chapter 73:Art of combat

Early in the morning, everyone gathered in Lenard's backyard for their daily combat training with Finn and Elaine. Blades circled as Finn and Elaine, weapons drawn, prepared for battle. Lenard observed lazily, a jug of wine in hand. Finn, with a critical eye, spoke to the group.

"You've improved greatly in teamwork, understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses. This alone makes you a dangerous team to face. Komoni is an active assassin, while Jake is a passive one, moving with grace, vigilance, and caution. I am not saying komoni is not a killed assassin but I'm just comparing the character traits between the two and I see this as a strength, not a weakness in komoni's favour . Because you do not have the feel of an assassin makes you even more dangerous as an assassin. True power lies in strategizing and maintaining a calm mind in battle. Komoni, carry another weapon and conceal your daggers to catch the enemy by surprise. This tactic will win you many battles, making them think you're a sword or lance user, leading them into close-quarter combat where you can unleash the agility and lethality of an assassin." Finn paused, letting his words sink in.

Komoni nodded contemplatively, visualizing Finn's strategy. The others considered ways to enhance their battle IQ, with Lus holding the highest strategic prowess. "Now let's begin!" Without hesitation, Finn and Elaine attacked, the clash of metal resonating through the backyard. Finn's ferocious onslaught suggested a deadly intent, drawing blood from Timothy and Jake within minutes. It appeared as though Finn deliberately targeted the two boys, rendering them at his mercy. "Is that all you've got?" Finn taunted, delivering a powerful kick to Timothy, sending him flying into the library wall.

On the distant battlefield, Elaine danced amidst the three other blades. Lus held his ground better, but scratches adorned even his skilled form. Komoni, with a cool demeanor, nodded at her teammates before exploding towards Elaine, dual daggers aimed at her head. Smirking, Elaine anticipated the attack, gracefully evading Komoni's assault. From the corner of her eyes, she sensed Lus approaching, his greatsword thrusting towards her side. Quick as lightning, Elaine parried his strike and delivered a swift kick to his face, sending him crashing into a nearby tree knocking him out. 

Before she could react, Dan's fist connected with her face, launching her airborne. Yet, as Komoni aimed another blow at her stomach, Elaine's body burst into streaks of blinding light, revealing a Light Clone Substitution. Elaine Found herself between illusions, rubbing her cheek. "Very impressive. You made me use Light Clone Substitution. Can you do it again?"

Without hesitation, Elaine appeared in front of Dan, a precise fist knocking him out. Almost immediately, she materialized behind komoni, striking her neck, knocking her out. Lus, strategically lying low, observed the scene, deciding not to rise.

On the flip side of the skirmish, Finn's relentless onslaught continued. His attacks could easily slay a mundane human with a single blow. Despite their tattered clothing and rough condition, the two boys, Timothy and Jake, entered the So'ku state—a realm of pure comprehension and focus. Known to elevate a konqueror's chances of victory significantly, their minds dissected Finn's barbaric, formless assault. Before they could further adapt, Lenard materialized, catching Finn's sword with two fingers, his smile hinting at the conclusion of today's training.

"Enough for today. Come with me. I want to show you all something," Lenard declared, leading them to the library. Finn, slightly frowning, trailed behind, followed by the remaining blades and Elaine. Timothy, no longer in the So'ku state, chuckled at his teammates' worn-out appearance. Unfazed, he teased, "You guys look like shit."

The group turned towards Timothy, expressing a silent 'look who's talking.' Jake scrutinized Timothy, concerned about his sudden change in demeanor. When asked if he was okay, Timothy responded with a smile, leaving Jake puzzled.

Amidst the apparent calm in Hentesa, the rest of the world spiraled into turmoil. Armies marched towards invasions, and some even targeted Hentesa. The ruling figures concealed their preparations, entertaining their citizens while gearing up for the inevitable war. The prophesied conflict had already commenced with Zebha's fall, and now an all-out war loomed. Destiny, an undying force, dictated that blood must be spilled, and new kings would emerge from the crimson aftermath. In the tapestry of fate and destiny, what indeed marked the difference?