Chapter 114 - Sacrifices Of The Past (1/2)

~ Two weeks before the start of the Tournament of Legends ~

Sometimes good preparation before a competition is as important as the ability to adapt during it. Therefore, Nathalia decided to ask Luke to teach her some of his moves.

During his expeditions through the Vasconcelos Dungeon, the half-wolf always demonstrated above-average agility and very precise dodges, besides his ability to read the practically impeccable battle.

In the eyes of the young Elf, Luke was a perfect adventurer, who over the years, could even reach the level of an S-Class. And that impression became even more fitting after the battle against the Demon in the Castle at Vasconcelos.

Since the half-wolf always used to give tips for improvement after his practices, but never actually trained Nathalia, she felt she would have to ask him.

”Hah... Hah...” Nathalia gasped. She was sitting on the wooden floor of the gym near her new home, after another practice feeling. ”Luke... you're more energetic than usual.”

Luke extended his arm to the right one to help her stand up. ”It's just your impression, after all, you haven't been in action for a while.” Nathalia took his hand and stood up.

Nathalia didn't have what to answer, as it had been almost two weeks since she had last been in a battle royal.

”I had an idea. What do you think about the idea of training me? I could pay you extra.”

Luke arched his eyebrows, surprised. ”Hm... Are you sure about that? I mean, I've never taught anyone, and you've had a formal instructor. I could end up getting in the way more than helping.”

”I'm completely decided about that. And what would change? You already usually correct my postures and vices of attack and defense. Besides, you've had an instructor too, haven't you? You must know some methods to teach without impacting my other fundamentals-”

”Actually, I haven't had an instructor. So, it's impossible.”

”Really?” Nathalia questioned, finding the statement strange.

Without a formal instructor, it would be impossible for someone to know as many stances with different weapons as the half-wolf showed he knew.

”It's true. I just had a mistress who took care of me and my friends for a while. She used to bring food, so we wouldn't starve to death in the alleys.”

With Luke's permission, Ayumi told Nathalia everything a few days ago. So the young Elf already knew that Luke was a thief and had gone through many hardships. Only in her mind, does she conclude that Luke learned everything he knows after he passed a hard time, not during.

”Ah... excuse me for bringing that up.” Nathalia said, looking away and not knowing where to stick her face. 'Of course, he didn't have a formal instructor, Nathalia... idiot.' She mentally scolded herself.

Before she knew that Luke used to be a thief, Nathalia attributed his lack of knowledge in grammar and arithmetic to normal causes. Even in a developed Empire and a wealthy city like Oukiwa, the schooling rate is low for two reasons: child labor and paid education.

Any elementary school in Oukiwa charges a fee of at least one gold coin per month, and since normal jobs pay less than two hundred and fifty silver coins, it is almost impossible for children from poor families to have a chance at any formal education.

For Luke, Meredith, Matthew, and the others it was no different. None of them went to school, but among all of them, only Luke couldn't learn the basics. Why? Well, sometimes the hand that gives is also the hand that takes away.

”I don't mind touching that subject. This woman who fed us was named Yoelona. She introduced us to the owner of a tavern, who of his own free will began teaching grammar and mathematics to my friends.”

”What do you mean? Only to your friends? What about you?”

”Yoelona said that knowledge is no guarantee of survival, but strength is, so at least one of us should give up our studies and devote herself completely to intense training, where she would be a Master, not an instructor.”