The command centre occupied a side room, its atmosphere noticeably more tense than it had been two days ago during our initial briefing. I found the Captain at her desk, surrounded by stacks of unanswered communications and urgent dispatches.
"Still nothing from Command?" I asked, though her expression already told me the answer.
Reed's jaw tightened as she drafted another urgent message. "Three separate dispatches sent. Each one marked with highest priority. And nothing but silence in return."
The command centre buzzed with increased activity. Officers huddled over maps, discussing contingency plans in low voices. The usual military discipline had given way to an undercurrent of nervous energy.
"Captain," Lieutenant Soe approached, holding a fresh intelligence report. "Black Scale movements have increased along the eastern route. They're moving more construction materials than our initial estimates suggested."
Reed took the report, her frustration visible. "Add it to the latest dispatch. Though at this rate, we'll be watching them complete their fortress before Command even acknowledges our warnings."
"We could be looking at a force of over a thousand within a few days," Morris continued. "The supply lines suggest—"
A messenger burst into the room, interrupting him. "Captain! Priority message from Jay."
Reed broke the seal, her expression darkening as she read. "Well, now we know why Command's been silent. According to Jay, they're dismissing our intelligence as 'speculative' and 'insufficient to justify immediate action.'"
The news hit the room like a physical blow. Several officers exchanged worried glances.
"Insufficient?" I stepped forward, gesturing to our detailed analysis. "We have documented evidence of massive troop movements, unprecedented magical convergence, and construction plans that—"
"That apparently don't concern our superiors," Reed cut in, her voice tight with controlled anger. "They want 'concrete proof' of hostile intent before committing resources."
The tension in the room ratcheted higher. An officer slammed his fist on a table, causing maps to scatter. "By then, it'll be too late! Once those three moons align—"
"Lieutenant!" Reed's acid tone restored order, but her own frustration was evident. "We proceed according to protocol. Double the scout patrols along the northern trade route. I want hourly updates on all caravan traffic heading towards Night's Hollow sector. And prepare contingency plans for local defence forces."
I studied the latest ley line readings:
Magical Energy Status:
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Convergence intensity: Rising daily
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Stability: Further deterioration
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Temporal anomalies: Spreading
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Warning signs: Multiple
"Captain," I said quietly, "These energy readings alone should be enough to—"
"Should be, yes," she interrupted, already drafting another urgent message. "But Command wants proof of immediate threat. Theoretical magical dangers don't seem to concern them as much as committing troops without logical justification."
The afternoon light cast long shadows through the command centre windows as officers returned to their tasks, tension evident in every movement. We all knew what was at stake. We all understood what could happen if we were right about the Brigade's plans.
And we all felt the weight of time slipping away while we waited for those above us to act.
"Keep monitoring those energy readings," Reed ordered, sealing another dispatch. "If Command won't act on our intelligence, perhaps they'll respond when the magical convergence becomes too obvious to ignore."
But we all knew what remained unspoken—by then, it might be far too late to stop whatever the Brigade had planned.
The barracks beyond the command centre buzzed with restless energy. Through the windows, I could see groups of soldiers gathered, their usual disciplined formations replaced by clusters of worried discussion.
Lady Moira swept into the command centre just after nightfall, her cloak still bearing dust from the road. After three days away on some classified mission, her sudden return and commanding presence drew every eye in the room. Despite the obvious fatigue in her stance, her keen gaze was sharp as ever.
"Show me everything," she ordered, studying our compiled evidence. The intensity in her voice suggested her own mission might be connected to what we'd discovered. I laid out the ley line readings, watching her expression darken as she absorbed the implications of our findings.
Current Situation Assessment:
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Black Scale presence: Increasing daily
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Magical convergence: Critical levels
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Construction progress: 35% complete
"The Brigade's true purpose remains unclear," I explained, "but their preparations suggest something far more dangerous than simple ritual magic."
Lady Moira's expression hardened as she examined the ley line maps. "And Command refuses to act?"
"Worse than refuses," Reed interjected. "They're actively dismissing our intelligence. Even with confirmation from multiple sources."
"This goes beyond simple military negligence," Lady Moira stated flatly. "Command's inaction suggests something more troubling."
Reed nodded, spreading out the latest Black Scale movement reports. "Three separate channels, all meeting the same wall of silence. It's as if someone's deliberately burying our intelligence."
"Or being paid to," another advisor muttered, earning sharp looks from around the room.
"Then we have no choice," Lady Moira straightened, her decision evident. "We must investigate ourselves. A swift, discreet team. We need to see exactly what the Brigade is doing at Night's Hollow. I'll need your best recon specialist," Lady Moira continued, turning to Reed. "And Brendan's magical expertise will be essential."
"My Lady," Reed interjected, her expression grave, "even with Brendan's speed songs, it's a ten-day journey accounting for patrol routes and potential delays. The lunar alignment—"
"I know," Lady Moira's voice was steady. "Command has a garrison within four days of Night's Hollow. I'm hoping they'll respond soon with decisive action." She paused, studying the maps spread across Reed's desk. "But if they don't... then at least our team will be there to witness whatever occurs."
"Four of my most trusted guards will accompany you," Reed added. "Sergeant Elena and Corporal Bron for combat support, Scout Law for terrain expertise, and Specialist Twylla for magical defence."
The pieces were falling into place. A small team, highly skilled, moving under cover of darkness to uncover whatever dark purpose the Brigade had planned.
"We leave at midnight," Lady Moira declared. "Pack light, travel fast. Whatever's happening at Night's Hollow, we need to find out before it's too late."
The room fell silent as the implications sank in: challenging Command's orders could lead to severe consequences, but failing to act could mean disaster if the Brigade's plans succeeded. Going against Command's inaction was dangerous. Investigating was even more so.
The stakes had never been higher, and the price of failure loomed larger with each passing hour. But with Command's corruption now evident, we had no choice but to act on our own.
The garrison's storage rooms were cool and shadowed as we made our final preparations. Each member of our small team moved with practiced efficiency, selecting only the most essential gear.
You receive two small mana potions!
You receive a shortsword!
Considering how much my songs relied upon mana, these potions were a practical necessity rather than a luxury. I tucked the precious blue vials carefully into my belt pouch, appreciating Reed's foresight in including them as part of my back pay. In a pinch, they could mean the difference between maintaining a crucial magical melody or finding myself defenseless at exactly the wrong moment. Sergeant Elena checked her staff before strapping it across her back, her scarred armour and steady movements speaking of years of combat experience. Beside her, Corporal Bron methodically inspected his heavy mace, the weapon looking deceptively casual in his practiced grip.
Scout Law knelt nearby, carefully packing his specialized tools. His weathered face and keen eyes had guided countless missions through dangerous territory. "The latest scout reports show three main patrol routes," he said, rolling up a detailed map. "But they're establishing new ones daily. We'll need to be extremely careful."
Specialist Twylla finished inscribing protective runes on our travel cloaks, her fingers trailing faint blue light. "The magical interference is getting stronger," she warned, checking her focusing crystals. "Once we're within range of those ley lines, our normal detection spells might be unreliable."
Lady Moira entered, now dressed in practical dark leathers rather than her usual formal attire. "Final reports from Captain Reed," she announced. "Black Scale activity has increased again. We need to move soon."
The midnight bell tolled distantly as we made our final checks.
"Remember," Lady Moira addressed us all quietly, "we need to observe and document. If Command doesn't act, they'll need a detailed report of everything that transpires at Night's Hollow. The more intelligence we gather, the better equipped they'll be to respond." She let the implications hang in the cool night air.
Party Invitation Received from Lady Moira
You have joined Lady Moira's party!
New Quest Available: Night's Hollow Reconnaissance
Do you accept? [YES/NO]
Quest Accepted!
Quest Name: Night's Hollow Reconnaissance
Type: Critical Main Quest
Difficulty: High
Time Limit: 11 days
Quest Giver: Lady Moira
Location: Night's Hollow region
Starting Point: Haven Cross Garrison
Description: Lead a covert reconnaissance mission to Night's Hollow to document the Brigade's activities and gather critical intelligence. With Command's garrison nearby but inactive, your team must observe and record everything that transpires during the lunar alignment, providing detailed information for future military response.
Primary Objectives:
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Reach Night's Hollow observation position within 10 days
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Document Brigade fortification details and troop movements
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Gather evidence of Brigade's true purpose
Secondary Objectives:
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Map patrol routes and defensive positions
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Identify key Brigade personnel
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Document any artifacts or ritual components
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Assess immediate threat level
Requirements:
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Stealth and observation skills
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Combat readiness
Team Members:
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Lady Moira (Leader)
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Brendan (Jack of All Trades)
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Sergeant Elena (Combat Support)
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Corporal Bron (Combat Support)
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Scout Law (Terrain Expert)
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Specialist Twylla (Magical Defence)
Rewards:
-
Experience: 1000 XP
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[Additional rewards pending mission outcome]
Warning: Failure to document the Brigade's activities could leave Command blind to potential catastrophic magical events.
The stable master had our Swiftclaws ready, specially chosen for both speed and endurance. Ten days was a long journey, even with my speed songs, but we had to try. As we mounted up, I could feel the weight of time pressing down on us. The moons would align whether Command acted, and someone needed to witness whatever the Brigade had planned for Night's Hollow.
Either we'd arrive in time to see Command's garrison take action, or we'd be the only ones left to tell the tale of what transpired. Neither prospect was comforting as we guided our mounts into the darkness.
The garrison gates opened silently, and we slipped out into the darkness. Behind us, Haven's walls disappeared into the night as we turned north, toward whatever secrets awaited us at the convergence of power that the Brigade fought so hard to claim.
None of us spoke as we rode. We all knew that somewhere ahead, ancient powers were stirring. And we had precious little time to discover the truth before the three moons aligned and whatever dark purpose the Brigade intended came to fruition.
You replace Babel's Harmony with Wellspring of the Arcana!
You sing Dash of the Daring!