The Ghoul lunged at Rama with its usual speed, which was quite fast while brandishing its claws. Rama now felt calmer when faced with this supernatural entity. He wasted no time and immediately activated his ability.
< Soul Fusion Level 1 (Ghost) activated! >
< 2 Mana per Second >
Rama's body transformed into a translucent form resembling the Ghost he had defeated earlier. The Ghoul quickly changed direction and attacked fiercely. This time, Rama remained still to test his newfound power. The Ghoul reached him in an instant and slashed its claws.
However, the Ghoul's claws merely passed through his body, as if hitting fog. Rama didn't feel any pain either. A grin appeared on Rama's face. Now it was his turn to strike. He swung his sword swiftly, not giving the Ghoul a chance to react.
*CRAATT!*
Blood sprayed from the Ghoul's chest as Rama's sword cut through it. Without wasting time, Rama swung his sword again, aiming to decapitate the Ghoul. And just like that, he had successfully killed the Ghoul within moments.
The sword he wielded felt lighter, and his movements became smoother. However, Rama didn't receive a notification about mastering his Sword Mastery skill this time.
'Maybe because I didn't use it long enough,' Rama thought as he gazed at the sword in his hand. He activated the simulation again. This time, he decided to spawn five Ghouls at once and increase their damage to 100%. With his Ghost power and growing Mana, Rama was confident he could handle the assault from the five Ghouls.
The five Ghouls attacked again, just as ferocious as before, from different directions. Rama activated Soul Fusion with Ghost power once more and transformed into the white fog form.
The attacks from the Ghouls once again passed through his body without causing any effect. Afterward, Rama swiftly swung his sword, effortlessly killing all the Ghouls.
He wouldn't gain XP from killing the Ghouls in this simulation, but at least he could gauge his strength. Unfortunately, he could only absorb 2 Supernatural souls now due to his Soul Fusion being at level 1. To become stronger, he needed to gather more XP by slaying more Supernaturals.
Rama still remembered how Donovan had dragged him to the sacrificial altar after beating him, with no one coming to his aid. This was another reason for him to grow stronger, besides surviving in this harsh world.
Although, Donovan's mistreatment eventually granted him this power, Rama's anger still needed to be quelled by seeking revenge against them.
'Perhaps I'll kill them quickly because they are the reason I gained this power.'
Rama deactivated the simulation and headed toward the location of the dummy doll. He would train against the dummy until the instructor who promised to teach him arrived. He didn't know when that would be.
However, it turned out that the instructor was already at the Training Center. He stopped and looked at Rama as he emerged from the simulation room.
"What were you doing in there?" the instructor asked.
"Practice, sir. What else?" Rama replied simply.
"So, how was your practice? What were you up against?"
"Ghouls."
The instructor regarded Rama with an expression that he couldn't quite understand. Not long after, he spoke. "Alright. Ghouls are suitable creatures to practice against if you're still a beginner in swordplay."
Rama winced upon hearing those words, as Ghouls used to be quite terrifying Supernaturals for him.
"Since you're done, let's practice for real now," the instructor said.
"Yes, sir!"
Rama followed him to the sparring area. Tonight, there was only one other pair of Hunters engaged in sparring.
"First, you need to fix your stance. You don't want to trip over your feet when fighting against Supernaturals," the instructor said.
"Wait. If you don't mind, can I ask why you want to train me?" Rama asked, fueled by curiosity.
The instructor stared at Rama for a while before responding, "Because I believe you need training."
"Do you train others as well?"
"No. Most people already have mentors guiding them. But you're different. You don't look like someone who's been taught by anyone."
Rama sighed. "You're right about that."
"I know I'm right," the instructor said, drawing his practice sword from his belt. "Let's begin. Don't waste time."
Rama also unsheathed his practice sword. The instructor introduced him to the fundamental principles of swordsmanship, including concepts like balance, precision, stance, grip, and posture.
Rama was learning about the importance of maintaining a solid foundation for effective swordplay, something he hadn't fully grasped before. He had only observed Hunters using swords as their primary weapons to kill Supernaturals, without understanding the techniques behind it and only knowing about slashing and stabbing.
This was an essential lesson for him, and he wouldn't squander this opportunity.
Rama paid full attention to each posture demonstrated by the instructor, even forgetting to ask for the instructor's name.
"Uhm, sir. I still don't know your name," Rama said in the middle of the explanations.
~~~