Chapter Eleven: Dual Blades
The morning sun cast a soft glow over the Sūn Family's courtyard, highlighting the intricate carvings on the surrounding stone walls. Daniel stood at the center, his fingers wrapped around the hilt of the smaller sword the Family Head had given him the previous night. It felt light and nimble, an extension of his arm rather than a foreign tool.
Lily stood across from him, her practice blade resting lazily on her shoulder. She looked relaxed, but Daniel knew better after the bruises he'd earned sparring with her the day before. She didn't hold back, even when it was clear he was struggling.
"Ready?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Daniel replied, lowering into a stance the Family Head had drilled into him. His feet were planted firmly, his weight balanced.
"Good," Lily said with a smirk. "Let's see if you've learned anything."
She lunged, her wooden blade cutting through the air with precision. Daniel sidestepped, bringing his own blade up to block. The impact reverberated through his arm, but he held steady.
"Better," Lily said, pulling back and striking again. This time, Daniel parried and attempted a counterstrike. His movements were slower than hers, less fluid, but he was improving.
The sparring continued, their blades clashing in a rhythmic dance. Sweat dripped down Daniel's forehead as he focused on Lily's movements, trying to anticipate her next attack.
"Stop thinking so much," the Family Head called from the sidelines. "Swordsmanship isn't just about logic. Feel the flow of the fight. Let your instincts guide you."
Daniel took a deep breath, adjusting his grip. When Lily struck again, he didn't overthink it. His body moved on its own, his blade meeting hers in a decisive block.
"Much better," Lily said, stepping back. "You're starting to get it."
As they paused for a break, the Family Head approached, holding two shorter blades. Their handles were wrapped in dark leather, and their steel glinted in the sunlight.
"I've been watching," he said, handing the swords to Daniel. "Your movements are too rigid for a longsword. But with two blades, you can take advantage of your speed and adaptability."
Daniel took the weapons, one in each hand. They felt balanced, almost natural. He swung them experimentally, noting how easily they moved.
"Dual blades require more coordination," the Family Head continued. "You'll need to train your left hand to be as skilled as your right. But if you can master them, they'll suit your fighting style far better than a single sword."
Lily grinned. "Let's see how you do with those."
The sparring resumed, and Daniel quickly realized how much harder it was to fight with two blades. His strikes were clumsy, and his blocks lacked the precision he had managed earlier. But as the session wore on, he began to adapt. The smaller swords allowed him to move faster, to strike and defend in rapid succession.
By midday, his arms were trembling from exhaustion, but there was a small sense of satisfaction blooming within him. The dual blades felt right, like they were meant for him.
As they wrapped up for lunch, the Family Head clapped a hand on Daniel's shoulder. "You've made progress, but don't get cocky. The path of the sword is endless. There's always more to learn."
Daniel nodded, his determination renewed.