Verse 7 : Beneath the surface

9 months later

The once green fields surrounding the Western Church branch had now turned into a sea of golden hues summer descended upon Vesperia. It had been a while since Daniel's training had begun, and he had grown as a combatant.

"You need to focus on your footing, Daniel," Bishop Michael said, as he demonstrated a swift footwork maneuver. "It's vital for balance and control." "Got it" Daniel replied. "Concentration, Daniel," Bishop Michael said. "You can't afford to be distracted." He said as he hit him with a cutlery shock wave and knocked Daniel to the ground "I'm trying," Daniel grumbled "Remember," Bishop Michael said, "It's not about sheer strength; it's about precision and focus let the cutlery flow through you. Let your body move on it's own feel every movement the blade is an extension of one's self fill it with your will." Daniel took a deep breath, centering himself. He swung his wooden sword with more finesse this time, following the Bishop's advice. Slowly, he began to see improvement in his technique, but then the wooden blade shattered. "Ugh again this is the 174 one I've used". "Patience, my Young Daniel," Bishop Michael said, "The path of mastery is long and arduous." "But I'm so close, I just need a little more tries" Daniel protested. "I can feel it." "Close is not enough," the Bishop replied, "You must hone your skills until they become second nature, until they flow effortlessly."

Meanwhile, Holly's training with Sir Arthur progressed impressively. With her dual guns, Alpha and Omega, coated in Vesperian cutlery, *Bang Bang* "Yes Yes I knew you had it in you" Sir Arthur shouted as Holly just set a new record for the Fastest Completion of the Sharp Shooter Course**2.47 minutes** "Eeeee Thank you Sir Arthur "Holly screamed as she rushed over to Sir Arthur "that was great you beat my score" a blue haired girl said as she walked into the room "Thanks... Ahh...." Holly said "oh sorry my name is Chelsea I'm a nun in training" "that's cool you can call me Holly but my friends call me Holls uhm scratch that no one calls me that" Holly said as she smacked her head "Okay Holls I'm impressed you beat my score in only 8 months it took me 2 years to get that score" "I had a really good teacher right here" Holly said as she pointed at Sir Arthur "okay how we practiced" Holly whispered as Arthur Posed dramatically. "I see you and Sir Arthur are really close I'm kinda jealous" Chelsea said. *Ring Ring* Sir Arthur's ear piece rang as Bishop Michael Called "Arthur it's time" Micheal said. "Holly my girl i have to take my leave but as soon as I'm done I'll be back to check your progress" Sir Arthur said "Okay I'll miss you Sir Arthur hurry back" she said "Sure thing you my student will surely be missed" he said as he left to meet Michael.

Outside the building Bishop Michael, Sir Arthur and Head Nun assembled. "Bishop Michael I'm carrying out an Extermination on Berwick the town is infested with nightwalkers and for 8 months you've done nothing about it" Agnes the head Nun said as seemed frustrated "I'm strongly opposed to that decision, There's something suspicious about why Zephyrus was in Berwick" Micheal said "what exactly do you mean? If you knew that you should have killed him or better yet dealt with this yourself Bishop" She said with a look of frustration on her face "You know better than anyone else why I didn't kill him Agnes, and I've had my hands full the last couple of month's" Micheal replied "I can't cancel the extermination over a hunch you have, those people have suffered long enough and I won't seat here doing nothing knowing damn well I can help them! " Anges shouted "I won't allow you to go! it's a damn suicide mission Agnes, you aren't going anywhere till I return I'm I clear! " Micheal said as Agnes walked away "The right decisions are always the hardest" Arthur said as he held Michael's shoulder "So Mikey what's this about us being summoned to a Summitt back at the Vatican?" Arthur asked "I'm not sure about the details but Primus said it's serious" Micheal replied as they left.

Daniel noticed that the Head Nun: Sister Agnes, seemed dismissive of Bishop Michael's warning. She appeared eager to carry on with the extermination mission, disregarding the potential dangers that he had spoken about.

Meanwhile Daniel walked in gym for his evening workout when he noticed two guys "hey you're Daniel right the rookie that keeps shattering his blades" a dark haired muscular guy in tank top and shorts reached out to greet Daniel "I'm Shawn and the grouchy one over there is Damien" Shawn said as him and Daniel shook hands "Okay so how long you guys been here?" Daniel asked "I've been here 4yrs and Damien 6yrs" Shawn responded "What's his deal why he doesn't talk?" Daniel asked while pointing at Damien "Well his still learning how to use his words" Shawn said as a milk carten hit his head "....ouch Damien use your words" Shawn yelled as held his head "Words are wasted on idiots like you Shawn" Damien replied "Well forget him What's your rank Daniel?" Shawn asked "Rank? Oh that i don't think I know, how about you guys?" "Damiens a III(3) ranked laity his on his way to Deacon and I'm a V(5) ranked Laity" Shawn said as he look proud himself. "I'm out you two, Phobia Request is on and I'm not missing an episode again" Damien said as he left.