Unchosen Champion

Coop had been so caught up in testing his strength on the bench, he’d neglected all of the other lifts he normally would have done with a proper routine. Naturally, he always paired chest day with tris and shoulders in the pre-mana times, but he’d have to chalk his first workout down as an exploration of the facilities. The residents’ training session was starting soon and he wanted to participate in that as well. Coop wouldn’t miss an opportunity where he could glean some new tricks for developing his own skills.

Emmanuel had only allotted himself a temporary break away from the medical center, in order to attend his own gym, and wasn’t attending the training session himself. Apparently, none of the weapon types had clicked with his build, so he was continuing to experiment with non-standard types. Emmanuel went to the coffee shop to bring something for Madison as he left the gym.

The Cleary brothers hadn’t accomplished anything at all when it came to their workouts, since they ended up turning into Coop’s hype men, but all three planned on getting back to it while the other residents trained in the yard. They also had classes that eschewed weapons in favor of using their metal fists to transmit their abilities directly into their targets. Weapons would be a detriment to them, but that made Coop wonder about Camila’s participation. The Interceptor’s reliance on perfect counters meant weapons would get in the way of her skills as far as he could tell.

He said goodbye to the brothers, leaving them to return to the squat racks for their leg day. Emmanuel had already set the weights for their squat session, so they were good to go.

Coop hadn’t set a workout plan to mess up just yet, but he’d definitely be back, even if it wasn't to push for records. There was still a possibility that they would be able to gain levels from exercising, like the phantoms, but it would take some dedication to find out. Coop was slowly filling his days with a consistent routine, so of course hitting the gym would be included. Ghost Reef was finally graduating from body weight exercises and if nothing else, Coop was always trying to take every advantage Ghost Reef offered.

Even without the additional potential of levels granted from working out, Coop was slowly becoming a pre-mana activity aficionado. Between sleeping, eating, even showering, he imagined that after a few years of daily life inundated with mana, people would call him old school.

Coop jogged to catch up with the rest of the residents that were entering the training yard. In total, there were around 30 people attending. Considering there were only around 100 non-phantom residents in total, and half of them were either seniors, children, or otherwise engaged with responsibilities, it seemed like a good turn out. Coop noted that at least 10 of them were in fact old neighbors of Charlie that had been power leveled right before the siege event. Edith, the Dreadnought, was in attendance even though her grandson was not. Jonah was probably among those busy working and as a caster, may not have felt much urgency in weapon training. Ledwidge would surely have other lessons prepared for different archetypes.

It would be a good time to touch base with Ledwidge again. Coop had been relying on his Haunted title and constant repetition to develop combat techniques, but he could also consult with the local expert and see what he had to say.

Inside the training yard, the residents queued up to select a weapon from a wide display that awaited them. Coop estimated about 100 different individual types lined up in organized rows that were categorized by general archetypes. Similar to Retribution’s ethereal summons, they all appeared to be ancient or medieval, though these were slightly alien interpretations of familiar weapons. Coop was still able to recognize them all, from swords and greatswords, axes large and small, maces of all sorts, daggers, and polearms. The main thing they all had in common was that they were made of the same living wood as Ledwidge’s bo staff, even the blades.

The residents fanned out after they claimed their weapons. They tested the weights and balance before the treant trainer directed them to the sides of the yard. The classic training dummies, that looked to also be made from the same wood, but decorated with straw padding, waited for the residents.

Coop was surprised when the first resident took a swing with a heavy practice greatsword and the dummy shifted position in order to avoid the blow, then raised a thick wooden trunk for an arm to block a follow up attack. The dummies actively participated in the training. The resident stepped back after his attack was deflected and nodded as if he had just come to some sort of understanding, then reset his footing slightly to try again.

Coop didn’t see any weapons that immediately called for his attention, so he watched as the residents finished making their own choices or prepared to engage with the dummies. Charlie had selected a tall staff that was a head taller than she was, but Camila had simply gone to one of the practice dummies unarmed. Once Camila was near her selection, she entered its attack range and started dodging as it tried to strike her. Camila’s exercise was reminiscent of those found in a boxing gym, except the equipment itself was behaving like her trainer.

Charlie joined Camila and selected a neighboring target and started with some clumsy practice swings with the staff. Hers didn’t fight back at all, as if it was able to judge the level of its target on its own. She held the extended weapon with both hands together, turning it into an unwieldy club. Coop thought he would offer his advice, but Ledwidge interrupted him.

“Champion Coop! You’ve finally visited!” The treant declared in a booming voice.

Coop just waved with an apologetic smile as the trainer approached his position at the side of the display of weapons. “Sorry it took so long, it just seems like there’s constantly more things to do.”

“Of course! That’s the life of a Champion!” Ledwidge laughed jovially. “If you stop, the settlement will become an easy target. Besides, you and your people are getting plenty of practical experience. I can only offer a chance to expand familiarity at this point.” The treant planted one end of his staff on the ground. “I am looking forward to having your army visit again. We hadn’t even begun to explore tactical maneuvers before the event started.” The treant seemed to deflate slightly at the memory of how limited his training had been by time. “Truly, when that Challenge Assessment appeared, I feared I hadn’t done enough.” He brightened up with a hopeful look before he continued. “But, I was told these phantoms would be able to rejoin us...”

“That should be the case. The settlement had no mana at the end of the event, so we are waiting for resources to recover.” Coop explained the army’s general absence.

“Ah…” Ledwidge seemed surprised. “After such an occurrence a lack of mana is a surprise. It must be an extremely demanding process to require even more after so many invaders were defeated.”

“Should that have contributed to the reserves?” Coop wondered.

“Of course.” Ledwidge confirmed. “Normally, passive collection is slow and greatly dependent on physical location in relation to ley lines, but the event was a special circumstance. An absolute torrent of mana was released in the form of mana smoke due to your battles.”

Coop shook his head to himself. He was pretty sure the Avatar of the System was responsible for their limitation and he added it to the list of demerits on her visit. She had drained all of their mana pools when she arrived. Would it be a surprise to find out she had drained the settlement’s reserve as well?

Ledwidge jumped in surprise, then froze, as a bird landed in his crown of branches, interrupting their conversation. “This one again? What does it want?”

Coop took a closer look and noticed it was the spectral cockatiel again. He watched as it dragged a twig in between two of Ledwidge’s antler-like branches, tested it, then pulled it out. “I think it’s looking for a place to make a nest.” Coop observed with a laugh.

Ledwidge gasped. “And I am being considered? Such an honor!” The treant rumbled while keeping completely still.

Coop checked on Charlie and found that she had adjusted her hand position and was using the staff to bonk the dummy over the head. He was surprised that she acclimated to the weapon so quickly. She hadn’t ever used or even expressed interest in obtaining a weapon before, and as a pure caster with a dedicated guard she had less need than most to diversify her arsenal.

Ledwidge followed his eyes. “The practice dolls provide real-time instinctual guidance up to a basic level of aptitude. They’re an extremely valuable tool for introducing beginners to combat and for testing new weapons.”

Coop raised his eyebrows, connecting the dummies to the feedback his Haunted title had continually provided him. Meanwhile, Camila was bobbing and weaving inches away from the one that still tried to land a single hit on her.

Ledwidge chuckled as he tried scratching the cockatiel with a finger, just for the bird to open its beak to defend its possible nesting spot. “The dummies can be used for sparring as well.” He stated between cooing at the bird, referring to Camila. “Actually, I’ve been hoping to do the same with you. I would really like to test your technique. You have great potential, but I am worried you lack proper direction. My understanding is that your world had largely abandoned the martial techniques that would have best transitioned to galactic expectations.”

“How do the practice dolls work?” Coop asked, still thinking about his title.

“They are made from the same material as the weapons, a living heartwood and sapwood pair that are produced by my people specifically.” The treant stated proudly. “The two parts remain connected through mana as long as they remain within my domain, that is this training yard. They can provide instruction based on knowledge and experience of their creator until they run out of mana. They are essentially a form of lesser minion.”

“How do they retain knowledge?”

“By the grace of the Mother.” Ledwidge stated solemnly. Coop side eyed the treant, noting the respectful tone as the alien seemed to take a moment to commune with the ground.

Coop reasoned that it was another feature of the system or mana itself. The continuity of information was something that had been bothering him with regard to the phantoms. Coop didn’t believe there were spirits lingering on Earth, or some other form of unknown, non-magical afterlife. He thought mana had to be present before the assimilation in order to record the people that became phantoms. If that was the case, it was another point in favor of trusting the Avatar of the System’s message. She was the one that suggested mana was already everywhere, while the factions believed it arrived with the initiation of the assimilation.

He looked back at the treant who had finished his moment of quiet supplication. “So, how would we spar?” Coop was worried about Ledwidge’s system contract preventing him from combat with the Champion in particular.

“You can use your weapons and attack me. I will not strike you.” Ledwidge claimed with confidence.

“I don’t want to accidentally hurt you.” Coop worried.

“One of the features of the training yard is injury protection. Should you manage to strike me, if it even could do damage, it will be prevented.” The treant confidently declared as he led Coop to the center of the yard. Coop felt a bit more motivated to land a strike after the treant implied that he wouldn’t be able to.

Ledwidge tapped his staff and a wood barrier surrounded them like they were in the center of a large boxing ring. “This will prevent any collateral damage. Whenever you’re ready, Champion.”

Coop took a moment to consider which weapon to use. The treant was much larger than he was, had greater reach, and was heavily armored, both naturally and with steel plates. He figured he would quick swap frequently as that was the culmination of his foundation, but he’d start with his reliable default spear and shield set.

As he summoned his standard ethereal equipment, letting the mists form his armor as well, out of habit, he used his aura to inspect the contracted resident, nudging it toward the patiently waiting treant.

[Knight Marshal (Level ??)]

[(Body)]

Coop paused. He was surprised that he could see Ledwidge’s primary stat. Were his stats really catching up already? That was an exciting possibility.

“Show me what you can do.” Ledwidge commanded, spinning his bo staff between both hands like a helicopter blade before he abruptly stopped the motion, and held it in both hands parallel to the ground pointing directly at Coop. It almost felt like staring down a sword, but Ledwidge’s weapon was thick to match his size and he held it near the center rather than where a hilt should be. The cockatiel finally left the gnarled branches on his head and perched itself on the outside of the barrier, observing.

Coop flipped his spear, reversing his grip and grabbing it over his shoulder. He threw it with as much force as he could muster in a single step. There was no reason to hold back. He’d like for Ledwidge to give him a proper evaluation and that meant really going for it.

The treant shifted slightly, with a smooth, efficient motion that barely required any effort, so that he could catch the tip of the spear with the end of his staff. He looked like a tree bent by centuries of wind as he leaned to the side. The collision between the weapons sounded like a gunshot, but Ledwidge didn’t budge. “Incredible power for such a sprout of a Champion! But why disarm yourself?” He asked with some dissatisfaction in his voice.

Coop raised an eyebrow as he resummoned his spear and mists gathered near his outstretched hand. “You haven’t seen me fight yet?”

Ledwidge watched as the spear reformed from the solidifying mists and hesitated. “Well, no.” He admitted. Coop thought that made this little test even more interesting.

Coop threw his spear again and Ledwidge seemed disappointed as he mimicked his previous block, but Coop mistjumped before the collision and redirected the spear lower, thrusting for the treant’s armored torso, aiming to land an obvious blow.

Ledwidge planted one of his heavy feet behind him and green mana swirled around his leg in a burst from the ground. His limbs groaned like a tree bending underneath heavy pressure. The treant twisted to avoid the thrust that Coop aimed at his center mass. “Amazing movement!” Ledwidge exclaimed in the middle of his dodge and while Coop transitioned to a horizontal swing, chasing Ledwidge’s slight retreat, but the bo staff caught the shaft of his spear. “Hah!” The treant shouted in excitement as he clearly began enjoying himself.

The weapons remained stationary for a fraction of a moment as the spear disintegrated into mist. Another moment later and Coop was slicing his short sword underneath the bo staff’s wide block. Ledwidge took another huge step backwards, planting his other foot and getting too far away to be threatened by Coop’s sword. “Wonderful!” The treant shouted with glee. “I didn’t plan to move a single step and that’s twice already!” Coop was being toyed with like a child.

Coop was hidden behind his shield as he thrust his freshly resummoned spear three times at the treant’s chest, but each strike was blocked with the cracking sounds of more gunshots as the spear tip banged against alternating ends of the staff.

“Perfect form!” Ledwidge continued his running commentary, obviously not feeling pressured by Coop’s attacks.

Coop lobbed his shield into the air, and spun as if he was swinging his spear like a baseball bat held with both hands. Ledwidge’s arms swirled with verdant mana as he boosted his speed and twirled his staff until it was perpendicular to the ground to knock the shield out of the air while simultaneously blocking Coop’s telegraphed swing, but the shield dissipated in the air before being blocked and the sharp blade of Coop’s glaive sliced clean through the bo staff between the treant’s grip.

“What!” Ledwidge yelped as his block caught blade instead of shaft. Coop pressed forward while swinging his glaive in a flurry of precise attacks, seeking the treant’s exposed limbs with practiced accuracy. Every slice came from a different, unpredictable angle as if Coop was carving the face of a clock in the air in an arbitrary order.

Ledwidge’s entire body burst in green that spilled over his unarmored bark. He was forced to use both halves of the bo staff to block the strikes as they chased his ankles or wrists from every angle. He was finally silent as he concentrated on avoiding even a glancing blow while Coop refused to abandon the momentum he was building.

He was forced to take two more steps backwards, with bursts of green swirling energy, but Coop took advantage of the gap to take a running jump and raise the glaive above his head in a strike that would split an opponent in half, down the middle. The treant slammed the halves of his bo staff together, above his head, instantly repairing his weapon in a fusion of green mana that doubled its center thickness, in order to receive the attack that aimed for his crown of branches.

When the heavy morning star landed, Ledwidge wasn’t prepared for the brutal smash and was forced to step back again lest he smack himself with his own staff while his guard was pushed down.

Coop was already thrusting his spear at the treant’s chest. He was relentless with attacks that screamed of desperation to win, despite the friendly competition. It wasn’t something Coop could just turn off as it was the only way he knew to fight. Ledwidge blocked almost as desperately, clearly impressed by Coop all over again. Coop pushed his aura on the treant, trying to imagine a second version of himself, attacking the same way in slightly different spots, hoping the intent of his attacks would be enough to distract Ledwidge and let an attack slip through.

A loud beep interrupted the spar and Coop watched as Ledwidge belatedly realized that the ethereal spear had been swapped to his trident. One of the side prongs had grazed the treant while he focused on precisely catching the tip of the spear with the end of his staff.

Coop caught his breath while the cockatiel landed in Ledwidge’s branches again. He was surprised he hadn’t ended up leaning on his tricky mistjumps, though that was the next step in his plan. It didn’t seem like his aura distraction had worked at all, but it had given him an idea on some new tests when fighting enemies closer to his own level. Outside of fighting boss level enemies, Coop rarely had an opportunity to chain his abilities against a single opponent.

Ledwidge seemed to be pondering something, so Coop waited in silence until he spoke. “Well, I don’t think there is much I can teach you after all. You are clearly more proficient in some weapons compared to others, but you obviously have an unbelievable talent for picking them up. Not to mention the flexibility of your skills.” The treant seemed happy. “How about we go again? This time, refrain from using the spear.”