Chapter 2020 - 2020: The Girl aiming to become A Guild master
The morning sun streamed through the windows of Saeko’s modest quarters, casting a warm glow over the room. After a night of celebration and a much-needed rest, she awoke feeling renewed and invigorated. The memories of the previous day’s victory still lingered in her mind, giving her the motivation to face the challenges ahead. Today was a pivotal day—the day she would train with the vice guild master.
Saeko made her way through the bustling streets of Eldoria, her heart pounding with anticipation. The mercenary guild was alive with activity, adventurers coming and going, sharing tales of their exploits and seeking new missions. But Saeko had something different on her mind; she had a meeting with the vice guild master, a powerful elven ranger known for her unparalleled mastery of the Wind element.
As she approached the training ground, a massive underground stadium filled with various arenas, Saeko felt a wave of excitement wash over her. The cavernous space was alive with the sounds of combat—clashing weapons, shouts of exertion, and the occasional roar of a summoned beast. The air was thick with energy, and she could feel the anticipation buzzing around her like a live wire.
Stepping into the training arena, she spotted the vice guild master, Elara, standing at the center of one of the arenas. Elara was a striking figure, slender and graceful, with long silver hair and piercing green eyes that seemed to sparkle with both wisdom and mischief. She was known for her agility and speed, a true master of the Wind element, and Saeko felt a mix of admiration and trepidation in her chest.
“Saeko,” Elara greeted her, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “I’m glad you’re here. Are you ready for today’s training?”
“I am,” Saeko replied, determination shining in her eyes. “I want to push myself and learn as much as I can.”
“Good. Today, we’ll focus on harnessing the Wind element in combat. Let’s see how well you can keep up,” Elara said, her voice steady and encouraging.
With a nod, Saeko took her place at one end of the arena, feeling the familiar rush of energy building within her. She closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself and summoning the Wind element to her. The air around her began to swirl, a gentle breeze forming at her feet before rising up around her, lifting her hair and giving her a sense of freedom.
“Begin!” Elara called, her own presence becoming a tempest as she summoned the Wind, the air crackling with energy.
In an instant, Elara dashed forward, her movements a blur of grace and speed. Saeko felt the rush of wind as the elven ranger closed the distance, and instinctively, she leaped into the air, using the wind to propel herself upward. The training ground was vast, but the intensity of their duel filled it with an electric atmosphere.
As Saeko landed, she quickly unsheathed her katana, the blade gleaming in the light. With a swift motion, she unleashed a slicing gust of wind aimed directly at Elara. The attack was strong, the wind carrying her intent with it, but Elara gracefully sidestepped, letting the gust pass harmlessly by.
“Nice try!” Elara called, a playful glint in her eye. “But you’ll need to be quicker!”
Saeko felt her heart race as Elara countered, summoning a powerful gust that surged toward her. The wind whipped around Saeko, threatening to push her back, but she braced herself and summoned her own wind to counteract the force. The two elements clashed, creating a swirling vortex of air between them.
With a fierce determination, Saeko pushed through the resistance, launching herself forward once more. She closed the gap, aiming a series of precise slashes at Elara, each strike enhanced by the wind. But the vice guild master was quick, her agility allowing her to evade each attack with effortless grace.
“Focus on your footwork!” Elara instructed, her voice carrying above the sound of wind and clashing blades. “You need to anticipate my movements.”
Saeko gritted her teeth, feeling the pressure mount. She had trained hard for this moment, and she refused to let Elara’s experience intimidate her. With renewed resolve, she began to adapt her strategy. Instead of relying solely on direct attacks, she started to mix in feints and deceptive maneuvers, trying to throw Elara off balance.
The training ground echoed with the sounds of their battle—clanging metal, rushing wind, and the occasional grunt of exertion. Saeko felt the sweat bead on her forehead as she pushed herself to her limits, feeling the exhilaration of combat driving her forward. But Elara was a master, and as the duel continued, Saeko found herself struggling to keep up.
Elara’s movements were fluid and precise, her mastery of the Wind element allowing her to dance around Saeko’s attacks with ease. With each failed attempt, Saeko’s frustration grew, and she felt the sting of defeat creeping into her heart. Still, she refused to give in.
“Remember, Saeko,” Elara said, her voice calm even amidst the chaos. “It’s not just about speed; it’s about control and strategy. Let the wind guide you.”
Taking a deep breath, Saeko centered herself again, allowing the wind to flow through her. She closed her eyes for a heartbeat, focusing on the rhythm of the air around her. When she opened her eyes, she felt a newfound clarity.
With a renewed sense of purpose, she launched into an aerial assault, using her wings of wind to gain height and distance. She began to weave intricate patterns in the air, combining her strikes with changing angles that would keep Elara guessing. The elven ranger reacted quickly, but Saeko felt the tide begin to shift in her favor.
For a fleeting moment, she landed a glancing blow on Elara’s side, the wind carrying her katana just close enough to connect. A surge of triumph flooded through her, but it was short-lived. Elara countered with a powerful gust that knocked Saeko off balance, sending her sprawling to the ground.