"It's hard to believe it's been six months already," Hee-Joon remarked, wiping the sweat from his brow.
The training grounds were bustling with activity as students practiced their techniques. He glanced at his dual blades, the edges gleaming in the sunlight.
"Yeah, time really flies when you're focused," his training partner, Yuan, replied, adjusting the straps on his armor.
"You've come a long way, Hee-Joon. That was an impressive dual-blade dance you did out there".
Yuan was his new training partner for the past few months for combat training, A teenage-looking boy with short hair, and a thin lean body, he had also awakened within E-rank, slightly higher than Hee-Joon.
Hee-Joon grinned, a sense of accomplishment swelling within him. "Thanks, Yuan But I know I still have a lot to learn. The combat training and team formations have really honed my skills."
"I hope after completing this training, we will meet again somewhere out there while raiding"
Yuan Laughed "Yea sure, but you know right, you have a long way before you could raid in gates", remarked on Hee-Joon's age.
It was a rule implemented by the world council of Awakeners that anyone who is below the age of ten cannot participate in raids, though they can take part in other teams like a porter or other odd jobs.
"Yea I have a long way to go before I could raid"
"That is a very saddening part for me, but hey, don't forget me once you complete the training and go on your way," remarked Hee-Joon to Yuan.
"Yes, sure, will always keep in touch", Yuan replied.
Just then, their instructor, Mister Kim, approached them, a stern expression on his face. "Listen up, everyone! Today marks the end of your training. Tomorrow, the real challenge begins. The series of tests will determine your eligibility for the license."
As Instructor Min-Ho wrapped up his explanation about the upcoming test, he noticed everyone starting to pack up and head out for the day. Among them, Hyun-Soo was making his way toward his bag, which he had left in the corner. Just as he was about to grab it, Hee-Joon sprinted over to him, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Hey, Hyun-Soo! How about a little spar?" Hee-Joon proposed a playful grin on his face. "I've been training against weapon wielders, but I've never tested my skills against a magic wielder. I want to see how I fare against your magic."
"Okay," replied the typically uninterested Hyun-Soo, accepting the spar without a second thought. Hee-Joon, taken aback by the unexpected response, exclaimed, "Great, let's get started!"
Walking towards the training area, both Hyun-Soo and Hee-Joon positioned themselves strategically. The spacious training hall allowed them ample room to maneuver. Given Hyun-Soo's proficiency in magic, he positioned himself farther away to avoid any close-range attacks.
As they settled into their positions, anticipation filled the air. Hee-Joon tightened his grip on his dual blades, ready for the challenge ahead. Hyun-Soo focused his energy, his hands tingling with magical potential. The stage was set for an exhilarating clash between weapon and magic.
As soon as the spar started, Hee-Joon dashed towards Hyun-Soo, his blades poised for attack.
"Fireball!" Hyun-Soo exclaimed, unleashing a blazing projectile that narrowly missed Hee-Joon's shoes.
(Heok, dodged the attack.) Hee-Joon swiftly evaded the fiery assault, his agile movements keeping him out of harm's way.
Undeterred, Hee-Joon pressed on, attempting to close the distance between them for a devastating close-quarters assault. However, with each step he took, a precisely aimed fireball followed, preventing him from getting within range of his Double Slash and Blade Fury combo.
"Fire Bullet!" Hyun-Soo exclaimed, and a barrage of blazing projectiles erupted from his hands, heading straight toward Hee-Joon.
Hee-Joon swiftly sidestepped and weaved through the fiery assault, his nimble footwork keeping him just out of reach of the lethal flames.
"Ouch" cried the Hee-Joon as one of the fire bullets hit on him, although he had armor to protect him, it was only low level, so Hee-Joon still could fill the hot fire.
"Tsk", frustrated Hee-Joon, took a few steps back.
As Hee-Joon took a few steps back, positioning himself strategically, frustration began to creep in. He felt powerless against Hyun-Soo's relentless long-range attacks, unable to close the gap between them.
Every time he attempted to dash forward, a fireball or bullet would intercept his path, forcing him to quickly change direction or dodge. The distance between them seemed insurmountable, and Hee-Joon knew he needed to come up with a plan to bridge the gap.
Gritting his teeth, Hee-Joon analyzed Hyun-Soo's movements, searching for an opening. He knew he couldn't rely solely on his previous combat training; he needed to adapt his strategy if he wanted to overcome this formidable opponent.
Hee-Joon's eyes gleamed with a newfound idea. Utilizing a small portion of his mana, he channeled it into his legs, enhancing his speed and agility. In an instant, he propelled himself forward with remarkable swiftness, aiming to close the gap between him and Hyun-Soo.
However, Hee-Joon's newfound agility surpassed his own expectations. With an unexpected burst of speed, he found himself landing on the wall instead of reaching Hyun-Soo. The sudden turn of events caught both fighters off guard.
Hee-Joon quickly adjusted his position, using the wall as a springboard to propel himself back into the arena.
Hee-Joon's lightning-fast movement caught Hyun-Soo off guard. In that instant, Hyun-Soo positioned himself in the opposite direction, and got ready for a surprise attack, as he started channeling Mana in his palm for Fire Bullet"
As soon as Hee-Joon dashed once again from the wall, he heard Hyun-Soo.
"Fire Bullet", loudly said Hyun-Soo.
As Hee-Joon saw the fire bullets coming on his way still in motion, At the very moment he accelerated once again with all the mana he could gather in his foot.
"Flash" shouted Hee-Joon, as he dashed very fast due to his high points in agility.
Suddenly a Notification popped up, in front of Hee-Joon's eyes, it said:
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[System Notification]
Congratulations on Learning New Skill.
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As he was still in motion, he ignored the system message and continued his speed toward Hyun-Soo.