Two years had passed since Crownless Unity began their secret training. They had taken refuge in the same location where Acki had once trained with Ian as a child, making it their base for both living and grueling training. Each day, the group grew stronger, progressing at an incredible pace. Over time, Acki also gained better control over his emotions, along with his powers and leadership skills. Their daily routine consisted of grueling training, sparring, endurance tests, and mastery of various skills and knowledge. They had all grown so much that if their former selves were to see them now, they wouldn’t even recognize who they had become
Acki stood near the training ground, watching closely as everyone sparred. The noise of blades clashing and heavy breathing filled the air. Acki fixed his gaze on Thorin and Crimson, their movements sharp and calculated, each strike carrying enough to end a beast their faces showing no fear nor showing any signs of being tired.
Acki had a concerned look on his face
Acki: Thorin Crimson ENOUGH!
His voice was sharp commanding and smooth at the same time
Acki walked up to the both of them
Acki: Both of you are improving, but you keep holding back. I understand that you don''t want to hurt each other, but if you''re not going all out, you won''t improve.
Both of them exhaled at the same time then Thorin spoke out
Thorin: You''re right, Chief. It''s time we finally go all out against each question can he handle me
He chuckled Thorin''s chest was swelling from pride
Crimson showed a faint grin
Crimson: You better believe it. I can handle you without breaking a sweat, but the real question is can you handle me?
Acki laughed
Acki: If you''re both so confident in yourselves, go all out this time. Don''t hold back any strength.
Both of them looked straight into Ackis''s eyes
Thorin: Right!
Crimson: Right!
Acki jumped back and yelled that was the sign to start their sparring match
Crimson held his sword tightly and then vanished behind Thorin swinging his sword with all his strength Thorin was unfazed turned just in the nick of time blocking the attack The force of the blow reverberated through his body, but he stood firm, eyes locked on Crimson
Thorin: You''ll need to be much faster than that to catch me off guard
Crimson fired up unleashed a barrage of slash attacks slowly pushing Thorin back each strike was precise Thorin pushed his sword making Crimson fly back
Crimson: quit being on the defense and attack already
Acki watched closely thinking this was exactly what they needed to show any improvement
Thorin: if I attacked now the fight would end too fast I would like to enjoy this as much as possible
He chuckled
Crimson had a serious face looking angry
Crimson: take me seriously you overgrown gorilla
Thorin: hey that''s not n-
Before Thorin could finish what he was saying Crimson attacked again this time moving even faster he used his sword and fists to fight making Thorin block his sword while he attacked with his fists Thorin started taking the fight seriously and went on the attack as well leaving Crimson damagedIf you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
Crimson: finally realized that if you didn''t take me seriously you''d lose?
Thorin smirked
Thorin: don''t make me laugh you''re not nearly strong enough to defeat me
Crimson lunged forward with a powerful thrust, aiming straight for Thorin’s chest. Thorin didn’t move, his grin widening. He twisted his body at the last moment, using Crimson’s momentum to send him crashing into the ground.
Crimson let out a grunt, rolling to his feet
Crimson: Damn it…
He muttered under his breath, frustrated but refusing to back down
Acki With his hands crossed over his chest, he couldn’t feel prouder of the people they had become. Then Asha appeared out of nowhere, bringing tea and biscuits for Acki. Asha waved to Acki.
Asha: Hey Cheif you looked tired so I made you some tea and biscuits
Acki turned to her with a wide smile
Acki: thank you Asha I appreciate your concern
Asha: no problem
Acki took the cup of tea sipped it and went back to watching Thorin and Crimson Asha then realized they were sparring and they weren’t holding back
Asha had a concerned look on her face
Asha: Those two look like they’re going all out…
Acki: it’s cause they are
Asha''s face went pale
Asha: and why are they going all out…
Acki: because I told them to
Asha: YOU MORONIC IDIOT DO YOU NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME THEY SPARED WITHOUT HOLDING BACK
Acki: woah mean and yeah who wouldn’t remember that the both of them sustained bad injuries but after they healed their skill grew exponentially
Asha: THEY WERENT JUST ANY KIND OF INJURIES BOTH OF THEM HAD CRACKED RIBS BROKEN ARMS AND MULTIPLE HEAD CONCUSSIONS
Acki pointed toward the sky having a smug look on his face
Acki: It''s going to be fine this time cause they aren’t fighting each other for real it’s only a sparring match plus if things do get serious I’ll intervene
Asha looked at Acki as if he was the stupidest person to ever live
Asha: Wipe that smug look off your face… or I''ll do it for you…
She said in a calm yet serious tone
Acki had a drop of sweat on his forehead as he shifted his arms back to his chest
Acki: oh relax just watch as they train it''s amazing how much they''ve grown over the years
Asha listened and stayed right next to Acki watching as Thorin and Crimson fought
Thorin: I think it’s about time we finished this.
His face was a serious expression, his determination unwavering. Crimson, though visibly tired, had a fire in his eyes that refused to die.
Crimson: For once, I agree with you.
Without hesitation, Crimson raised his sword high into the sky. He began spinning at an incredible speed, creating a sharp whirling sound. Channeling all his strength into his legs, he launched himself with explosive force toward Thorin.
For a moment, Thorin’s face showed a hint of worry, but he quickly suppressed it. He adjusted his stance, gripping his sword tightly with both hands. His body tensed like a coiled spring before he propelled himself forward, his blade aimed directly at the airborne Crimson.
Their attacks were so fast that they seemed like flashes of light to everyone else except for one person.
To Acki, time seemed to freeze. Everything slowed to a halt as he stood there, calm and unshaken. Step by step, he walked toward the clashing warriors, now suspended mid-air in a frozen moment.
Acki raised a single finger from each hand, positioning himself precisely between the two attacks.
Time resumed.
A deafening crash echoed, and a massive cloud of dust erupted around them. No one could see what had just happened. Thorin, Crimson, and Asha stared into the dust-filled chaos, their hearts pounding.
When the air cleared, Acki emerged unscathed, a faint smile playing on his lips. He stood calmly, his fingers effortlessly blocking both of their attacks.
Acki: Both of you did a great job. I’m really proud of you two.
Thorin and Crimson were stunned. Their weapons fell from their hands as they dropped to one knee, their heads bowed in shame.
Thorin: I apologize, Chief. I went too far… I almost killed an ally.
Crimson: Chief, I apologize as well. I ask that you punish both of us for losing control.
Acki’s gaze softened, devoid of any anger or disappointment.
Acki: Why would I punish either of you? You both did exactly as I instructed. You pushed yourselves to the limit. Although…
He paused for a moment, raising an
eyebrow.
Acki: “You were about to kill each other, which is not what I instructed.”
Thorin and Crimson, still ashamed, couldn’t muster another word. They felt as though they had let their leader down.
Acki: Enough of that. Stand up now. I already told you it’s fine. You’ve both grown immensely, and I’m impressed. This is exactly what I wanted to see.
Thorin and Crimson hesitated, but they slowly rose to their feet. Though their shame lingered, a sense of pride began to bloom.
looking between them, with a faint smile
Acki: For what it’s worth… that was one hell of a fight. You’ve both come a long way.
Thorin smirked faintly, the shame on his face fading.
Thorin: I guess we did alright.
Crimson still catching his breath
Crimson: Don’t give yourself too much credit. If Cheif didn’t stop me you wouldn’t be alive.
Thorin grinned
Thorin: Keep telling yourself that, Crimson. We both know who was holding back.
Crimson: Oh, is that right?
Before they could start bickering, Asha stormed over, arms full of bandages, her face a mix of anger and worry.
Asha: Idiots, the both of you! Sit down before you drop dead!
Crimson smiled trying to wave her off
Crimson: It’s just a scratch-
Asha: Sit. Now.
Thorin raised his hands in surrender, collapsing to the ground, while Crimson muttered under his breath but obeyed.
Acki: You’ve got more authority over them than I do.
Asha: Maybe because I’m not a reckless fool who lets his people beat each other to death.
Acki grinned
Acki: They weren’t going to die. I would’ve stopped them if it got too serious.
Asha: Oh, really? Like the last time, when they ended up with broken ribs and concussions?
Acki: And they came back stronger for it.
Asha: Unbelievable.
As Asha worked, Crimson leaned back against a rock, still catching his breath.
Crimson: You’re lucky she’s here, Chief. Otherwise, you’d have two less warriors.
Thorin: Speak for yourself. I was fine. You’re the one who looked ready to pass out.
Crimson turned to Thorin and gave him a glare of death
Crimson: Say that again, and I’ll knock you out for real.
Acki laughed out loud he was amused by their bitter talk
Acki: Enough. Both of you are strong stop trying to make a competition out of it.
Both Thorin and Crimson fell silent at his words. Despite their injuries, a sense of pride flickered in their expressions.
Acki: Rest while you can. Tomorrowtwo will be sparring against me.
Thorin groaned, leaning back with a wince.
Thorin: You’re trying to kill us, aren’t you?
Acki: If I wanted you dead, I wouldn’t waste my time training you.
Crimson let out a short laugh despite his exhaustion, while Asha rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath as she finished bandaging Thorin.
Acki turned away, his gaze shifting to the rest of the group still training in the distance. For a moment, he allowed himself to take in the sight the sound of clashing steel, the sweat and effort of his people, the bond they had forged.
Acki: We’re getting there. Slowly but surely.