After the hard discussion on the true nature of the island, the meeting turned into a long ramble of strategies and plans. Zara wanted him and Vizim to continue making bombs, while the rest of the sailors would begin acting as guards around the fort walls. The soldiers and Derrin, meanwhile, would be in charge of raiding pirate camps.
Red didn't pay much attention to the details. Zara had made it clear that she wanted him and Vizim nowhere near actual fighting. Which, he guessed, was fair. By the time they were done with the meeting, the sun had already begun peaking.
The soldiers would be heading out soon to begin their first mission. Red wasn't exactly sure of the details, perks of not paying attention. However, he could guess enough. They'd begin raiding the different pirate camps throughout the island. Red was interested to see what the pirates' response would be. They surely would not allow them to get away with it, no problem, but they couldn't attack the fort either. It seemed only time would tell.
"Derrin!" Red called out before he could wander off to the training yard.
Derrin had been told to remain in the fort for the day. Zara wanted to give her soldiers a chance at revenge, while the rest of them had just gotten back from a fight. That worked well for him. Red didn't know how much help he would need summoning a mist blade, but he hoped they'd have time.
"What do you need?" Derrin approached as the groups headed off towards their various businesses.
"Do you think you could teach me to fight?"
Derrin stared at him, "What?"
"Well, I mean, I want to learn how to swordfight and summon my own mistblade."
He hesitated, "Zara doesn't want you getting involved in the fighting…I don't either, for that matter."
Rolling his eyes, Red continued, "How well has that plan worked out so far?"
Derrin sighed, "I guess you're right about that. But, still…"
"You know, you swore a blood oath thing, right? Wouldn't the best way to help protect me…be by teaching me to protect myself."
"I guess I could see where you're coming from when you put it like that…"
Red just gave him a flat look. As annoying as this damn blood oath thing was, it could definitely be useful. He wasn't sure that Derrin would have agreed if not for it. That being said, the fact that all it took was the simple mention of the blood oath for Derrin to capitulate was a bit disheartening.
"Great! When can we start?"
Derrin sighed, "I have nothing for the remainder of the day, so now should work just fine."
The two of them made their way over to the section of the fort made for training. As of yet, Red had only really interacted with the targets at the far end. Now, however, Derrin brought him to an area heavily packed down with dirt and sand. This had been where he had fought Zara a few days previously.
Derrin stopped a few paces before turning on him, "In Montrel, at least, it is not normal to teach a student how to summon a mistblade until they first learn how to wield a sword. That being said, learning sword fighting is very time-consuming and requires a lot of dedication. It can take students up to a year before they are given permission to learn about mistblades."
Red couldn't help but frown. He certainly did not have a year to spare. If that was how long it would take before Derrin taught him to summon a mistblade…then he might be forced to go to Zara.
"However, you are not Montrelan, and as such, I do not need to abide by our customs. In the current circumstances, I believe that you are right. Possessing a mistblade will be a more powerful weapon than understanding the basics of sword fighting. I will still try and teach you those, though."
"So what do I need to do?" Red spread his legs out as if getting into a fighting stance.
"You're too over-eager right now, Red. Mistblades are simple enough to summon. However, a simple process does not mean that it is easy. Your first time summoning a mistblade will undoubtedly be the hardest. It always is. Until you learn the personalized mechanisms through which you can summon your blade, it will be difficult."
Red nodded, "I am not surprised by this. It was the same way with learning to enhance my muscles during a fight."
"Yes. Still, summoning a mistblade is quite different. You aren't trying to force your mist into any part of your body," Derrin paused as if considering, "I've never actually taught someone to do this before…Alright, sit down."
After doing what he was instructed, Derrin joined him in a cross-legged position. The two of them faced each other. One filled with anticipation for what was to come. The other was filled with a calmness born of instruction.
"Now, I want you to focus on the mist that is inside of you right now. Closing your eyes works the best. You need to try to locate every part of mist that is currently sustained within your body."
Red closed his eyes and tried to focus inwards. He had done this in the past while trying to move his mist to specific points. It was difficult at first because most of his body contained small traces of his mist. He could sense the small bits floating in his toes and lower legs. There was a larger amount within his eyes and ears, which were clearly remnants from his earlier enhancements. However, the area with the most residue was his fists.
Derrin continued speaking, "Unlike enhancement, you are not trying to pull all the mist from your heart. Instead, you need to try to get all of your mist to your heart. You need to try to leave no remnants anywhere. It is difficult to do, but it should be possible for someone at your level."
"Strictly speaking, this isn't necessary to summon a blade, but it makes it much easier for a beginner. The same goes for enhancing oneself. It isn't strictly necessary to have every bit of mist in one place. However, for a beginner, it makes it much easier."
Unlike before, the process of pulling the remnant bits of mist inwards was much simpler. Bit by bit, he began clearing out every part of his body. It was hard to tell the difference, but there was almost an emptiness that settled over the areas as he cleared them out. All the mist was funneled inwards and returned to his heart.
Quickly, though, he began to face the problem. There was simply too much mist. His heart had refilled from all the mist used in combat. However, it had filled all the way and didn't account for any leftovers in his body.
"How do I get the extra mist into my heart?" Red asked.
"You will most likely not be able to get it all, but anything extra, try and pack it as tightly to your heart as you can. It won't really help with summoning your blade; however, it will refill your heart as soon as you do summon it.
"Each time you do this, you are acting as a training mechanism for your heart. Your heart can be trained by either fully emptying or by overfilling. It is dangerous to do too much in either direction, but a little bit extra, and you will get stronger over time."
Red nodded and refocused on his body. All the mist began piling up around his heart. It was difficult work, not the least bit, because his mist was still as frustrating as ever. He kept having to trick it inwards instead of just forcing it. It would truly be some time before he fully understood the mist.
He felt his heart begin to vibrate slightly as he worked. The message resonated with him, and his heart chimed in response. Despite this, he could feel the strain building up. It wasn't much at first, but over time, his heart began to ache slightly. It was clear that holding this much mist over extended periods was dangerous.
Derrin noticed his success before he did, "Well done. You've completed the first step. Now comes the part that is the trickiest."