Many of Sword Martial Arts were simple back in Gray's past life. There were many variations of sword martial arts, among them. Fencing was the most common, Sōjutsu came in second due to its use when there are wars. But base on a regular conclusion, fencing is just a hobby or sport to increase or improve your skills. So to use fencing in terms of life and death fights, will inevitably be useless.
Now the difference between "Martial Artist Swordsman" and "Sword Martial Arts" is the martial artist that uses magic to magnify their damage and strength to overpower one's foe. A martial artist would be the same as a paladin but unique. Acquiring these overpowering arts isn't a simple objective. There are ways to train martial arts, but to qualify, one must fulfill the requirements.
A way to access martial arts is through clans. Getting adopted or being a legitimate part of a branch that had mastered martial arts passed down for generations. Another is to find a suitable mentor that would be willing to take you as a disciple or an apprentice. The last way to acquire these "arts" is by partaking in Martial Academies. But the standards of participating in institutions are high; money, skill, intelligence, wisdom, background, and will-power. These are the high standards needed to partake.
That explains the long three-hour lecture of Iris to Lawrence. Furthermore, Iris showcased some techniques to Lawrence. With Lawrence's keen perception, he grasped some of the prominent arm movements and footwork Iris showed. That allowed him to gain new information for his growth in becoming a beast, capable of independence.
"Due to our strict family virtues - considered as taboo. I am not allowed to provide any more techniques than this, unless it's a family member or my heir, but another way is to have an apprenticeship contract." Iris explained.
"Tell me more about this Apprenticeship Contract."
"It's a very eminent pledge that will certainly avail an apprentice. Not only that, but if you have a capable mentor, you might benefit from it even more. To seriously learn from someone without a contract is strictly prohibited to the Archon Laws. Even if you are just a baron, it could lead to a whole demolishment to your whole family branch." Iris informed.
"I see. But what if I train on my own and gather research about martial arts?"
"Well..., there isn't an archon law that states that you cannot," Lewis answered, entering the underground training entrance.
"Captain of the Chivalry Knights. Thank you for allowing me to have the presence of my guests." Lawrence greeted.
"Don't fret about it. It is only appropriate to have special training for aspiring knights such as chivalries."
"That's correct. Then what brings you here, captain?"
Lewis smirked at the question and sat down, laying his jaw onto his palm, his smirk becoming a wide grin. "Of course! I wanted to see Lawrence train."
Lawrence sighed, "That would be all right." he gave an ominous smirk.
Lawrence moved forward and placed his newly bought sword down to pick a wooden one. He examined the ordinary shaped wooden sword. Lengthy enough to make him uncomfortable, it was, of course, regular size for at least a developed body of a teen. But as though he was used to the sword's weight, he carried it like it was a piece of cake.
He turned towards the crowd of Knights and smiled, "Now." he paused. "Who would enlighten me a proper Chivalry Spar?"
The knights eagerly raised their arms to partake. "Now, now. I only want those who are serious about hurting even a child similar to myself."
Among the knights, who seemed less interested, behind the crowd of knights was Claude. Leaning on the wall as if he showed the least interest. As soon as Lawrence saw him, Lawrence immediately smirked. "Look at that!" he exclaimed. "It seems I found a sparing partner capable of taking me on seriously! Sir Claude, was it?" he approached.
"Your highness, It is I." Claude replied, bowing slightly.
Lawrence examined Claude, 'It might seem like his build isn't as masculine and powerful as the other knights. But if you look at it further, he has thoroughly enhanced his inner soul and outer soul, giving him an advantage for physical resiliency and brute strength. His eyes aren't hypocritical, and his gaze did not look down on me. His potential is sparking, unlike the others. He would serve a purpose to this spar.' Lawrence concluded.
"Could I request a spar with you, Claude?" Lawrence asked politely.
Claude's expression was dull, "It would be my pleasure." he answered, still exploiting his poker face expression.
"Then, if you may, please pick your wooden sword."
Claude did so as told, picking up a wooden longsword. He slid his index and middle finger across the wooden tip of the sword, giving Lawrence chills. Lawrence positioned himself five meters away from Claude. He prepares his positioning and stance as his gaze focused on Claude. The noise from the crowd suddenly vanished from his hearing, as all he could hear was his breathing and the little steps Claude took.
This total concentration, Lawrence called it, Complete Insight. Examining, predicting, planning, and all the others needed with observation absorption, anyone could find an opening to strike the foe. As if Lawrence saw multiple possibilities of where Claude could move, he leaped towards him.
Lawrence's sword slashed from right to left, horizontally. Claude was able to step back, avoiding the attempt to hit him. Seeing an opening on Lawrence's right arm, Claude sprinted and readied his sword to deliver the impact onto Lawrence. Lawrence immediately shifted to Claude's disadvantage, as if he deliberately gave an opening for his scheme.
Lawrence blocked the sword and was able to land a punch strengthen by arcanery. Causing Claude's fall, Lawrence waited for him to return to his feet.
"I believe you still have more to put in, correct?"
"Yes, your highness."
"Then please don't hold back," Lawrence added, filled with annoyance and intimidating aura.
Claude flinched, and his face darkened, 'A devil, that's what he is.' Claude thought before rushing towards Lawrence, giving a few slashes. All his hits swerved by Lawrence's counter-attack. Lawrence immediately caught up to Claude's pace and started increasing his power using arcane.
He pushed Claude with his strong slash, making Claude fall onto the ground. He pointed the tip of his wooden sword on the neck of Claude, panting. He retreated his sword and gave his hand to Claude, smiling.
All the knights were in disbelief by the sudden win of Lawrence. Unable to comprehend the situation, including Lewis.
Lewis's face twitched, his face grinning. 'Wasn't it recently when he had many injuries because of the spar between his brother? To be able to defeat an expert knight in a spar, is incredible. What did he use?'
"If you all are wondering why I was able to defeat a veteran like Claude. It's simple. I refined my outer soul more than my inner soul. Causing an equal strength for both of us." he said. "But seriously, this is more than exhausting!"