Chapter 441 - Dakota Hellen
There were many different classes in the world.
And being an Awakened who had fought on the frontlines for a long time, Dakota had seen her fair share of classes on her own.
But, different from how everyone thought, having a unique class was not something that was always beneficial.
Especially in places like the military. Since that place puts more importance on the system than an individual strength, in the military, the importance was on numbers; thus, most of the time, those with general and common occupations would be taken there.
Even then, there were still many unique occupations. Just like herself and the unit she was in. After all, being a [Martial Artist] was not a common thing in the military as most of the soldiers either used a sword, spear, or bow.
That was why she was assigned to a unit that was filled with people just like herself. People with unique occupations and weapons.
Dakota reminisced about her time in the military, a period that had shaped her into the person she is today. Her unit was a motley crew of individuals with unique abilities and even more unique personalities.
There was Lieutenant Seraph, a [Battlemage] whose mastery over both physical combat and elemental magic made him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. He could switch seamlessly between casting devastating spells and engaging in close-quarters combat, often turning the tide of battle single-handedly.
Then there was Corporal Ingrid, a [Thrower] who specialized in using throwing weapons with deadly precision. Her arsenal ranged from throwing knives to custom-made explosives, and she could hit a target from an impressive distance. Ingrid's keen eye and quick reflexes made her an invaluable asset during skirmishes and ambushes.
Private Jaxon, known as the [Hallucinator], had the rare ability to create powerful illusions that could confuse and disorient the enemy. His mental prowess allowed him to manipulate the perceptions of others, making them see things that weren't there. Jaxon's abilities were often used to create diversions or to provide cover for the unit's movements.
But out of all the unique individuals she had served with, there was one person who stood out the most—a young man named Elias. He was both the luckiest and unluckiest person Dakota had ever met.
Because of his class.
[Weapon Master]
But why was he lucky and unlucky at the same time? What was the reason for such a thing?
Dakota thought back to Elias and his journey as a [Weapon Master]. For someone in this class, their abilities were both a blessing and a curse.
The class offered unparalleled versatility and the potential to master any weapon, but it came with significant challenges that made it incredibly difficult to advance.
The primary issue for a [Weapon Master] was finding a suitable [Combat Art]. Most combat arts were specialized for a single type of weapon, designed to maximize the efficiency and power of that weapon.
This specialization meant that a swordsman could fully devote themselves to mastering the sword, and a bowman could hone their archery skills to perfection. Each combat art was intricately tied to the specific nuances of its weapon, allowing practitioners to achieve extraordinary levels of proficiency.
However, for a [Weapon Master], this specialization was a double-edged sword. Since they needed to be proficient with multiple weapons, finding or creating a [Combat Art] that could encompass all their skills was nearly impossible. Most combat arts simply weren't versatile enough to support the broad skill set required by a [Weapon Master].
Moreover, the efficiency of combat arts was closely correlated to the level of the practitioner's occupation. As someone leveled up their occupation, their understanding and effectiveness with their chosen combat art would naturally increase.
This synergy between occupation level and combat art mastery was crucial for becoming a top-tier fighter.
But the path of a [Weapon Master] was different. To level up their occupation, they needed to develop proficiency with multiple weapons, each requiring deep understanding and practice. This meant that advancing as a [Weapon Master] required exponentially more effort compared to someone specializing in a single weapon.
For every level a swordsman could gain, focusing solely on the sword, a [Weapon Master] would need to divide their time and effort among numerous weapons, potentially requiring five to ten times more effort to achieve the same level of advancement.
This dual nature made the [Weapon Master] class both a boon and a burden. It was perfect for those starting their journey, offering the flexibility to learn and experiment with all paths open. But as they advanced, the same flexibility chained them, demanding immense dedication and perseverance to make meaningful progress.
That was also the reason why the advancement of the Weapon Master class was unknown.
A Mage could become an Archmage for an advanced and final class.
A Sorcerer could become a Magus.
A Witch could advance to a Supreme Witch.
A Swordsman could become a Swordmaster, etc.….
There are many occupations with their advancements known. But that was not the case for the weapon master, as while already rare, they were also hard to advance.
The [Weapon Master] class was highly related to one's talent for comprehension and ability to learn.
This was why Dakota could see Elias in this kid. Astron had the same dedication, waking up early to train and pushing himself beyond his limits. It was this similarity that sparked Dakota's interest in him even more.
She turned her attention back to Astron, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "A [Weapon Master], huh? That explains a lot."
Astron nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, ma'am."
Dakota's eyes softened slightly. "It's not an easy path. You need to have a strong talent for comprehension and a relentless drive to learn. Many have tried, but few succeed."
"Indeed. But I am confident."
Seeing those purple eyes filled with glint, she felt amused. 'This Trainee seems to be a bit cheeky, isn't he?'
"Ho?" She raised her eyebrows, looking at him.
"Ho?" She raised her eyebrows, looking at him. She pulled out her tablet and glanced at the examination file. "If you're that confident, you wouldn't mind a little change in the examination, would you?"
Astron tilted his head slightly to the left, curiosity evident on his face. "What do you mean by that, ma'am?"
Dakota's smile widened. "Normally, you'd only be tested in your main weapons. But since your class is a [Weapon Master], different from how it's registered here, wouldn't it be fair for us to test a variety of weapons?"
Astron didn't answer immediately, but Dakota could see the gears turning in his mind. She could tell he was considering the implications of revealing all his skills in front of other cadets.
"If you're concerned about showing everything to the other cadets, that's fine," Dakota continued, her tone thoughtful. "We can start the examination a bit earlier if you prefer."
As she spoke, she sized him up from top to bottom. His body had already recovered to some extent, and the sweat that had covered him had disappeared.
A body that is toned is fair enough. Since the training clothes were made from a special fiber, they clasped together directly to the body. Hence, she could observe.
"An early examination?" Astron repeated, weighing the idea. "That could work."
'Not bad. She can pick up those minute details quite well. I had been hinting that I was hiding my class from other people, and she actually picked it up.'
Dakota nodded approvingly. "Good. You'll be tested in a variety of weapons to assess your versatility as a [Weapon Master]." She said, looking at her watch. "It is now 5.45 A.M. We will start at 6. Is that okay for you?"
"I have no problems with that."
"You don't need to worry about the weapons. I will deal with everything."
"I see."
Dakota gave him a final nod before heading toward the equipment room. As she walked, she mentally reviewed the weapons she would select for the test. She wanted to ensure a comprehensive assessment of Astron's skills, challenging him with a variety of weapon types.
*********
'So, this is Dakota Hellen.'
As Dakota left to prepare for the examination, I took a moment to process our encounter. She was not a character from the game, which meant I had no prior knowledge of her. But even without that advantage, I could glean quite a bit from our brief interaction.
'Her posture, her movements, and the way she carries herself…'
There was a certain way that she had clothed and carried herself that made me think she was trying to act with an allure.
'She had a rigid life, and looking for a bit of an attention?'
This was my first speculation. It was not something that concerned me, as this was her personal choice, so I did not judge.
But aside from her intentions, Dakota's bodysuit clung to her well-trained physique, accentuating her athletic build. Her stride was powerful and deliberate, radiating confidence and authority. Every step was measured, and her eyes were sharp, taking in every detail of her surroundings. It was clear she was accustomed to command and discipline.
'Definitely military background.'
Her tone was firm but not unkind, suggesting she was used to giving and getting orders and expecting them to be followed. The way she analyzed my movements and the ease with which she suggested modifying the examination indicated she was experienced in evaluating combat skills.
'She's been on the front lines before.'
From the slight deformities in her knuckles, elbows, knees, and the bottom part of her palms, it was evident she was a close combatant. Those kinds of marks were the result of years of intense training and real combat experience, the kind that only someone who regularly fought with their body would have.
Even though her body-tight suit did a really good job covering that part, such small details would not get passed by my eyes.
'A [Martial Artist].'
Her ability to pick up on my hints and her quick thinking suggested she was not just a brute-force fighter but also someone with a keen mind.
She understood the importance of tactics and strategy, which made her a formidable opponent and an even more formidable instructor.
And more important than others, it looked like she had a prior encounter with my occupation.
'This examination will be interesting.'
This was the first time.
I was curious to see how she would test me and what kind of weapons she would select. Her approach hinted at a thorough and challenging assessment, which was exactly what I needed to gauge my current abilities and push my limits.
'No point in holding back. This is an opportunity to learn and grow.'
With that thought, I focused on calming my mind and preparing for the upcoming examination.
'Maybe I can even learn from a martial artist as well.'
Chapter 442 - Dakota Hellen (2)
The clock ticked closer to 6:00 A.M. as I stood in the training hall. I had used the remaining time to center myself, focusing on the upcoming examination.
Dakota returned, her stride purposeful as she approached.
She was followed by weapons, each of them flying as an assortment of weapons that gleamed under the facility's ambient light.
No matter how many times I had seen it, it was evident that most of the people who had fought out for a long time and were talented tended to master 「Telekinesis」 partially.
She laid the weapons out in a row, presenting a formidable array of choices.
Dakota gestured to the weapons. "We'll be starting with these," she announced, her voice carrying an edge of authority. "You'll demonstrate your proficiency with each, beginning with the most basic and moving to the more complex."
I nodded, my eyes scanning the selection. Swords, spears, axes, daggers, and more, each weapon represented a different style and set of skills.
As usual, they were laid out in general. This was exactly the method that would be used in the academy, so I didn't mind.
"We'll begin with the sword," Dakota said, picking up a standard longsword and handing it to me. Its weight and balance felt in my grip.
The training dummy stood ready, its holographic eyes locked onto mine. I adjusted my stance, recalling the basics of Federal Swordplay that Eleanor had demonstrated before.
This style was designed for efficiency and adaptability, perfect for someone like me who had learned to value versatility in combat.
"Begin," Dakota commanded, her voice echoing in the spacious hall.
I stepped forward; my movements were fluid yet deliberate. My footwork followed the patterns that I had drilled into my head.
I raised the sword, feeling the mana flow from my core into the blade, just as Eleanor had taught. It had been a while, but even then, the teachings were still in my mind.
And thanks to the morning training that I did, I was already accustomed to the training suit that I was wearing.
–SWOOSH!
With a swift motion, I executed the first stripe, a clean diagonal slash aimed at the dummy's midsection. The sword cut through the air, leaving a faint trail of mana in its wake. The dummy parried, moving with surprising speed and accuracy.
'This hologram is no joke,' I thought, adjusting my grip.
I followed up with a series of quick, calculated stripes, each one testing the dummy's defenses.
The Federal Swordplay's efficiency shone through as I focused on maintaining a consistent flow of mana along the blade. My strikes were simple yet effective, designed to conserve energy while maximizing damage.
CLANK!
The dummy responded with a counterattack, its movements mimicking those of a skilled opponent.
I sidestepped, deflecting the incoming blow with a well-timed parry.
CLANK!
The clash of our blades echoed in the hall, an example of the realism of the holographic technology and how advanced it was.
But aside from that, I found out something.
'The dummies really feel a lot more organic, indeed.'
The fluidity of the enemy's movements, their way of using swords, and the styles that were used clearly showed that the thing before me was close to a real person.
CLANK!
As I parried the dummy's blade, it suddenly shifted its stance. The holographic opponent lowered its blade to the right bottom side, a position I hadn't seen before.
My instincts screamed a warning, and thus, I kept my eyes open. But even that has limits.
–SWOOSH!
With startling speed, the dummy dashed forward, executing a cross slash aimed at my torso. The swiftness and precision of the move were unlike any basic technique; this was a [Skill], a deliberate and powerful attack designed to catch me off guard.
–WOOSH!
I quickly stepped back, trying to keep my distance and maximize my sword's length advantage. However, my footwork faltered slightly, a consequence of my habits with shorter weapons like daggers. The dummy's blade sliced through the air, grazing my side as I barely evaded the attack.
'Think, Astron. This isn't a dagger,' I reminded myself, narrowing my eyes. 'A sword is different.'
I adjusted my stance, planting my second foot at a slightly different angle to provide better stability and reach. As the dummy prepared for another strike, I formed a visualization in my head consisting of three precise 「Stripes」.
The first stripe, a diagonal slash from top left to bottom right, aimed to force the dummy into a defensive position. The second stripe, a horizontal slash, targeted its midsection to disrupt its balance. The third stripe, a vertical strike, aimed to deliver the final blow.
If executed correctly, that would end the fight In an instant.
–Eyes of Hourglass.
Though I did not want to use this, it was better for me to show something more so that I could get better feedback.
Focusing on the visualization, I executed the first stripe with a swift, powerful motion. The dummy parried, but I was ready. Transitioning smoothly, I brought the blade across in a horizontal slash. The dummy's defense faltered slightly, its movements less fluid.
Seizing the moment, I unleashed the third stripe, a vertical strike with all the force and precision I could muster. The blade is connected to the holographic opponent, cutting through its form. The dummy flickered, its image breaking apart before dissipating into pixels.
Breathing heavily, I lowered my sword, feeling a mix of satisfaction and determination. The adjustments to my stance and the visualization had made a significant difference, allowing me to exploit the sword's potential more.
"Good," Dakota's voice rang out, breaking the silence. "You adapted quickly and used the Federal Swordplay effectively. But remember, your footwork needs to match the weapon you're using. Practice moving with the sword, not just swinging it."
"Now," she said, gesturing to the array of weapons, "we'll move on to the spear."
Setting the sword aside, I picked up a spear, its unfamiliar weight and balance, which made me adjust my grip.
'Spear, huh?'
It was not my first time trying a spear, but still, I had not paid much attention to it as there were more pressing matters.
–WRROM!
The training dummy was reactivated and ready for the next round of the examination. I took a deep breath, readying myself.
Unlike the sword, the spear felt awkward in my hands. The length and weight distribution were vastly different from the daggers I was accustomed to.
I adjusted my stance, trying to recall the basic principles of spear combat from my limited theoretical knowledge.
'And from Ethan.'
Since I had fought with him before and also watched how he used a spear, I had a slightly basic grasp of his body.
The dummy moved into position, its holographic form mimicking a skilled opponent once again. I knew this would be a challenge, but it was also an opportunity to learn and grow.
With a tentative thrust, I aimed the spear at the dummy's midsection. The attack was clumsy, lacking the precision and control I had with the sword. The dummy easily deflected the strike and countered with a swift, accurate blow.
–SWOOSH!
I dodged, narrowly avoiding the attack. The spear's length made it difficult to maneuver in close quarters, and I struggled to find the right balance between offense and defense. My movements felt slow and cumbersome compared to the fluidity of my dagger techniques.
'This isn't working,' I thought. 'I need to adapt, to find a way to use the spear effectively.'
I watched the dummy closely, its movements fluid and precise, embodying the essence of a skilled spearman.
'Right…There is no need to make it complex.'
Instead of relying on past memories and interactions, I realized it might be better to keep it simple and just observe what was in front of me.
'Just be content with what is before you.'
There was no need to get it perfect instantly, nor get Ethan's level.
'Watch and learn,' I told myself, focusing on the dummy's stance, its grip on the spear, and the way it moved.
The dummy took a defensive stance, its spear held at an angle, ready to parry or thrust. I mirrored its position, adjusting my grip and stance to match. The holographic opponent moved, executing a series of fluid strikes and parries. I watched intently, noting the rhythm and flow of its movements.
With each exchange, I tried to replicate the dummy's actions, focusing on the basics. My first attempts were clumsy, but as I continued to observe and mimic, my strikes began to improve. The spear started to feel more natural in my hands, its length and weight becoming an extension of my body.
The dummy lunged forward with a powerful thrust. I sidestepped, bringing my spear around in a wide arc to deflect the attack. The maneuver was smoother this time and more controlled. Encouraged by the small success, I pressed forward, initiating a series of quick jabs and slashes.
As the combat continued, I began to see patterns in the dummy's movements. It wasn't just about strength or speed; it was about timing and precision.
'Indeed. The spear is different from the dagger. The energy and power spent while recovering the blade is a lot more high compared to a dagger, and that contrasts with my style. I need to keep my body in control. Don't take risks.'
I adjusted my strikes, focusing on hitting the dummy's weak points and exploiting its openings.
The dummy countered with a swift, downward strike. I parried, feeling the impact reverberate through the spear. Instead of retreating, I stepped forward, using the momentum to deliver a powerful thrust. The spear's tip connected with the dummy's chest, causing it to flicker and stagger back.
I pressed the advantage, executing a series of rapid strikes. Each movement was a blend of observation and adaptation, mimicking the dummy's techniques while refining my own. The fluidity of the Federal Swordplay principles began to integrate with the spear, enhancing my control and precision.
The dummy moved to counterattack, but I was ready. I sidestepped, delivering a swift, precise jab to its midsection. The holographic opponent flickered again, its form destabilizing. With a final, decisive thrust, I drove the spear into the dummy, causing it to dissipate into pixels.
Breathing heavily, I lowered the spear, feeling a sense of accomplishment. By observing and adapting, I managed to improve my proficiency with the spear, turning a weakness into a strength.
Dakota approached her expression one of approval. "You adapted well," she said. "But, you must really be a beginner on a spear. Was this your first time using one?"
"Indeed. I had used a spear for the first time in a while."
"Makes sense. Now, we will continue with others."
Just like that, we have gone with every weapon one by one, from axe and whip to everything.
Until every weapon was finished.
Aside from one.
"Now, we are going to test your bare-handed combat abilities."
It was the thing that I wanted to show the most.
Chapter 443 - Dakota Hellen (3)
As Dakota watched Astron prepare for the examination, she felt a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
His confidence intrigued her, and she was eager to see how he would handle the diverse array of weapons she had selected.
When she handed him the longsword, Dakota watched closely. The way he adjusted his grip and stance, recalling the basics of Federal Swordplay, demonstrated his adaptability. As he began his strikes, she could see the fluidity in his movements, but there were also moments of hesitation.
'He's trying to find his footing with the sword,' Dakota thought, her keen eyes catching every detail. 'The basics are there, but he needs to refine his technique.'
As Astron engaged the training dummy, she saw the potential in his strikes. The Federal Swordplay's efficiency was evident, but his footwork needed improvement.
'No, it may not be his footwork….'
At the start, that was what she had thought, but there was somehow something different about it. It was as if he was trying to do something, but his body wasn't doing it exactly.
'Maybe…..It might have been that….'
She remembered something that she had seen when she was in the military. People who had changed their weapons tended to feel the need to reshape their bodies accordingly.
After all, even different stances can be specialized in some muscles, and changing stances could affect the body. Changing a complete weapon would be even harder to do so.
'His specialized weapons are daggers and the bow. And, it seems he had picked the bow later on. That means, for all his childhood, he had been guided to use a dagger. I don't know why he did that, but if this is the case, the reason why his body is not able to follow his thoughts can be explained.'
Dakota's observations sharpened as she considered this. She watched Astron closely, noting the subtle hesitations in his movements. It was clear that his body was still accustomed to the movements and muscle memory of a dagger user, which were vastly different from the techniques required for a longsword.
'His body is used to quick, close-quarters combat. The fluidity and lightness of a dagger are deeply ingrained in his muscle memory. Transitioning to a longsword, which requires broader, more powerful movements, would naturally create this disconnect.'
As the examination continued, Dakota saw Astron's adaptability. He watched the holographic dummy, mimicking its techniques and gradually adjusting his own. His strikes became more confident, and his footwork started to align better with the demands of the sword.
'Good. He's learning to bridge the gap,' she thought. 'But it's going to take time and a lot of practice.'
Normally, to make these types of situations work, one would need to abandon the first weapon completely so that one can transition easily without overwriting the previous habits.
But, since Astron was a [Weapon Master], abandoning a dagger would be impossible, as the sole reason why he was practicing a sword was to keep the variety of weapons.
'For such a situation….A special body might be needed. And, I may know what it is.'
She had some ideas about what to do, but she decided to keep that to herself for the time being.
When they moved to the spear, Dakota's initial curiosity deepened. The spear was even more different from the dagger, requiring entirely different muscle groups and techniques.
She observed his initial clumsiness but also his determination to adapt by observing the dummy's movements.
'He's watching and learning. That's a good sign. He understands that each weapon requires its own set of skills and that brute force won't be enough.'
As Astron continued to practice with the spear, Dakota saw him gradually becoming more comfortable. He started to integrate the principles of the Federal Swordplay, enhancing his control and precision with the spear. Despite his initial awkwardness, he was able to adapt and improve his techniques quickly.
'He's learning to use the spear efficiently,' she mused. 'He understands the importance of precision and timing. He's making the necessary adjustments, even if they're not perfect yet.'
Dakota noted the improvements with satisfaction. She could see that Astron was making a concerted effort to bridge the gap between his muscle memory and the new techniques he was learning.
His willingness to observe, adapt, and apply feedback was crucial for a [Weapon Master]. They continued through the array of weapons, and Dakota's approval grew with each new challenge Astron faced.
'He has the potential of becoming versatile,' She thought. 'That's a critical quality for a [Weapon Master]. He's not just focused on one weapon; he's willing to learn and adapt to each one.'
Just like that, the time for the last weapon that they would be testing came.
"Now, we are going to test your bare-handed combat abilities." ((N1))
It was her specialty, being a [Martial Artist]. Thus, she was looking forward to watching him fight in close combat directly.
Before she could say anything more, Astron raised his hand. "Excuse me, ma'am, may I request something?"
Dakota tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "What is your request?"
Astron looked into her eyes with a slight glint and asked, "Would it be okay if we sparred for this part of the examination?"
Dakota's eyes narrowed, a mix of curiosity and caution in her gaze. "Why would I do such a thing? What reason made you request this?"
Astron glanced at her body, sizing her up from top to bottom before replying, "Since you're a [Martial Artist], I thought it would be best if I went against someone like you. It would provide a more realistic and challenging assessment of my skills."
Dakota raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I am a [Martial Artist]? How can you be so sure?"
Astron maintained eye contact, his expression steady. "Firstly, I observed the way you move, ma'am. Your posture is always perfectly balanced, and your strides are purposeful and controlled. Different from a person with a weapon user, you are not leaning onto one side. That meant you were either a dual wielder or a martial artist.
What gave away is your clothing.
From the slight deformities in your knuckles, elbows, knees, and the bottom part of your palms, it is evident you use them a lot, especially since your palms are covered.
Those kinds of marks were the result of years of intense training and real combat experience, the kind that only someone who regularly fought with their body would have.
That was why I reached such a conclusion."
Dakota's interest was piqued even further. His observations were accurate, and his confidence in his request was compelling. She could see he had been paying close attention, analyzing every detail.
'From this alone, it can easily be concluded that he has good observation skills. His observation grade for this exam would be an A just from this.'
Most cadets didn't have such good eyes.
'It is mentioned in his file, but even I was not expecting such a result. How intriguing.'
"Very well," she said after a moment of consideration. "We will spar. But know this, Trainee Astron, I will not go easy on you. You might end up with more severe injuries than you imagine. Are you still okay with it even after hearing this?"
"Yes, ma'am," Astron replied as if he was sure of himself.
'Heeeeeh…..How cheeky….'
She was amused but, at the same time, curious. And she was not repulsed by the idea either, as she was faring to know what he would do against her.
Dakota moved to the center of the training hall, gesturing for Astron to join her.
This sparring session would not only test Astron's bare-handed combat abilities but also provide a deeper insight into his adaptability and resilience.
FLICK!
And then she had flicked her fingers, and her watch glowed.
–ẘ̸̬̓͐̃̓̇̈́̽͛͋̚̚h̴̨̨͕̘̮̞̟̜̦̲͕̜͉͛ḭ̴̎̿̇̋́̇s̴̢͉͉͉͇̦̯̓̌̏̔̾̃̋̃̈̈́̐p̷̨̛͖͎̦̥̬̺̯̌̀̈̎̀̇̐̓̐̆͝ę̴̲̱̠̼̞̲͔͎͕̼̃̃́͘͝ŗ̵̢͈̮̞̙̩̝̗̙͉̖̽̂͝͝ ̴̞̠͈̖̣͇̹̣̩̗̪̗̉̔̈́̚͜w̷̢̠̺̺̠̱̝̠͈̹͊̀̅̆̍͗̑͜h̶̢̧̳̞̖̼̲̦̍̀̾̆͆̅̓͊͂̇͋̕̚͝í̸̧̛̞̣̞̐͊̌͆̍̓̽̏̅̈́̚̚ś̷̨̝̪̥͚̞̫̯̩ͅp̴̧͙̳̜̙̈̔͂͆̅͌͠ͅe̷̡̗̗̅̉̔̎̀̇̌͘͠͝ŕ̶̨͉̒̊̽͋̌͒̕͝͠͝ ̴̨̛̛͉͈̪̼͎̲̣̥̮̼̖̞̍̾͊̄̊́̃͠ͅw̷̛̫͕̣̗͓̪̘̮̙͙͚̩̩̰̔̀͌̄͌̎̏̈̐̕h̶̢̡̟̖̼̮̮̦̲̞̳̗͐̊͂͗̈́͆̓͌́́̉̊̕̚͠į̸̡͓̲͚̙̲̝͔̲̬̍̇͘͝s̷̡̛̙͍̤͙̿́̌͌̆̔͘̕͝p̸̧̧͎͎̻̬͉̯̫̞̭͚̟͐͗́͜͠ͅe̶̢̡̘̲̳͍̪̹̘͖͚̬̱̯̜͆̃͌̇̚r̴̦̬̮̻̘͇̖̺͔̦͔̙͔̹̃̓͛͗͌͌͗̒̓̇͠͝ͅ ̸̯͇͍̹̮͕̻̩̟̣̯̫͇̈́̋̊̅̆̾̊̀͋͘̕͜͝͝
With the veiled whispers that were incomprehensible, the platform that they had been standing on started to transform. The ground solidified, and mana barriers surrounding them strengthened. It took the form of an arena, creating a focused environment for their sparring session.
Dakota smiled as she took her position. "Since you are just a beginner, I am going to limit my strength to match your stats." Saying that, she channeled her mana all across her body, which began to glow slightly.
Astron nodded his head, acknowledging her statement. "Understood."
Dakota settled into her stance, her eyes locked onto Astron. "Begin," she commanded.
SWOOSH!
And the two launched forward.
********
As Dakota settled into her stance, her presence exuded a powerful and predatory aura. Her body was coiled like a spring, ready to unleash explosive force at a moment's notice.
Observing her posture, I couldn't help but think she looked like a tiger—graceful yet dangerous, her every movement calculated and efficient.
'This is going to be challenging.'
And that was exactly what I had been desiring. S
The moment she gave the command, "Begin," we both launched forward simultaneously.
–SWOOSH!
Dakota moved with incredible speed and precision, her fists and feet striking out with an accuracy that could kill.
Yeah…..
Right from the start.
I could barely keep up, but my eyes and instincts were honed from countless hours of training. I dodged and parried her attacks, trying to find an opening.
–THUD! THUD!
Her blows were relentless; each strike aimed to exploit any weakness in my defense.
I felt the impact reverberate through my arms as I blocked her punches, my muscles straining against the force.
Despite her self-imposed limitation, it was as if I was facing a mountain and a truck.
THUD!
A swift kick to my side sent me staggering back, but I quickly regained my balance. I could see the hint of a smile on Dakota's face.
'She's testing me, pushing me to see how I'll respond under pressure.'
I tightened my stance, focusing on my breathing and calming my mind.
Even though I was always prominent in combat, there was something that I had been missing in this world.
'Barehand combat with mana. This is my first time.'
Indeed, this was the case.
There was something fundamentally different with just fighting with one's bare body and one's weapon coated with mana.
Since the moment mana entered the system, even fundamental things would change.
Circulating mana while controlling your own body was an intricate dance. It required a heightened level of awareness, a deep connection between mind and muscle.
Every movement, every breath, had to be synchronized with the flow of mana within. It was like trying to pat your head and rub your belly simultaneously but on a much more complex and demanding scale.
'This is harder than I thought.'
And doing this against an enemy like her was much harder.
But that was fine.
Losing here or showing off your winning side was not important here.
What was important was how I could improve. That was it.
Thus, I would be doing exactly that.
Strikes had to be timed not just with physical precision but also with the precise release of mana. It demanded an acute sense of internal balance, an ability to modulate the flow of energy through your body while executing complex movements.
My brain had to process not only the physical actions but also the intricate patterns of mana circulation.
It was like learning to walk all over again, with an additional sense to manage. The sensory input was overwhelming at times, the feel of mana coursing through my veins, the hum of energy amplifying each movement.
'Every punch, every kick… it's like recalibrating my entire combat style.'
–SWOOSH!
"It seems you are finally getting onto something. But, you must never forget your opponent is right here."
Dakota moved in again, her body blurring.
THUD!
And I felt a pressure right under my left ear.
'No!'
I moved my body to raise my hand rapidly, and I was successful in blocking the strike.
–DING!
But, as if a shock blast appeared out of nowhere, I felt my eardrums ring.
THUD!
And lost by balance for a second, falling down to the ground.
"Or things like this may happen."
I was knocked down.
Chapter 444 - Dakota Hellen (4)
"Or things like this may happen."
As I was on the ground, lying there, a new attack came hurtling toward my face. Instinctively, I activated my 「Eyes of Hourglass」, and the world around me slowed down.
The familiar sensation of time decelerating enveloped me, giving me a critical advantage. In this altered state, I could observe every detail with heightened clarity.
Dakota's fist inched towards me, her form a blur of motion. I focused intently on her, my eyes tracing the flow of mana through her body.
Her mana moved in intricate patterns, concentrated in her limbs and core, enhancing her speed and strength. I could see the subtle shifts in energy, the precise control she exerted over it.
There was no way I could fully replicate it in the short time I had, but I could try to imitate it partially.
'Focus… channel the mana to my legs… increase speed…'
I directed my mana towards my legs, feeling the energy surge through my muscles. The sensation was intense, like a current of electricity coursing through me.
I visualized the flow and the pathways the mana needed to take to enhance my speed.
With a burst of speed, I pushed off the ground, using the mana to propel myself upwards. The world seemed to snap back to normal speed as I launched myself towards Dakota.
SWOOSH!
I moved with a sudden acceleration, catching Dakota off guard. Her eyes widened for a split second, a flicker of surprise breaking through her composed exterior.
THUD!
My fist connected with her midsection, the force amplified by the mana coursing through my legs. The impact sent her staggering back, a look of recognition in her eyes.
I landed, my breathing heavy but steady. The exertion had taken a toll, but the adrenaline and the rush of mana kept me going.
Dakota regained her balance quickly, her eyes locking onto mine with renewed intensity. "Impressive, Trainee. You're starting to understand."
I nodded, a sense of accomplishment mixing with the ever-present determination. "Thank you, ma'am."
The reason why I was thankful was because of the small bracelets that she was wearing. Normally, most people would refrain from wearing bracelets to suppress their mana and would do it manually on their own.
That would make them feel a lot better and safer, and in the academy, most instructors did the same.
But this had one downside. Those with higher [Magical Power] attributes would have a higher ranking mana commandment. They would be able to command mana of a higher density and rank, and such condensed mana psions would be something that those with lower [Intuition] stat wouldn't be able to sense.
This difference would be evident if one's [Magical Power] stat was higher by at least one digit on parameters.
That was why higher-ranking Awakened would be this oppressive against lower-ranked ones and why [Intuition] stat was this important.
And that was why I was also able to sense the mana flowing down in Dakota's veins. It was because the bracelet was directly limiting her body and the mana she was using, making it visible to my eyes.
As she settled back to her stance, Dakota's predatory glance returned, her body shining orange.
"But you still have a long way to go. Let's continue."
SWOOSH!
She had dashed forward once again, blasting herself once more.
SWOOSH!
I did the same.
We launched at each other again, our movements a blur of strikes and counters. Dakota's fists flew at me with relentless precision, each punch a test of my reflexes and endurance.
THUD! THUD!
I blocked her strikes, countering with my own. Our blows met with resounding impacts, the sound echoing through the training hall. I could feel my body reaching its limits, but I pushed through the pain, refusing to back down.
As we fought, I focused on my mana control, channeling it through my body. Every movement needed to be precise, the mana amplifying my speed and strength.
'Stay focused, maintain the flow.'
THUD!
A powerful kick from Dakota sent me sprawling to the ground. I quickly rolled to my feet, ready for the next attack. She moved with the grace and power of a seasoned warrior, her eyes never leaving mine.
'She's not giving me any room to breathe.'
I tightened my stance, focusing on my breathing and calming my mind. The fluidity and lightness I had cultivated with daggers were not enough here; I needed to adapt to harness the power and precision required for close combat. The integration of mana made every strike more intense and every dodge more critical.
SWOOSH!
I moved in, aiming a series of quick jabs at her midsection. She blocked them effortlessly, her movements a blur. I feinted left, then brought my right elbow up towards her chin.
THUD!
Dakota deflected my elbow with a swift motion, countering with a sharp jab to my ribs. The pain was immediate, but I gritted my teeth and pushed through it. I had to remain focused.
'Adapt, observe, and counter.'
I saw an opening and took it, ducking under her next strike and launching a powerful uppercut. She dodged just in time, her reflexes honed to perfection. Her eyes met mine, a flash of respect evident in their depths.
THUD! THUD!
Her fists flew at me in rapid succession. I dodged the first and parried the second, using the momentum to spin and deliver a roundhouse kick aimed at her midsection. She blocked it with her forearm, the impact reverberating through both of us.
Dakota's movements were precise and controlled, a testament to her experience and training. Each attack flowed seamlessly into the next, leaving little room for error. I could feel the strain on my body, the exertion taking its toll.
But I wasn't done yet.
SWOOSH!
I dashed forward, feinting a punch and pivoting to deliver a swift kick to her knee. She sidestepped, countering with a back fist that grazed my temple. The world tilted momentarily, but I shook off the dizziness and refocused.
THUD!
I aimed a low kick at her shin, forcing her to shift her weight. With her balance momentarily disrupted, I saw my chance. I lunged forward, using my shoulder to push her back and create some distance.
Breathing heavily, I wiped the sweat from my brow. Dakota was a formidable opponent, but I was learning and adapting to her style. The integration of mana was becoming more natural, the flow of energy through my body enhancing my every move.
'She's not unbeatable. I just need to find the right strategy.'
Dakota nodded, acknowledging my efforts. "Good. You're learning quickly. But you'll need to do better than that."
I nodded and adjusted my stance, ready to continue the fight. Dakota's presence was imposing, but I welcomed the challenge. This was my chance to prove myself, to show that I would be more than a mere trainee here.
I would be someone that she would pay attention to and possibly take as a disciple.
Since that was my goal for this spar,
To impress someone like Dakota and make her teach me, to make use of her abilities as an overseer to the maximum.
SWOOSH!
We launched at each other again, our movements a blur of strikes and counters. Dakota's fists flew at me with relentless precision, each punch a test of my reflexes and endurance. I could feel the mana coursing through her strikes, adding a layer of complexity to the fight.
THUD! THUD!
I blocked her strikes, countering with my own. Our blows met with resounding impacts, the sound echoing through the training hall. I could feel my body reaching its limits, but I pushed through the pain, refusing to back down.
The mana in my legs and arms amplified my movements, giving me the edge I needed.
THUD!
A powerful kick from Dakota sent me sprawling to the ground. I quickly rolled to my feet, ready for the next attack.
Indeed, a real warrior was different. It was even harder for me to just keep track of her attacks, and she was pushing every little gap effortlessly.
'Not giving any room means this, I guess.'
However, I wasn't about to give up. I focused on her movements, searching for patterns, weaknesses, and anything I could exploit. The integration of mana made her attacks faster and stronger, but it also made her movements more predictable if the mana was read properly and efficiently.
SWOOSH!
Dakota came at me again, her fists a blur. I ducked under a high punch and launched a counterattack, aiming a series of rapid strikes at her midsection. She blocked and parried, but I kept up the pressure, forcing her to stay on the defensive.
THUD!
I landed a solid punch to her side, and she staggered slightly. It was a small victory, but it somehow felt a little different, as the touch on my hand was soft this time instead of being quick.
"Not bad."
"Thank you."
I pressed the advantage, my strikes coming faster and harder, each one infused with mana.
THUD! THUD!
Dakota's eyes narrowed, and she adjusted her stance, her movements becoming even more precise. She met my attacks with fluid grace, her counters swift and powerful. The intensity of the fight increased, each of us pushing the other to the limit.
THUD!
She landed a powerful blow to my shoulder, and I felt a sharp pain shoot down my arm.
"Urghk-!"
I gritted my teeth, refusing to let it slow me down, igniting the pain on my shoulder. Instead, I focused on my legs and my external oblique muscles, rotating my body.
I countered with a spinning kick, catching her off guard.
THUD!
She blocked the kick but stumbled back, her eyes flashing with respect. "Not bad, young man. Using the pain as a faint."
I nodded, breathing heavily. "Thank you, ma'am."
Somehow, it seemed my evaluation rose from a trainee to a young man, but that was not the main focus.
"But from now on," Dakota said, her voice taking on a serious tone, "I will stop holding back."
The moment she said this, the pressure emanating from her body changed, and she looked like a tiger ready to pounce. She let out a faint breath, her eyes turning brown.
In an instant, she dashed towards me on all fours, moving with rapid speed. Her first strike was a rotating kick. I barely managed to block it with my elbows, but the impact sent a jolt through my arms. Using the momentum, Dakota landed on her two hands, which was followed by an acrobatic move, throwing a reverse axe kick.
I evaded the strike at the last second, pushing myself to the side. But this maneuver messed up my footwork, putting me in an unfavorable position.
As she finished the axe kick, her foot landed on the ground with her back facing me. She suddenly took a horse stance.
"Tiger stance. Fallen leaf."
She struck the air while turning her body, and the strike created a powerful blast. I braced myself for the attack, but even before I could adapt, I felt the shockwave hit me.
The force of the blast knocked me off my feet. My head spun as I hit the ground, my body skidding across the floor. I tried to regain my bearings, but the room tilted and swayed.
Dakota stood over me, her stance relaxed but her eyes sharp. "You did well, Trainee Astron." She said. It was as if she had returned to being normal, but I knew it was different.
"How about becoming my disciple?"
And, just as expected, I got the offer.
Chapter 445 - Dakota Hellen (5)
'Let's see.'
As Dakota settled into her stance, her presence exuded a powerful and predatory aura. Her body was coiled like a spring, ready to unleash explosive force at a moment's notice.
This was one of the stances that she used against beginners like the kid before him. It was to test their explosiveness and the reaction time.
Many people would not know this, but most of the time, people's attention range was lower right at the start.
It would reach its peak after the fight had started for a while.
This phenomenon is often referred to in neuroscience as the "warm-up decrement." The warm-up decrement is the initial period during which performance is lower due to a lack of immediate readiness or focus before reaching an optimal level of performance as one becomes fully engaged.
'This is going to be challenging,' Astron thought, feeling the thrill of anticipation.
The moment she gave the command, "Begin," they both launched forward simultaneously.
–SWOOSH!
Dakota moved while moving her limited body to utmost precision. Even if she had limited her strength to some point, the power that she could exert was much higher than any type of trainee.
–THUD!
Therefore, while she was parrying and exchanging blows, she was able to continue with her observation.
'His reflexes are sharp, but his form still needs refinement,' Dakota noted. 'He's relying on instincts and agility, but there's a lack of flow in his movements.'
–THUD! THUD!
Her blows were relentless; each strike aimed to exploit any weakness in his defense. She felt the impact reverberate through his arms as he blocked her punches, his muscles straining against the force.
'He's strong, but he hasn't yet mastered the integration of mana with his physical movements,' she observed. 'He's treating them as separate entities rather than a cohesive force.'
THUD!
A swift kick to his side sent Astron staggering back, but he quickly regained his balance.
'He's resilient. That's good,' she thought, observing his tenacity. 'But resilience alone won't be enough. Maybe he can show the same thing in this one as well.'
And it happened just as he thought it would.
When they continued, Dakota noticed Astron's efforts to synchronize his movements with the flow of mana within his body. She recognized the struggle in his eyes, the difficulty of managing the intricate dance of mana and muscle.
Just as she expected. He was learning how to do it while he was fighting. It was the same when he did it with the sword and the spear or other weapons.
'He's trying to adapt, but it's a complex process,' she mused. 'Circulating mana while controlling your body requires a heightened level of awareness. He needs to learn to synchronize his internal and external movements.'
Every movement, every breath, had to be synchronized with the flow of mana within. Dakota watched as Astron adjusted, trying to find that balance.
'He's learning, but it's still rough. His strikes are becoming more precise, but he needs to control the flow better,' she analyzed. 'Each punch, each kick... it's like recalibrating his entire combat style.'
Of course, just as she thought that, he stopped for a split second, his eyes widening slightly. Something had changed, as it seemed, and he came to a realization.
'That is good, but discipline needs to be installed.'
She didn't know what kind of student life he had when he was in the academy, but she wanted to make sure that things like these would not be tolerated here and he would know about it.
–SWOOSH!
"It seems you are finally getting onto something. But, you must never forget your opponent is right here." Dakota moved in again, her body blurring with speed and precision.
THUD!
She felt her strike connect, and Astron raised his hand rapidly to block it.
–DING!
The shockwave from her attack rang out, and she saw Astron momentarily lose his balance and fall to the ground.
"Or things like this may happen."
As Astron lay on the ground, Dakota prepared for another attack. She noticed the slight glow in his eyes, a sign of his ability activating.
'Indeed, he has one of those eyes.'
Being in this organization for more than a decade, she was now familiar with the concept of special eyes.
Since her rank was not as high as some certain people, she was not a core member or a [Chosen]. Thus, she did not have access to the information regarding Eyes.
But she still knew they existed, and she even trained two of [Holder]s before.
As the fight continued, Dakota's keen observation skills picked up on a unique trait in Astron. Beyond his quick reflexes and adaptability, there was something more profound at play.
His ability to internalize the things he observed and rapidly integrate them into his fighting style was exceptional.
'He's not just observing; he's assimilating,' she realized. 'This goes beyond simple mimicry. He's using a form of "observational learning," but at an accelerated rate.'
In psychology, this ability to rapidly learn and internalize observed behaviors is often referred to as "modeling" or "observational learning," concepts popularized by the researchers. (You may refer to Alber Bandura for this case)
However, Astron's proficiency seemed to transcend ordinary observational learning. His brain was not only absorbing the information but also adapting his neural pathways to incorporate these new skills almost instantaneously.
'It's as if he has a heightened form of neuroplasticity,' Dakota thought, watching him closely. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
In Astron's case, this ability appeared to be extraordinarily advanced, allowing him to adapt and integrate new combat techniques at a rapid pace.
The more they sparred, the more Dakota saw Astron's potential. He was like a sponge, soaking up the nuances of her movements, the flow of mana, and the precision of her strikes. Each time he stumbled or made a mistake, he quickly adjusted, refining his approach with every exchange.
'He's not just learning; he's evolving in real-time,' Dakota mused, impressed. 'With proper guidance, he could become a formidable fighter, perhaps even surpassing many of his peers.'
As the sparring session continued, Dakota pushed Astron harder, testing the limits of his adaptability and resilience. She could see the strain in his eyes, the fatigue in his movements, but he never gave up. He kept pushing, kept adapting, and kept learning.
By the end of their session, Dakota was thoroughly impressed. Astron's ability to internalize and adapt was unlike anything she had seen before.
And that was the perfect ability to have for a [Weapon Master] class.
'Indeed. If it is him, then it might be possible.'
She remembered her certain friend who had lost his life on the battlefield.
"Man…..I wish I was at least able to see the advancement of my class….Damn….."
Those were his last words.
'Elias….Maybe he can do it?'
Thinking that, she decided what she needed to do.
"You did well, Trainee Astron. How about becoming my disciple?"
The offer was made, and Dakota could see the recognition in Astron's eyes. She knew he had the potential to rise to greatness, and she was willing to guide him on that path.
'He has a long road ahead,' she thought as she observed Astron's reaction. 'But with dedication and hard work, he'll get there. I'll make sure of it.'
Just like that, she waited for him to reply. However, of course, even if he had refused, it was not like he had a choice. She could easily take him under her with her authority.
'That woman, Reina, can cause some problems, but it is fine.'
Though it seemed she did not need to have such speculations as the young man before him nodded his head.
Though he was breathless and tired, with blood flowing down from his nose and his arms bent in some sort of weird way, he still showed his resolve.
'He's got a nice pain tolerance as well,' Dakota noted. 'He didn't even make any noise at all, and his eyes are still clear even in these conditions.'
She realized that her last attack had been a bit excessive. Even though she had limited herself to the maximum, that attack she had used landed perfectly, and once it had landed, such injuries were inevitable.
'Indeed.....We have found a gem here,' she thought while tossing him a potion.
"Drink this," she instructed her tone firm yet with a hint of approval.
Astron caught the potion and quickly drank it, the healing properties working to mend his injuries.
As he drank, Dakota observed him closely. 'He's resilient, adaptable, and has an extraordinary ability to learn and internalize. With proper guidance, he could become a true master of his class.'
She saw the determination in his eyes as he finished the potion. Despite the pain and exhaustion, there was a fire burning within him—a drive to improve, to succeed.
'He's going to go far,' she thought. 'And I'm going to make sure he gets there.'
Dakota smiled slightly, feeling a sense of pride and responsibility. She had found a worthy disciple, someone who could potentially surpass even the greatest ones.
"Rest up, Disciple," she said. She checked her smartwatch. "It is now 7 A.M. You will have your examination at 9. Get something to eat and refresh yourself. You will need to put on a good show there if you don't want to embarrass Reina and me."
"Understood."
Dakota raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful smirk. "That's not quite right, you know."
Astron paused, confused. "What do you mean?"
She crossed her arms and tilted her head slightly. "You're missing something."
He blinked but did not realize.
"…..Are you that clueless, or are you doing this on purpose…..Disciple?"
As she asked this question, he seemed to understand finally.
"Ah..." he said, nodding his head. "I understand...Master."
Dakota's smirk widened. "There it is. Much better."
Astron nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face despite his exhaustion. "Yes, Master."
"Good. You may leave," she said with a satisfied nod.
As Astron turned to leave, Dakota watched him go, a sense of satisfaction settling over her. She had found a promising student, one who would push boundaries and strive for greatness. She would ensure he had the training and guidance needed to unlock his full potential.