[Opening the path that transcended human capabilities, the Sixth Sense Technique can perceive things that one's eyes are incapable of doing. A technique that is diverse and relies upon instinctual judgment.]
Sixth Sense
I came back to the very description of this technique that Ariana had given to me. I've already read the whole scroll in just a day since I was ecstatic to receive one in here, and it was a blast!
I dedicated an entire day solely to immersing myself in the contents of the scroll, brimming with enthusiasm for the arrival of this long-anticipated opportunity it represented.
Receiving a gift not only brings me joy but discovering the potency of this technique has left me thoroughly impressed. Mastering such a skill would undoubtedly prove highly advantageous for me.
Then, the problem arises.
Given the remarkable effectiveness of this technique, it's only logical that mastering it would present a considerable challenge.
"It wouldn't matter though."
Despite the obstacles I may encounter, I recognize the necessity of overcoming challenges to grow stronger. I won't overlook this opportunity, especially considering I wasn't given this much importance in the academy.
"Heehee… Hahahaha!"
I've committed the entire technique to memory, meticulously analyzed its components, and successfully distinguished its nuances. Before the expedition comes, it's imperative that I put this knowledge to the test to gauge its practical efficacy.
…
"Sir Mandy, can we spar?!"
"…"
Seated at a table where all the members of Ariana's squad were quietly enjoying their meals in a shared space, Gin respectfully inclined his head in a polite bow towards the man seated across from him – Mandy, the vice leader of the squad.
'Gin! You shouldn't disturb him when he's eating! That's one thing you shouldn't do!' Ned found himself lost in contemplation, face-palming as he reflected inwardly on the situation.
Adrian, whose a bit interested, slightly opened his eyes to this commotion. Even if Ned appeared uninterested, the other four watched this scene in their seats with glee.
Mandy's puffed cheeks were a clear indication of his enjoyment of the meal, and it seemed that Gin might have unknowingly disrupted his dining experience.
"Brat…"
Wiping his cheek, Mandy pointed to the door outside of the room with his thumb, "Let's get this over right away."
"Yes, sir!"
"He will get beaten!"
"Surely, he will!"
Alex and Alice shared a laugh on the sidelines, playfully teasing Gin as they trailed behind the pair heading toward the training grounds. Their mockery attracted the attention of curious onlookers, causing a growing line to form as people gathered to observe the unfolding spectacle.
Shortly thereafter, the gates to the training ground opened, allowing the two to enter the designated battle space where combatants had the freedom to engage. A crowd of spectators swiftly gathered, encircling the entire arena.
"What kind of spar are we having?"
"If I can request it, sir. I would like us to use wooden swords. And please, go all out!"
Chatter—!
"A wooden sword… This guy's so done! There are a lot to choose from and he chose Mandy's mastered weaponry!" Freda informed everyone around her with excitement before raising cash for everyone to see, "Hahaha, bet! Gin will get beaten up!"
"Okay everyone, place your bets!" Adrian, who happens to have a hat in his hand, announced, "Those who want to place bets on Mandy, the vice-captain of Ariana's squad, here!"
As an illicit bet unfolded just outside the arena, Gin and Mandy armed themselves adequately, ensuring they were well-prepared to minimize the risk of sustaining minor injuries during their confrontation.
'Mandy is strong with the sword. His swift movements are killer moves but what makes him dangerous is his refined skills.' Gin carefully studied, 'But before that, his technique [Quick Draw] will be troublesome. I have to avoid that first.'
Now that he's done, Gin gripped his sword tightly and smiled, "Let's—"
Swoosh—!
In the blink of an eye, Mandy seemingly disappeared from one location and reappeared in another, swiftly unsheathing the wooden sword in his hand with the fluidity one might expect from a real blade.
Glancing over his shoulder, Mandy discovered that Gin had successfully defended against his quick draw, evidenced by the wisps of smoke emanating from the point of impact on Gin's weapon.
'I didn't knock him down?' Mandy mused inwardly as he readied his sword again, this time, planning to face him head-on without his technique, 'Luck maybe,'
'Damnn… that sure is fast.' Internally, Gin contemplated with a hint of fear in his eyes as he observed Mandy, although he endeavored to conceal any signs of trepidation on the exterior.
'And that sensation just now… Yes, I was right in my way of thinking! Though I have to strengthen it first!'
As Mandy prepared to launch an attack, he caught sight of the mischievous grin on Gin's face, causing him to involuntarily freeze in his tracks.
A realization dawned upon him, and he couldn't help but acknowledge it.
'This kid… is using me as a dummy?' Mandy's interest was indignant as he processed this revelation.
'Hoh, well done, child. Let's see what you got.' he remarked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Whoosh—!
The onlookers believed that the two were exchanging strikes, but the reality was something different.
In reality, it was Mandy who initiated all the attacks, while Gin focused on parrying each one. This strategic approach allowed Gin to test and apply the insights he had gleaned from diligently studying the Sixth Sense for an entire day.
Clank—!
'Is it just me, or is he becoming harder to hit?' Mandy pondered, a hint of confusion creeping into his thoughts as he experimented with various attacks simultaneously.
Despite Mandy's efforts to increase his speed, there was no discernible slowdown from Gin. Attempting to outpace him proved futile, leading Mandy to the realization that they had reached an instant state of equal footing in their confrontation.
'This… kid!' Mandy smiled lightly as he couldn't help but increase the difficulty thrice as before, 'Don't back down now!'
Swoosh—!
'A change of emotions in the air… Maybe I could try it so that I can focus on using my sixth sense…'
Upon realizing that Mandy was fully engaged in the confrontation, Gin couldn't resist implementing the improvised plan he had devised, aiming to further harness the potential of the technique he had been exploring.
"!"
Gin decisively discarded his sword, assuming a focused stance before unexpectedly closing his eyes.
Whoosh—!
Evading a vertical slash from the front, Gin swiftly maneuvered his body to face Mandy, maintaining closed eyes. However, as he turned to confront Mandy from the rear, the elusive figure vanished, only to reappear and target his back once more.
Swoosh—!
Nevertheless, Gin displayed remarkable skill as he adeptly evaded the horizontal slash executed by Mandy. Transitioning onto all fours momentarily, he then swiftly stood back up, demonstrating agility and poise in his movements.
He assumed a stance once more.
Thud—!
The more Mandy exerted himself in attempts to land a hit, the more apparent it became that inflicting direct damage on Gin was proving to be increasingly troublesome.
It dawned on Mandy that Gin had been sparring with his eyes closed all along, making the term "sparring" seem inadequate to describe the situation.
The 'one hard beating Gin received' didn't even happen.
'Hah!'
Rather than feeling annoyed by Gin's unconventional approach, Mandy found himself unable to resist the enjoyment of having discovered what seemed to be the perfect sparring partner to put his skills to the test.
"H-hey… hit him, sir Mandy! Hit him! Why can't you hit him!"
Freda, growing increasingly unsettled, couldn't help but lose her composure as she came to the realization that the spar was spiraling into an unexpected and unpredictable direction.
"What's going on here?"
Ariana, donning casual attire with an indifferent expression, entered the training grounds, accompanied by Oliver, who sported his usual crocs and a smug expression. The other soldiers instantly vanished, not wanting to be involved in the bet Freda just did.
The spectators around the arena gradually quieted down as Ariana and Oliver approached, but they came to an abrupt halt when they realized that an unexpected spar was taking place.
'Mandy and… newbie?'
Ariana raised a brow as she discerned what was happening.
Ariana grasped the situation, recognizing that Mandy was genuinely enjoying the spar, using it as an opportunity to test various skills on Gin, who adeptly and consistently evaded each attack.
In contrast to his previous opponents who succumbed to his technique, Gin proved to be in a league of his own, rendering the two sparring partners evenly matched against each other.
Even she was slightly surprised.
"What the…"
"Ariana…!"
Ariana glanced to her side, realizing that Oliver was visibly shocked, mirroring her own astonishment. How could the two not be taken aback by the unexpected turn of events?
It dawned on Oliver that the unexpected and remarkable technique displayed by Gin was none other than Ariana's own, acquired after a fierce battle with one of the ten families. Being intimately familiar with Ariana, he instantly recognized the distinctive nature of her ability.
"When did you give it to him…?"
"Just y-yesterday…"
"What did you say!?"
Oliver looked at Gin dodging all Mandy's attacks as he sighed, "For you to give that annoying technique, you must be done with it. Sucks that I didn't have the luxury to grab it from you."
"You have a bunch with you already. Besides, someone like you isn't suited to have that kind of technique," Ariana explained as she looked at the arena's middle and watched the spar with interest.
'Damn brat. Understanding the description pertaining that the technique's whole weird sayings would usually take at least half a year, if you're unlucky, a year. Then, harnessing the entirety of it will take years. Some very complicated ones even take a decade… and you're telling me he's already applying it on a combat?!'
She chuckled heartfully, 'No, this guy's just a genius. A diamond in a rough solider!'
"Erm, Ariana. How about this? I'll exchange three of my members for that guy. They are veterans, you see! I'll train that guy—"
"Shut up, he's mine."
Ariana playfully stuck her tongue out, mocking Oliver in good spirits as they both processed the surprising revelation.
The spar endured for at least an hour, at least for one of the participants. The battle might have continued indefinitely if not for Mandy barfing all of the food he ate from the morning, signaling an unexpected and somewhat unceremonious end to the intense confrontation.
It was surprising Mandy managed to endure it for half an hour.
In contrast, Gin remained in a different state of mind, fully immersed in the zone. His focus on skill development led him to perceive anyone attempting to calm him down as a potential threat, prompting him to skillfully dodge all such attempts.
Due to his intense concentration, Gin persisted in keeping his eyes closed.
Ariana and Oliver couldn't help but burst into giggles as they observed the amusing scenario unfolding before them.
Nevertheless, the spectacle came to an abrupt end with a single, well-timed smack to the neck. It was Ariana, Gin's squad leader, who administered the decisive action, understanding that pushing him further might impact his performance in the upcoming secret expedition.
Exhausted from the intense spar and its aftermath, both Gin and Mandy decided to take a well-deserved nap for the remainder of the day.