Morning mist clings to the swordsmen’s training ground. Klause stands within the ring, conditioned by a month of drills, though his side still remembers Jacob’s earlier counter.
Rebecca remains at the ring’s edge with her spellbook beneath one arm, while Jacob crosses to the weapon rack and selects a blunted practice blade.
Jacob Larent
No striking first today. This exercise is retreat, guard, and protection. The marked stone behind you is the point you must keep safe.
Jacob sets a white-painted stone near the ring’s boundary, then places the practice blade in Klause’s reach. Three narrow lines mark the retreating path through the dust.
Rebecca Larent
Let your body carry the discipline before your magic answers. If the point is threatened, shield it without abandoning your own balance.
Jacob Larent
I will advance at a measured pace. Give ground when needed, keep your guard intact, and remember that retreat can be a form of protection.
Jacob raises his blunted blade and waits across the ring. Rebecca watches in silence as the wind moves over the marked stone and the first line of dust.
✓ Quest Accepted
Complete the retreat-and-guard exercise while protecting the marked stone
“Let's go, I say making a train sword out of wood magic and rushing at my father then entering a defense stance when he strikes”
Hit for 1 damage — Jacob Larent struck back for 4 damage
Klause larent
Let's go.
Wood magic gathers around Klause’s hand, shaping itself into a training sword. He rushes across the ring, then turns into a defensive stance as Jacob’s measured strike arrives.
Klause’s wooden blade catches Jacob’s side with a solid impact. Jacob staggers, one hand pressing against the wound as blood begins to seep through his training clothes.
Jacob Larent
Good transition, son. But hold your guard.
Jacob remains standing despite the injury and answers with a controlled counter. The blunted blade strikes Klause hard, and pain overwhelms his balance.
Rebecca Larent
Klause!
The wooden sword slips from Klause’s hand. His knees give way, and he collapses unconscious in the dust while Rebecca rushes into the ring and Jacob lowers his blade.
Regain Jacob’s confidence through disciplined recovery