Chapter 32 Training Together Part 2

While Jasper might not be an experienced martial artist, he was still able to dual use auras and able to successfully enter the Practitioner realm… though it was with the systems help. As such, Jasper planned to use some of that experience to build a reputation in his team. He started with Adien. Similar to him, Adien came from the Spring Village and like most people in the village, he used swords. As such, Jasper, who was the most familiar with swords, chose him.

"Adien, I noticed that you were using the Martial Hall's leg technique and the arm technique for most of your skills." The Martial Hall's techniques mainly focused on different ways to manipulate aura. Students themselves had to learn ways to implement them in battle. "You also seem good at switching between the two of them, but during this session, I only saw you use the core technique a few times, why is that?"

The core technique was a method of focusing your aura on the core of your body. This is a fundamental technique that all students will be forced to learn before they can learn other ones. Adien, who was listening, put on a grim expression before saying, "Well, I don't see the point in using the core technique. As long as you can hit the opponent faster and hard enough, then it shouldn't matter."

Jasper contemplated on this point before responding.

"Adien, it's true that speed and power are crucial in a fight," Jasper began. "But one cannot solely rely on them. You see, the core technique is fundamental for a reason. It serves as the foundation upon which you build your other skills. What would you rely on if your speed and power were beaten?"

Seeing Adien's confused expression, he continued, "Imagine your body as a castle, and the various techniques are its defenses. Your speed and power could be likened to the high walls and the soldiers on them. But what happens when the enemy breaks through these walls? What happens when you're cornered and you've exhausted your strength? That's where the core technique comes in. It is your last bastion, your keep."

"It not only helps in enhancing your other techniques, but also serves as a reservoir of power. During long drawn-out battles, or when you are injured and can't use your limbs effectively, the core technique can still help you defend yourself and even launch counterattacks."

"Additionally, the core technique will help you control your aura more efficiently. This in turn will make your other techniques more potent. The principle is simple. Just like the core of a fruit, the core of your body is where your energy is most concentrated. When you can manipulate this energy, it will naturally make your attacks and defenses stronger. In fact, most people use the core technique as one of the dual techniques to circulate with."

Adien listened silently, his frown slowly changing to a thoughtful expression. "I see... I hadn't thought of it that way before. I suppose I have been neglecting the core technique." While not completely convinced, Aiden agreed and he nodded to Jasper in thanks. "I'll make sure to work on it from now on."

Jasper then turned his attention to Nolan and Mila, the two other descendants of the Spring Village. "You two should also make sure to focus on the core techniques. The Spring Village may be famous for being fast and strong but don't forget the foundation." What Jasper said to these students were all things that Grant would tell him in his letters back when Jasper first came to the Martial Hall.

He then shifted his gaze to Torn. "As for you, Torn, you did great. While you aren't using a weapon, which would lower your overall strength, your execution of the dual circulation technique was perfect. Honestly, if you tried, I'm sure you could easily reach the 3rd class." The large boy who was sitting down shrugged and said, "I don't want extra responsibility. I just want to fight and train." Jasper shook his head but agreed inside. 'Having a team does take up a lot of your time.' This was also one of the reasons he often neglected this new team of his.

Jasper then shifted his gaze to Ewan, who, like him, was eight years old, though Ewan was born earlier. During today's training, Ewan's performance wasn't particularly good or bad. As a direct descendant of the Valley Village, Ewan practiced the spear, a weapon with which Jasper was unfamiliar. "Ewan, while there wasn't anything wrong with your performance, you should make sure your aura circulation changes more smoothly with the change in your techniques. Today while practicing, a lot of aura was still left behind with each change," Jasper advised. Ewan smiled happily and nodded. "Okay!"

Unsure of what to say to such a response, Jasper just shifted his gaze toward Alaric. "Alaric, thank you for making it, I'm sure you must have been tired," Jasper started. Alaric responded, "No worries. It wasn't very tiring, and I was able to prepare for today thanks to Ewan who told me as soon as I got back." "That's good," Jasper responded.

"Alaric, your technique is very good, similar to Torin's. Your circulation is smooth, and your aura is much more dense than the others in your class. As I said to Torin, you should also be able to advance to the 3rd class." Alaric, who had listened patiently to Jasper's praise, nodded and said honestly with a smile, "My grandfather told me to join your team and stay in it until you graduate, so I can't graduate before that." Surprised by his answer, Jasper merely responded with an 'Okay'.

Jasper paused after he had addressed each team member. He realized that there really wasn't much he could teach them. Both Torin and Alaric were already well set and should have no problem reaching the Practitioner realm; all they needed was to gather more aura. As for Adien, Nolan, and Mila, while there were things they could do to improve, there were no major obstacles in their paths. For the most part, they understood how to use dual techniques and their transitions between techniques were satisfactory, so they should be able to reach the Practitioner realm and graduate before the age of twenty.

The only one he could really teach would be Ewan, but Ewan practiced spear techniques, with which Jasper wasn't familiar. 'I guess this is the problem of trying to teach an elite team,' Jasper thought to himself. 'Well, it should be okay. Grant only said I need to train with them, not teach them.'

With his attempt at building up his reputation with his team over, Jasper dismissed them. He now had other things on his mind. His father had already agreed to let Alexa come to the Martial Hall, so he expected that Grant would probably bring her back with him. He found himself wondering if the two of them would return before or after he became the vice head.