Albion had been doing his normal school lessons. The boring mathematics, language, literature, history. Classes such as Alchemy, and blacksmithing which he didn't have any interest in. Though he still attended lessons so he could at least remember it. He did enjoy seeing Sylvia on his breaks and learning from her. But today he just so happened to have swordsmanship. One of the things he wanted to start improving on. His class standing on the dirt swordsmanship training ground where they did their testing. A mature man standing in front of the class in light metal armour and a sword at his side. His physique was lean and his eyes and hair were both green.
???: My name is Bevil Croft. I will be your instructor for the year regarding swordsmanship. While everyone has to take swordsmanship I understand some don't want to pursue the way of the sword. For those people, I grant you a free period every time you have my class. If that applies to you please leave now.
Everyone looked around as only two people left, taking Bevil up on his offer. The rest all stayed. Though they were in class D and they weren't the best, they all either wanted to improve on their swordsmanship or become knights, a prestigious position even for nobles. Bevil looked at the class assessing them with his eyes. Their physique, the control of the mana they had. He needed to see what he was working with.
Bevil: Ok. So I have a question for my class. What do you believe the most important skill is when it comes to using a sword?
The class took a minute to look at others before throwing answers out to see if they were correct.
???: To cut?
Bevil: That's a use of your sword but no.
???: To defend?
Bevil shook his head as everyone tried to guess. To cut, to defend, to conduct mana or aura. To parry. Then people started to say many outlandish guesses but no one got it.
Bevil: Let me give you a hint. Even if the sword was a stick the answer would remain the same. In fact, the answer would be the same for all weapons. This doesn't just apply to the sword.
Everyone was now confused. It would be the same even when the sword is a stick? Albion watched as everyone seemed confused. Albion had a pretty good idea of what the answer was. Though it seemed everyone else didn't. Bevil saw that everyone was having difficulty guessing and decided to give them the answer.
Bevil: The answer is to connect the sword with your body. While there are theories in swordsmanship just like magic. Whether the quality of a sword should affect a swordsman's ability in the end or whether fierce or gentle mana control is better. One thing remains the same. And it's that a swordsman always has a strong connection to their sword. It isn't just an extension of their body, it's a part of their body. That will be today's lesson and future lessons until you get into your 3rd year if you stick with me. You will find there will be similar repetitive teachings in all the other classes.
???: Sir. So what will actually be doing?
Bevil drew his sword from his leather sheath. The sword was a regular steel sword. Bevil stepped his left foot back, twisting his stance and holing his sword forward with one hand. Just looking at him they felt power and strength from his stance. Like looking at a mountain that couldn't be toppled. And as Bevil closed his eyes the power only got more intense. But Albion could see his mana was calm and controlled. Bevil stood like this for a minute before leaving his stance.
Bevil then sheaved his sword and took a breath.
Bevil: I want you to pick up a sword and hold it out in your most comfortable stance. One leg back, both legs in line, holding the sword with one arm like I have or two. What not matters is the stance but what you do while in it. I'm not asking you to be an immovable object or attain any sort of enlightenment. All I want you to do is close your eyes and connect with your sword. Let your mind wander or let it empty. But as long as you're still connected to your sword you're doing the right thing. We will just stand here and do that for the whole hour. That is also your homework. Now get to it.
Albion listened as many people complained that this wasn't training. "It was just standing there." "It wasn't swordsmanship." Nearly half of the class left as the others had given up arguing and had started picking up swords and going into stances.
Albion was standing in a similar stance to Bevil but his feet were more narrow than wide and his body less turned to the side. Albion closed his eyes. Seeing everyone else with his mana sense. Looking around to see what everyone else was doing. Looking at Bevil looking around. Then Bevil looked at Albion.
Bevil: No mana sense. Just darkness.
Albion: {Oh. Sorry.}
Albion stood there. With his eyes closed. No mana sense. It was silent on the training ground. Albion only in the darkness of his closed eyes.
After ten minutes Albion could hear some people already dropping their swords and complaining.
Bevil: Absolute silence. If you fail. Pick it back up or leave.
Albion could hear only a few pick their swords back up. Many leaving.
After another ten minutes, Albion's arm was starting to shake. But he took slow deep breaths and pushed through. Thinking of only the sword in his hand. His mind was only on the sword.
Albion: {Think of the sword. Think of the sword. Think of the sword.}
It was like a mantra that Albion continued in his head. But after 32 minutes of keeping his arm continuously still with a sword in hand pointed slightly forward, his right arm couldn't continue. Dropping the sword and releasing all the built-up tension in his right arm.
Albion tried to pick it back up and hold it out again but his arm was completely dead. Giving out after a single minute.
Bevil: It's not the hand you hold it that's important. It's the connection.
Bevil said to everyone,
Albion looked back down at the sword and picked it up with his left hand. Going into the same stance on the opposite side. Repeating the mantra in his head. Think of the sword.
After 27 minutes he heard Bevil clap.
Bevil: Well done to those that remained.
Albion opened his eyes and more than half of the 30 people were gone. Only a third remained. Only 10 people.
???: Will the training change?
Bevil: No. This is the best training for you. I was serious about what I was saying.
???: Damn it! Stayed here for nothing.
He dropped the sword as he stormed off in a fit. Ranting just like the rest. How this wasn't "real" swordsmanship or training. Insulting the teacher. Now there were 9 including Albion. Albion was remarkably amazed that Bevil took this all in stride. Not looking insulted or even affected by all the remarks and complaints. He knew teachers in his old world would have punished such a student.
Bevil: I will see you nine more often then. Well done in making it through the first class.
Albion: If this is what D class doing, what are the lower and higher classes doing?
Bevil looked at Albion.
Bevil: Why do you want to know?
Albion: Naturally curious is all.
Bevil looked at Albion. Giving a small smile.
Bevil: Well class F is doing basic strike training since they lacked even the most basics. Class E is doing physical training because that's what they lacked. Class C is enhancing their technique and mana control. Class B is developing combat experience. Finally, Class A is receiving one-to-one training. Though if any of you are interested you can pass the class and move up.
???: We can? How?
Everyone seemed interested. They thought and couldn't think of anything more boring than the current training they were doing. Wanting to quickly move up a class.
Bevil: Just cut the dummy you failed to cut to move up. That is the only requirement to move up classes. The dummies are out for free use if that helps. If you cut it without cheating, we'll know.
???: What would cheating be?
Bevil: You have to cut the dummy with your own abilities. Using the training swords provided and not with any other sword. Other items that enhance your abilities or worsen the dummy are not allowed. Now go to your next lesson. I don't want to be nagged at by multiple teachers. My children are enough.
Bevil laughed as he left. Albion's arms as well as everyone else's arms were sore. Albion looked at everyone else as they all seemed annoyed.
Albion: {Even if it gains no other results the strength training is useful.}