Chapter 262 New sparing partner
Kevin's chest rose and fell rhythmically as he caught his breath, seated on the cushioned mat, watching the flurry of wooden weapons clashing in the training arena. The sounds of training swords striking echoed around him, mingling with the huffs and grunts of the fighters.
Keyara, attentive to his exertion, approached with a bottle of water in hand. "Hey, take a breather for a bit," she suggested, offering the bottle to him.
"Thanks," Kevin murmured appreciatively, accepting the water. This wasn't just any water; it was drawn from the pond, they stumbled upon in monster layer. After experimenting with it for a while, they discovered that after rigorous physical activity, this water worked as a remarkable elixir, rejuvenating and strengthening their bodies at an astonishing pace. It seemed to possess properties far beyond mere hydration, more akin to a supercharged protein supplement, accelerating their recovery and fortification to levels previously unimaginable.
The revelation of the pond's miraculous properties had transformed their training routines. What was once a simple hydration source had become a vital component of their physical regimen. As Kevin took a sip, he could feel the water coursing through him, revitalizing fatigued muscles almost instantly.
The fighters in the arena continued their intense practice, their dedication evident in every strike and parry. Keyara, beside Kevin, observed with a keen eye, her focus shifting between the combatants and her companion's recovery.
"That water really does wonders," Keyara remarked, a hint of marvel in her voice as she took a sip from her own bottle.
Kevin nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Kevin had been experimenting with the water for nearly three days now, noticing its remarkable effects. His time at the dojo had stretched over a week, and it seemed they were in for another week's stay, judging by the current pace.
Having recognized the value in this place, he had traded some of his herbs to acquire Chernos, the local currency. This land held numerous treasures, including the dojo where he paid for training. It was unlike any other dojo he'd encountered before. This place incorporated formations designed to clear the mind and enhance training efficiency.
His training routine here was intense, often spanning 6 to 8 hours a day. Keyara, while unable to join him for the entire duration due to her other commitments, managed to dedicate 2 to 3 hours each day to guide and train him. However, Kevin found himself surrounded by a diverse group of new friends at the dojo, forming connections and training alongside individuals outside his usual circle.
In the realm of training, Kevin found himself engrossed in a relentless pursuit of mastery. Under Keyara's guidance, he had adopted a dynamic approach, engaging in sparring sessions to accelerate his experiential learning. This hands-on method had proven invaluable, notably in the refinement of his signature technique, the Armor Destroyer move. Through dedicated practice, he had honed it to a point where it not only endured longer but also transitioned seamlessly into conjuring ethereal wind blades—an evolution that signified a leap in his capabilities.
His training routine expanded beyond perfecting existing techniques. He delved deeper into the foundational techniques of the esteemed Soldier Blade, focusing on mastering the quartet of essential moves. The Armor Destroyer, the keystone of his repertoire, was joined by the Dash Attack, Sting Throw, and the elusive Chaos Mirage.
Among these, the Chaos Mirage stood as a formidable challenge, demanding a level of finesse that tested his skill and concentration. The crux lay in manifesting a mirage, not of his entire form, but specifically of his blades—an intricate feat that had remained elusive despite his persistent efforts. Kevin found solace in his achievements with the Dash Attack and Sting Throw, having managed to execute these maneuvers on a few occasions, albeit with sporadic success.
The dojo had become a sanctuary of discipline and relentless training. Hours blurred into days as Kevin tirelessly practiced, driven by an insatiable thirst for improvement. The Soldier Blade techniques tantalized him with their complexity, each move a puzzle demanding patience and precision to unlock its secrets.
Amidst the relentless pursuit of martial prowess, Kevin's days were a whirlwind of focused determination. Every strike, every stance adjustment, was a step closer to mastery. He embraced the challenges posed by the Chaos Mirage, understanding that its conquest would mark a significant milestone in his journey toward complete proficiency.
Despite the occasional frustration and setbacks, the atmosphere within the dojo buzzed with camaraderie and shared determination.
The Sting Throw was an intricate maneuver, a technique designed not just to hurl a knife but to target a precise, agonizing point—an innovation Kevin had observed during his battles. He had witnessed another practitioner executing it with such force that it resonated like a cannonball striking a target, producing an echoing thunderous boom against the training dummy.
The allure of mastering this technique wasn't solely about its auditory impact. Kevin recognized its potential, realizing that if he could execute it with similar prowess, he could neutralize formidable adversaries like the shadowcrest lupins with a single well-aimed strike.
"Hey, newbie, up for a sparring session?" A man with unruly auburn hair approached, his breath catching up as he stood beside Kevin.
It was Austin, a recent acquaintance of Kevin's. They shared similar levels of cultivation, with Austin slightly senior in experience, a fact that only added to his formidable combat skills. Though can be hailed as a prodigy in Lucima City, in this new arena, Austin was just another dedicated combatant.
Kevin nodded, acknowledging Austin's challenge while taking another sip of the rejuvenating water. "Sure, give me a moment to catch my breath." The water worked its restorative magic, reinvigorating his senses and readying him for the impending spar with his skilled companion.
As Kevin caught his breath, Austin paced around, his energy radiating readiness for the impending bout. "No rush, take your time," he assured, stretching his muscles casually.
Kevin, feeling the revitalizing effects of the water, straightened up, the anticipation for the friendly match flickering in his eyes. "Alright, I'm good now."
They assumed their sparring stances, the air crackling with an unspoken challenge. "Let's keep it friendly," Austin grinned, the intensity of his gaze softened by a playful glint.
"Of course," Kevin replied with a matching grin, bracing himself for the clash of skills.
Austin, like Kevin, wielded dual blades, fostering a keen interest in sparring with him to glean insights and techniques. As they stood facing each other, both fighters brandished their wooden blades, a palpable anticipation hanging in the air. Austin, with a subtle grinding sound, leaned forward, initiating a swift maneuver that propelled him from his original position to Kevin's, his blade aimed at Kevin's throat. However, Kevin adeptly blocked the attack with his own set of wooden blades.
"Bastard," Kevin muttered inwardly, a fierce determination masking his face as he thwarted Austin's Dash Attack. A sly grin appeared on Kevin's face as he countered, launching a calculated leg attack aimed at Austin's midsection.
Austin's grin widened even as he skillfully dodged the attack, gracefully backing away from the confrontation. Their exchange was not just a test of skills but a nuanced dance of anticipation and reaction, each move met with a calculated response, showcasing their agility and combat prowess.
The dance of blades continued, a harmonious clash of skill and strategy between Kevin and Austin. Their movements were a flurry of strikes and parries, a symphony of wooden blades meeting with calculated precision.
"You've getting good," Austin remarked, a glint of admiration in his eyes as he deftly maneuvered, attempting to outmaneuver Kevin.
"Thanks, learning from the best," Kevin replied, a smirk crossing his face as he deflected Austin's flurry of strikes with finesse.
Initially, when engaging with Austin, Kevin often found himself susceptible to injury due to Austin's tendency to unleash his full force right from the outset. However, over time, Kevin had learned to defend against these aggressive maneuvers.
As they stood facing each other now, Kevin decided to initiate the Dash Attack. Aware that Austin would likely anticipate and block the move, Kevin moved forward, albeit with a slower speed. Just as Austin's blades seemed poised to intercept, Kevin swiftly altered his trajectory, shifting his body sideways. In a deft move, he redirected his blade against Austin's arm while simultaneously attempting to strike at Austin's shoulder. However, Austin, drawing from his extensive experience, skillfully maneuvered his leg to obstruct Kevin's movement, causing him to lose balance and stumble.
The skirmish unfolded with calculated precision, each move met with a countermeasure, showcasing not just their combat skills but also their strategic acumen. Despite Kevin's attempt to maneuver and strike, Austin's seasoned expertise enabled him to anticipate and thwart the assault, capitalizing on Kevin's slight misstep to momentarily gain the upper hand in their duel.
Austin couldn't help but let out a chuckle as Kevin stumbled, his maneuver foiled, causing him to lose his balance and fall. "Oops, looks like someone needs a bit more practice," Austin teased with a playful smirk, his tone laced with amusement.
Kevin, sprawled on the ground, grinned back, his competitive spirit undeterred by the setback. "Yeah, yeah, don't get too cocky now," he retorted, dusting himself off and springing back up, ready to resume the bout.
Keyara observed the sparring match between Kevin and Austin, the intensity of their duel evident in their movements. Shortly, another individual joined her, prompting Keyara to acknowledge the newcomer with a nod. "They're back at it again," the newcomer remarked—a woman of similar height and muscular build as Keyara, yet distinguished by her darker complexion, dark hair, and piercing blue eyes. Scars adorned her exposed arms and face, testaments to battles past.
"Yeah," Keyara affirmed, her gaze fixed on the fighters as they clashed in the training arena.
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