Within a cave, Sieg remained silent as he watched the knight whip out a meal. His hands were quite skilled with chopping; the boy didn't know how to cook, so perhaps the simple act of cooking might come off as impressive to him.
What is he cooking?
Though he must say — the cave was quite well decorated. There was a space filled with swords and all kinds of gear, tables, and a comfortable-looking couch.
But one thing didn't make sense to Sieg. Having a bonfire inside the cave seemed dangerous; it would've been better if it were lit near the entrance and not within the cave. However, he noticed that the smoke from the bonfire also didn't make sense. There was no smoke at all! Yet there was warmth and heat.
His mind experienced a headache at the sight of trial physics. Now that he thought about it, where does the knight even get the ingredients and wood for all of this? He was pretty sure that part of the mountain was way too far from any civilization and trees! Besides, it was winter! And why was a man, half-naked with a knight helmet, living alone here?! Also, if there were no animals, does that mean the ingredients he used in that food are other humans?!
He must be a hairless yeti! A cannibal!
Sieg was genuinely done for!
"It's no use making sense of something you can't understand within this domain — you're only wasting your time."
The mysterious man suddenly spoke. Sieg flinched — as the man also suddenly made a move.
Please don't eat me! Please don't eat me!
"Did the air made you flinched? I suggest you calm yourself — here, eat." The knight handed over a plate that had a bowl and a cup of water, and Sieg didn't question it, he politely took the food.
At least his not eating me — and the meat looks normal…
"Thanks-" The boy began eating but his gaze was on the Knight's helmet, waiting for him to remove it.
"Focus on your meal — I have no intention of removing this visor anytime soon, and… I'm no cannibal…"
"Right." Sieg nodded in nervousness, and did exactly what the knight said, the boy tasted the soup — to his pleasant surprise it was quite delicious.
Woah, it's not human.
"What the hell is this?" He murmured, it was a hearty, comforting dish made by simmering beef and vegetables in a rich, savory liquid until the meat fell apart and tender.
This is so good!
Key ingredients include beef chuck, potatoes, carrots, onions, and beef broth, with the enhancement of wine, herbs, and spices.
For slum boys like him — this was a step above typical canned foods, porridge, bread and rice, a gourmet meal if you may.
Although Sieg's manners were lacking, he ate loudly and was making quite the mess; however, the knight doesn't seem to mind — as he would rather focus on sharpening his magnificent long-sword resembling those found within the renaissance period.
The boy devoured his meal, and quenched his thirst, he finished, then set aside his used utensils right beside the bed, he carefully faced the knight, he still had quite the numerous questions that needed answers.
"Thank you, for the food—" Sieg said, gratitude in his tone.
"But, who are you? And why did you save me?" Sieg cautiously asked, his fingers discreetly reaching for the longsword's handle.
Not like I can win against this guy.
Sigh.
"Fail again, and the mountain offers no second chance. I do not save those who cannot bear their own flesh."
…"What?"
That does not answer any of my questions…
For a second the knight didn't say anything — He set aside his sword and continued to stoke the fire.
"If you can glare at me, that means you can stand. Come — pick up your sword, we'll continue your trial."
What kind of logic is that?
To be honest — it's odd. My body seems fine now, I should be able to move and fight. I wouldn't be surprised if this guy cast some sort of healing magic on me.
Siege held his longsword and stood up from his bed, with limbs seemingly in pristine condition, but he wasn't gonna question it.
He's some sort of mentor or trial guide, I don't think his an enemy.
If I have to fight him — so be it.
The knight gazed at him for a few seconds, and under the helmet was a fascinated man, he was genuinely baffled that the boy didn't complain even once.
"Good…" His a man of few words — he gestured for Sieg to follow him to an open space within the cave.
I see, that's what he wants.
Sieg followed, then moved a few pace away from the knight.
"The flow of time has little meaning here. Day, night… it matters not. We shall train, and train again, until I am satisfied with your skill, do you understand?"
"I understand…" Sieg mentally prepared himself.
"There will be rest — I'll provide the meals, I trust you know that none of it ends until I deem you ready?"
Sieg was indeed nervous — but you don't get to be trained by some cool-looking knight everyday, he knew this was a golden opportunity.
I'm exhausted of being a pitiful slum boy, perhaps if mom sees me at the end of this, she'll be more proud.
His grip on his sword tightened.
"Yes, sir… Day or night, however long it takes, please — Forge me into a proper man, however you see fit."
"Before we begin, there's one thing you must never do in my presence…"
Siege suddenly felt nervous. "What is it?"
"Never look at your attributes — not a single glance at them during your time with me."
At first, the boy was confused. I mean, what's the hurdle in checking one's progress? However, since this was a trial, he didn't dare question it — one of those things he just needed to accept.
It doesn't matter, there's nothing to look at anyway; it's all zero, except my sanity — which should also be zero.
In my humble opinion.
Sieg took a deep breath. "I promise, Mister Knight, you have my word—"
The knight inclined his head slightly.
"Good. Then we begin."
Chapter End.