The next morning, the bruises and soreness from his midnight training reminded Ren of how far he still had to go. He stood once again in the secluded training grounds, the air heavy with anticipation. Chiron Yamazaki waited silently, his presence alone radiating authority.
This is no ordinary day, Chiron announced, his tone sharp. Today, you will face the Trials of Strength. Fail, and you have no place here.
Ren's expression hardened. He had expected something like this. The Yamazaki Clan didn't offer respect freely; it had to be earned.
What are the trials? Ren asked, keeping his voice steady.
Chiron gestured toward a massive wooden gate that had been opened to reveal a hidden training arena. You will face three challenges. The first will test your endurance. The second, your adaptability. And the third... Chiron's eyes glinted with a sharp edge. The third will test your will.
Ren nodded. I'm ready.
Chiron stepped aside, allowing Ren to walk into the arena. The gates closed behind him with a loud thud.
Trial One: The Gauntlet
The arena stretched wide, the ground covered in uneven terrain. At the far end stood a bell suspended from a tall post. Between Ren and the bell were dozens of wooden dummies armed with moving mechanisms—blades, clubs, and spikes attached to their rotating arms.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Mission: Reach the Bell
Details: Navigate the gauntlet without being incapacitated.
Reward: 1,000 Points, Dodge Mastery (Level 1)
Ren took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the obstacles. The dummies' mechanisms were unpredictable, their arms whirring and striking in random intervals.
Stay calm. Focus on movement, the System advised.
Ren dashed forward, his instincts sharpened by hours of training. The first dummy swung a club toward his head, but he ducked, sliding beneath its arm. Another dummy lashed out with a spinning blade; Ren leapt over it, landing gracefully on the other side.
The gauntlet grew more complex the farther he advanced. Multiple dummies moved in tandem, their attacks overlapping. Ren relied on his footwork, twisting and turning with precision.
A blade nicked his arm, drawing blood, but he ignored the pain.
Keep moving. You're almost there.
With one final sprint, Ren reached the bell. He slammed his fist into it, the resounding clang echoing through the arena.
[MISSION COMPLETE]
Rewards Unlocked:
1,000 Points
Dodge Mastery (Level 1)
Ren leaned against the post, catching his breath. The System's notification filled him with a small sense of pride, but he couldn't relax. The second trial awaited.
Trial Two: Adaptability
The arena shifted. Panels in the ground moved, revealing hidden compartments. From these emerged a group of Yamazaki clan fighters—masked and armed.
Your task, Chiron's voice boomed from above, is to defeat them. Use what you've learned. Show me your adaptability.
Ren sized up his opponents. There were five of them, each wielding a different weapon—a staff, twin daggers, a longsword, a chain, and bare fists.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Mission: Defeat the Five Fighters
Details: Utilize techniques to adapt to various combat styles.
Reward: 2,000 Points, Counterstrike Technique (Level 1)
The first fighter charged with their staff, swinging it in wide arcs. Ren ducked under one swing and closed the distance, delivering a swift elbow strike to their ribs. The fighter staggered but recovered quickly, jabbing at Ren's legs.
Use their range against them, the System advised.
Ren sidestepped, grabbing the staff and twisting it out of their hands. He spun it around, striking the fighter's shoulder and knocking them to the ground.
The second and third fighters attacked together, one wielding daggers and the other the chain. Ren's movements became fluid as he dodged slashes and deflected the chain's deadly swings.
The dagger-wielder lunged, aiming for his chest. Ren pivoted, letting the blade pass harmlessly, then countered with a sharp kick to their knee. The fighter collapsed with a groan.
The chain-wielder swung again, but Ren anticipated the motion, grabbing the chain mid-air. He yanked it, pulling the fighter off balance, and finished them with a quick strike to the jaw.
The fourth fighter came at him with a longsword. Ren backed up, analyzing the rhythm of their attacks. Each swing was heavy, deliberate.
Exploit their slow recovery time, the System suggested.
Ren waited for the right moment. As the fighter brought the sword down in an overhead slash, Ren sidestepped and delivered a powerful palm strike to their wrist. The sword clattered to the ground, and Ren swept their legs out from under them.
The final fighter, unarmed, smirked and took a defensive stance. Ren approached cautiously. This one wasn't attacking recklessly; they were waiting for him to make the first move.
Test their defense, the System advised.
Ren threw a feint, drawing the fighter's guard up, then followed with a quick low kick. The fighter blocked, countering with a rapid jab. Ren barely avoided it, realizing this opponent was far more skilled than the others.
Their exchange became a blur of strikes and counters. Ren analyzed each move, looking for patterns.
Their guard drops slightly after every third strike, the System noted.
Ren baited the fighter into a flurry of punches. On the third strike, he saw the opening. He stepped in, delivering a devastating uppercut that sent the fighter sprawling.
[MISSION COMPLETE]
Rewards Unlocked:
2,000 Points
Counterstrike Technique (Level 1)
Ren stood over his fallen opponents, his chest heaving. The second trial was over, but his father's voice echoed again.
One trial remains.
Trial Three: The Will of a Yamazaki
The arena shifted once more, the ground trembling. A single figure emerged from the shadows—a massive man, clad in armor, wielding a gigantic sword.
This is your final test, Chiron declared. Defeat the Yamazaki Guardian.
Ren's eyes narrowed. The Guardian was a legendary figure within the clan, a towering force of strength and skill.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Mission: Overcome the Yamazaki Guardian
Details: Survive the Guardian's relentless onslaught and claim victory.
Reward: 5,000 Points, Yamazaki Hybrid Style (Level 2 Mastery)
Ren steadied himself, drawing on every ounce of strength and strategy he possessed. The Guardian advanced, his blade cutting through the air like a thunderclap.
This is it, Ren thought. I won't fail.
--End--