*CLANG…CLANG CLANG*
The wooden swords of Bertram and Mykel clashed in a rhythmic manner as they warmed up to get a feel of their opponent. Both were focused on performing the drill with good form and technique.
They practiced like this for a while, because both boys understood the importance of mastering the basics for a firm foundation. Once some time had passed, Mykel created some space between them and looked as though he was about to speak.
"Let's step it up a bit, sound good?" Mykel asked.
"Alright, whenever you're ready." Bertram replied.
The boys smiled at each for a moment, excited for the spar to get a little more challenging. They both got in their stances and positions. As the smiles faded into concentrated battle faces, Mykel's movements indicated he would start off the first strike now.
They were both constantly moving around to throw off their opponent and find the distance they wanted for either attacking or defending.
With one large step forward with his rear foot, Mykel closed the distance and went for a strike to the neck.
Bertram blocked with an outward upper block on the side being attacked. Afterwards, He instinctively returned with an upper neck strike then gracefully transitioned it to a backhand body strike on the other side.
Mykel defended this just in time and responded with one body strike on each side. As the last body strike finished, he shuffled towards Bertram to close the distance for a center head strike. Mykel hopped on one leg and extended the other one back with his body leaning forward.
*THUD*
The hit to Bertram's helmet made a sound that echoed throughout the inside.
"Nice hit, you got me there!" Bertram commented while laughing.
"Whew, you really made me work for that." Mykel replied with a smile while wiping the sweat off his forehead.
There were never any hard feelings between the two boys, as they saw it as an opportunity to learn from their mistakes to become stronger. Ultimately, their goal was to become high ranking elite soldiers in the military force together. This was the most they could do for a hope of a better life for themselves and their families.
"Switch! Find a new partner!" the combat teacher yelled loudly.
Everyone looked around to search for a new training partner with confirmation made through establishing eye contact and a slight nod. There were no other students free to pair up in front of Bertram, so he turned around to find someone not paired.
"Hello there friend. I guess you'll have to settle with me as your next sparring buddy." Nadine greeted Bertram. She had an ominous smirk as she finished her sentence.
"Sure, I'd be honored." Bertram replied with forced nervous laughter.
It looks like he was going to pay for his comment earlier.
They got into their fighting stances and paused for a second to examine when the first move would be made.
Bertram thought to himself, "Should I make the first move or let her tire herself out and follow up with a counter?"
While deep in his thoughts, Nadine saw this as a chance to advance forward. She took a step forward to her right side with her body motioning towards an attack. Bertram saw this and blocked accordingly.
*CLANG*
The body strike dealt was strong and both wooden swords fiercely bounced off each other. Bertram was slightly pushed back and his guard wavered from the attack.
Nadine took this opportunity to pivot and spin around. She smoothly transitioned into this followed up by a jump to the side and an upper back strike in mid air.
*WHAM*
"Oof, that was too good. I'll get in a hit before you know it!" Bertram remarked in a jolly way.
Similar to with Mykel, there was no ill will between them since all this practice would aid them in the future when they had to fight for real against enemies. You have to learn somehow right?
As the sparring between them continued, Bertram struggled to keep up with her refined techniques and vigorous blows.
You would be fooled by how she fights, but Nadine's goal was actually to become a researcher with a safe desk job. She was surprisingly adverse to joining the military and other risky combat situation careers that would endanger her life. It was a little hard to believe as Bertram exerted himself to defend each of her precise heavy blows.
Bertram kept being repelled by her onslaught of attacks. While he was standing to prepare for her next attack, suddenly he felt something on his back.
*BAM*