Chereads / The Phoenix: Flames of Sanctity and Hellfire / Chapter 16 - Combat Fundamentals

Chapter 16 - Combat Fundamentals

Ok I guys Author here I decide that I will add a Guft description at the end of each chapter(Obviously some will be ommited to avoid spoilers)

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"What do you gain from that?" Aiden's voice carried a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

"Are you seriously asking this? You are Red_Eye! The genius of the century. If you were to join my course and keep creating things, I will get a pay raise!" Gillian's eyes gleamed with excitement, as if he had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.

{Okay, it's official, People with S-rank Gifts are crazy}, Aiden thought to himself, momentarily amused by Gillian's fervor.

"I don't trust your intentions," Aiden began to respond.

Gillian's expression shifted, and he raised a hand as if to silence Aiden. "Wait, wait, I understand your hesitation. You think I'm trying to manipulate you, right?"

Aiden nodded cautiously. "It's a possibility."

Gillian leaned forward, his demeanor earnest. "I, Gillian Matt, swear on the [SYSTEM] to not provoke any type of damage in any way if Aiden Ouroboros joins my course."

A peculiar tension filled the room, and Aiden felt his [Divine Sense] react to the sincerity in Gillian's oath. A moment later, the system's voice reverberated in both their minds: [Mana Oath accepted].

Aiden was stunned by the turn of events. {A [Mana Oath]? Is he crazy?!?}

A [Mana Oath] was a solemn oath to the system, not to be taken lightly. Violating it came with dire consequences—loss of the ability to recall one's [Status], and even the permanent loss of one's Gift. Given that Gifts were intricately tied to the soul, the outcome of breaking a [Mana Oath] was excruciating death itself.

"Now, you don't have to have anything to worry about," Gillian continued with a reassuring smile, "If you excuse me, I have some work to attend to. I hope to hear a positive response. You have time until tomorrow morning."

With that, Gillian nodded to Aiden and left the house.

As the door closed behind Gillian, Aiden couldn't help but mutter, "S-rank Gifted individuals are crazy."

^I have to agree with you, and besides, you are included too, you little battle maniac.^ Iris's voice echoed in Aiden's mind.

Aiden rolled his eyes at the teasing. "Hey, at least I don't go around blackmailing people."

^Let's drop this conversation, shall we? So, will you accept his proposal?^ Iris's question held a note of seriousness.

Aiden leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "What do you think?"

Aiden leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "What do you think?"

^If we refuse, there is a 99.99% chance that you or a member of the family will be kidnapped,^ Iris replied matter-of-factly.

"Man, I'm too tired to deal with this. Iris, follow his data and say that I accept his proposal. I'll go to sleep."

^Sure thing. And by the way, you're not fooling anyone with that tough exterior—you're just as curious as the rest of us about his course.^ Iris's teasing tone lingered in Aiden's mind.

Rolling his eyes, Aiden climbed into bed, chuckling softly. "Good night, Iris."

^Sweet dreams, Aiden. And remember, curiosity isn't such a bad thing.^ Iris's voice faded as Aiden drifted into sleep, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

>>>>>>

The morning sun painted the academy grounds in warm hues as Aiden's day began. He woke up to the soft glow of his room, his digital companion Iris already waiting to greet him. Their bond was growing stronger, and Aiden couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in her presence.

After a refreshing shower, Aiden sat down to a hearty breakfast. Toast with eggs and wurstel, a traditional morning fare, accompanied by a steaming cup of cappuccino. The aroma filled the air, invigorating him for the day ahead.

As he headed to the Combat class location, his mind raced with anticipation. The first day of proper combat training was a milestone he had been looking forward to. He had already spent a good deal of time practicing his physical capabilities, but now it was time to learn the true art of battle.

A familiar face intercepted his thoughts. Aiden turned to see Kilt, a fellow student from the Weapon class, approaching him. Aiden had been one of the top three students in the entrance tests, and Kilt seemed to remember him well.

"Hi Aiden, do you remember?" Kilt's voice carried a friendly tone.

Aiden's face lit up in recognition. "Yes, Kilt from the weapon class. How could I forget?"

Kilt grinned. "Yep, honored that one of the top 3 remembers my name."

They fell into step together, their strides matching as they walked across the bustling academy grounds.

"Well, you sure have guts," Aiden remarked, "You're one of the people who decided to continue the Weapon course with me."

Kilt's expression shifted, and he shivered involuntarily. "Hell nah, bro, don't mention it. I got a nightmare about it."

Aiden chuckled, understanding Kilt's sentiment.

"Well, I'm forced to do it," Kilt continued with a resigned smile, "my Gift, [Crucifier], needs to be used by someone who understands the use of each weapon. And we're lucky that the best person is teaching us in this matter."

"You are right, are you joining the combat class?"

"Yes but we have different instructors"

"I've got Combat class now," Aiden said, glancing at his schedule. "I'm really looking forward to it."

Kilt slapped Aiden on the back in a friendly manner. "Good luck, my man. If anyone's going to shine in combat, it's you."

With a final exchange of smiles, they parted ways, each heading to their respective classes. Aiden's anticipation grew as he thought about the lessons that awaited him. The prospect of honing his combat skills, learning from experienced instructors, and growing stronger was exhilarating.

As the day continued, Aiden's path crossed with Elias and Kara, and the three friends exchanged stories of their morning experiences.

The grand lecture hall buzzed with anticipation as students filed in, taking their seats. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of excitement and curiosity.

At the front of the hall stood a woman who commanded attention. Delia, the instructor for the Combat class, exuded an air of confidence and strength. Her piercing gaze swept across the room, and as she began to speak, her voice carried a firm authority.

"Welcome, students, to the Combat class," Delia's voice rang out, her tone steady and composed. "I am Delia, and it's my honor to guide you on this journey of mastering the intricate dance of combat."

Delia's appearance matched her aura of power. Tall and athletic, she wore a form-fitting black training uniform that accentuated her muscular physique. Her short, raven-black hair framed a face that bore a scar across her left cheek, a testament to her years of experience in the field.

"Combat is not merely a clash of physical force," Delia continued, her eyes locking onto each student. "It's a fusion of mental acuity, adaptability, and skill. In this class, you will learn not only how to fight but how to emerge victorious in any situation."

She paced in front of the whiteboard, her movements fluid and purposeful. On the board, she wrote the words "Foundations of Combat Mastery" in bold letters.

"Let's dive right in," Delia said, her voice gaining momentum. "Combat is the art of asserting your will, achieving objectives, or defending yourself against adversaries. In our world, where Gifts and abilities shape the landscape, knowing how to navigate combat is paramount."

"Adaptability," she continued, "is another essential principle. Combat is unpredictable. You must be ready to change your approach on a moment's notice, responding to shifting circumstances and opponents."

Delia's words resonated with the trio. Aiden, Elias, and Kara had each faced challenges that demanded quick thinking and adaptability, and now they were hungry for the knowledge to elevate their combat skills.

As she discussed each principle, Delia's passion for combat and her dedication to teaching were evident. She transitioned smoothly from one topic to another, discussing Physical Conditioning, Tactics and Strategy, Utilizing Abilities and Gifts, and Control and Restraint.

"Remember," Delia emphasized, "our abilities are powerful tools, but they are most effective when wielded with control. In combat, we must remain true to our values, even in the heat of battle."

With the principles laid out, Delia paused, her gaze sweeping over the students once more. "This lecture is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into each principle, exploring techniques and strategies that will hone your combat prowess."

She smiled, a glint of anticipation in her eyes. "Homework, as you might call it, will be assigned. I want you to think critically about how these principles apply to various combat scenarios, fictional or real."

As Delia concluded her lecture, a wave of excitement rippled through the room. The students were inspired, enthralled by Delia's words, ready to dive into the journey of mastering combat.

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[Cursificier] A-rank

The Gift [Cursificier] grants its user the unique and unsettling ability to craft cursed objects and equipment. Unlike traditional crafting Gifts, [Cursificier] taps into the darker side of creation, allowing the user to infuse their creations with malevolent energy that brings about negative effects. This eerie talent is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a deep understanding of both craftsmanship and the mechanics of curses.