Practicing sword forms

"Continuing on from our last lesson, today we will be learning about form.

Repeat the form I taught you last time for ten reps in one set, for five sets. Do

them slowly and check how you move. Once you're done, form groups of two

and check your partner's movements for five sets."

At the instructor's orders, the students began to move — the male students in

particular swung their wooden swords enthusiastically.

"Kyle. I'll teach you personally since you don't know the forms yet. Follow me."

Kyle obediently followed the instructor. They headed for an area away from

the rest of the students and stood face-to-face a moderate distance apart from

each other.

Have you ever held a sword before, Kyle?"

"Yes. Technically," Kyle admitted. Strictly speaking he hadn't held sword in this the one who held the sword was Earth's Kyle. He had praticed with all different kinds of swords.

"Hm. I see. Then, first, I'll review how well you can use it. Try and land a blow

on me with that sword. Come at me when you're ready," the instructor said,

holding his sword up.

What an action-oriented man. Kyle's mouth twitched in a wry smile at the

simple progression of the conversation. This instructor believed in talking

through the body rather than words, however his posture was very practical

and refined, even from Kyle's perspective. His skill was authentic.

But... what should I do? Kyle pondered as he adjusted his grip on the sword. He

didn't understand the principles yet, but he could probably land a hit if he

strengthened his physical abilities with magic essence. He had confidence in

doing that, but the instructor would definitely notice that something strange

was going on if a child with no magic training showed movements more

advanced than an adult's. And if that happened, he'd have to explain himself.

It's probably best to just do it with my natural strength. Let's get this over

with.

Once Kyle had decided, he held the sword ready. Though he had never held a

shield at the same time as a sword before, he improvised.

"Is that a stance of your own style?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"I see. You seem to have talent." The instructor grinned. In the next instant,

Kyle took off running straight for him.

Approach, then cut. That's what swordcraft boiled down to. As though

embodying that mantra, Kyle approached the instructor and swung his sword with a test swing. The instructor easily received the sword.

"Hmm," he murmured as though he was impressed, staring at Kyle's grip and

blade control on the sword. "Good grasp of the sword. Your wrist won't hurt

that way."

Kyle concluded that this man had excellent observation skills, fitting for an

instructor. It wasn't easy to hide the basic techniques he had already learned.

That being said, his posture was a bit unique due to his unfamiliarity with

holding a shield.

Kyle swung the wooden sword again, and again, and again. But the instructor

handled them all with an elegant deftness. Of course. There was no way a child

could compare with an instructor in a duel — in both strength and speed. He'd

have to rely on his technical ability if he were to have a chance at landing a

blow, but using all the techniques he learned from his teachers in his

previous life would also be considered abnormal. Well, I doubt he actually

expects me to land a blow. Kyle assessed the situation calmly.

"Good! Well done, Kyle. Could do with a little more fire in you, but you're

suited for knighthood!" the instructor beamed. He was as hot-blooded as Kyle

predicted.

To be honest, it was a bit stifling.

"Unfortunately, I have no interest in becoming a knight."

"What?! Well, you'll be at the academy for a long time. I'll make sure to teach

you all the swordcraft a knight needs, so don't worry."

Was that meant to be reassuring? Their conversation wasn't coalescing at

all... Kyle swung his sword with a bitter smile. Then—

"!"

Suddenly, the instructor launched a swift strike against Kyle, who reflexively

stepped back to evade it.

"Oho! So you can react to that," the instructor murmured in awe.

"You're not meant to be the one attacking, sir."

"There's no rule against it! But now I know your strength. That's enough." The instructor lowered his sword. Kyle followed suit.

"As a child, you don't have much speed or power. However, your movements

were very refined. You have quite the talent when it comes to handling a

sword, but it would've been better if you had incorporated your shield into your

attacks."

"Thank you, sir."

"Good. Now, we shall move on to learning forms."

"Please, give me your guidance." Kyle bowed his head.

He spent some time learning Erugenia-style swordcraft from the instructor. As

he was rather quick on the uptake, Kyle was able to imitate the forms easily after

seeing them a few times. The instructor found this amusing, and showed him

one form after another, until they lost track of time doing so.

"Ah, I'd better get back soon. The other students have started finishing up."

They walked back to where the other students were. Just then, Kyle felt

someone looking at him. He glanced over at the direction of the gaze: it was

Annora and Colllete. The other students, who were separated from him, had

shown no interest in Kyle. The boys were trying to show off in front of the girls

with their eager sword swings, while the girls noisily chatted away as they

watched them.

"Hmph!" Annora huffed in displeasure and immediately broke their eye

contact.

Next to her, Collette — who had been Annora's partner for the practice sets

— was in a state of shock as she stared at Kyle.

Were they watching me? Kyle questioned in his head.

But he didn't really care if they did — it wasn't as if he was doing anything

special.

He lost his interest in the two girls and looked away from them.