Chapter 37: Heading Out The weaponry was located west of the library, before long, Grey got to a one-story building. There was an instructor at the door of the building who first confirms the identity and Plane of a student before they are allowed entry into the building. The instructor was seated bored as usual. Only a few students like using weapons, since weapons were mostly used for close combat fights. He raised his brow when he noticed someone was headed in the direction of the building. “Hello, I would like to select a weapon” Grey said with an amiable smile. “Oh, your ID” The instructor gave a surprised sound before asking for his ID. Grey brought out his student ID and gave it to him. After confirming it, he checked Grey’s Plane using his spiritual energy to guarantee if he had reached the requirements. “Okay, you can head in now. You’re only allowed to choose one weapon” He said while handing Grey his student ID. Grey kept the ID before he walked past the instructor and opened the door. Weapons of all colors and assortments laid in sight: swords, blades, spears, halberds, lances, axes, hammers, daggers … Everything was there; the majority radiated all sorts of dazzling colors, but there was also some that were dim and devoid of light that laid in a random corner. The moment Grey entered, he felt gusts of ice-cold wind rush at him; the auras were either ethereal, or noble, or sharp, or overbearing. Grey stared at the weapons for some time before slowly walking in. ‘I think I’ll go with a dagger’ thought Grey. He had already gotten used to using his stone carved dagger, so he thought since he was getting a weapon, he should go for one he was already familiar with. Amongst the numerous weapons in the building, swords numbered in the majority. There were several hundreds types of swords. The dagger rack was situated close to the sword rack. Grey’s gaze meticulously swept through each and every type of dagger. After going through them, he decided to check out the sword rack since he didn’t find any dagger to his liking. His gaze was immediately attracted to a pair of short blades hung by the side of the sword rack. The blades were hung criss-crossed on the wall. Grey walked closer to the blade and felt the scabbard, before unsheathing one of the blades. He studied the blade momentarily. The total length of the blade was fifty-six centimeters. Its handle blade was sixteen centimeters, and it was made from metal, it had a nice grip. There were stars engraved on the blade which also gave it a nice look. It was very sharp. The scabbard was made with strong leather, and it had three straps on the back which can be attached to a belt. After careful studying it, Grey decided he was taking the short blade since it was like a dagger, only longer. He took both blades before heading out of the building. When he exited the building, he went over to the instructor to register the weapon he collected. On seeing Grey coming out with the short blades, the instructor was greatly surprised. Elementalists rarely used weapons, and when they do, they always used weapons which had a long reach, like the spear halberd, sword, bows. But Grey chose a short blade which will mean he would need to get within a very close range before using. Although there were techniques which can be used with weapons, he didn’t think Grey had access to them. “I’ll take these” said Grey while showing the blades to the instructor. “Are you sure?” Asked the instructor. “Yes” Grey nodded with a smile. “Okay” The instructor registered the blade before giving it back to Grey. Grey happily took the blade and returned to his house. He planned on getting familiar with the blade before he leaves tomorrow. Short blades are a class of bladed weapons which trade reach and power for speed. The blade can slash, hack, stab, cut, gouge, slice, parry, is flexible, and easy to control. Furthermore, it is easy to learn and easy to train. A blade’s flexibility, ability to attack and defend, and ease in learning and training, were all traits other weapons simply could not match, except for a sword. Grey started practicing with the blades immediately after getting home. Since this was the first time he was going to wield a weapon with both hands, he had to get accustomed to the basics before heading out. He held the blades in a reverse grip, with one hand positioned a little further than the other. He tried attacking with both hands and also defending. Although he was alone, it wasn’t hard for him to practice with them. After countless tries, he was finally getting the hang of them. Now he could simultaneously use one blade to defend while attacking with the other. Well, he wouldn’t know until he tries it out in battle. After practicing with the blades, he started practicing his elemental techniques. He would have to return the techniques before he heads out tomorrow. Grey could be regarded as a training maniac due to the intensity of his training schedule. He rarely has times to do other things because he has to train almost throughout the day. Grey went to bed early, since he would be going for a mission the next day. This was the first time he would have to journey alone, he can’t help but feel excited because of it. He had stayed at Red City for most of the time before joining the Lunar Academy. The next morning, he got up filled with energy and prepared for his journey. He carried the short blades in a sheath strapped across his back, with the handle facing down. He picked up the small pouch which he saved all his money in. After counting, he noticed he didn’t have enough to get a horse for his journey. Without a horse, it would take him almost three days to get to the Misty Mountain. “I should find a way to earn money while I’m out” Grey thought out loud while walking out of his building. He first headed towards the library to return the techniques, before heading towards the exit of the Academy.