Pheonix had also travelled outside the city with his father and grandfather many times. Even though he had not came across many wild animals or beasts that are rumoured to be deep inside the forest.
But, on the well trodden roads leading from city to the other places, he had only seen few of the wild animals and only once had encountered a beast. These things fascinated him and made him want to explore the outside world once he comes of the age.
And soon he was 10 years old.
"Pheonix, your proper traing with the weapons will start in a few days. You will be learning the use of different weapons from Master Bulan. Who, not only my master had also heard about your doings and reputation outside and also as my master had agreed to teach you. "
"But father, I had only seen you and grandpa carrying a sword and sometimes a bow. Why do you need me to learn different weapons? Learning only the sword would be just fine right?"
"Son, you are correct noticing that I carry and use the sword as my primary weapon. But, I had trained and know how to use all the other weapons that are commonly used by the thives, bandits, the soldiers, the commanders and also the knights."
"Imagin that, you are in a situation where you had lost your sword or let us assume your sword had broken during a fight or a battle. But all of your opponent have a different weapon. Or imagin facing a powerful beast without a sword. How will your situation be? Will you swing around a broken sword or other weapon blindly, which, you don't have any knowledge about like a child? Or will you be in a position to use or utilize any weapons that are available around you with confidence?
Pheonix slowly noded his head, deep in thought about what his father said. It made sense to him now, when his father explained him about it in such a way.
"I should be able to use whatever weapon is available..."
"I should be able to make whatever is available as my weapon....."
"I should become a weapon myself ...'
This took deep root inside the mind and heart of Pheonix.
"Once you start the training, you will not be able to come back for a long time. Master Bulan will not only train you in the weapons but many other subjects. In the wilderness and also in the survival arts. So have some good time with Fiona and others my son."
"Ok father." Pheonix hugged his father. Who hugged his son back and ruffled his hair affectionately.
Next few days Pheonix spend all his time with his family, especially with Fiona. He told her about his training and even told her, that he will not be able to see her for a long time. At this Fiona started to cry and even Pheonix cried with her. When his friend came to see him, he met with them but didn't go out to play as usual. He told about his training. Everyone felt sad and many of them tried to persuade him, not to go. But, Pheonix knew that, if he want to achieve something he had to work hard. Shedding sweat and Blood are necessary to achieve greatness. He then invited all his friend to play in his estate itself till he is there.
Every night after Dinner, Fiona slept in Pheonix's room that, not willing to leave him as long as he is there. Tears were rolling out of her eyes even in her sleep.
On the morning of his journey, Pheonix got up early, got ready and after contemplating for a long time, woke Fiona up and kissed her forehead. Bye Fiona, I will miss you. But never worry, I will come back as soon as I get time."
Fiona noded her head with heavy heart and visible sadness. Simon was waiting for Pheonix when he came outside.
"Let's go son. We have a long journey ahead of us. It will take us 7 days to reach the place master Bulan had instructed me to meet him, which is at the edge of the ancient forest. From there, he will take you along with him. Remember this son, no matter how hard the training gets don't back out. If you fail a test try again. And again. Until you succed. There is no shame in loosing but be ashamed when you quit. For not trying enough."
"Ok father. I will never quit. And I will try not to fail also."
Simon smiled, hearing his son's words. He knew that Pheonix would never quit. But, he also knew, Pheonix hated failing. He hoped the words spoken today will atleast give his son some heart and keep him going even if he fails at the extreme tests, those are awaiting him at Master Bulan's place.
Both of them got into their horses and trotted forward. They would ride at a moderate pace for a couple of hours then give the horses rest for an hour. Like that they ended their journey that night at a village around 20 miles from the city. The next couple of days they movd along on well travelled road and then, they enterd the forest.
The first couple of day travel inside the forest were considered safe an a group. There were only wild animals and only low level beasts. As one travel deeper into the forest, will be entering the ancient part of the forest. The area would be denser and will be harder for humans to travel as the ancient forest was full of high level and even mythical beasts at it's core.
Pheonix started to feel exited as he always had a great interest to explore these ancient forest and to see and face the high level and mythical level beasts.
"We will camp here, my son. We are earlier than the scheduled meeting with master Bulan. We have to travel only a few miles to reach the location of our meeting. Lets rest here tonight and leave early tomorrow morning and wait for master Bulan."
"Ok father." Pheonix agreed readily and started unpacking his belongings from the horse's saddle.
"Father, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead my boy."
"Who is master Bulan. How did you know about him? As per my knowledge, there are no weapons master named Bulan in our city isn't it ?"
Simon smiled and started to talk about his master.....
"You can say, he is a kind of a hermit. One who won't stay in a place for long. Infact our meeting was also an accident and an unexpected one."
"When I was 12 years old, I was travelling with a few people from the city to the next town. It was a 6 day journey."
"One night we were ambushed by a group of bandits. Even though ours was a small group of 12 members. We had 8 soldiers guarding us. Unfortunately all of them were killed that night due to a sudden ambush. We were not expecting or prepared for a sudden attack like that.
"I killed one bandit and stood infront of the group trying to protect them. I knew that would be my last night but I was determined to take as many bandits with me as I can."
"Fortunately, a man came from behind me and clapped on my shoulder praising my bravery. We were unable to identify him as we didn't noticed when he joined us."
"But that day I saw an astonishing sight. He took down 24 bandits as if they were housefly trying to kill a dragon. He simply swept away all of them. It seemed like he wasn't even trying to fight them. After that he sent us safely to the town."
"Once there, he asked me whether I would be interested in learning a few tricks from him. To which I agreed without even thinking."
"On the same night we started back towards my home and returned back in 3 days. He met my father and I don't know what they discussed that day. But, once your grandpa came out of the room, he was extatic to let me train under Master Bulan."