Unlike the rest of the new batch of students Paul, Tarik and Hektor were under strict training from the instructors and Master Bungcao himself.
Drilling into them basic forms of the [Fists of the Tiger].
"This is the base technique that our school specializes in, this will be hammered into you along with a technique or weapon art that suits your style of combat." Instructor Faisal forced the boys to enter a horse stance, squatting down while he motioned for them to copy his movement.
Daily life for the trainees consisted of early morning exercises, martial arts practice until noon and friendly spars with one another during the afternoon.
It was a routine that Hektor was used to, it was similar to his life back in the orphanage. But unlike before where he forced himself to follow, this time around with instructors that paid close attention to him Hektor found fulfillment in doing even the most basic of exercises.
[Fists of the Tiger] aims to teach the younger disciples the use of aura not just in the sense of enhancing their fists but also to enhance their bodies. The techniques that it teaches has 5 different punching moves that are enhanced by aura but also three different body-enhancing techniques that are generally useful for most aura users. [Leaping Tiger] which empowers the legs for longer strides and a faster running speed, [Tiger's Body] which coats the body with a layer of aura for protection and [Tiger's Fury] which aims to do the opposite aura that empowers the strength and speed of the body while forgoing the protection of it.
The process of learning the [Fists of the Tiger] would normally take a non-aura user about a year and a half to even try and manifest, But for those with experience in other martial arts, the frame of time necessary would only be around 3 to 5 months.
The three experienced young soldiers managed to grasp the technique in only about a month. It wasn't just their talent or experiences that aided them, it was also their hunger. The need to get stronger, knowing fully well how feeble they actually are compared to the rest of the world.
Due to their exemplary talent and work ethic, the master has treated them as direct disciples of the dojo. Pouring resources into the three teens, resources such as the high class aura enhancement pills which boosts a fighter's aura reserves. Items that would usually cost a fortune, but can be considered worth it to raise new instructors and combatants that will represent their dojo.
The resources poured onto them was also spurred by the fact that only two weeks into their training, the Martial Alliance asked for reinforcements. This caused 7 of the current 10 instructors along with 300 of the current 362 trainees to be sent to the frontlines.
Master Bungcao made the executive decision to keep a single weapon's instructor for each of the three talents that he found during the 4th month of the year. Through constant training and the consumption of aura enhancing pills, Hektor and his peers grew at a much faster rate.
With that being said, three months passed by rather quickly. With almost no time to sleep let alone even think of leaving the dojo, Hektor barely managed to add a few more souls to his small collection. But he found worth in the fact that individually speaking, he was now comparable to an advanced soldier through sheer aura values alone.
White mist and a blue glow mixed into the purple aura that Hektor usually manifested. He could hear the master clap while he walked towards his direction.
"The first to take this step in your batch, your talent is second only to the work ethic that you have shown Hektor."
In his short stint at the dojo, Hektor reached a level that would take the average student years to achieve. Gaining a secondary weapon art is the next step in improving one's skill, the [Blue Sky Spear Art] is the base style for spear-wielders under Master Bungcao. With five moves instead of the bare minimum that the [Markluzian Spear Art] provided, this was a welcome addition to his arsenal.
'It's been a long time since I've said this' He breathed in before finally saying the word. "Status."
Name: Hektor
Title(s): Young Soldier
Mana: 1,115/1,500
Aura: 4,910/6,550
Personal Skill: [Manifest Minion]
Skill(s): Markluzian Spear Art, Fists of the Tiger, Blue Sky Spear Art, Mana Barrier, Mana Bolt
Souls: 58
He barely added to his collection of souls, but he felt far more powerful than he ever did even with a large collection of them.
"Just at the right time, my dear pupil." Master Bungcao motioned for him and the rest of the others to follow.
They arrived at the main hall where announcements are normally held.
"As you may already know, three months ago our dojo sent out most of our disciples to the frontlines." Instructor Faisal held a serious expression.
"The fort on the northwest has fallen… our brothers are no longer with us." The normally friendly and welcoming demeanor of the instructor struck a chord in the disciples that knew him well.
"But we have no reason to mourn, we have been provided with the chance to avenge our fallen comrades." Faisal began his spiel. "The Martial Alliance is mobilizing what's left of us, we will take the fight to them."
Hektor watched as the instructor rallied the rest of the disciples but Hektor's eyes were empty. "I guess it's time to collect them again."
---
In his three months of training, Hektor could not find the time to hunt monsters for more souls. He was far too exhausted to even think of doing so, which is why he spent most of his free time writing letters.
Exchanging messages through the power of his birds, Hektor was informed on the happenings in the frontlines through messages from Eliza. Though she still refuses to share any information on Lina. His favorite and more common correspondents were Lufan and Teksar, with Lufan writing for the both of them.
"It is Hektor once again, the Martial Alliance has issued a command. Our dojo is headed to the frontlines to aid in any way that we can. This might be my last message for a while before things go south. I wish you well on your endeavors and hope that we meet again."