Another day had gone by, l already told mother about the whole training with stuff Ken, she seemed to trust him really fast which was a good sign, father still hadn't been at home for a while now which was bothering, he was pretty strong so l guess he could handle himself.
But mother said l shouldn't tell father about my training, which sounded weird. I bet it was to surprise him after l become strong, can't complain.
"Hiyah!"
Ken and l continued our usual one-on-one training, it was back to right and left swings, at this moment, l was keeping up my pace with Ken. At some point, l was feeling exhausted from the previous attack l did yesterday, it took a lot from me.
My movements were getting better, Ken praised my astonishing improvement, which l couldn't stop smiling about.
I learned to attack my opponents using light swings at first to save energy for incoming heavy swings, it was to avoid any cooldowns. When beginning with a heavy swing, we've used a lot of our strength, our swords stay in the air for roughly ten seconds before we go for another swing, that would be a huge disadvantage because the energy might take advantage of your cooldown, striking before you can move again. Using a lighter swing allows for rapid swings, at this point one is able to block and attack simultaneously, with the right speed, when the energy reaches its lowest point, you send a heavy swing to finish it off.
All that depends on the type of sword you're using.
I was already good at using air slash, the problem was how much power it packed. It wasn't going to be a everyday attack, it's advisable to use it when in dire danger, or just in a much bigger landscape. So, Ken came with a notable conclusion...
"Time to practise our brunches, you said your technique fell under "The first generation sword technique: Zerion" right?"
"Yes, it does." Now we are learning something serious, l've been waiting for this moment so long, hold up, "but l thought you said, you didn't know a technique like flowing flower that fell under the first generation swordplay." Yeah, he spoke of it being dragon's breath or something.
"You're right, but as l've been observing, you have been trying to perfect that technique for a while, strangely, l believed that it was the first generation sword technique."
"Is that so, you are one confused guy aren't you?"
"For starters, l was taught about second generation sword technique, my old man said the first technique isn't much to hype about." He said scratching his head.
Is clarifying the first generation being weak? How dare he say that infront of my face, take it back you grumpy old dude.
"I'm sure you know about the second generation right?"
"Yeah whatever, it's called: Slypha."
"You're quite knowledgeable for such a young age, like l said, your mind will be your strongest point."
"Let's get straight to the point."
"Right! I'm sure you are aware about the techniques pattern judging from the name. These are main techniques that focuses on attacking following the pattern, let's take Slypha for example: Once l use my technique called "Snake dance" my body moves in a "S" pattern. Our brunches pattern could seen in the first letters."
"Whoah, that's a solid explanation. It kinda reminds me of how l use flowing flower, the pattern."
That's right.
Once l activate my flowing flower technique, l see a faint yellow light, as soon as l take one step forward, my body propelled in a zigzag pattern, kinda like a "Z" pattern. It's starting to make sense.
"I understand everything you said, for some reason, l can't seem to control my movements, before l could curve any further, my energy suddenly burst out then my footing loses control."
"I see, bingo!" Ken shouted snapping his fingers. He continued, " when you go further you say, that might be just your domains limited reach."
"I never thought about it like that, that's genius!"
I got an answer l couldn't think of, my domain. My domain had a range of twenty metres, anything out of the domain is soon to distort. It was like driving a car, the road is the domain, once out of track the car loses control and crashes.
Ken walked backwards, preparing to show me his technique. It was best to stay out of his domain reach otherwise l might get caught on the attack.
Ken pulled his sword backwards as if withdrawing out of a sheath, his energy surged. A circle formed below his feet. It was small, then expanded quickly. I wasn't sure the exact metres but, if l had to guess it would roughly be hundred metres. A faint yellow light formed, creating a large S on the ground, in an instant, Ken disappeared from his position.
What?!
I could only see a glowing light moving like a snake, it was fast- no, too fast.
Cling!
I heard the sound from a tree that was destroyed in an instant, l was captivated, mind blown. No words could explain that attack, it was just fast.
"Did you capture that, Arthur?" Ken declared sounding amused.
"That... was epic! Man, how good are you at swordplay? I want to be just like you."
"Wait for real? Hahaha, l appreciate it your enthusiasm."
"I meant in strength not personality, don't get to excited."
"That's a bummer, oh well. It's your turn to activate your technique."
"Right."
I walked towards a tree staying close to it, l was about fifteen metres away which would be enough for my technique to activate and strike.
Taking a deep breath, holding out my sword, l charged up my energy letting out a lower input, l didn't want to burst my cage to avoid unstable control. My sword received the required amount of energy, l didn't feel any vibration- which was good.
My domain opened up, l felt the cool breeze.
Taking one step forward, my body instantly propelled. My body kept curving around the tree, my ankle begun hurting. I was within the domain. Great.
Raising my sword preparing for a strike. I locked in my vision, focusing on my target. I changed my body movement, turning my feet the other side. I moved right, and stopped. I moved left, and stopped. Then l moved right again, this time, l raised my sword even higher and slashed the tree in half.
That's it...
I did it.
"Wow! That was impressive, excellent foot work!" Ken cried out raising a thumbs up.
"Thank you, Master. I couldn't have done it without your teachings."
Yes.
I finally muster out flowing flower, this was a big step to success, to reaching my goals.
"No need for that, it's my job. I'm just glad you are excelling this fast."
"Your words were my driving passion, it unlocked a new perspective."
"Talking about perspective, l brought someone that'll be working with you."
"Another student, who's that?"
Hold up, Ken wasn't only teaching me but had other secret students, and they call me secretive. Yeah right.
"H-hey... Uhm, hello! To loud, l'm sorry."
"Stop whining you baby, greet the new boy nicely like this. Hello! Arthur."
Great.
Looks like l'm going to get stuck with an introverted punk, and this girl sounding all tough, while l'm easily annoyed. Talk about bad match ups.
"Oh boy!"