Training Skills II

I began training myself as outlined in the manual, though my movements still appeared stiff and unnatural. The training system I used involved shadow fighting techniques, where I imagined fighting invisible enemies and tried to hone my skills with the instructed movements.

Initially, I decided not to use the pistol because I didn't want to waste valuable bullets without a clear reason. Instead, I practiced using a knife, thinking that CQC (Close Quarters Combat) training with this weapon would suffice for the initial stage. However, the training didn't go as expected. My movements looked awkward and ineffective, like a child throwing a tantrums.

"Ugh, this can't go on," I muttered in frustration, staring at the knife in my hand. "I thought it would be easy since I have the skills, but it's not as simple as I expected."

I felt sweat trickling down my temple, slowly dripping along my tense face. My breath came in gasps after several attempts at movements that should have been agile but appeared clumsy. My hand holding the knife trembled, reflecting my uncertainty and confusion.

For a moment, I stopped and reflected, gazing at the silent and cool forest around me. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating moving shadows on the ground, as if nature was dancing to an invisible rhythm. The sound of birds and the rustling wind became the background music, soothing my chaotic mind.

Then, I decided to revisit the shop feature on the Deus Machina system, hoping to find a solution to my problem. My eyes scanned the various items and services available, hoping one of them could provide the help I needed. As I scrolled through the screen, something caught my attention—the shop offered a mentor rental service.

"What!?" I exclaimed, unable to hide my surprise. How could someone from another world be sent here as a mentor? This certainly broke the laws of nature I knew, much like how this kingdom managed to summon us from another world. However, the idea was too enticing to ignore, and without further thought, I began to look for more information about the mentors available for hire.

One name that caught my attention was Nikolai Aftor. The description of Nikolai left me amazed. He was a veteran from the modern world, an expert in various martial arts and war strategies. His experience in military operations and combat training was extensive, and he was known as a mentor capable of turning beginners into formidable warriors.

I read more about Nikolai, admiring his reputation. He was known as someone strict yet wise, able to inspire and push his students to reach their full potential. His ability to teach advanced techniques, both in close combat and firearms usage, made him an ideal choice for my situation.

However, my enthusiasm began to wane when I saw the listed price. The cost of hiring Nikolai was very high, almost screaming at my limited credit points. I only had 300 credit points left, while hiring Nikolai required at least 1,000 credit points per month. A sense of despair started to envelop my thoughts, as the opportunity to receive guidance from such a great mentor seemed to slip away just like that.

However, in the midst of my despair, a revelation appeared as if sent straight from heaven. I discovered that Nikolai could be rented by the hour, not just by the month. With 300 credit points, I could hire Nikolai for 6 hours. Though it wasn't much, I felt this was a golden opportunity that I couldn't pass up.

With renewed enthusiasm, I quickly completed the transaction. My mind was filled with hope and anticipation. Six hours might not seem long, but I was confident that with the right guidance, every second would be incredibly valuable. I prepared myself to receive this legendary mentor.

Soon after, a small portal opened in front of me, emitting a bright light that gradually faded. From the portal stepped a sturdy man with a face full of experience. His graying hair and sharp eyes showed he was a true veteran. He was Nikolai Aftor, my new mentor.

"Johan Anderson?" he asked in a deep, authoritative voice. I nodded, still somewhat stunned by his sudden appearance. "Alright, let's get started. Our time is limited, so we need to make the most of it."

Nikolai immediately began the training session, demonstrating both basic and advanced techniques in firearm usage and close-quarters combat. He corrected my stance, showed me the proper way to hold a knife, and provided tips on maintaining balance and improving my reaction speed. His instructions were clear and precise, allowing me to quickly understand and apply the techniques.

I felt my enthusiasm surge again. With Nikolai's guidance, I was confident I could overcome any challenges ahead. What had previously felt difficult and confusing now became clearer and more directed. I was ready to learn and grow, and with Nikolai Aftor's help, I was sure I would reach my full potential.

It wasn't just about knife usage—Nikolai also taught me how to use a pistol and provided in-depth theory on handling firearms correctly. During those six hours, I gained invaluable knowledge that exceeded my expectations. Nikolai patiently taught me effective shooting techniques, how to control my breathing, the optimal body position, and how to manage weapon recoil.

Additionally, he taught me how to understand opponents and quickly devise strategies. We discussed various combat scenarios, from close-quarters combat to more complex shooting situations. Nikolai showed me how to analyze opponents' movements, anticipate attacks, and find their weaknesses. Although these lessons seemed aimed at facing human adversaries, I realized that the fundamental principles would still apply to battling various types of enemies in this otherworldly realm.

"Pay attention to your opponent's movements," Nikolai said firmly as he adjusted my grip on the weapon. "Every movement can give you clues about their next move. Don't just focus on their weapon, but also on their body language and attack patterns."

I nodded, striving to absorb every word he said. Though the training was challenging, I felt increasingly confident with each passing minute. Nikolai didn't just provide theory; he also practiced various techniques in realistic training scenarios. He created urgent situations that forced me to think quickly and make precise decisions in a short amount of time.

"I know you're in a different world," Nikolai said, staring at me seriously. "But remember, the basic principles still apply. Adaptation is key. Use what you've learned here and adjust it to the situations you face."

When the training session ended, I felt exhausted but satisfied. Although six hours seemed incredibly short, I had learned many invaluable things. Nikolai had given me a strong foundation to build my combat skills further.

"Thank you, Nikolai," I said sincerely. "Your guidance means a lot to me."

Nikolai nodded wisely. "Remember, continuous practice is the key to success. Never stop learning and adapting. And most importantly, trust yourself."

I nodded, feeling more motivated and ready to face the challenges ahead. As the time ran out, Nikolai waved his hand in front of the blue portal through which he had appeared. I waved back, gratitude in my gesture, seeing a small smile form on his face before he stepped back into the portal. The blue light flickered and faded, and Nikolai disappeared, leaving me alone in the quiet forest.

It was late afternoon, and the sunlight was beginning to fade behind the trees, casting long shadows on the ground. The cool evening breeze blew, carrying the scent of leaves and damp earth. I stood there for a moment, feeling the weight and exhaustion from the intense training, but also feeling a newfound sense of determination and confidence.

The lessons and brief experience I had gained from someone so seasoned felt immensely valuable. Every move Nikolai taught was vividly etched in my memory; every strategy and technique he showed seemed to have become a part of me now. I felt more prepared and more confident to face my first real test tomorrow.

I began to walk back toward the castle, following the path surrounded by lush trees. The sky, shifting from blue to orange, offered a beautiful and calming view. I reflected on everything that had happened today, every moment of training, every piece of advice from Nikolai, and how all of it would help me tomorrow.