After hours of relentless focus, Jack finally managed to grasp the intricacies of his new skill. A wave of satisfaction surged through him, his confidence swelling. 'I did it. Just a little trial and voilà! I said I was smart, and now there's no doubt about it. If I keep leveling up like this, I'll be ready to knock a few heads soon. I can't wait,' Jack mused, ntally rubbing his hands together with glee.
"Now that we've concluded our little test, it's ti to move forward," Hay announced, his booming voice snapping Jack out of his thoughts. The instructor stood tall, his imposing figure drawing every gaze in the room. His earlier turmoil—brought on by Jack's unexpected prowess—was now hidden beneath a mask of stoic authority. "You're here for more than just weapon lessons. Combat training is just as crucial."
Hay's sharp eyes scanned the room. "A true warrior must never beco overly reliant on their weapon. What happens if your weapon is lost? Will you let yourself die without a fight?" His words hung heavy in the air, challenging them. "Hand-to-hand combat isn't just a backup; it's essential. Mastery of unard techniques will also help you gain better control over your aura."
As the class murmured, Hay removed his armor, exposing a plain black shirt beneath. The garnt clung to his sculpted form, outlining the contours of his battle-hardened physique. He rolled his shoulders, stretched his arms, and widened his stance. "The techniques I'm about to show you are standard across Avalonia. Watch closely."
Hay took a deliberate stance, his feet shoulder-width apart, his fists raised in a defensive posture. He paused for a mont, letting the students absorb his every move. His sharp gaze flicked to Jack, and a spark of curiosity lit his expression. 'Let's see just how much of a monster this boy truly is,' Hay thought, his lips curling into a sly grin.
"Asriel, step forward," he commanded. The room went silent. All eyes turned to Jack, who was seated near the back, lost in his thoughts.
'Why ? Why always ? What is it with this square-jawed tyrant dragging into the spotlight?' Jack groaned inwardly, reluctantly rising from his seat.
As he walked to the front, his mind raced. 'So it's co to this, huh? Thankfully, Alogra drilled so hand-to-hand basics into . Let's see if I can make it work.'
"You all should pay close attention," Hay addressed the class as Jack approached. "This technique provides both defense and offensive versatility. Observe carefully." Hay gestured for Jack to attack.
"You may use your weapon," Hay added, his tone calm but with a hint of challenge.
Jack's brow twitched. 'Use my weapon? Oh, I plan to use both.' A smirk tugged at his lips as he bolted forward, blade in hand. He launched a downward slash with startling speed, his movents fluid and precise.
Hay sidestepped effortlessly, his sharp reflexes kicking in. At the sa ti, he countered with a powerful kick aid squarely at Jack's face.
Jack twisted his head back just in ti, the sole of Hay's boot narrowly grazing him. The close call sent a jolt of adrenaline through him, but he didn't falter. Instead, he pressed on, unleashing a flurry of strikes with relentless precision. Each swing of his blade burned with the intent to overwhelm.
Hay frowned slightly, dodging each strike. "Why are your attacks so ruthless? This is rely a demonstration for the class," he said, sidestepping another deadly arc of Jack's blade.
Jack grinned, his eyes gleaming with defiance. "Aren't demonstrations ant to showcase reality? I'm just making it realistic."
Hay chuckled, though his gaze remained sharp. "You've picked up so bad habits from Alogra, haven't you?" he muttered under his breath.
Jack didn't respond, instead spinning into a roundhouse kick that shot toward Hay with blistering speed. Hay raised his arm just in ti to block it, the impact echoing like a gunshot in the room.
"You've learned so skills already," Hay remarked, his surprise evident as he steadied himself.
"Figured it might be necessary," Jack replied, using the montum of the block to pivot into a second roundhouse kick. The fluidity and flexibility of the move caught Hay off guard, forcing him to take a step back.
'A double roundhouse? Impressive for his age,' Hay thought. His respect for Jack's abilities grew, though he was determined not to show it.
Jack pressed his advantage, darting forward with a low sweep of his blade. Hay's eyes narrowed as he leapt back, narrowly avoiding the strike.
"I hope you're all paying attention," Hay said, raising his voice for the class. "If your opponent is ard, maintain your distance. Only close in when an opening presents itself. And above all, stay calm."
As if to emphasize his point, Hay surged forward, his massive fist cutting through the air like a cannonball. Jack barely managed to twist his head aside, the force of the punch ruffling his hair as it passed.
'Damn! That punch could've flattened . His strength isn't far from Alogra's. If he wasn't holding back, I'd be toast,' Jack thought, his heart racing. But he didn't let the near miss shake him. Instead, he saw an opportunity.
'I'm close enough now!' Jack thought, a fierce grin spreading across his face as he slashed at Hay's neck.
But just as the blade was about to connect, Hay blurred. Jack stumbled, montarily disoriented. 'He hopped back?! Shit!' Before Jack could recover, Hay's massive boot ca barreling toward his gut.
Jack braced himself, but the blow never landed. Hay stopped short, a calculated move to make his point.
"This is what I want you to perfect—the hop technique," Hay said, lowering his foot as he straightened. "It's a combination of patience and precision. Make your opponent think they have the upper hand, and strike when they least expect it."
He turned his attention back to Jack, who was still kneeling on the floor, catching his breath. "Don't worry," Hay said with a sly grin. "You'll get next ti. That is, if you don't fall for the sa trick twice."
Jack smirked, wiping the sweat from his brow as he rose. "Only a fool makes the sa mistake twice. I'm smarter than that."
Hay chuckled, amused by Jack's confidence. "I'll hold you to that. Let's see if you can back it up."
Their exchange left the class buzzing with curiosity. Whispers rippled through the room as the students tried to decipher the cryptic banter between the two.
"Alright, pair up and start practicing," Hay commanded, clapping his hands to regain the class's focus. "I'll be back in a few minutes to see your progress."
As the students scrambled to find partners, Jack returned to his seat, his mind already working through the encounter.
Just then a certain figure walked up to him, "Let's pair" It was a figure he never expected.
'These Church rats can never take a break'
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