After a few weeks of training, Billy could already see a lot of improvement in his form. Light Spear even looked more powerful and fast, even though none of the spear-related skills had leveled up. Unfortunately, Billy didn't learn Attack Speed either, but he could tell that it was just a matter of time. He was certain now that he would learn the skill…
After seeing Billy and Alexander improving in skill, the other recruits began to imitate them. Still, they weren't that diligent and liked to spar more than do such a monotonous training. During that time, Natalie also obtained a new sword and began to train with it. At first, she was rather clumsy, but after just one week, she started to become a real pain in the ass. She essentially could attack two places at the same time, after all.
"Hehe, I am starting to like this," Natalie said since it was clear that Billy didn't have many more chances to defeat her.
"Don't get carried away, sparring and real fights are different," Billy said. "Besides, since you are self taught, you don't have any skills that are above others, like the multiple shots of Lily and our special moves."
"You are right… Can you show them?" Natalie asked.
To show how those skills were useful, Billy asked Natalie to stand in front of him and use her swords to protect herself. Even though he didn't land a direct hit on her weapons, the shockwave still surprised her. If she were to get bit by that, she would roll on the ground and probably break some bones even by blocking it.
"Ouch… I can see what you meant after this," Natalie said while cleaning her elbows. "Still… I am going to pass on the use of such techniques."
"Why?" Billy asked.
"My tribe also had some techniques like that that fit our style, but as you already know, I want to follow my father's footsteps," Natalie said.
"I see… so once you reach his level of strength, you will stop right there," Billy said.
"No… I didn't say that," Natalia frowned.
"Really? That is what it sounds like," Billy said. "Besides, I wasn't telling you to copy your tribe, but to follow your father's steps and then surpass him by creating your own techniques. I already know that you are too dumb and prideful to follow the tips of others, so that is your only possible option."
"... Why did you have to say the last part?" Natalie asked while showing an angry smile. "Still, I can understand now… I should create my own techniques… I will try that."
After saying that, Natalie stopped coming to their training sessions for a few weeks. When Billy and Alexander went to check what she was doing with her free time, they saw her meditating. She was probably trying to think about what she could do to develop her own techniques. During that time, Billy eventually learned Quick Spear, the version of Firing Speed that he wanted. Two weeks later, Alexander also learned that. It wasn't by any means a passive ability that granted them the same speed as when they attacked with Light Spear but is granted a five percent boost per level when attacking.
Billy practiced that skill for several weeks, and when it reached level ten, he considered the possibility of sparring with his father. When it comes to strength, Drew still was two times stronger and faster, but now Billy decreased their difference in speed by fifty percent… he should be able to put up a good fight. There is nothing better when it comes to training than practicing with an opponent many levels above you, after all.
"Dad, can we have a spar?" Billy asked one as soon as they arrived on their post.
"... Sure, the other guys seem pretty calm over the night turn, so I suppose we have some time to kill," Drew said while showing a small smile.
Drew seemed pretty confident. He even told Billy to grab his real weapon… Billy could tell why since he barely leveled up his father and his weapon over the years, and also considering that he leveled up more than anyone else from the tribe… aside from Billy.
After they had prepared everything, some of the guards showed interest in the spar but Drew scolded them to keep their eyes on the area around the town. It was rare to find father and son practicing seriously, after all. Over the last few decades, it was even rarer to find the chance to find father and son working together as guards…
Nevertheless, Billy assumed his thrust stance while his father just held his spear in a defensive one. It was the same thing Billy did when he sparred with the violent Natalie. It seemed like negligence, but Billy decided to think that it was the confidence of someone who had twenty years more fighting experience than him. Regardless, Billy used that chance to attack.
Billy's spear moved toward the limbs of his father several times in a few seconds. Considering that the weapon was bigger than him, it was amazing that he could land two attacks so precisely in different spots in a single second. Still… the difference in skill and strength was evident. Drew just moved his spear from one point to the other while slightly moving forward to counter the momentum of Billy's attacks and disperse the energy.
Billy had trained a lot and well, but he couldn't keep attacking like that for more than five minutes even while on the complete offense. When that time passed, Billy dropped his stance since he couldn't move his arms.