Imagine being a newbie at swordplay, still practising how to swing and maintain control, then some random catches you lacking, that's what was happening to me right now.
I was practising "flowing flower" technique then my cage randomly distorted like usual, causing a burst at my divine energy, it was crazy, my body propelled so far that l thought I'd die, luckily this grumpy old dude saved me.
"I was practising swordplay," l said, cocking my head.
"I could see that, but it wasn't an impressive showcase of swordplay, you were being selfish with your sword." He said, folding his arms.
What the...
I've no idea what this guy's talking about, the hell you mean l'm being "selfish" with a literal weapon, it doesn't have emotions, am l losing my guy?
"Sorry, selfish? Might l ask what you mean?"
"Hmm. You've quite the speech, for a small boy like you."
"What?!"
Whats he changing the subject about? Unless, he's complimenting the way l speak, l do appreciate a little praise even from a stranger, glad he noticed, l think l could flex a little more.
"Nevermind that."
"No problem. Where are my manners, good day sir, the names Arthur Rivers." I stated, stretching out my hand for a handshake.
That's more like it, it's a formality to greet others with a handshake regardless of the age, that's how l was taught back in my old life. He looks flabbergasted by my tone, let's see you respond to that.
"I'm sorry... My name's Ken Flare," he announced, "l caught a glimpse of you training, so l decided to look."
"W-wait, really? Isn't that another form of stalking?"
"Ah-ah-ah! You're a funny one."
That wasn't meant to he funny, is stalking so normalising in this world that people got no shame? I'm out of words.
"What sword technique are you practising? If you don't mind."
"Flowing flower."
".... Never heard of it, what generation does it fall under?"
"Huh, first generation."
".... That's odd, first generation sword technique doesn't have "flowing flower" it actually falls under "dragons breath""
This random thinks he's so smart, l actually read the book sir, what are you implying? Does he think l made up flowing flower, odd looking dude. Though, his face doesn't show signs of acting, is he being for real?
"But, the...."
"The, what?"
"The... why can't l pronounce the word?"
"Just ignore it, follow me. I'll teach you how to properly use your technique, and perfect it."
"Wow! Thank you sir!"
Honestly, that was weird, why couldn't l finish my sentence revealing the knowledge of the first generation sword technique? Maybe my mouth has reached the limits, although l didn't do much work.
Anyhow, l was walking beside Ken, he was leading me to some shady looking house, l think l'm actually getting kidnapped by this stalker. I got inside the place, it was dark with a dense atmosphere, it was cold yet hot at the same time. I couldn't put the experience into words, but it was like entering those hunted mansions, something like that.
"It's too dark, let's light up the place." He said, snapping his finger.
The room begun igniting in flames at the corner, there seemed to be a lantern that lit the flames, otherwise it brightened the place.
For that instant after Ken snapped his fingers, l felt energy passing through the room like an electrical circuit, did that phenomenon occur because of Ken? Come to think of it, he was a bit taller than me, not much of an adult face but that of a kid. Which meant he was probably ten or eleven, well, l don't have to worry about getting kidnapped.
"Let's get to business, here, take this wooden sword." He said, tossing a sword over.
"Huh, what's going on?"
"Showcase your swordplay by having a dual with me."
"... An actual fight... Alright, don't hold back, Ken."
My first battle in this fantasy world, I didn't know any battle stance, so l used Rock Lee's classic stance, standing firm with my left hand touching my back, while lifting my right hand. Can't call it a swordsman stance, but it was better than standing perplexed.
While Ken stood spreading both his arms and legs, he was leaving himself open, defenceless, such a rookie.
"Begin!"
I lunged myself at his direction. His eyes watching my arrival. Immediately upon arriving at his face, l left swing at his face. Ken swiftly blocked it by raising his own sword. I stepped back.
Ken dashed at my face. It was too fast to react. He sent a right kick at my waist, sending me flying on the other side. Such speed and strength. Again, he sprinted my direction as l was on the ground. Sending a thrust at my face. I rolled sideways. It was my chance. I stood up and thrusted his lower body. He easily blocked it by clashing his sword with mine making a clash sound. My sword flew out of my hand.
It was getting bad. I wasn't able to predict his next move. I bolted away from him, reaching for my sword. He followed me as well. He swung. Closely evading by ducking. I gripped my sword, stepping back. Ken already infront of me. I swing my sword in an arc. He evaded lifting his chin. He was too venerable. I tightly gripped my sword imbuing with divine energy.
He was too strong. My only trump card had to he used. My body bolted in a zigzag pattern. Curving around the room. I sent a series of swings at his direction. Surprisingly, he counted every single attack thrown at him. I couldn't believe my eyes. He immediately sent a heavy swing at my back. It was intense. My body flew out of the room making a thud sound.
Ouch.
It was crystal clear, Ken had defeated me on a 1-on-1 battle. I was at a loss of words after that last attack, even my technique couldn't counter that beast, there were leagues above me outside of home.
"Impressive fight, Arthur. Though l can't call that a dance, street fight could be appropriate." He said, slowly approaching my direction.
"That.... was an impressive fight. You really are something, and don't call it street fight when you landed a bigger punch! I barked.
"But you used technique. Anyways, are you now willing to train swordplay with me?" He asked.
"If it means redeeming myself after that brutal humiliation, l accept it."
"That's more like it. Now, Arthur Rivers, welcome to the world of swords." He murmured, letting out a wide smile.
I was beginning to enjoy doing this, maybe, l might find something that my heart would be set on. I accepted that defeat like a good boy, mouth slip. Now l'm being trained by an actual person, my skills would no doubt improve.
I also remembered, it was my first time using a sword in a while, l've been living of sticks.
"I will show you hell little guy." He whispered.
"What!?"