Rise of the Devourer

Book 3: Chapter 12 — Spear Training

The parties split into different groups, each moving to a different chamber to train. Noah followed Kaelan as the two of them stood in a much more normal-looking training hall, holding their spears.

Alright, Noah, so before we begin, I want to know how much you know about spears. Did you have any in your own world? Kaelan asked.

We did. Its probably one of the first weapons humans invented if I'm not wrong. At least back in my world, Noah said.

Kaelan nodded. I don't know who created the spear, but it was first popularized and honed by my people on Erandir. Its history is tied with ours and just as long, Kaelan said, spinning his spear around with ease as he showed off his skills. The benefit of the spear is its length and its range. It's primarily a weapon for hunting, but many of its forms have been adapted for war and killing people as well, but my kingdom still prefers hunting and throwing spears.

What's the difference? Noah asked.

There are a lot of subtle differences in make, design, and material used. But the biggest difference is that hunting spears are lighter and more flexible, while war spears are heavier and longer. My weapon is a hunting spear. It's meant to be used primarily against beasts and monsters from higher up in the air, but can still be used very effectively against people with enough skill. Yours is a weapon of war. It is meant to incapacitate, kill, and pierce through armor on humanoids, Kaelan said.

Noah glanced sideways at his weapon, keeping his hands wrapped around it.

Can I hold it for a second? Kaelan asked, gesturing towards his spear.

Noah hesitated. It has Crimson

I know, I can see that. But I will be fine, Kaelan said.

After a moment of hesitation, Noah walked up to the Dragon warrior and handed him the weapon.

As Kaelan gripped his spear, his hand sizzled with Crimson rot that quickly began to spread. Quite the feisty weapon, Kaelan said. Noah was just about to teleport the weapon back before the rot could spread any further when he saw a red aura materialize around Kaelans hand, as dark red smoke flowed out of his hands, burning away the Crimson rot.

Noah watched in surprise as Kaelan thumped the spears butt onto the ground, without any effects from the Crimson rot on his body. Nothing I cant handle though.

You have Rot Resistance? Noah asked.

No. Well, yes, I just got it. But I just burned away the rot with my aura. Most poisons and rots do not have an effect on me because of it, Kaelan said. Although this one took some effort. That's quite the curse. But this weapon its a beautiful one. You're lucky to have her, Noah; make sure you take good care.

Her? Noah asked, wondering if Kaelan was one of those people who personified their weapons.

Her. The spirit in your spear. You haven't met her? Kaelan asked.

I did. It was a Valkyrie I had to fight. But she was broken. And I thought I killed her, Noah said.

Shes not dead. But I can tell that she has gone through a lot. Growth weapons are living things; that's how they grow. Taking one on as your first weapon can be both a boon and a curse. They are difficult to handle and can sometimes reject their masters too. But this one seems to like you. She's not very happy that I'm holding her. Quite the faithful one you have. But she's also far from revealing her true potential. Suppose I can help you along a little further on your path for her sake as well, Kaelan said.

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Noah nodded, eyeing his spear as he tried to search for the spirit within. He didnt see anything different, but he definitely felt what Kaelan was talking about, even if just faintly.

All right. I told you that your weapon is a war spear, yes? Let me tell you what that means. So, you see these curved blades extending from the base of your main one? Do you know what they are there for?

I assumed it was to be able to swing the weapon and stab someone sideways. And to do more damage in thrusting? Noah asked.

Yes and no. It is indeed there so that you can use the side of the blade to attack as well if need be, but thats not its primary purpose. Its primary purpose is to keep your enemy away from you, Kaelan said, raising the spear as he thrust the weapon forward, stopping an inch before Noahs chest. When you stab someone, those side blades will prevent it from going all the way in. It will also prevent your enemy from leaning in through your weapon to attack you, he said, bringing the spear back as he took a resting stance. Then theres the tail end. Your spear has two blades. One at the front and one at the bottom. It means that you can change grips easily, switching which side you can attack from, which allows you to do things like this, Kaelan said, taking a step forward as he spun the weapon around slashing. Noah took a step back, sensing the blade would cut him, when Kaelan brought in the bottom end, thrusting it forward in a single motion from the spin as it rested just against Noahs throat.

I see your point, Noah said.

Kaelan laughed. Hah, point. Thats funny. You're amusing, Noah. But keep your focus on the training. This was just a basic maneuver; you can do a lot more with two-sided weapons. But theyre harder to train with because each part of them is meant to kill. It can kill the wielder if used incorrectly,

Noah ignored the comment on his unintentional pun, as he gave Kaelan a nod. The Crimson rot definitely doesnt help either, he added.

I bet it doesnt. Still, this is not your biggest issue. Far from it, really. A powerful weapon is a boon to any warrior. Your problem is that your instinct is to throw this weapon. Given that you can teleport it around, its not the worst idea, and throwing is certainly the most powerful form of attack that you can use, but the critical disadvantage is that if someone grabs your weapon and prevents you from gaining it back, you have just lost your weapon and given it to your enemy, Kaelan said.

Right. But what if my goal is to close in? Then, because theyre holding the weapon, their arm would be occupied and I can use that advantage to strike, Noah said.

Why dont you try it? Kaelan asked.

What?

Try it. Attack me. Try and take your spear back from my hand, or use it as an advantage, Kaelan said.

Noah frowned, looking at the Drakonian for a second before he rushed in. Arcane step carried him as Tony transformed his hands into claws, void annihilation crackling among his fingers as he swiped at Kaelan. The Drakonian stepped back, spear spinning around, the tip of the weapon a blur as it bent and moved in dizzying patterns. The weapon struck against his claws, diverting the attack, before stabbing his chest. Noah tried to move back but the hook of the weapon cut into his flesh as Kaelan pushed him backward. With a powerful fist, Noah felt his legs buckle as he fell and the man pinned him to the ground, a spear through his chest.

A-alright. Lesson learned, Noah rasped, before Kaelan pulled the spear back, extending an arm as he pulled Noah up. I know you didnt go all out, but you shouldnt have to, is my point. If a move like this is enough to draw a trump card, youre going to lose.

Noah rotated his shoulder, feeling his chest rapidly close the flesh wound as his body healed. Touching his shirt, he quickly swapped it out for a different one from his cosmic vault.

I know that youre not a spear fighter, Noah. Even an untrained eye could see it. And I know that youre stronger with your bare arms and claws, but that is precisely why you must learn how to use this weapon effectively. When you transform, I know that its not permanent, that theres a time limit, and you strain your body when you do. Its a trump card. But instead of using it judiciously at key moments to overwhelm your opponent, youre forced to rely on it because thats the only thing you have and the only thing you know how to use effectively. Your instincts guide you, but instincts are predictable, and as such, are weaknesses as well. Which is why you must use this spear as a limiter, use it to limit the raw energy you can unleash and hone it into a disciplined and sharp tool, Kaelan said.

Noah shuffled, just the thought of not following his instincts made him uncomfortable.

Noah's grip tightened on the spear, feeling an unexpected wave of relief wash over him as his fingers curled around the weapon's body. His resolve was mirrored by a subtle vibration from the spear, as if it too shared his eagerness to grow stronger and evolve.

Kaelan, poised with his own spear, assumed a combat stance. His reptilian eyes locked onto Noah the air between them seemed to crackle.

The Draconian grinned in excitement. "Enough talking now. Let us spar.