The Strongest Spellblade

“My son, it is good to see doing well,” my mother greeted me as she returned to the estate. It had been ten days since the evacuation. This time there were a lot less servants kneeling and the only other family member present was my father.

“Mother,” I ran over and gave her a hug. She smiled and patted me on the back as I felt a sense of nervousness.

“You are getting stronger. I will review your status with my Squires tomorrow morning,” she said and then frowned slightly as I let go of the hug. Looking around more closely.

“Darren, did something happen, the staff numbers seem low, and your children and other wife are not here,” she replied while casually placing her hand on her sword.

“Your Squire will explain to you in full. I will be retiring to the guest house for the night,” he replied. My mother slowly turned to look at Squire Jessica who didn’t flinch. My father and the staff fled as fast as possible without resorting to an outright sprint. My mother’s grip on her sword hilt tightened and I felt a pressure in the air.

“What. Happened.”

“I trained your son the way I was trained. There was an incident the last day where I let him face a champion monster of the 1st layer,” she explained while looking at my mother.

“Son, did your healing points bottom out?” she asked calmly while keeping her eyes on Squire Jessica.

“Um, yes, but my injuries healed up and Squire Jessica made sure I was okay,” I replied nervously.

“What were my instructions, Squire?”

“To train your son and ensure his reserves don’t dip below half,” she replied with a touch of nervousness now.

“I know the training you talk about. Near death training. My son is nine. You were almost twice his age when you did such brutal training. Don’t you dare mention stats or skills. The younger adventurers who undergo such training break, they give up. Only one in four continue on. You know this. You risked my son’s mental health and future with your little stunt,” my mother said.

“Supreme Warlady, I ensured his full recovery,” she replied quickly. Even I could hear the slight tremor of fear in her voice.

“With the weakness of your relaxation methodology, which is even worse in many ways. My son is unharmed is why you are still alive. But I suppose such lessons do have their merits. Let us test this theory togeather. Squires, protect my son,” she said calmly. Her other two Squires immediately moved to my side so quickly I didn’t see them cross the distance to me.

My mother took a step forward towards Squire Jessica who brought up her fists. My mother brought up her fists as well. “Peace for peace. Fists for fists. We shall settle this the adventurer way,” my mother declared.

I didn’t see what happened. One moment Squire Jessica was standing there, the next the wall of the mansion exploded inwards and a portion of the building collapsed. A small trench in the stonework outside had been dug out between Squire Jessica’s former position and her new position, implanted into the outer wall of the mansion.

One of the Squires protecting me brought up a magical shield deflecting pieces of debris that rained down on us. My mother, who was standing with an outstretched fist where Squire Jessica had been standing vanished once more. The ground shook and I felt afraid as a sense of bloodlust entered the air.

My mother was scary. Very scary.

There were more explosions and ground tremors as mother beat her Squire across the estate, leaving ruin and devastation in her wake. After ten minutes of relentless beating, the bloody and barely breathing form of Squire Jessica was tossed back onto the position where she had been standing previously.

My mother stood over the barely breathing body of Squire Jessica. “If I wanted my son to have a near death experience, then I would give it to him.” Squire Jessica tried to respond but only spat up blood. “It is one thing to push my child, but another to try and break him at such a young age.” My mother flicked her bare hands, and the blood on them flew off hitting the ground beside her Squire.

“If you can live through the night, you might improve some of your skills. Since you value this type of training so much.”

“Mother,” I said in a worried tone. I might be upset at Squire Jessica, but I didn’t want her to die. My mother looked at me and smiled. But behind that smile and love directed at me was a monster in human form. I had only been told before, but now I knew the truth after seeing it with my own eyes.

“I am just teaching my Squire a lesson in respect and following my orders. But I suppose I shouldn’t let her die. Cure.” My mother waved her right hand and Jessica’s breathing got a bit easier as a green light moved over her. She still was beaten bloody and looked absolutely miserable.

“Justin, go tell my husband that the tutoring of my Squire is over. I am going to retire for the night. We shall speak in the morning Justin. Squires attend me,” my mother declared and stomped off. I looked at Squire Jessica and then went to get my father to clean up the mess and to tell him what happened.

I glanced back at Squire Jessica who was still lying on the ground, unmoving except for the slow rise and fall of her chest. I felt bad for her, but she shouldn’t have crossed my mother and disobeyed her instructions. I made my way to my father who was hanging out at the guest mansion with the few remaining servants.

“My mother is finished. Squire Jessica is, um, alive, but was left to lay there and think over her actions for the night,” I explained, and my father let out a sigh of relief.

“Alright, let’s get back everyone and try to set things in order.” I followed my father back to the main mansion of the estate. The ground nearby was ripped up and the outside of the mansion had some notable damage. Several of the windows were broken as well. The servants moved forward and got to work. No one dared to look at Squire Jessica. Dinner was an individual affair.

After an uneasy sleep, breakfast was also brought to me. There would be no family breakfast this morning. Once I had eaten and changed, I made my way to my mother’s study after a servant informed me, I had been summoned to her presence.

Stolen story; please report.

All three of her Squires were there, even Squire Jessica who was heavily bruised and had one eye swollen shut was standing at attention. “My son, I am sorry you had to see me discipline one of my Squires yesterday, but it is important that some lessons sink in so there are no misunderstandings,” my mother said. The Squires didn’t dare breathe loudly.

“Um, yes mother,” I replied and quickly nodded at this.

“Good. I prefer to move forward than to dwell on the past. Have you checked on your status in the last three months?” my mother asked.

“No, Squire Jessica told me not to as one of her rules,” I explained, and my mother nodded at this.

“Once every three months is what is recommended, and I agree. Checking constantly will only hinder your mentality and distract you. Now, check your status and tell me everything line by line,” my mother ordered. I noted that Tutor Damian, Healer Castelle, and my father were also present listening in.

Lower tier skills, below tier 3 were okay to share publicly. Tier 4 and higher were considered private, only to be shared with those that were trusted, since they tended to be more unique and reveal one’s combat ability. For a craftsperson they might advertise having a high tier skill, but wouldn’t say what it was, or only give a vague description. For an adventurer, they would only share with those they were passing their legacy to.

Level: 1 Experience: BLOCKED

Healing: 160/160 Stamina: 120/120 Mana: 40/40

Class: Tier 0, Child(Green)

Effect: Increased Skill Acquisition(+8%), Increased Learning Speed(+8%), Increased Stat Gain(+8%)

Vitality: 16 (+4)

Endurance: 12 (+5)

Strength: 12 (+3)

Agility: 14 (+3)

Perception: 6 (+2)

Mind: 35 (+2)

Magic: 4 (+1)

Focus: 16 (+1)

Free Points: 0

Tier 1(25): Eldarin Language(99+24), Writing Skills(85+26), Running(73+23), Mathematics(71+15), Breathing(64+14), Eldarin History(61+9), Eldarin Etiquette 42+4), Meditation(42+17), Drawing Skills(30+5), Sword Skills(30+12), Dancing Skills(25+3), Toughness(25+6), Shield Skills(25+10), Light Armor(25+25), Dodge(24+12), Spear Skills(20+8), Monster Processing Skills(19+19), Cooking Skills(15+12), Bow Skills(13+3), Cleaning Skills(12+11), Axe Skills(9+2), Dagger Skills(8+2), Pugilist Skills(7+3), Wrestling Skills(4+1), Speech(3+3)

Tier 2(12): Danger Sense(21+18), Mana Sense(11+7), Darkness Vision(8+8), Monster Analysis(3+3), Trap Detection(1+1), Depth Sense(1+1)

Tier 3(3): Fear Resistance(1+1)

Tier 6(-): Experience Siphon(C)

Equipment

Gloves: Gloves of Processing(T2) (Blocks Mana T2 and Below)

Amulet/Bracelet: Experience Blocker(T4) (Prevents all experience gain for primary level)

I had actual equipment now. Only magical equipment that I personally owned was counted as part of my status. The weapons I used were considered tier 1, which didn’t show up. That was the benefit of having a System Priest adjust what was shown to me. Also why new skills were highlighted, my improvements listed since the last time I had checked, and the weight of my skills per tier.

“Too many skills. The pressure on your soul is concerning,” my mother said with a frown after I listed everything off. “Do you feel any discomfort?”

“Um, no. At least I don’t think so,” I replied hesitantly, and my mother nodded.

“It appears the soul fruit did a good job. Increasing your class color. Tell me why this is important?” my mother asked.

“Since it impacts the overall effect of one’s class. That is shown by the higher percentage boosts I receive from the class being stronger that previously,” I explained.

“Then there shouldn’t be a problem. The soul fruit is likely helping. Your class has improved. And a tier three skill,” my mother looked at Jessica.

“The champion monster had a fear shout skill, which your son overcame. That is likely what granted the skill,” Squire Jessica explained. My mother nodded at this.

“What? Really?” I asked and my mother nodded.

“Champion monsters in the early levels of the dungeon have active skills. That is why they are not to be underestimated. I have reviewed the tutoring Squire Jessica has given you and for the most part there are no issues or areas of concern,” my mother said. I felt a sense of relief at that.

“But the weight of your skills is 40 and your Mind stat is 35. That is slightly concerning. If the difference grows larger, it could impact your health,” my mother said while staring at me intently.

“Um, what should I do?” I asked.

“Anyone else, I would tell them to put some stats in Mind, but that isn’t possible, since it is better for you to stay at level one for the most optimal skill and stat growth for as long as possible. Suggestions?” she asked and looked at her Squires. None of them spoke up.

“Useless,” my mother muttered and then looked back at me. “Your current training regime will do for now. But no new skills,” she said and looked at her Squires who all nodded at this.

“Um, what about when I reach level 100 in Eldarin Language. It is also taking a while, is that normal?” I asked and my mother nodded at this.

“Reaching level 100 is always the most difficult breakthrough. Since a skill can then be merged or upgraded to the next tier. After that there would be Eldarin Script and then Eldarin Runes. Once you reach level 100 in Eldarin Language upgrade the skill, but you will only focus on tier 1 skills for now,” my mother said.

“When can I learn magic?” I asked. I wanted to be able to make light, use fire blades, and instantly clean myself.

“Now that is a foolish question. Magic spells are higher tier skills. Once we have gone through all the necessary tier 1 skills, then magic can become a focus. But I suppose your interest is warranted if you want to become a spell blade like me. Include focused training for Mana Sensing,” she ordered her Squires who all nodded without daring to speak.

“Thank you, mother. Um, what about equipment,” I replied, and she smiled at me.

“Having powerful equipment would slow down your skill growth. That is the most important thing, skill levels. So, while I would love to give you a powerful sword and armor, it would ultimately hurt you. Now onto other matters. Healer Castelle, any lasting damage on my son?” she asked.

“No. I checked him completely. But I strongly disagree with what you have planned. Mixing such powerful items is incredibly dangerous. Especially with Alchemical items. There could be side effects. I strongly insist you consult with my seniors at the Five Star Institute of Healing,” he said.

“I have taken your words into consideration, but ultimately it will be my son who decides what is best for his future,” she replied and turned to look at me.

“The fact you are still determined after your brush with death, warms my heart, my child. I have managed to locate a small treasure from the dungeon for you and had an Alchemist I am friends with prepare the treasure properly,” she said and pulled out small wooden container.

She set it on the table between us and opened it up. “Elder Wyvern heart that had fused with its core. It has body enhancing properties. Never try to eat something like this raw. Becoming inhuman is a fate worse than death.”

There was a singular small cube of meat, about the tip of my finger. A small fork also rested in the box. “It is small,” I said as my mother pushed the open box towards me.

“It is, but that is after an Alchemist refined the entire heart. It was quite large, but that is the power of a high level Alchemist. Use the fork, chew as much as possible before swallowing. It will help you absorb its power better,” my mother explained. I carefully picked up the silver fork in the box and stabbed the piece of cubed meat. The fork slid in easily. It was probably enchanted in some way. I brought the meat up to my mouth and put it in. I began chewing.

“Good. Your body stats should be easier to increase during the next training session. Push him physically, that is what you are best at. Since Healer Castelle is here, don’t hold back Squire,” my mother said to her largest and most muscular Squire.

“Yes, Supreme Warlady,” one of the two male Squires responded as I chewed on the meat cube. It was tough, incredibly tough, but I didn’t stop chewing.

“Keep chewing for as long as you have to. If you swallow it whole, it will just pass through you with limited impact,” my mother explained, and I nodded at this. Then she frowned.

“The person who has cursed you has eluded me. I have increased the bounty to 200 platinum, doubling it, and just for information leading to the culprit. Unfortunately, this legend specializes in stealth, poisons, and hiding. Time will reveal them and then they will die,” my mother said with a frown.