Raphaello saw Roger from afar, noting the lengthening of his muscles before training. As I approached, it became clear that Roger was anxious to begin training with them that day. A expression determined no rosto de Roger refletia a seriedade e a dedicação que ele estava prestes a investir nos jovens aprendizes
- Hello, Rapha, Lancer. I am ready to start training. I hope that you are also ready to make an effort.
Roger was there with an encouraging smile. I approached Raphaello and Lancer with enthusiasm, ready to absorb all the knowledge that Roger was ready to share with them. Eles greeted each other with open hands and exchanged some words of camaraderie before Roger intervened.
- Vocês dois são jovens promissores, mas saibam que não pegarei leve com vocês durante este training. Learning as martial arts requires discipline from the heart, and I hope that you are ready to dedicate yourself to it.
Observando o olhar ansio de seus apprendizes, Roger ponderou por um momento sobre por onde compares a explicar o training. Ele decided that serious fundamentals begin com os fundamentas da esgrima, a base sobre a qual todo o training seria constructed.
- Before we proceed, it is important that you understand the levels of swordsmanship within the nest and how they relate to the world of martial arts. Just like the magicians, there is a hierarchy of power and levels of fencing, and it is essential to understand that the system is ready to progress with success.
Roger began to explain the ten levels of swordsmanship, identified by the color of the aura that overlaid the user's body. He emphasized that a person with high Qi and efficient internal use would not always be a good swordsman. Those who could skillfully combine their inner Qi with the art of swordsmanship could become invincible opponents. However, there were also cases where the user did not use weapons or combined them with other combat techniques, as well as some who resorted to magical objects to complement their fighting skills.
- Without further ado, here are the internal Qi levels for fencers and non-fencers.
Roger explains that the levels of internal Qi are: Pawn - white, Guardian - gray, Herald - yellow, Sentinel - orange, Lord - green, Bishop - blue, Conqueror - purple, Monarch - brown, Dragon - black and Saint - red . explained Roger, detailing each level and its respective characteristics.
He stressed that to advance in level, intense Qi cultivation and combat training were necessary. Unlike mages, who had the privilege of evolving their Qi more effectively through cultivation, internal Qi users needed to train a series of skills to become stronger and reach higher levels.
Roger began training with basic fencing movements, demonstrating precise cuts, thrusts and parries. The boys watched attentively, absorbing every detail of the master swordsman's movements. Then Roger instructed them to imitate the gestures, correcting their postures and techniques as they went along.
The hollow sounds of clashing wooden swords echoed across the training ground as the three engaged in a coordinated dance of attacks and defenses. Roger pushed them to increase the speed and intensity of their movements, encouraging them to move with agility and grace, maintaining a balanced posture and precise aim.
- Now, let's practice these movements for an hour consecutively to consolidate the basics. After that, I will teach you how to use Qi internally, which can significantly enhance your strength and combat skills.
After an hour of intense training with wooden swords, Roger called the boys, announcing that the fencing training was over. He explained that it was time to focus on internal cultivation, a crucial part of developing his abilities.
- You are already familiar with Qi cultivation, correct?
asked Roger, and Raphaello confirmed with a nod, which Lancer joined in enthusiastically.
- Great, now sit down and start cultivating Qi internally.
Roger continued his explanations, emphasizing the importance of directing Qi throughout the body. He pointed out that while magic users used to release their Qi to cast spells, swordsmen followed the opposite path. They concentrated their Qi internally, strengthening their bodies and increasing their physical capabilities for direct combat, using it internally and effectively. In contrast, magical practitioners focused on releasing Qi externally, using it to perform magical feats.
Roger went on to explain the concentration of internal Qi required a deep connection with one's body and an accurate understanding of energy flow. He instructed Raphaello to visualize his Qi as a constant current, circulating and strengthening every part of his being.
As Raphaello channeled his internally, a feeling of warmth began to spread throughout his body, accompanied by a feeling of vigor and determination. He felt his muscles expand and strengthen, while his mind became clearer and more focused.
Roger watched approvingly as Raphaello delved deeper into his internal Qi channeling. He noticed the gray aura glowing with a renewed intensity, indicating the young man's continued progress in strengthening his physical capabilities. Roger smiled, recognizing the promising potential that Raphaello demonstrated in his training.
- Are you ready, Lancer?
Roger asked in a calm and confident voice, addressing the young man.
Lancer took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing on the flow of energy within himself. His connection with internal Qi felt more natural, as if he were more in tune with the forces permeating his body. A gray aura began to surround him softly, but with an intensity that indicated his innate ability.
As he deepened his cultivation, Lancer felt a sense of serenity and strength spreading throughout his entire being. His muscles expanded and strengthened in a controlled manner, reflecting the balance he was achieving between his mind and his body. He felt refreshed and alert, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.
Roger watched in awe at Lancer's natural talent for internal cultivation. He recognized the bright gray aura emanating from the young swordsman, indicating his exceptional ability to manipulate and strengthen his Qi. Roger knew that Lancer was ready to advance and further develop his skills, becoming a formidable swordsman in the future.
Roger handed the two wooden swords to Raphaello and Lancer, informing them that the training would end with a friendly battle between the two. They stood on opposite sides of the training field, wielding their swords with determination. The setting sun bathed the field in golden light, casting elongated shadows as the two combatants prepared for confrontation.
Raphaello charged forward with a vertical slash, his wooden sword cutting through the air with a whistle. Lancer deftly dodged to the side, his body moving nimbly. He counterattacked with a horizontal movement, trying to catch Raphaello off guard. However, Raphaello anticipated the attack, dodging it with a graceful backward movement. The sound of clashing swords echoed across the field as the two friends engaged in a friendly duel.
Raphaello jumped back, narrowly avoiding Lancer's attack. With a quick turn, he attacked again, executing a series of cuts on Lancer's lower limbs, who retaliated with a diagonal blow,
aiming for Raphaello's shoulder, which he promptly blocked with an elegant movement of his sword. The wood of the swords clashed repeatedly, creating an intense, pulsing rhythm. The two danced in perfect synchronization, each seeking an opening in the other's style.
Raphaello, with a bold move, made a quick turn and delivered an upward blow, but Lancer was prepared. He jumped back, narrowly escaping the attack, before counterattacking with a swift side slash. Raphaello dodged to the side, keeping his stance firm and his eyes fixed on Lancer. He advanced with a series of quick thrusts, trying to find a gap in Lancer's defense.
Roger carefully observed the intense battle between Raphaello and Lancer, his trained eyes capturing every movement and strategy used by the young swordsmen. Despite their obvious inexperience and lack of technical skill in fencing, they made up for it with their determination and competitiveness, which resulted in an exciting and fierce duel. Roger was impressed with the potential that the two demonstrated.
- That's enough for today, boys.
he intervened, interrupting the fight with a firm gesture.
- You are making excellent progress. Keep training like this and you will become outstanding swordsmen.
The two friends, panting and sweaty, looked at each other with a sparkle in their eyes. They knew they still had a long way to go, but they were eager to overcome all the challenges that lay ahead. With a tired smile, they thanked Roger and said goodbye, already planning what they would train the next day.
In the silence of the evening, Raphaello and Lancer left the training field, full of hope. The sun was setting on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, as the two friends walked towards an uncertain future, but full of promises and possibilities.