Aegis of Glory
Chapter 5

Initial Plans

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6d ago

In such a vast and magnificent world, if he still could not carve out a place for himself, it would truly disgrace the pride of being a Blue Star native—especially one descended from a people with five thousand years of history.

Ang's initial goal was to become a Level 1 Warrior. However, he currently felt somewhat lost and did not know where to begin. Even so, his diligence and talent could not be ignored. As a Senior Squire, Ang's rate of improvement was already astonishing. The instructors of the Rookie Corps had once said that Ang possessed extraordinary talent as a warrior. Otherwise, he could not have grown from an ordinary person into a Senior Squire in just over four years.

Ang's performance in battle was particularly outstanding. He was skilled at using a one-handed axe for swift, deadly attacks, every swing precise and powerful. His strength and technique made the one-handed axe seem alive in his hands, every strike posing a tremendous threat to his enemies. At the same time, he was proficient with an arm shield, able to block attacks and protect himself at critical moments. The combination of arm shield and one-handed axe allowed Ang to display an exceptionally high standard in both offense and defense.

Whether on the simulated training grounds or in actual combat, Ang could always quickly adapt to the battlefield and find the best rhythm for attack and defense. His reaction speed and judgment allowed him to maintain the upper hand whenever he faced an enemy. The instructors also thought highly of him, believing he had the potential to become a top-tier warrior.

Although he did not yet have a fully defined direction, Ang knew that to reach the goal of becoming a Level 1 Warrior, he had to continuously improve his strength. He decided to begin by reinforcing his fundamental training, especially his skills with the one-handed axe and arm shield. He also planned to seek advice from experienced warriors and learn from their combat insights and tactics.

Ang's heart was filled with unwavering conviction. He knew that only by constantly surpassing his limits could he go farther down the path of a warrior. With his diligence and talent, he would prove that he was not merely a Senior Squire, but a brave man with the potential to become a top-tier warrior. Every training session and every battle was an important step toward success. Ang believed that as long as he persevered, one day he would become a true Level 1 Warrior.

However, he had only just returned to camp, and most people were still in an extremely tense state of mind. There was no need to rush things for the moment.

Ang had also traveled for several hours, running at high speed the whole way. Now that he had relaxed, he could feel the muscles in his legs trembling slightly.

Since he was temporarily the only member of his squad present, Ang stayed in a small tent that could hold only two people. Normally, the entire squad slept in one large tent. A squad had seven people, and even when full, there was still room to move around.

After resting for a while in the tent assigned to him, dinner began at the camp.

Ang ate black bread and drank an unknown thick soup. It seemed to contain milk, oil, and some unfamiliar beans that had been boiled until soft and mushy. The soup tasted fairly good, and soaking the black bread in it gave it a special flavor.

After eating and drinking his fill, Ang returned to his tent. The sky outside gradually darkened, and torches were lit throughout the camp. The warriors assigned to guard duty also set torches in a row around the camp, facing the grasslands, so that if anything charged out of the grass, those watching from the guard towers could spot it immediately.

Although night had fallen, the atmosphere in the rear camp became even more tense. Everyone feared that evil spirits might launch a surprise attack at night. If they fell asleep, they could easily lose their lives.

The night passed without incident.

In the relatively safe environment, Ang slept very well that night. Exhausted from catching up to the group, he did not dream at all and enjoyed a peaceful night's rest. Early in the morning, Ang got up feeling refreshed. He walked out of the tent and found a place by the camp's water source to wash up. The icy water stung his skin and woke him completely.

After washing up, Ang returned to camp and enjoyed a simple but warm breakfast with his comrades: steaming thick soup, several slices of toasted black bread spread with butter, and fresh fruit. The meal restored more energy to his body, and the exhaustion from the previous night seemed to vanish completely.

After breakfast, Ang returned to his tent and began organizing his equipment. He checked his armor, sword, and shield, ensuring that everything was in its best condition. That morning, many people had already gathered at the training ground for basic training.

Ang walked to the training ground, preparing to do some basic hand axe training. Sunlight filtered through sparse clouds and fell over the field, illuminating his figure. He picked up the hand axe, his fingers lingering briefly on the rough handle as he felt the texture of the wood. Although he had not used a hand axe for some time, there was still a trace of familiarity in his heart.

At first, Ang's movements were still somewhat stiff. He swung the hand axe, but neither his force nor angle was quite accurate, and the axe blade struck the wooden target with a dull thud. Other soldiers nearby were also carrying out their own training, occasionally casting curious glances his way.

As time passed, Ang gradually found his rhythm. He took a deep breath, focused his mind, and began adjusting his posture and strength. With every swing of the hand axe, he felt his muscles rediscovering that long-lost rhythm and power. His movements became smoother, and the axe blade began striking the wooden target with perfect accuracy, producing crisp chopping sounds.

Ang was secretly surprised. This familiar feeling seemed to be more than mere muscle memory; it was also the perfect fusion of Li Wei's soul with Ang's body. With every swing, he felt power erupt from deep within his body, as if Ang's body were gradually adapting to his presence.

His movements grew faster and faster, the hand axe tracing silver arcs through the air. Ang's gaze became focused and resolute, every chop filled with confidence and strength. Sweat ran down his forehead, but he paid it no mind, completely immersed in the rhythm of training.

The soldiers beside him began noticing Ang's change. They stopped what they were doing and cast approving looks his way. Some even began to gather around, silently drawing experience and inspiration from Ang's training.

Ang sensed the gazes around him, but he was not distracted by them. He continued swinging the hand axe, striving to make every strike achieve that familiar feeling. Gradually, his speed and strength reached a new peak. The hand axe seemed to become a part of his body, moving as he willed it. Time slowly passed.

Finally, Ang stopped, breathing heavily and not even bothering to wipe away the sweat on his body. A satisfied smile appeared on his face as he looked at the shattered wooden target, his heart filled with accomplishment. Just now, Ang had seemed to fall into a world of his own. Only the sound of the wooden target being chopped apart had startled him awake.

If it had been flesh and blood, then in that state just now, he should have already killed the enemy. But enemies and evil spirits would not stand still like wooden targets and let him chop at them. I still need more practice. I need to completely master this body's combat skills as soon as possible. Things probably will not stay peaceful for long, Ang thought.

After training ended, Ang walked to one side, drank several mouthfuls of cool spring water, and rested briefly. Watching the other soldiers continue their training, his heart filled with fighting spirit and hope. He believed that as long as he continued working hard, he would certainly carve out a place for himself on this land.

After returning to his tent, Ang began meditating. For both warriors and mages, meditation was an essential method of cultivation. Warriors used meditation to sense their bodies, strengthening their physiques and control over them. It emphasized finding movement within stillness—at least, that was Ang's own understanding. Mages, meanwhile, used meditation to sense the elements and improve their control of magic. Mages emphasized using the mind to command magic.

Ang's original body had no talent for magic, but ever since Li Wei's soul had possessed it, he faintly felt that things might be different. Ang had been thinking for some time that when conditions allowed, he should find an opportunity to test whether he possessed magical talent again. Having come to a world of magic, it would be a waste if he could not use magic.

At this moment, Ang sat cross-legged in the center of the tent, closed his eyes, and rested his hands naturally on his knees as he began breathing deeply. Following the rhythm of his breaths, he gradually entered a meditative state. The noise outside the camp slowly faded away, and his consciousness began turning inward to observe his body.

Ang's mind delved deep into his body, sensing every muscle and every inch of skin. Suddenly, he felt a faint warm current slowly flowing within him. It seemed to originate from his dantian, circulating continuously through his meridians and bringing a comfortable sensation filled with strength. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, both familiar and unfamiliar. This body had never felt it before. Ang guessed that the fusion of two souls had strengthened his soul, allowing him to sense this change.

Ang focused on guiding the warm current. As it circulated, his body gradually became lighter, as though all fatigue and pain had been driven away. He tried concentrating the current in certain places, such as his arms or legs, and discovered that it could move according to his will. Whenever the warm current passed through a certain area, that part of his body felt especially warm and powerful.

What Ang did not know was that in a dimension beyond his perception, white specks of light entered his body as the warm current moved under his control.

Ang could not help but wonder, Could this be the use of Qi force? Although Ang's soul had not fully mastered this world's cultivation system, relying on the experience and wisdom of his previous life, he quickly grasped some of its mysteries. He realized that this warm current could not only strengthen his physical stamina, but might also be an important clue for exploring his magical talent in the future.

He continued guiding the warm current, trying to make it grow more vigorous. As time passed, Ang found that his control over it became increasingly proficient. He could even make it circulate rapidly within his body. This not only made his body feel fuller than ever before, but also made his mind sharper and clearer.

When the meditation ended, Ang slowly opened his eyes, feeling that both his body and mind had reached a new level. In particular, he could no longer feel the pain at the back of his head. As long as he did not exert himself too much, there was no pain at all.

Ang stood and walked outside the tent. Facing the lingering glow of the setting sun, he felt confidence and strength fill his entire body. He silently said to himself, No matter how difficult the challenges ahead may be, I will face them head-on.

End of Chapter
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