Fighting with two swords, also known as dual wielding is a combat technique that requires a high level of skill, coordination, and training. The use of weapon combinations for close combat dates back to thousands of years ago.
From Western Europe during the Byzantine to the Renaissance era. Often called a parrying dagger, it was a common form of duelling technique in European martial arts. But the people who were most known for dual wielding were the Japanese, particularly for their classical style of swordsmanship involving the use of a katana and a wakizashi.
Of course the dual style wasn't exclusive to the Japanese. This technique was known in the Philippines with the Doble Baston, Korea with the Haidong Gumdo and so forth.
These were all things Kenneth had learned during her travels around the world. There was a period in her life where she was obsessed with knowing the different kinds of martial arts that existed out there and trying to incorporate them in her fights.
Dual wielding was not very common because of its level of difficulty. For one, you needed to be ambidextrous in order to properly wield both swords. Secondly, coordination was important as well which required extensive training. You needed to be able to strike, parry and move fluidly with both hands.
The amount of focus and concentration that took was incredible considering how you needed to be able to track you opponents while simultaneously moving both swords at the same time.
It was an arduous and demanding process that only a few could master. It was a forgotten form of fighting after the end of the 2800's but was brought back a hundred years later.
Despite its challenges, it had some benefits. Each sword had a role. One for offence and the other for defence. This point could be seen as Fletcher struck the dummies with precision using her right sword and defended against any attacks with her left. The students watched in awe as they saw her maneuver through each attack with such elegance and grace. Even the instructor was impressed.
Wanting to see how far she could really go, he pressed another button and this time instead of the dummies only charging towards her from the front, they came at her from the sides as well. Kenneth understood that the instructor wanted to see how well she could adapt and defend herself in this new situation.
Kenneth was confident that she would hold her own and she was not disappointed. Her spirit did not waver and she became even more alert. Finally after 20 long minutes, all dummies were defeated. Fletcher could feel her chest heaving up and down as she tried to catch her breath. There were beads of sweat on her forehead and she found herself shaking a little. She was relieved to be done.
She didn't know how long she could keep this up. There was nothing but silence in the training room when suddenly, the entire room erupted in cheers.
It truly was an incredible sight to witness and Kenneth couldn't help but smile when seeing the surprise look on Fletchers face.
As she made her way back, everyone congratulated her and Kenneth gave her a tap on the shoulder. "You did really well." She complimented.
Fletcher who was still exhausted from her fight could only muster a smile in response.
"Alright everyone settle down, we still have one more student to go." As the instructor said this, everyone quieted down and turned their attention towards Kenneth.
"Kenneth Greywater, step forward."
***
Lucien paced relentlessly across the boardroom, his face etched with sternness.
The other Venture members sat in their seats, casting anxious glances at their captain. The atmosphere was tense; it was evident they were in a dire situation, and Lucien's mood did nothing to alleviate it. The room felt stifling, suffocating even, leaving everyone paralyzed in silence.
Sensing his comrades' discomfort, Alcione cleared his throat, attempting to catch Lucien's attention. When Lucien shot him a deadly look, Alcione involuntarily swallowed hard, feeling his mouth dry up instantly.
He knew from experience that when Lucien looked like this, reasoning with him was futile. The best he could hope for was to divert the captain's attention momentarily. Alcione was the only one who could manage it, even if only slightly.
"Captain, we've been in this room for over three hours now. Perhaps a break is in order?" Alcione spoke softly, careful not to escalate the tension.
Lucien's eyebrows furrowed even more, and he tilted his head, contemplating whether to release his subordinates or prolong their ordeal. Alcione, familiar with Lucien's mannerisms, understood the implications of that expression. It seemed Lucien was leaning towards the latter, intensifying the restlessness among his team.
Alcione couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Why was he always the one left to navigate his captain's unpredictable mood swings?
"I-I heard the new recruits are undergoing the PTC right now with Alexi. Didn't you say you wanted to check out their progress?" Alcione hurriedly suggested.
Lucien, still pacing, abruptly stopped and turned to face Alcione. The furrows on his forehead seemed to ease, and Alcione sensed his captain's mood lighten slightly.
"You're right. With Alexi overseeing, he won't be taking it easy on them," Lucien pondered for a moment before making a decision.
"Alright, let's wrap things up here for today. We'll reconvene next week, so clear your schedules. You're all dismissed."
A collective sigh of relief filled the room as everyone stood, quietly thanking Alcione with grateful glances before exiting.
"Let's go," Lucien said curtly, heading out of the room.
Alcione followed silently behind, inwardly lamenting his role in managing his captain's temperament.