- After diligently completing two years of intense training, I am now prepared and obligated to engage in a decisive duel with Logan-sensei, the outcome of which will conclusively determine the true efficacy and value of my extensive preparation.
- " Leon, are you prepared for the duel that will determine if you pass or not? Logan.
- " Yes sensei let's beg.." Leon.
- Before I finish my sentence I parried an attack at an incredible speed from Sensei and he said.
- " Rule no 1, don't give your enemy the first attack." Logan.
- Then he used a downward slash then instantly used a kick at my gut.
- " Rule no2, read your opponent's entire body." Logan.
- Then he used a skill to immediately appear behind me and used a horizontal slash.
- " Rule no. 3, You have to maintain your calm even if the enemy is stronger than you." Logan.
- I barely managed to twist my body, the polished steel of his blade whistling past my ear, a fraction of an inch from a lethal blow. The wind from his attack rippled my training gear. I rolled forward, regaining my stance, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum. Logan-sensei's movements were a blur, a testament to years of mastery. He didn't just move; he flowed, each strike seamlessly transitioning into the next.
- He lunged again, a series of rapid thrusts aimed at my center mass. I met each one with a parry, the shing of our training blades echoing in the field. My arms burned with the impact, but I focused on his eyes, trying to anticipate his next move. He faked a high strike, then dropped low, aiming for my knee. I saw it coming, just barely, and shifted my weight, bringing my sword down to block. The force of his blow sent a jolt up my arm, but I held my ground.
- "Good, Leon," he grunted, a flicker of approval in his usually stern eyes. "But anticipation alone isn't enough."
Suddenly, he spun, a whirlwind of motion, and executed a sweeping leg kick that aimed to destabilise me.
- I leapt back, narrowly avoiding it, but the momentum of his spin brought his sword around in a wide arc. I had to react instinctively. I dropped into a low crouch, my sword held horizontally above my head, deflecting the blow with a jarring clang. The impact reverberated through my entire body.
- Before I could recover, he was upon me again, his movements like a predator. He aimed a precise jab at my shoulder, and as I moved to block, he feigned, then twisted his wrist, redirecting his blade to strike my ribs. I gasped, the air knocked out of me, but forced myself to remain upright. This wasn't just about technique; it was about resilience.
- "Rule no 4," Logan-sensei's voice was calm, despite the ferocity of his attack, "Exploit every opening, no matter how small."
-He pressed his advantage, a flurry of strikes that forced me to defend with all my might. I parried, blocked, and dodged, my movements becoming more desperate, fueled by adrenaline. I could feel the sweat stinging my eyes, my muscles screaming, but I refused to yield. This was the moment of truth. My training, my dedication, it all came down to this. I had to find an opening. I had to fight back.
- I started to understand and see his movements and used my skill 'Mist Flow Swift Sword' to move like a mist and counterattack and have some advantage but it instantly changed to Sensei after he used his skill 'Shadow Strike' to change the advantage back to his favour.
- After what felt like forever we made some distance between us and Logan sensei talked.
- " I never thought I would have a match that I will have an opponent that will last till now, I am very impressed with how much you have grown, Leon." Logan.
- " Thank you for the courageous words Sensei but I will end this match with this attack." Leon.
- I sheathed my katana back and took the fatal Lai stance to strike one final blow. "Sword Saint Technique: Flash Thunder Slash!" That ripped through the air, aimed directly at Logan Sensei.
- In a fraction of a second, I materialised behind him, my movements a blur of pure intent. He reacted with the instinct of a seasoned warrior, deflecting the initial blow, but in the next heartbeat, the ancient Odachi he wielded shattered into a thousand glittering fragments. The duel was undeniably over.
- "It appears you have won, Leon. Congratulations on finishing your training," Logan's voice, though tinged with a hint of weariness, held a profound sense of pride. A small, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips.
- "It's all thanks to you, Sensei," I replied, my own voice thick with gratitude. "Your training was unwavering, your guidance absolute. You pushed me beyond my limits, always with the utmost care and unwavering belief."
- Logan Sensei nodded slowly, his gaze distant, as if seeing beyond the immediate moment. "Now, Leon, as promised, since you have successfully concluded your arduous training, I will finally reveal the reason why I embarked on this path – the true purpose behind every lesson. And understand this: I ask for nothing in return, only that you listen with an open mind and a discerning heart." Logan.
- I shifted my ears to listen to what Sensei is going to say.