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Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: First Step In Martial Arts

Andrew led Cedric and Alan to the expansive training ground, a space designated for the honing of martial skills. The vast circular area, approximately 80 meters in diameter, awaited the commencement of their training routine.

Their first task was a cardiovascular challenge, a warm-up that aimed to enhance stamina. Alan was tasked with completing 20 laps around the training ground, a feat that showcased his endurance, while Cedric, the younger of the two, had to complete 8 laps.

As Alan set off on his series of laps, Cedric, following closely behind, began to operate the Northstar meditation method. The intricate technique, usually practiced in a stationary position, demonstrated Cedric's budding proficiency as he sought to harness the technique while in motion. Alan, already adept at this level of proficiency, effortlessly completed his laps, his central star radiating with two orbiting planets.

Upon completing the laps, Cedric returned to his father, Andrew, who handed him a wooden sword. The moment of truth had arrived for Cedric as his father instructed, "Alright, Cedric, show me what you can do with this sword."

Andrew's keen eyes observed Cedric's every move, curious to witness the initial actions that would reveal the young boy's inherent nature as a swordsman. Eustace, Cedric's grandfather, had shared tales of his own to him of the start of his swordsmanship journey, recounting how he once swung his sword with all his might the first time he held a sword, a practice that eventually led to a rare mutation of his unique Swordmaster trait resulting in the mutated peak unique trait Berserl Swordmaster.

Andrew's instruction carried the weight of expectation, encouraging Cedric to express himself through the sword. Each swordman, Eustace had emphasized, possessed a unique style, a reflection of their innate nature and tendencies in combat. The first action taken with the wooden sword would serve as a glimpse into Cedric's potential trajectory as a sword practitioner.

As Cedric poised himself, the wooden sword in hand, the training ground became a stage where the legacy of swordsmanship within the Northstar family would find continuity. The air was filled with anticipation as Cedric prepared to embark on his journey of swordsmanship under the watchful eyes of his father and grandfather.

With the wooden sword held firmly in his hands, Cedric, fueled by the dreams of acquiring superhuman strength and accomplishing feats only conceivable through cultivation, stood ready to take his first step towards the realm of martial prowess. His mind was filled with the fantasies of overpowering adversaries, and to achieve this, he believed that emphasizing speed and power in his ideal combat style was imperative.

In his vision, this combat style was not limited to just a sword; it extended seamlessly to the use of a spear and a saber. Cedric saw it as the most effective approach, adaptable to various weapons. As he prepared for his initial strike, he grasped the sword with both hands, channeling the excitement and anticipation into a vertical slash aimed at showcasing the greatest strength and speed possible.

With a deliberate and focused motion, Cedric swung the wooden sword, imbuing his arms with the essence of mana. The air vibrated with the energy of his movements as the wooden sword sliced through the air. The vertical slash was a testament to his determination and the aspirations he held within his heart.

Andrew, watching closely, noted the potential in Cedric's approach. The first strike, although executed with a wooden sword, carried the essence of a future swordsman who sought dominance through swiftness and might. The act symbolized the beginning of Cedric's journey into the intricate world of martial arts, a path where strength, speed, and the fusion of mana played pivotal roles.

Cedric's expression mirrored the intensity of his actions. The exhilaration of pursuing his dreams resonated within him as he envisioned a future where each swing of his sword would embody the fusion of physical prowess and mystical energy. The training ground became a canvas upon which Cedric painted the initial strokes of his martial journey.

As the echoes of the vertical slash lingered in the air, a sense of fulfillment enveloped Cedric. The dream that had fueled his imagination was no longer distant; it was a tangible reality manifested in the motion of his sword. The journey ahead promised challenges, discoveries, and the continual evolution of his combat style. With each practice session, Cedric aimed to refine his techniques, inching closer to the pinnacle of martial excellence he envisioned.

Under Andrew's meticulous guidance, Cedric immersed himself in the realm of swordsmanship. The two weeks following that pivotal first session became a period of intense training, blending the fundamentals of swordplay with the footwork crucial to Cedric's envisioned combat style. Andrew, cognizant of Cedric's aspirations, tailored the teachings to align with the path of strength and speed the young martial aspirant sought.

The training regimen expanded beyond sword techniques. Andrew incorporated weight training into Cedric's routine, utilizing strategically placed weights during laps to enhance stamina and reinforce agility. Every movement was carefully calibrated to contribute to Cedric's overall physical development.

As the days unfolded, the fruits of their labor began to manifest. Cedric's physique transformed under the dual influences of swordsmanship and comprehensive physical conditioning. His strength surged, each swing of the sword resonating with newfound power. Agility, a key element in his envisioned combat style, became more pronounced, and constitution saw enhancements that promised durability in the face of challenges.

Mana, the ethereal force harnessed by martial practitioners, experienced a significant boost. The integration of sword techniques with mana manipulation became more fluid as Cedric honed the synergy between his physical and mystical capabilities.

In the span of two weeks, Cedric's stats underwent a notable transformation—strength, agility, and constitution each increased by 2, a testament to the efficacy of the tailored training regimen. Mana, the lifeblood of martial prowess, surged by an impressive 3, reflecting Cedric's growing proficiency in wielding the arcane energies.

Host: Cedric

Rank: Iron 1

Attributes:

Strength: 10 (+2)

Agility: 10 (+2)

Constitution: 10 (+2)

Mana: 13 (+3)

Charm: 8

The training ground bore witness to the evolution of a burgeoning martial talent. Every session, every swing of the sword, and every calculated footstep marked a step closer to the idealized combat style Cedric envisioned. Andrew, pleased with the progress, continued to impart his knowledge, fostering an environment where potential blossomed into tangible skill.

As the sun set on the training ground at the end of those transformative two weeks, Cedric stood not just as an awakened Martial Saint but as a disciple of swordsmanship, his journey unfolding amidst the echoes of each practiced strike and the whispered promises of his uncharted destiny.