Chapter 1

After a long day of training, I stomped home, drenched in sweat. As I walked, I soaked in the scenery. I could see the school house, and I remember being teased for being a whimp. I also remember thinking that the military was good for nothing. The last mile felt very long. The sun was slowly sinking over the horizon.

As I cracked the door open, I called out to see if anyone was home. No answer. I walked in, closed the door, and began cooking some chicken. I sat down at the table, staring off into space. I remembered a special event from a few years back.

It was a regular autumn evening, a fine one at that, and I was taking my usual stroll through the park. I saw the same old children playing in the river, and I saw the squirrels scampering through the trees. I recall sitting under a birch tree, and pulling out a book to read. While I was enthralled with this book, a beautiful girl came by, and I couldn't help but stare, dumbfounded.

The smell of smoke aroused me.

"Son! What are you doing! You just burned your dinner!" an angry voice called out.

"Sorry, Ma'am! It won't happen again!" I mumbled.

As I ate my charcoal (Yum!) I thought about Sword Training. I recall being called out for bad posture, and how I must work on it over night. So I stood up, and hobbled over to my bedstand, where a broom lay.

"Finally going to sweep the floor, are you?" Joked my hag of a sister.

I gave her a dirty look, and then took the bottom part off, and began practicing my posture. I soon realized that it was natural for me to take my time, which would get me killed in battle. As I put the broom down, I walked over to the History Book, and resumed my reading.

I found out that most ranged fighters must take their time, but melee fighters who take their time, make precise, critical hits. Interesting. Now I can argue that what I'm doing is quite alright!

***

As I entered my homeroom, I asked my teacher why most warriors rush their attacks.

"Well Zack, that is a very good question. why DO they rush?" Mr. Gets said.

I muttered a curse under my breath, and walked back to my seat.