<Combat Training Arena, Sixth Day of Training, 5 A.M.>
The morning light once again filtered through the high windows, casting long shadows across the training hall. Dakota and Astron stood on the mat, the air between them crackling with anticipation.
"Are you ready?" Dakota asked a fierce smile on her face, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Astron met her gaze, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. "As ready as I'll ever be, Master."
Dakota nodded, satisfied with his determination. "Remember, we'll use only the [Gale Stance]. Show me everything you've learned."
With a swift motion, Dakota assumed the [Gale Stance], her posture relaxed yet radiating controlled power. Astron mirrored her, his stance solid and focused.
"Begin," Dakota commanded.
Astron moved first, launching into a [High Gale] strike with fluid precision. His fist cut through the air, aimed at Dakota's upper body. Dakota met his strike with a perfectly timed block, her movements effortless.
"Good," Dakota said, her voice calm despite the intensity of the exchange. "Now, keep it going."
Astron transitioned smoothly into [Medium Gale], a horizontal strike designed to break through defenses. Dakota matched his pace, her own strike intercepting his with equal power.
The sound of their strikes echoed through the hall, each impact a testament to their skill and training. Astron's movements were precise and powerful, each strike flowing seamlessly into the next. Dakota's responses were equally flawless, her experience and skill evident in every motion.
"Don't hesitate," Dakota urged, parrying another strike. "Commit fully to each attack."
Astron pushed harder, the rhythm of his strikes becoming more aggressive. He flowed into [Low Gale], his strike aimed at Dakota's lower body. Dakota countered with a swift kick, deflecting his attack with ease.
"Excellent," Dakota said, her tone filled with approval. "Now, let's see your full potential."
Astron's eyes narrowed with determination. He launched into a rapid sequence of strikes, combining [High Gale], [Medium Gale], and [Low Gale] in a relentless barrage. Each strike was executed with perfect form, his mana enhancing every movement.
Despite his speed and precision, Dakota matched him strike for strike. Her movements were a blur of controlled power, intercepting each of his attacks with calculated precision.
'Is she reading me?' She deflected, blocked, and countered with a grace that seemed almost effortless.
'Indeed. I guess I still have yet to engrave the sense of battle to my technique.' He already knew that training his attacks alone would not help him in the real battle. No matter how fast he grasped, he was fighting with his body for the first time.
'The range of the strikes, the posture, everything is different.' Dakota was different.
'She is….Spacing me….' Out of all the people that he had faced, she looked like a wall. There were no surprise attacks, no witty strikes. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
Pure Martial Arts.
That was new for him, as even while he was in that place, the sole reason why he had learned to fight was to efficiently destroy his enemies.
Astron felt the burn in his muscles, the strain of pushing his limits.
But he didn't let up. He poured everything into his attacks, and his desire to improve drove him forward.
Dakota's eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity. "Good, Astron. Keep pushing."
The sparring session became more intense, the sound of their strikes filling the hall. Dakota hit Astron multiple times, each impact a reminder of her superior skill.
'What it means to be a Martial Artist…..It is to never back down.' But Astron didn't back down. He absorbed each hit, using the pain as fuel to push himself harder.
Finally, Dakota stepped back, signaling a pause. Her breathing was steady, her expression a mix of satisfaction and approval.
"You've done well, Astron," she said, her voice firm but encouraging. "Your control over the [Gale Stance] is impressive. But remember, in a real fight, it's not just about executing the moves perfectly. It's about adapting and responding to your opponent."
Astron nodded, his breathing steadying as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "Thank you, Master," he said.
Dakota's eyes twinkled with a mix of approval and challenge. "Tell me, Astron. Do you understand why you weren't able to land a hit on me, even though we used the same martial arts?"
Astron considered her question, replaying the sparring session in his mind. His strikes had been precise, his movements fluid, but something fundamental had been missing. His gaze met Dakota's. "It was because my intent was obvious, wasn't it?"
A proud smile spread across Dakota's face. "You're a quick learner," she said, nodding in approval. "Yes, your intent was clear. In a fight, especially against a skilled opponent, you must mask your true intentions. Make your movements unpredictable, blend your attacks, and keep your opponent guessing."
"You must become a master of deception. Your body should move fluidly, but your mind must remain sharp, always adapting to the flow of battle."
Astron turned his gaze towards the simulation rooms, the advanced training areas equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to push trainees to their limits. He nodded.
"I know what I need to do."
From now on, he will be polishing his skills in those rooms.
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