The following morning Rita took Koba to head to the nearest town or village to rest, and heal. She commanded Lore to remain in the cave snd only leave to hunt food. She then departed with Koba heading north.
Over the course of the next few days, Lore remained in contemplation. He knew his strength couldn't be anywhere close to on par with Koba, but he thought he could've helped.
On the fourth day Rita came walking into the cave, and told Lore to grab his stuff as they were to depart that moment. Lore felt disheartened on their journey back, and Rita was able to notice the sullen demeanor.
"Lore, don't blame yourself for Koba's injury. You weren't strong enough, and you would've just ended up dead instead of helping. Instead of sulking, learn from this and decide where you go from here. The life of a Knight is full of death, znd is a lonely road. Are you sure this is what you want?" Rita's words were cold and harsh, but she only wanted what was best for the boy.
***
A couple days later, Rita and Lore could be seen venturing through the desert. Lore could see the outline of Adobis in the distance, so he quickened his pace. After they arrived the citizens gave them strange looks, and whispers could be heard as the pair walked down the road. Word had spread that Koba had lost his arm on a hunt that Lore was to be in command of. Everyone seemed to blame Lore for what had happened to their Lord.
Rita and Lore approached Koba's manor, and made their way inside. Standing right inside the main hall was Koba. Lore rushed over to him and hugged him saying "I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough, Sir". Lore then stepped back and noticed Koba's arm was fine. He touched Koba's arm a couple of times before looking up at the Koba. Koba smiled and patted the young man on the shoulder, znd said "Haha! Such is the splendor of Phoenix Magic my lad! Its restorative power is unparalleled. Thank you for being so concerned, but I knew you weren't strong enough. I was at a disadvantage regardless of you though." Koba spoke with a gentle tone.
**
Another three months has passed since Lore, Koba, and Rita fought in the cold harsh north.
Lore spent all of his time deepening his connection to the his flow of magic, and his physical fitness.
While Lore knew he was strong, his fitness wasn't even close to on par with Koba. At night Lore could be spotted practicing his sword swings, and if one were to count; it'd be around ten thousand swings a night. He refrained from sleeping in a bed, and preferred to spend his nights in a meditative trance in which he would circulate magic through his whole body.
Lore's time was coming to an end here in the land of Sand. Adobis had grown on him but he was also so curious to where his next adventure would lead him.
Preparing for his daily routines, Lore washed his face and dressed himself. He strode down the hall. Entering the dining hall Lore proclaimed "Good morning, Koba, Sir". Lore sat down and began eating some breakfast before looking over at his master. "Lord Koba, do you know where I am off to next? I know you said I could stay in Adobis, but I don't actually see that happening." Lore inquisitively spoke.
Koba looked at Lore for a long moment with a stern gaze, bur his eyes softened. "You will be traveling to the far East. The City of Towers. It's architecture are giant tall, and sleek buildings, made from the natural metal found in their local mountains. You will serve under a Knight General known by the name of Valorum." Koba briefly paused before continuing on by saying "Valorum is a master swordsman and a true Lighting Magic master. We've taught you a lot here, and you're skills are far better than most, but you have a lot of maturing, and studying to do. You're strength is unrivaled on your level, so just imagine where you will be as a Knight Lord". Koba turned his back to Lore and raised the back of his hand to the young man. Lore knew this meant he could take his leave. Lore knew Koba was a busy man and didn't have time for lengthy goodbyes. Lore pounded his chest once and bowed. "Thabk you for everything and I won't let you down Sir!". Lore then strode out to begin packing.