The individuals started to rack up one by one to reach four groups of sixteen. This didn't even look like guild anymore. It looked a lot more of a troop platoon. "Ten hut!" The man with a spaulders said. The man with the spaulders was African American and had a skin bald head and curly beard. A lot like a buff James Harden. Only difference was the burn mark on the right side of his face. "My apologies for my subordinate's unruly behavior." He apologized "It's alright. I shouldn't be crouching in the middle either way." I claimed. The man then noticed my scribe floating in front of me. "How rare, a freelancer..." The man's subordinate commented. "Corporal, get the troops to begin in drills." The bearded black man told his subordinate. The subordinate solutes the man and says, "Yes staff sergeant."
The man's subordinate went to position and started with stretching. The staff sergeant then directs to me and solutes. "Carry on." He insisted. The staff sergeant then goes back to his group. He soon watches over them as his subordinates trained. "Who are these people?" I asked. "They're The Militia." Rebecca said.
"A gang?" I asked.
"No, The Militia is a guild. They're one of the largest ones out there." Rebecca said.
Here I was, rather surprised to see a militarized guild. But then again, the uniform and the ranking colors was misleading. Anybody would think of these guys as part of the government. But with that it kinda made me bind in wonder. "So what do these guys do?" I asked.
"They're an adventurer guild, much like Hanami. But they mostly focus on defense raids and security jobs around the capital." Eun-hi replied.
"Yeah, they're pretty badass. I think I saw one of their parties take down a bandit horde at one of the satellite colonies." Rebecca added.
I look at the group as they train with passion. Just by looking at them doing push-ups in unison makes you forget that they are a guild. But then comes out a familiar face. It turned out to be Mr. Williams with Tyrell dragging a cart. "Mr. Williams and Mr. Powers, pleasure for you to join us." The staff sergeant greeted. "Always a pleasure, old friend. You know I like a good military exercise." Mr. Williams greeted back with good nature. The staff sergeant then turns to Tyrell. "I see you have what we have ordered." The staff sergeant pointed out.
"Yes sir. Fifteen orders of metal plates and twenty orders of wooden plank targets." Tyrell replied.
"Good, your payment has been sent at your guild and you should be able to receive it later in the afternoon." The staff sergeant said.
"All in a day's work, staff sergeant." Tyrell said.
"You may take your leave, Mr. Powers." He said.
Tyrell then takes his leave, only for him to notice me at the background. The man went up to me as he waved. "I never thought I'd see you here." Tyrell greeted. "Yeah, Rebecca invited me to train with her." I replied. His head then nudges a little to the side with folded arms. "So the rumors are true...some random guy with a katana is hanging out with Rebecca… figure that person was Rin." Tyrell mumbled. "I know, right? And this guy is usually the quiet one of the bunch." Rebecca agreed.
"Quit talking as if I'm not here…" I mumbled passive aggressively.
I then take out my drink and try to forget about it. I switched the subject, hoping not to think about it as I attracted some eyes. "Anyways… how is this a big deal?" I ask, "The Hunter's fangs is one of the few guilds that's safe for runners. How am I the center of attention?"
"Well people are kinda curious with Oliver Sage training you. He barely takes anybody in to teach.." Rebecca pointed out.
"How the hell is that even an issue? How is that my fault?!" I shouted confused.
"Easy, Rin! Besides we know that a load of bull. It's just haters saying crass." Tyrell assured me.
But Rebecca then turned to Tyrell. There something was in her mind. "Then again I'm wondering how Rin got popular so fast. Sure you're popular in the raid scene but the Militia has more popular faces in the scene." Rebecca wondered. Tyrell then takes out something in his bag. "I think it has something to do with the trading cards circulating in the capital." Tyrell pointed out. Me and Rebecca turned to Tyrell. "What trading cards?" The both of us asked in unison. Both me and Rebecca looked at Tyrell's hand. It was a pack of cards packaged in some kind of brown paper. It looked similar to the brown paper bags handed to supermarkets and wrapped in thin hemp rope. "It's actually a product handed by the guild association. They distribute the textiles and the craftsmen guilds print the cards. Both parties get fifty percent and they're being sold at our shops." Tyrell explained to us. We opened the pack and inside were a bunch of white cards printed with sketches of various adventurers. At the back of the cards were the stats of the person based on power, speed, endurance, intelligence, and magic power. There was also a description of the class type of the individual and the rank of where they were. The stats were also ranked by F to A with S as special. To our surprise there was Eun-hi's card. The looks of the sketch were on spot and even her class. Eun-hi looks closer at her card. "Oh yeah...I forgot I was even part of that." The bunny girl says dumbstruck, "A couple of Lunar Rabbit's guild members did a photoshoot with an instant camera and signed up with the cards. The guild association guys were even wearing their uniforms for that."
"Do you guys even get a cut out of this? Your pictures are being handed out to people." Rebecca asked.
"Yeah, every month we get five percent. We just need to show our guild cards then the proceeds are given to us." Eun-hi said.
"That's actually amazing! You're like a model. Are all of these runners?" Rebecca asked out of excitement.
"No, actually even some well known producers are in here." Eun-hi says as she was picking out two cards, "Both of these belong to the same Craftsman's guild and they made some pretty good discoveries. This one with a beard managed to recreate Greek fire and took down Hydra with it. And this orcish guy with a metal arm made prosthetics that work like a normal arm...if only they didn't hurt once you had them put."
"I never thought dystopias like this had these kinds of technological advances." I said.
"You have been out of the capital a lot. It can't be helped." Rebecca says, "Even if I did the same thing a couple of times, most of these jobs made you invisible to the public eye."
"Come to think of it...we only see you at the meetings. The last time I saw you outside of a meeting was last week when you were getting your order of arrows. " Tyrell added.
"Thinking of it now, it's no wonder these rumors spread out like wildfire. You became a mystery on its own." Rebecca pointed out.
"I guess it's only a matter of time till my secret's out." I pointed to conclusions.
"Come to think of it...there was one rumor of Terran in a demon mask that became a citizen. He was as fast as a lizardfolk and was able to escape the guard.." Eun-hi corrected me.
"I guess that means we need to take to Mr. Williams and Richard. They might know what to do." Tyrell said.
"I don't think we need to worry about Mr. Williams." Rebecca said as she pointed behind me.
I turned around and there is was, Mr. Williams talking to the staff sergeant. The staff sergeant then cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, since you're instructor is absent for this week, here is your substitute, retired ex-sniper and medic of the United States Marines and Ex-UN peacekeeper: Retired gunnery sergeant Benedict Williams." The staff sergeant announced. The guild then clapped in Mr. Williams's honor. Mr. Williams then steps forward at the crowd. "Of all the guilds I have worked with, never have I met one so united as yours! I maybe old but I still have the strength to make you better! Are you with me?!" He shouted at the crowd. All of them cheer out of excitement. There the staff sergeant shouts, "Company! If the monsters have a horde, what does this city have?!" The guild members then put their fist at their chest and shouted, "The Militia! We have the Militia!" The staff sergeant laughs out of pride and forms a smile at his face. "Troops, go on your rounds! On the double!" He shouted. Just like that the platoons marched out of the church and started jogging around the area. The two who remained were the staff sergeant and Mr. Williams. "They have spirit, I give them that." Mr. Williams said. "Go easy on them, they're still fresh." The staff sergeant replied.
"That didn't stop me when I was their age."
"Just be careful about sparing, even trained these guys are still new to the fighting scene."
"I'm not gonna be easy on them but I'll be in charge of shooting practice."
"I'll do melee combat with weapons but I might need your help after you're finished."
"Can't, I got an order waiting for me at the Midas Touch. If I don't get it some dirt bag is gonna steal my order."
"Well that's a shame. We're kinda understaffed at the moment."
"I know but some of the UTU sympathizers are screwing with the runners. The guild's been firing them but they kept on screwing with them."
"Is that so? It's been the same as the merchant guilds too. At this rate nobody's able to do their jobs."
"I hear you. With these rare variants coming along its gonna be harder to survive out there without special tools."
"All the more with human resources. It's harder to get non-humans to train mortals since UTU's been making the divide even more vast. Most the humans here are Terran so they wouldn't know how to fight monsters as much as the Arians."
"I forgot about that. It's the same with mortal magic users to, right?"
"Sadly it is. If we can't find capable fighters that can train them then all the more the Militia won't be able to do evacuations and take part of the defense raids."
"Damn...who can we find on short notice?"
"We're still working on it."
Surprisingly that's what I could hear from them from a long distance. It looked like overtime my senses were getting better ever since I got my demonic power. I guess even without my form I managed to get stronger. But that was when Mr. Williams noticed me. He waved at me to come towards him. I go up to him to see what he wants. "You need me or something?" I asked. "Gotta a favor to ask." Mr. Williams asks, "You're a martial arts instructor in kenjutsu. You wanna help us out?" The staff sergeant raised his eyebrow at him. "So this kid's a martial arts instructor? Pretty young for his age." The staff sergeant said.
"He's pretty good with a sword and many other weapons. His main weapon happens to be a katana." Mr. Williams's said.
"So does he have experience outside?" The staff sergeant asked.
"Yeah, I'd say he specializes in slaying anthropomorphic monsters like ghouls and goblins." Mr. Williams told him.
The staff sergeant then starts to get a feel of my arms, legs, and back. He takes a quick analysis of my gear and it was enough to fit his expectations. "What's your name, kid?" He asked me. "Rin Kamiyama. I'm a freelancer, sir." I replied.
"Your rank, level, and guild?"
"Rank 1: wanderer, level 18, Hanami."
"Is that so? How long have you been teaching?"
"Four years, sir."
"You look capable. How about you assist in sparring for the day?"
"I don't know… I don't wanna waste your time."
"We'll pay for your services but let me look at your guild card."
I handed him my guild card. With a glance he noticed something. "So you did the talent thing? I guess that makes things easier." He said. The guy then taps the star and down king of image appears out of thin air like a hologram. Stats were there and a few others. I then see the bottom and there was an image of letters and numbers. But they were in some kind of code. "I don't recognize most of these codes but he has a Slayer skill, specifically on Anthropomorphic types." The man says, "With the instructor skill I guess he can help us out."
But I guess with that I was already in. I worried about expenses for more skills to learn later on. After a few rounds of jogging done by the guild, its members paired up in certain groups by their specialization. There were four groups. Those who were good in melee combat, combat magic, medic, and ranged. Those who specialize I range combat happened to be the highest but the lowest count happened to be the medic groups. Aside from trained professionals in medicine, there were those who specialize in healing and support magic. Those who specialize this form of magic were hard to come by so it would be a good advantage for them to be part of the group. Most of the magic users were combat magi, shooting energy bolts and element based attacks on the targets Tyrell brought. The rest of them were warming up at their own routines. Mr. Williams was assisting the ranged group while the staff sergeant was teaching hand to hand fighting forms. But where was I? I was told to critique the melee group's forms and movements. Rebecca sat next to me as I was doing my observation. "Sorry my training has been cut short." I apologized. "It's alright, it's not like you get to train the Militia everyday." She said. I sigh as I look at the crew. They were all in synch in punches and kicks. Again another memory came in. Again it was in that same dojo. There were a lot in a karate gi and I was a junior instructor. It looked like a good memory but I was after all seeing it in the eyes of that life. It was filled with a lot of races from the locals to foreigners. It came to my attention that I was at Hawaii at the time. But what does anything had to do with the world war two past life? I couldn't tell. I didn't know what it was, it felt so familiar and yet new to me. Soon the memory reverted from nostalgia to dread. I was at Nanjing again and watching the troops do their drills in hand to hand combat. My butt was on a couple of supply crates with a few of the almond cookies I got from a dead kid. Dried blood was on the tin can and it was the last thing the kid was holding before he was shot. The body was found under the rubble of one of the houses bombed from the attack. Imagine that? A kid shot before the bombs hit? I could. My rage was towards that army...yet I wonder why.
My mind then desynchronized as I was tapped at the shoulder by Rebecca. I wanted to know more but I felt relieved as the memory ended. "You doing alright? You were spacing out again." She asked. "Yeah…I've been having a lot of those World War Two memories now… it's been hard to focus." I replied.
"You going to be alright with that state?"
"I'll manage."
"Don't go all warfreak on them. You are just teaching."
"Alright…"
I look up and soon see something familiar. There we go again. Some of those eyes were locked on me. Yep… it was the mean look staring at me for being with Rebecca. I guess 'they' were here too. It had most of my weapons from my daisho, gun, knives, and paper charms. "What are you doing?" She asked. "If I wanna spar them on even ground, I need to give them a handicap. Besides I don't wanna draw out my sword if I accidentally synch." I told her.
"You could just put your stuff in a locker, you know." Rebecca suggested.
"I'm more comfortable with you holding them. Nothing like a bit of bravado to get them fired up." I insisted.
"I was wondering why you were stripping. Using their anger to pump them up?" Rebecca interrupted.
"I'm getting paid so I might as well do the job right." I told Rebecca.
"That's definitely not it. You of all people can't turn away from a fight." Tyrell corrected me.
"What can I do? I got five past lives behind me. It looks like all five of them were stubborn." I told them.
I then began to get rid of the rest of my arsenal. All that was left was my bulletproof vest and the additional throwing knives wrapped in my legs. All that was left was the flare gun and the hatchet. "Sorry I have to put this on you." I apologized to Rebecca
"It's fine, It has been awhile since I've seen you spar." Rebecca insisted. I then felt someone hug me from behind. "Why don't you spar with me instead?" Eun-hi said with a pouty face. "Maybe for later. I'll go at you last." I told her.
I waved goodbye and went my way towards the crowd. But then I look at crowd once more and noticed more stares. Heavier than the last ones on me and Rebecca. One had a katakana printed headband saying 'Usagi Life'. I didn't get it at first but they looked pissed.
There I stood next to the staff sergeant as he stood in front of his group. "Oh you're here. Grab a practice weapon and we'll get started." He said. The man directed me to a barrel full of wooden weapons. There were imitations of swords, spears, knives, and many others. Luckily there was a boken in the barrel. The weight was just right and I was able to swing with ease. The staff sergeant looked impressed. "Impressive. As expected from a master swordsman." He said behind me. The man took out his hand. "Riley Webster. Class: Warrior. Rank: 3, Crusader. Staff Sergeant of The Militia." He greeted. I shook his hand as a gesture of good will. "I couldn't help but notice your military rank. Are you guys part of the government?" I asked.
"We're not. Most of us are ex-military. We kinda give the ranks out of tradition." He told me.
"Is that so? Then if this is following military traditions then what should I do?" I asked.
"I guess for now I just want you to facilitate what is going on with my troops and see if you can correct them." Riley told me.
"Wouldn't that just ruin the dynamic? I'm new here after all." I asked.
"Not at all. We bring a couple of martial artist to spar with the new troops as guests. It conditions them to be more aware of their opponents." Riley told me.
"So I will be sparing with them?" I asked out of concern.
"Not to worry, most of these guys are rank one classes. As far as I'm concerned, they're still a bit fresh when it comes to combat." Riley assured them.
I took notice when it came to their forms. I watched them men do their lunches and kicks. Some of them were giving me daggers from their eyes but as far as I can tell, their form was still off. As a Karate instructor from my past life, I could say that these guys are too stiff and starting to strain themselves. "Alright, but I have to warn you, ever since I came to Laputa my martial arts have become of a more free-versed. Don't be expecting much from me." I warned the man. "Don't worry about it. We need it to be unpredictable as possible. It's best for dealing with anthropomorphic monsters." He told me.
"We have powerful types like that?" I asked.
"Afraid so. Some rare variants keep on popping out that happen to be very skilled in combat whether they be armed or not. But this also applies to bandits as well." The man confirmed.
"Is that so…? I get bandits being strong but rare variants of monsters that can fight like humans is very alarming."
"That's why you're here. The more that they're able to get the views from different situations, the better it leaves for them to improve."
Soon the troops were done with their drills and it left me with the rest of them. The staff sergeant then goes in front of me. "Allow me to introduce you to your guest instructor. Rin Kamiyama is an instructor in kenjutsu and is a few levels till his ranking exam. Take into thought on his teachings and use it to improve your own." Riley told the troops. Soon it was my turn to take the floor. "Thank you for having me here. Can I instruct all of you a weapon of your choice and do shadow boxing for a little?" I asked them. They then fell in line single file to get their training weapons. All were pretty familiar to me at my time as Chiron. I've trained may heroes and they had their own specialties. There was Achilles, Perseus, Heracles and, many others. I've trained them in many variations and strategy and combat. Perseus liked his sword and shield, Achilles used his spear, and Heracles liked using his fist and club.
Judging by the Militia, most of them preferred one handed swords with a few of them using shields. The rest were spears, clubs, and even wooden knuckles. This on its own made it easier for me since most of my weapons arts that I knew were of my time of Chiron's while the rest specialized in the use of a katana. The Militia's moves were pretty good in an amateur level but there were still a few flaws. I decided to warm up with a few kata forms from my sword. But as I used that wooden sword I started to synch with the world war two past life and imitate him. With each swing I started to move faster as he as well started to synch into a memory of Hijikata of the Ikedaya incident. It as a political event where masterless samurai were planning to overthrow the emperor. At the Ikedaya inn me and countless allies fought to arrest many but not all was cooperative. I myself took place in it as I fell many enemies with my sword. I was handling a lot of enemies and one by one they died with the swing of my blade. The fact that my latest past life was able to synch well his previous memories amazed me. The techniques started to flow into my mind. My swings grew more violent and fierce as the enemies started coming. The feeling of blood dripping at my face came with the swings that came. I was beyond my enemies. All I could feel was a curious tempest coming from my chest. The swiftness of my blade and the speed of my techniques spoke it all. I was a dangerous man. soon a pile of bodies was all that was left in the room. Soon the memory stops as I was at the dojo again. The door next to me slides open with someone at the other side. "Kenshin, it's time to eat." A boy's voice calls me. That was the end of the memory as he started to fade. I dropped at the floor as I was gasping my breath. My head tilts upwards to see everybody in the platoon was staring at me. I stood up and maintained my composure with a straight back. Mr. Williams then checks up on me from his squad. "Rin! You doing alright?!" He shouted from the other side of the church. "I'm fine, just catching a break!" I assured him.
"Don't push yourself! We're not outside the walls, you know!"
"I know! I just forgot to hold back!"
I did a few couple extra stretching and relaxed a little. Again, it looks like I'm not used to synching to multiple memories yet. "That was something, I don't think you have to show off." Riley told me. "That's the problem I guess, I don't know when to hold back." I playfully replied. I turn towards the crowd and tell them to continue on practicing. By detail I watch each of their styles on how they move and act. Like I said, they were pretty good for beginners. After a few moves I tell them to stop. "What is your take on this, Mr. Kamiyama?" The staff sergeant asked.
But soon Hijikata took over my voice. "You guys have heart, I give you that. But you are still sloppy." Hijikata tells them in my body, "Stances and footwork is off, edge alignment of swords and bladed weapons are off, and your defense is lacking. It's a miracle either of you are still alive." All of them looked in shock as I gave them a brutal answer. "How do he know? He's just a rank one like the rest of us." Someone at the background whispered. "He's just as fresh as the meat as the meat outside." One of them agreed. "Who said that?!" The staff sergeant shouted. Hijikata then left my body and I was embarrassed. My face was red and I hid my face even more with my cap. All then stood stiff after hearing the staff sergeant's response. "It's fine, I was expecting that." I lied.
But maybe this might be a good thing. Maybe with the cocky stuff Hijikata blurted, I might be able to see any flaws or mistakes these recruits have. Maybe it was best to act like Hijikata for a little. I then cleared my throat and was ready to continue. "Usually the best act of action in improving is real experience. But I cannot do that without the loss of life. " I tell the troops, "I guess the next best thing is to spar against me." The words that came out of my mouth shocked them and caused an uproar. Some of my friends were even embarrassed that I gave such a bold answer. "Don't act like you're hot shit, asshole!" One of them shouted. "Yeah who the hell do you think you are?!" Another one exclaimed. They got louder and more rowdy. The staff sergeant then takes his gun fires at the air. "Shut up and act professional!" The staff sergeant shouted. I then raised my hand. "It's alright, I was betting for this." I told him. Looks like they were playing into my hand. If I knew well, back at the time of Kenshin I often used the emotions of people to take advantage of the situation. This was one of many of his dirty tactics. But from what I can tell he wasn't evil. Intelligence was where Kenshin was assigned so it made sense that he knows how to even the tides with psychology. The ironic part of it was I major in psychology and what I'm practicing in this life is complete the opposite of what I was doing at the time. What I was doing wasn't wrong but it was enough to see what these guys are capable of. Maybe this was just my way to get into character.
There I instruct the troops to go on single-file and to hold the best weapons that they have. I asked for the troops to prepare body armor. As predicted, The Militia had it. I was then given some armor but I declined. "Are you serious? You're gonna get pummeled." The private handing me the armor said. "No need. If I wear it then my blood won't boil. I need to be a bit hot-blooded for this." I told him. I took out my hoodie off and wrapped it on my waist. I then put the wooden sword at my side to make the wrapped hoodie on my waist to act as a frog strap.
I stood in front of my first opponent. He was Terran with a spear. I could feel the world war two past life, Kenshin. I managed to sync a sinister smile. All was up to me. "I leave you to your imagination." Kenshin told me in my mind. There it was, the feeling of blood running in my face. Information surged in my mind some parts of the soldier's fighting style. It was a breath of fresh air. But despite how exciting the new style came, I wiped the look in my face as I stopped synching with him. The Specter of my past just watched from a distance and looked pleased. "The rules are simple. One hit, one kill. Once you're done then go rest at the bleachers." I told the troops. There I go back into stance with the wooden sword still sheathed. "Come, give me your will." I told him in Japanese.
My opponent didn't understand what I said but he knew what I meant. He charges straight towards me and tries to strike me. I swiftly dodge all his stabbing strikes done by his spear. He thinks that he was doing something but the private was at the palm hand. I then unsheathed my wooden sword and deflected the next stab with a backhand slice. I then slide forward with a tsuki stab strike and the tip of the sword just an inch from hitting the opponent's neck. But there I could feel Kenshin and Hijikata possess me. "I used to be called this one title when I was in my old dojo at Japan. Guess what it was?" I asked. Kenshin took over around me and his aura may have been bad but it felt good. Kenshin then took over my body then gave him a sinister smile. Kenshin then said, "It was Oni-taisho (Demon captain). Don't doubt your arms because you're fighting a devil now!" My opponent was on his knees as I got him. If I got any further I could have killed him with a stab with a throat. "I give points for trying but you need to be sure of your swings, by your hands I can tell you are still wavering. The spear is a large weapon so try to make up for it by aiming carefully and watching your distance." I told him. I then bounced to the other side and readied my stance. "Never have doubts with your opponent. Once you put your guard down then it's all over." I tell them.
One by one I spare with each of them. The next one also had a spear on him and went straight away. He managed to swing his spear like a pro but his movements were being read like a book as they were too wide. "The spear is the weapon of kings at China. You swing it with pride and yet they are not connecting." Kenshin said with my mouth. "Screw you! You're not the only one who knows martial arts!" He said. The man then sweeps his spear horizontally to attempt me to trip me. I then performed a gainer flip and landed on his weapon. The man's grip loosens by the weight of my body and the spear drops at the floor. "Your pride for your own martial arts blocks your concentration. Don't let your emotions just do the work, use your mind. Your opponent with take advantage of that." I told him. The man was flabbergasted as he was swiftly unarmed and a sword on his neck. "Don't doubt him! He specializes in anthropomorphic type monsters! One false move and you're dead!" The staff sergeant told him.
"Is that so? Then you wouldn't mind if an orc challenges this Terran? Wouldn't you, staff sergeant?" An orc stepped up.
"Either way you'll be dead if it was real life. Give it a try!" Riley shouted.
The orc smiled and went to his stance as he brought two wooden battle axes. "We orcs have much pride in our skills in war, mortal. Don't disappoint me!" He shouted. The orc started to twirl the wooden axes around. 'This keeps on getting better, and better.' Kenshin mumbled. "Like you need to tell me that." I mumbled back.
The past life then noticed my expression. Kenshin puts a sinister smile at me. 'You're starting to look like me.' The past life said as he disappears. 'You will soon be ready. Don't regret what's going to come next.' He uttered.
I was then brought back towards my opponent at the other side. He charges at me and goes for the offensive. I parried and moved to the left, followed up for a vertical slash. But the orc then blocks it with his second axe. "The thing about axes is that they're only good for swinging. You did well to dual wield them but a shield would have increased the defense." I commented. "It works for me!" He shouted as he attempted to head-butts me. But I then did a dodge roll away from him and used a rising vertical slash. He blocked my swing with both of his axes and took advantage of the bearded design to catch my sword. His axes tighten their grip at my sword. "Good, I encourage thinking outside the box." I said. I then thrust my wooden sword to attempt to hit his skull. But the orc nudged his head and the wooden blade almost tapped him. But I did have my contingency plan. As most of his body was fixed to one side, I tripped the orc from his feet and he fell on the ground. As the orc laid flat on the ground, I pointed my sword between his eyes. "You cheated…?" He mumbled confused. "Even if you fight fairly, it doesn't mean your enemies would. Don't give your opponent time to think and you'll be the last one standing." I told the orc.
From swords, Spears, to mace, and many others, the information that Sagittarius was known for flowed within me. I knew it all, the gaps, their moves, and blind spots. With all the knowledge flowing since day one here I became a master of my own right. I managed to outdo them with a few strikes ahead. Yet the forms of Hijikata and muscle memory of Kenshin starts to kick in. My wooden blade didn't touch them but it was always an in near their heads or chest. But the more I sparred, the more my mind thirsted for blood with my muscle memory and finesse getting better. It was already hard to hold back. It was soon down to the last man. It was a Terran with a short sword and shield combo. "Looks like you're the last guy here. Get your stance ready." I instructed him. But despise him looking fresh, he had a good look at his eyes. But he then got out of his stance and had a look of curiosity. "Before we fight, please stop holding back. I can't focus like that." He humbly implied. My stance loosened as the question caught me off guard. But it was there that the staff sergeant intervened. "Wait! I need to stop you there." Riley told me. "What seems to be the problem, Staff Sergeant?" I asked.
"Benny here's still new to his skills from his reincarnation so I don't know the he's skilled to fight." He told me.
This did leave a lot of thought. This the is new when it came to my perspective in training. Even I was having a bit of a hard time using some of the skills I had from my reincarnation. "I guess that would be fine… the sparing I give is also kinda straining. I don't wanna add additional stress that might endanger him." I agreed.
But the guy went in front of the staff sergeant and interrupted the both of us. "I really want to get better! Please just give me a chance." He begged. "I can't do that, your heart stopped for thirty seconds the last time you went all out!" Riley told the guy. The blonde youth was full of energy. He was at his late teens looked diligent. "I'll give the kid a shot." I said. "Really?!" The both of them exclaimed.
"Is he aware of his past life identity?" I asked Riley.
"No but he's able to get a grasp on what they are capable of." Riley answered for the kid.
My gaze then directed towards Benny. I cleared my throat and decided to see what I can do. "Benny, can you show me your stance?" I asked him. The teen nodded his head and proceeded to my instructions. I circled around him and took a good look at his stance. It was firm but relaxed. His stance was even and the grip of his arsenal was intact. Taking it from me being a reincarnation, I decided to give him a few words. "Are you sure you wanna fight? This might trigger your memories and strain yourself." I warned Benny. "I'll be fine. Just worry about your defense." He insisted. With a remark and stance like that, it wasn't hard to take him seriously. I moved back a little and started to give my sword a few swings. After a few swings I shifted to the water stance. Benny sharpens his stance with shield up front and blade at back. "You practice FEMA?" I asked. "Same way you practice kenjutsu." He replied.
"I'm guessing I'm not expecting a formal match?"
"Same from you. I don't think that was Kenjutsu you used on the orc."
"Nope, just a move from one of my past lives."
"Can we make at least a few things formal?"
I smile as I didn't expect that from him. My stance even loosened up just by hearing that. But somehow the setting white again and froze. Out then appears Chiron. His glare was serious and looked firm. Something was wrong. "Be wary of this boy, " he says, "he looks familiar. Don't hold back at this one."
"Why the sudden thought?" I asked him.
"We will see once he fights. Just do your own thing this time." Chiron answered.
Time turns back to normal. That thought Chiron had circled in my mind. But I wiped that uneven look at my face and got serious. "Very well. I think have something." I suggest, "I guess anything is fair game. Maybe a formal introduction and a 'no magic rule'." The teen then nodded his head and got ready. "Sounds good to me. Benjamin 'Benny' Barnes. Representing The Militia Guild and the Goddess Freya. Using Freestyle FEMA." He said. "Rin Kamiyama. Representing Hanami Guild and the Goddess Tsukuyomi. Using freestyle Kenjutsu." I mimicked. I then take a stone from the ground and give it to the staff sergeant. "Throw it up in the air. Once it hits the floor, that's when we begin." I told him.
The man was reluctant to listen to my request. In the end he took the stone. I then went back to my position and put up my stance. All the gazes were locked at us. Even the pros were keeping contact. I guess the Militia was that popular. Some even shouted, 'kick his ass, Benny!' or supportive words such as, 'don't mess with the Militia!' The other guild members of the Militia were even shouting their slogan up in the air. It evens attracted others adventurers as well. But to my surprise this was to spread their own version of hate. These were my dagger-staring haters. 'Kill that masked weeb!', 'put that asian show-off his place!', or even, 'die mask man!' Was I really that infamous? Rebecca then decided to shout out, "Get him Rin!"
"You can do it Rin!" Tyrell joined.
"Let's go Oni-taishou!" Eun-hi shouted.
But with Eun-hi voicing her cheer made the haters stop. All the more hate filled in from their hearts. "Kill the CHUNNI NOOB!" All of them shouted. Doubt then riddled in my face…somehow I feel embarrassed for them. I started making connections. Those guys who gave me the mean look with the Usagi Life headbands must have been fans of Eun-hi. They might have got mad with the hug she gave me. Seeds of doubts kicked in...making me wonder what the hell is circling in their fucking minds. "You seem famous..." Benny commented blandly. "Yeah...more of 'infamous'." I corrected in a sluggish manner.
Riley then takes out a flare gun and shoots it in the air and it gives a loud bang as soon as it was ignited. The crowd then shuts up and gives attention to Riley. He then takes a feel breath and reloads his flare gun. He then points it the crowd and shoots it between a bystander's legs. "No one is dying here, you motherfuckers!!!" Riley shouted as he follows up with a couple of rounds. Scared the crowd backs away and shuts up. "Benjamin Barnes of The Militia versus Rin Kamiyama of Hanami, take your positions!" Riley instructed. It was startling what we saw but there was no turning back from here. The both of us stood at opposite sides and got our stances in check. The pebble is thrown up in the air. Neither of us looked at the object, only gazed at each other. As soon as we heard the rock hit the floor, both of us pounced to the center and gave the first slash.
Out first hit connected each other and I followed up with a few light slashes. Benny blocks with his shield and sees an opening. He takes the opportunity and thrust his wooden sword. But I countered the stab by doing a judo throw. Benny managed to recover however with a dodge roll and does a horizontal slash as he turns towards my legs. I then jump back, just an inch away from being hit from my shins. He then goes for a stab and I barely managed to deflect it. Midair I went for a roundhouse. But just like that he blocked it with his shield.
Things were gonna get serious from here on. Both of us have the same look, a smirk of euphoria. I shifted my stance to gold stance and Benny shifts his shield towards me. He started to bounce a little and charges at me. He then thrust his short sword and follow up with a few swings. His swings were getting faster and I could barely keep up. But as my sword connects to his, Benny swings it away from my body and tries to punch my face with his shield. I then duck and give a roundhouse kick. The kick pushes him away and he falls to his back. But as I left my guard down he does a kip-up and goes back on his feet. While mid air, he holds his sword with two hands and goes for a vertical slash. I barely block it and grazed the sword to my right side. There was an opening so I swung my sword to my right towards the back of his neck. Benny then takes his shield and blocks the back of his head. He jumps towards me goes on top of me. Benny spins his sword to a reverse grip to stab me. I kick him off of me and get my sword. This guy was better than I thought. I guess it's my turn to attack.
But without a second thought, Benny then charges at me. People can be cheering his name. Looks like I'm the bad guy here. I then charged at him and redirected the sword thrusting from me. Benny then goes for a spinning heel kick and I blocking with my right arm. I then see the opportunity to slash his chest but at the last second he blocks it by putting the shield at his chest. He bounces back and charges me with again. He gives me a combo of swings of his sword and bashing me with his shield. They were still slow for me until he gave a clutter of kicks towards my face. I backed away but it gave him initiative to swing his sword at me. I blocked it only to call victim to a backhand spin with the shield. I ducked out of instinct and shove him back with an open palm as he soon loses his balance. There I went on the offensive and charged with a volley of swings. It was time to my show my serious side. As he kept on blocking his shield, I did a gainer and paired it with a vertical slash. The weight and power of the slash made Benny go to his knees. He went back up to hopefully thrust the wooden sword at my gut but I kicked it away and followed up by kicking him back with a turning side kick.
Oddly enough, he still was holding his weapons as he was pushed far. He jumped back up on his feet and was still able to move freely. What was up with this guy? He then goes back to that combo of sword swings and shield bashes and ends the combo with wish a winning backhand shield bash and a swing to the neck. The blade barely got me by an inch as I bounced back. But that combo felt so familiar yet I didn't know where it came from. Moving back was a mistake as Benny jumped back and threw his shield. The shield went to my hilt and knocked the sword out of my hands. Benny then charges at me with a thrust of his sword but I threw Benny and disarmed him in the process. I get the shield from the ground and do the same ready stance as he did. Now I knew who he was. Chiron then takes over. "As always, you maybe good Perseus but you're sloppy as ever." He muttered at Benny.
Benny's eyes were wide open as the memories started to sink in. I could tell by his gaze he saw something familiar. Benny's started to studded until he was able to grasp the situation. "Old Man Chiron?!" He exclaimed. I then manage to take over again. "Can you still get up, boy?" I asked him. Benny's then got the wooden katana and gets ready. Chiron then whispered in my ear, "Quit playing now. Be strict. I'm getting insulted by how sloppy he got."
With that I played the part. Chiron then takes over my body again...triggeted for some reason. "That's not how I taught you to use a double handed sword!" He exclaimed in my body.
"But I don't even handle that weapon when I was out fighting." He answers back.
"Always excuses with you kids. Let's see how rusty you got, Percy."
"Quit playing! I beat you once so I can beat you again!"
"It's always when you give someone a bone they think they can do it again...I don't need two extra legs to beat your ass, Box Boy!"
"You asked for it, Old Man!"
Benny's then gets ready and I prepare my stance. I cleared my throat. "You were always one for speed, Perseus. But let me show you how better I got over the ages." Chiron bragged in my body. 'Control yourself, Chiron!' I shouted in my brain.
"I don't care! School his ass before I trample his face!" The centaur shouted in my head.
I then charge and go on the offensive. I do the same shield bash sword swing combo. It was me who taught him how to be proficient with what he knows. I then jump away and throw the shield like a discuss. As predicted, Benny would block it. I move forward and catch the ricocheted shield with my arm and did a upwards thrust. He then blocks the thrust and shouts, "You're not the only one that got better!" He then riposte my second thrust and tosses the sword up in the air. At the same time I bashed the katana up in the air with the shield. I did a cartwheel backwards and threw the shield at the same time. Benny's managed to catch the shorts word and reflect the flying shield. But once he deflected it, the wooden katana was at my hand. I pounced towards the teen and he barely blocks at it. "I had my share of war so I have more under my belt." Benny said.
All memories kicked in at once but one was most enraged. I could feel his anger. I could feel Kenshin being serious. Chiron just lost it. The setting turned white again. Chiron and Kenshin looked at each other. "Let's do it." Kenshin said. Chiron nodded.
It was there that Kenshin and Chiron took over my body together. My expression changed into rage. "Oh Percy. Didn't you forget our one important rule when it came to training?" The two of them asked as they possessed me with fake smile. Benny then comes to remember my face. His face turns pale as he could tell how furious I was. "I have reincarnated many times but this rule had been sticking to me even with the other past lives, especially my last one. Mind if you say that rule for me?" Chiron asked him using my body. Benny then starts to stutter as he felt frozen in place. "Never… brag about war, sir?" he said out of fear. I then kicked the side of his knee. As he fell, I grabbed his arm and put the wooden sword against his neck. "Correct. Next time you say about like that and it's a sword up your ass!" Chiron threatened. I then let go of Benjamin and he fell on the floor. I help him up and pat the dust off his body. But as he stood straight Chiron took over and slapped Benny at the face. Riley then rushed towards me. "What the hell?!" The staff sergeant cursed. Before Riley can do anything to me, Benjamin stopped him. "No, sir. He needs to do this." Benny insisted. Riley looks at the teens eyes and read the mood. The staff sergeant lets go and leaves me to my doing. I felt awkward doing this
'The fuck am I doing, Chiron?' I asked the centaur in my mind. 'I didn't raise him to be a war monger. I raised him to be a noble warrior.' He replied.
Kenshin then takes over my body then slap Benny again. 'You too, Kenshin?!' I exclaimed in my head. 'I'm triggered about bragging on war. Just go with it.' He told me. All I could do was sigh and passively accept it. I would want to know the details but these guys are more of the 'shoot then ask questions later' type. "Now I slapped you twice. Now what were those for?" I asked Benny. "For bragging about war and not being concerned about what I say." He replied. I then slap him again. "Now what was that for?" I asked Benny again. "For getting my pride in the mix?" He guessed. I then put my hands on his shoulders and said, "Good. You know what to do next."
The teen then goes at his knees, bows at me and constantly apologizes. I then pat him at the back and Benjamin stands. "Go join your group and listen to your commanding officer, okay?" I insisted. He nodded his head and I turn Benny around with a slap of his butt. He then started to walk like robot toy, freaking out on what just happened. Memories surged of Chiron. Yet deep down I kinda understand what he did. "I never seen him like that before." Riley said. "Yeah…the guy was pain in the ass to train when he was Perseus. He really takes after like his father back at the time." I answered.
"Zeus?"
"Yeah. Him and his two brothers. I'm surprised I didn't get bald out of raising their kids."
Riley then looks at me suspiciously. "You act as if you're his father." The man said. "I've been a teacher in so many reincarnations. Even at this life I was supposed to be a guidance counselor. Yet here I am doing the same thing." I told Riley. But in brutal honesty I wasn't supposed to tell him that. All the more the man stared at me dumbstruck. A guidance counselor that kills...how does that even makes sense? I then go up to all of the Militia and tell them to get back to formation. "It looks as if no matter how skilled you are you have a long way to go. Take into thought about what I said over our spars. Inside you maybe safe but those are the rules relied on this world. Don't let your guard down and survive as long as you can." I sermon them. Some accepted it with humility while others grit their teeth in shame. I looked at Benny and he was the only guy as pale as a sheet. Was I really hard on the guy when I was still training him. I then called Benny's name and immediately he took a knee. "Yes sir?!" He obediently asked. The guy was sweating buckets. "You improved since I last met you. But it doesn't mean you shouldn't stop getting stronger. Train harder and improve your stance, then you can see me." I commanded. "Yes sir!" Benny complied.
I then take out a wooden bo staff from the pile and thump it to the ground. My gaze intensified as I look at the individuals I am in charge of. "We're not done yet!" I shout, "Get your asses ready 'cause I'm gonna train you till you hurl your guts out! Today you'll train in hell!" I did as followed. My temporary students for the day got the weapons that they were good at and started to practice. However this time I separated them by the type of weapon they used and gave each group an order. Every five minutes I change their orders for giving them to do a different move. This can be from stabs, slashes, swings or punches. Once one group screw up, I tell them to drop their weapon and do ten push-ups. I was supervising all of them and made sure for them to follow my instructions. If their stance was wrong, I nudged them with my bo staff. Sometimes I even gave my own personal touch by moving them a certain way to fix their stance, movement and statue. This went on for two hours. Eventually they gave out and almost all of them rushed to the nearest trash can and started puking. Some even accidentally puked on top of other members and didn't watch for their aim. Even some of the orcs and elves weren't even able to hold it in. The staff sergeant looked at me rather surprised. "You really needed to push them that far?" He asked. "If I didn't then they wouldn't get it in time. Besides it looks like I found some of the crème of the crop here." I replied. That and Chiron was at the back of my head nagging on me on teaching knowledge. But the first part was right.
A total of five individuals were left standing and unaffected. It was two composed of two orcs, two dwarves, and Benny. It looks like the elves weren't able to keep up at all. I was actually expecting only demi-humans to be the ones left standing but I guess this wasn't much for the once powerful Perseus. "Good. You manage to withstand the training. You should be proud." I said.
I then joined everybody together in their groups. "You really had to push them?" Riley asked me. "This is the reality we are in now. If I don't push them then they won't be able to take what's outside." I defended myself. I went up to them and stand straight. "You all did well today. If there's anything you need to know, please come to me when needed. I'm free on weekends so be free to ask for any advise. I would be happy to help." I told the group. "That's all for today. Please join the rest of the platoon so we can give closing remarks." Riley said with closing remarks. The guild members then turned about face and joined single file to join the Militia. All that was left was me and Riley. "You did well. I didn't expect to get such spartan-like training from you." The staff sergeant complemented. "All in a day's work, Staff Sergeant." I replied.
"Please, call me Riley." The man insisted.
"Alright. Thanks again for letting me join, Riley." I replied.
"Please join us in closing remarks." Riley suggested.
"It wouldn't be a class if there wasn't a send off." I added.
There I stood in front of the many teachers and the sergeants with the staff sergeant at the very center. The platoon in front of us were at even single file, all worn out and ready to turn in. Long have I witnessed such a thing. Again the memories sit in. It was me as Kenshin as I stand in the platoon seeing my superiors up front. But a flashing light blinds my eyes and for a sudden glimpse I see the same view once more. Only this time it was different. In front of me was US military troops. I could see their lips move but no words coming out. But a flash later I was alone at a mountain of bodies. A black fog then sunk in. The smell of blood, corpses, and gunpowder filled the air. I could feel myself sinking. The fog started to get in darker and something was dragging me down. A grove of hands were pulling me down and eventually I was up to my neck. I was reaching towards the sky until hands were pulling me down and covering my face. Furukizu then whispers to my ear, "Darkness knows no discrimination… I wonder how grim is your's....Gods never gave mercy to us...why should this be different…?" I lost consciousness after that. I fainted during the send off. Furukizu really has a way in busting my nuts.