Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey

Chapter 18: Training Grounds [ 1 ]

Today's first class is training and combat practice.

After entering the classroom Professor Lillian Ashbourne said We are going to practice our new weapons.

So here I am.

The training ground sprawled before me, a vast expanse of opportunities and challenges. The various sections of the training facility were bustling with activity as students began their combat practice for the day.

Professor Lillian Ashbourne's voice echoed through the area as she explained the training regimen. "Today, we will be focusing on practising your newly chosen weapons. Remember, your proficiency with your chosen weapon can make all the difference in battle."

With her instructions in mind, I scanned the training ground. The shooting range on the top right caught my attention, divided into five distinct distances for archery practice. On the bottom right, sturdy practice dummies stood ready for close combat training. Made of the durable Forlum metal, they were the perfect opponents for honing combat skills.

The middle area of the training ground remained unoccupied, a blank canvas for students to practice their techniques and footwork. On the top left, a well-equipped gym awaited, featuring a gravity room that could simulate up to 10g for intensive training. And finally, a large swimming pool on the bottom left provided a space for conditioning and recovery.

Suddenly, a commanding voice pierced the air, pulling my attention toward the front of the training ground. A tall, imposing figure stood before the cadets, demanding respect and attention.

"My name is Instructor Ravi Mishra! Starting today, you will address me as Instructor Ravi and answer 'maggots'!" His voice boomed with authority, immediately instilling a sense of discipline.

"Yes, Instructor!" The chorus of responses from the cadets was swift and crisp, showcasing their acknowledgement of his authority.

Instructor Ravi's gaze swept over the assembled students. "I will be in charge of training your combat skills. Your weapon will become an extension of yourself in tight situations. Remember that!"

The cadets nodded, acknowledging the importance of mastering their chosen weapons.

"Now, go and practice the weapons you selected yesterday. Every move and every choice matters in battle. After an hour, gather here!" Instructor Ravi's order set the cadets in motion, each finding their designated spot on the training ground.

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I observed the main characters dispersed to their chosen practice areas. Aric, Adrian, Noah, Kael, Elara, Isla, and Linnea Stoneheart headed to the training dummies. Emma, Isabella, and Evelyn opted for the shooting range to refine their archery skills. Lyara Morningstar, the healer, moved to the mana chamber to work on her mana capacity.

As for me, I made my way to the middle area, my chosen practice spot for the day. I needed to develop my sword art further, especially Celestial Parry, Grade 3. The experience with that monster taught me the value of mastering my techniques.

I opened my status window and in that, I tapped [martial art]

[Sword art: Celestial Parry: Grade 3].

[ The Celestial Parry is a sword technique that mirrors the dance of the stars. It's a blend of fluid movements and precise strikes that not only defends but also counters with finesse. The practitioner envisions their sword as an extension of the starlight, a radiant and unyielding force.

The first step involves drawing upon the ethereal power of the stars. The practitioner's sword shimmers with a faint glow, as if reflecting distant constellations.

In the second step, they move with almost otherworldly grace, sidestepping or deflecting attacks effortlessly. Their movements are reminiscent of celestial bodies in orbit, shifting and swirling.

The third step is the culmination of the art, a swift and controlled strike that mirrors the trajectory of a shooting star. The practitioner's blade seems to blur as they executes a precise parry that redirects the opponent's attack. As the sword meets their opponent's weapon, a burst of starlight temporarily blinds them, creating an opening for a swift counterattack ].

"There are only 3 moves in this art because it's 3 grade but that's fine I at least have something, most of the students have 2 or 3-grade art so my art is not behind them."

On the other hand, if I have to use this art I must reach at least a minor realm.

And how to achieve a minor realm?

"I can achieve the minor realm of mastery after doing the same movement over 10,000 times"

When learning a sword art there were ways to determine the level of mastery.

There was the minor realm of mastery, the great realm of mastery, the essence realm of mastery, and lastly the perfected realm of mastery.

Each realm signified a percentage of understanding of the whole sword art.

The minor realm of mastery required a 25% understanding of sword art.

The great realm of mastery required a 50% understanding, the essence realm required a 75% understanding, and lastly the perfected realm.

The pinnacle of art mastery, with a 100% understanding of the sword art.

Currently, I aimed to get all Three movements up to the minor realms, before later improving them.

'Let's start it.'

"First Movement of Celestial Parry [ Starry Deflection]"

I closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing and channelling mana. I held my sword diagonally across my body, creating a sturdy barrier. As I pivoted smoothly on my back foot, I deflected invisible attacks with precision, focusing on creating a solid defence while conserving energy for a counterattack.

The sword art flowed through my muscles, and I began to practice my movements.

Instructor Ravi's voice resonated across the training ground as he offered guidance to each group of students. His words reached my ears, blending with the sounds of weapons clashing, arrows flying, and the determined shouts of my peers.

"Conserve your energy! Every movement should serve a purpose!"

"Focus on your aim, not just the power of your shot!"

"Use the momentum of your swing to maximize the impact!"

Practised art, I could feel the progress of each repetition. The technique was starting to flow more naturally, and my muscles were adapting to the motion. Sweat trickled down my brow, but I remained determined.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Evelyn as she practised her archery. Her form was impeccable, her arrows hitting the target with unerring accuracy. She moved with grace and purpose, her dedication evident in every movement.

Though I couldn't hear her conversations, I noticed some students exchanging glances and comments as they observed Evelyn and me together.

Some looked intrigued, while others seemed puzzled by the unlikely pairing.

Yet, amidst it all, I smiled and focused on my practice. Instructor Ravi's words continued to guide us, reminding us that each movement counted.

In the background, I could hear the sounds of combat and the impact of arrows hitting targets. During the chaos, I continued my practice, determined to improve my skills.

****

Ravi leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the cadets as they practised on the training grounds. "What do you think of this batch, Lillian?"

Lillian's eyes followed the movements of the students, her expression contemplative. "This batch certainly holds promise. There's an interesting mix of talent and potential. Among them, I see a few who have caught my attention."

Ravi's eyebrows arched in curiosity. "Care to share who?"

Lillian gestured discreetly towards a cluster of cadets, her eyes settling on a particular individual. "Adrian Blackthorn stands out to me. His dedication and precision in wielding his weapon are impressive. And major fact is that he did not come from any lineage. He has a desire to be stronger than any student here"

Ravi nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed you are right about this, but it's his efforts that truly set him apart."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Lillian's lips. "Exactly. Talent may open doors, but hard work and discipline are what keep those doors open."

Ravi's gaze shifted to another group of cadets. "What about the top 10 students? How do they fare in your evaluation?"

Lillian's gaze followed his, landing on a student with a notable presence. "There are many impressive students at the top but in my opinion Nightshade is different. Her archery skills are exceptional. She possesses a keen focus and strategic mind, making her a formidable opponent. I sense a fire in her, a desire to prove herself beyond her family name."

Ravi's lips quirked in amusement. "The Nightshades do have a reputation."

Lillian's tone turned wistful. "Reputation can be a double-edged sword. It can propel you forward or shackle you to expectations."

Ravi's eyes gleamed with understanding. "I've seen it happen too many times. Now, tell me, is there anyone you believe holds untapped potential?"

Lillian's gaze turned thoughtful as she observed the cadets with a discerning eye. "Lucas Darkheart."

There was a surprise in Ravi's face as the mentioned the name of Lucas.

"Why did you say that his name? The last I checked the name of the student, he was in last place and also his potential is Just [ B] Rank?"

Lillian paused for a moment then answered Ravi's question

"You are right, he is at the bottom of our class and his potential is only [ B] Rank at best."

"Then why?"

"Because he may not be among the top, but there's a determination in him. When I saw him yesterday he had different aura as if he was carrying more than meets the eye. I'm intrigued by his choices and actions."

Ravi raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her choice. "You have a good eye for spotting potential beyond the surface."

Lillian chuckled softly. "Years of experience and observation tend to sharpen one's perception."

As the conversation concluded, Ravi's voice echoed across the training ground, commanding the cadets' attention. "Time's over! Gather here!"

The cadets complied, forming a group that consisted of diverse backgrounds and aspirations. Unbeknownst to them, the instructors' discerning eyes had identified the flickers of potential within each of them, waiting to be cultivated and honed in the days to come.