The master and his new disciples were in the garden. Anfer, in front of them, began to explain.
«There are five conditions that a warrior must always keep in mind:
•Status
•Study
•Strategy
•Suspension
•Syntax
State:
It is the ability to avoid disturbing emotions or feelings, such as anxiety or worry.
Study:
Before starting a fight, it is good to understand yourself and your own possibilities, as well as those of your opponent. Also, make the most accurate analysis of the battlefield, thus having an overview of the situation.
Strategy:
What the fight will be based on. For example, a punch-up, a fraying war, or a well-developed plan.
Suspension:
A warrior must be able to understand when to surrender. Throwing your pride is a more noble undertaking than throwing your life. Putting it first is not a weak action.
Syntax:
Bring all the previous information into one. Thus making the "5 S" a single block, one with your soul.
Before you start, however, let me advise you on the weapons that you would do well to use. Ren, you are good at close combat with very powerful hits. The daggers are your thing, and I see that you manage them very well. You know, there is a bond between a warrior and his weapon, the stronger it becomes, the more powerful the hits will be. Eavelin, you are good at close combat and precise hits but not very powerful. A katana-like weapon is perfect for you. Herega, you are good for all categories, also, you can use sorcery. A sword will do the job, the most versatile of weapons, balanced in every way. However, I advise you not to use it as your only tool. Obviously, based more on sorcery, an indiscriminate use of magic and black magic, and the success of a good plan that includes their use. In training, of course, you will not use real weapons, they will be made of wood, so we will avoid killing ourselves. Herega, you, on the other hand, can use sorcery, even at its maximum power, I promise you will not kill me. Now that you know a little bit more about the fighting style taught to me by the grand master, we can have a trial match. Red-haired youth, show your strength and face me first.» Anfer said.
The girls moved away, Herega stood in front of his master, putting himself in a guard position.
«As I have already said, I am able to face many more demons than you could put together, not hold you back thinking that I can hurt myself. However, as soon as you see blood, I will have to ask you to stop.» Anfer concluded.
Then he stayed in guard position of response.
Herega held the wooden sword in both hands, pointing its apex toward heaven. Anfer held a simple wooden staff. The redheaded youth tried to buy some time, trying to come up with a plan on which he should base himself. Anfer charged him, making a great jump, Herega barely managed to block the hit, backing back by almost one meter.
«As the grand master advised you, you decided to draw up a plan. Admirable. However, you should have known I'm aware of that." Study", remember? One of the 5 S. "Recognize your own and your opponent's possibilities".» Anfer provoked him by adjusting the sleeves of his uniform.
«Yes, you're right. Let's start again!» Herega Said even more confident than before.
They both returned in the same pose. They waited a few seconds, Herega was going to work out another plan, and he was charge again by the master. Anticipating it, avoided it, Anfer, however, knew that this time he would dodge it, so was ready to strike another blow; anticipating it in turn, Herega also dodged the second shot, then trying to attack it with his sword. The master was surprised, but managed to block the blow with the staff in a very fast reflex. Then they moved away to catch their breath. The red-haired youth posed again, and so did Anfer; this one noticed a long chain placed at his ankles.
«Did you put it on to make me fall?» He thought.
While the master looked at it, Herega approached, blocking him with the constraint of Imaginary Characterization combined with Chain Spell. At that point, Herega threw his sword high up and created a chain in his hand. He managed to break it, thus creating a point, with which to stab him. Anfer quickly blocked the blow with his staff. Herega once more generated a chain with his free hand, wrapping it around the sword thrown into the air. So he managed to pull it, hitting the master on the head. Much dust rose, the young redheaded man moved away. Anfer reappeared from that powder keg. The staff was broken, but he had stolen the sword from the young man.
«I had asked you not to underestimate me, but it seems that I was the one who underestimated you. Beware.» He said, posing again.
Herega, by now, had trouble breathing and moving, that attack had cost a lot, and now he was even unarmed. Anfer began to run towards Herega. The youth tried to throw a chain to at least block the sword but, as soon as it was generated, it was immediately broken. Anfer's hit came. Unable to do anything else, Herega blocked him by placing his hands on a cross. After the blow, he fell to the ground, breathing hard and with difficulty.
«You know, the grand master was in close contact with one of the societies of sorcerers. It seems that, often, these gather on the ground without strength during a fight in which there is a lot of use of sorcery, especially black magic. They seem to be unable to make long-term use of it.» Anfer said, leaning on his sword with the help of one leg. Herega rose again, relying on the last remaining strength.
«It's not long since I discovered that I am a sorcerer. During my years of life I never really fought anyone, but I lived having to rely almost exclusively on my own strength. Even without sorcery, I can fight you.» He said to him while posing again.
Anfer grinned, doing it in turn. They approached, and the young sorcerer attempted a swift assault with punches and kicks. The master was able to block them all with his sword, then he slashed horizontally at the height of his knees, Herega jumped to avoid it, but Anfer was ready for a counterattack. Leaving the weapon, he blocked the youth's wrists. At that moment, Herega felt a strong feeling of restlessness. He began to make risky and dangerous movements, which did not seem dictated by reason, in a short time he evaded that grip, and kicked the bust of Anfer, who stopped it crossing his arms. Herega regained consciousness, then fell to the ground, unable to get up.
«How come he was so scared when I blocked his wrists? I was sure I had a firm grip, but it got loose in seconds.» Anfer thought. While Eavelin and Ren ran to the rescue of Herega, a chain, coming from the underground, wrapped his sword, and hit the master on the side, making him hesitate.
«If it had been a real clash we would both have died. You're stronger than me, master, but don't let your guard down.» Herega said clinging to his last strength.
Anfer laughed, congratulating the youth sorcerer.
♦️
While Ren accompanied Herega to a safe place where he could catch his breath, Eavelin was ready for her turn.