Burch took them into the mansion where he introduced the other two Rogue trainees, a chunky boy named Brion and a short blonde by the name of Zoe. This was also when Kairo figured out the names of those he came here with, Adon and Claire.
After everyone had made introductions, they immediately started training. Taking them out to the lawn, Burch stopped next to two weapon racks. There was a variety on display, all of them made of wood.
"Choose whatever weapon you think will suit you best. Rogues use a variety of weapons, but we usually have one that's our specialty so we'll start there."
The other four trainees surrounded one rack with an excited chatter while Kairo held back, choosing to view the weapons from a distance. Axes, spears, knives; there were even staves and nun chucks.
However, the variety of swords drew his attention more. There were huge ones, thin straight blades, curved and broad, to many to choose from. As he walked closer to the rack that held the wooden weapons, a shorter double edged blade and the longer single edged sword caught his eye.
Deciding to stick with the shorter weapon, Kairo picked it up and gave it a few swings. A couple negative emotions swelled in his chest, but they were expertly shoved back down.
He glanced over in the others direction, seeing they had all chosen as well. Unlike Kairo, who had gone for something he was familiar with, it seemed like the others had gone with what looked cool to them.
'Or maybe they have experience with those weapons.'
"Okay, gather around everyone. We're gonna see what you guys got. First up, Brion."
Kairo's thoughts were interrupted by Burch, who was also holding a weapon.
Nervously, the slightly overweight boy stepped forward. The double bladed axe in his hands shook. Burch held a polished wooden sword, the curved single edge glistening in the sunlight.
"S-sir, what exactly are we doing?"
"Sparring, what else?"
Burch's curt words didn't garner a verbal response from Brion, only a short grunt as he raised his weapon. With a nod, Burch leapt forwards.
Brion swung the ax down, a well aimed strike for Burch's head.
Spinning out of the way, Burch landed two quick stabs on Brion's wrists. The axe fell from his hands and bounced off the grass. He closely followed, clutching his behind.
Burch, who had finished by striking Brion's ass with the side of his blade, now leaned against his planted sword.
"One big strike will leave you open. Next, Zoe."
She stepped forward nervously, raising her rapier in a defensive manner.
"Good stance, but..." Burch feinted a downward slash, making Zoe flinch and bring her sword up to block.
Lowering his stance, he slapped the rapier from Zoe's hand with an upward strike.
Burch ended the round by slamming the pommel of his sword into her stomach.
"You only look to defend, and that makes you to obvious. Also, you can never win a fight like that. Claire, step up."
He said this all over the sound of Zoe puking up whatever food had been in her. Claire looked just about, if not less, confident than her predecessor.
A small round shield was added to the short mace she had selected. After glancing at her equipment, Burch made short work of the tall woman, making her drop what she was holding to clutch at her shoulders.
"If you use both arms separately, make sure they can move independently. You're turn Adon."
"Hmph, someone who's okay with hitting women could never beat me."
Burch narrowed his eyes at Adon's words, slipping into a proper stance for the first time. His nostrils flared as he breathed in.
"You were the one who spoke up at the guild hall, weren't you..." Burch mumbled on the exhale, to quiet for Adon to hear.
"Uhh, sorry what did you-"
Without waiting for him to be ready or finish speaking, Burch landed a three hit combo in less than a second.
Horizontal slash to the elbow. Stab to the sternum. Diagonal slash to the head.
Adon and his spear fell to the ground. Twitching, he was unsure of where to hold himself.
"Not knowing when to shut your mouth can be just as deadly as being terrible with your weapon. Unfortunately, you lack ample knowledge in either." Burch turned to face the last person standing.
"Finally, the mysterious Kairo. Let's see what you got."
Kairo could feel his heart start beating faster. He had known his turn was approaching, but reality was only now setting in. He took a few steps towards Burch, drawing in a few deep breaths as an attempt to calm his nerves.
His mouth was dry, making it impossible to swallow the knot lodged in his throat. Grasping the hilt with damp hands, Kairo raised his weapon.
Burch wasted no time. Lunging with the speed of a hurricane, he was next to Kairo before anyone could blink.
The long curved sword swept towards his right rib cage.
Kairo stepped back, managing to bring his weapon back to block the blow.
Hoping to deflect the next strike from above he raised his sword.
But Burch had feinted, his sword instead striking from below.
The other four trainees thought it was finally Kairo's turn to experience their pain.
Bringing his sword down at an angle, Kairo deflected Burches blade into the sky. He had felt the polished wood glide past his arm hairs.
Aiming the tip of his sword at Burches chest, Kairo lunged forward with all his might.
Burches eyes widen minescuely before he disappeared from view. A flash of brown blocked Kairo's vision, then everything went dark.