Chapter 63- Coach Ludovic

"W-What did I just watch... is he an actual ninja in real life? I would also forfeit if I was in Edward's place."

Mylo now understood why Zero was the number one ranker in the world. The man was in a league of his own. Even those that where supposed to be considered his match had no way of dealing with him. Zaros, being the second in ranking couldn't even touch him. While Edward, third in ranking, forfeited before even trying his luck against him. Not only was he a peerless martial expert, he also made great use of his active skills to complement his fighting style.

"Do I even stand a chance against any of them..."

"Maybe I should really try learning martial arts...let's see here..."

[Search: ]

*Clank,Clank*

[Search: Martial arts school near me]

*Click*

[ Golden Dragon Martial school, learn the art of the dragon

Million Sword school, learn the art of the sword intent.

Bushin style school, learn the art of a ninja.

....]

"... Those are quite creative names."

Mylo knew how important it was to choose a suitable martial art to compliment his build. He had three requirements before he made any decisions. Firstly, the martial school had to be near him. He already lacked time for himself, he didn't want to waste more of it by commuting somewhere far. Secondly, they had to teach him how to use a rapier. He was against the idea of learning any other type of martial arts that did not make use of the rapier, he knew he would be using his ego weapon for a very long time. He had no other choice but to master combat oriented around it as he had no intention of discarding such irreplaceable item. And lastly, it had to be relatively affordable. Mylo lacked the fonds to spare, even though he had a good amount of coins in game, he still needed them to pay off his debts, rent and other important expenses as well as any items he needed to buy in game.

Keeping in mind those requirements, hours had passed as he searched all around the internet. There was many places to choose from but none had what he wanted. As he was getting ready to give up, at page eighty of the search engine a short yet intriguing text could be seen.

[Basic's of fencing. Open every day from 10am-6pm. Price negotiable. Located in ******]

"Oho~, this place already fills up two out of three of my needs. It teaches fencing and is close by. I should maybe visit the place and get more information about the fees."

Since it was still the afternoon, Mylo left his home without any hesitation. Hoping to make it in time in order to visit the fencing club before it closed.

***

Mylo had walked past numerous building to finally stand Infront of the fencing school. He put his weights against the old door while pushing it. The creaking sound from the rusty hinges of the door could be heard all across the neighborhood. Inside the building was a clutter of jagged sports equipment's. The lack of sound made his every step echo throughout the unsteady floors of the premise. Old air and stale dust could be felt the moment he entered the broken-down room. Not a single soul could be seen in Mylo's vicinity. One could easily mistake it for an abandoned edifice.

"H-Hello? Is anyone here?"

*Clank*

*Bam*

Further inside the establishment, clutter of noises rung behind a similar aged door. A short moment later, loud foot steps rapidly approaching the door could be heard. Walking past the door was an old man holding in hand a wooden stick, both legs shaking as he approached his guest. His wrinkled skin gathered closer together as he forces a smile. His bushy grey brows emphasized his tired eyes, giving the man's face a rather calm and gentle expression. The most noticeable area was the bolded spot on the top of his head. The man was dressed quite plainly, nothing of great importance. The old man gave a quick glance at the unexpected guest, while inhaling the air, he spoke out in a frail voice as he exhaled his breath.

"W-welcome young man. How can this old man help you?"

"Hello sir. I apologize for barging inside without any notice, I've actually seen online that this establishment teaches the basic of fencing? I may have mistaken the address, could you confirm with me if this is indeed the place?"

"Yes, young man. This is indeed the fencing school you inquired for. Are you interested in joining?"

"I am indeed interested. I've read that the fee could be negotiated? Depending on the amount I have to pay, I may join. Before that, I apologize if it may come as rude. I couldn't help myself but notice the lack of individuals within the building. Did I come during the closed hours?"

"Hoho~. Do not mind it young man. You came at the appropriate time. The reason for the lack of souls is because there isn't any members. Actually, you're the first student or I should say 'soon-to-be' student to have registered in months. You see, it was quite busy a few months ago. But ever since the release of this virtual game, many other martial schools opened in the area. Having advertised their martial art inside the game, all of my students decided to leave for those schools. It seems like fencing isn't their go to combat style inside the game. "

Mylo now understood why it was so empty, as he played Second Chronicles, not once did he see someone make use of the rapier. It was no wonder that his students would leave and disregard his teaching. They rather learn from someone that made use of their main weapon of choice inside the game.

"You're quite young, are you perhaps interested in fencing because of that virtual game? What was it again... Oh yes, was it called Second Story?"

You mean Second Chronicles?"

"Yes! Yes! that's the one! I apologize, as you can see I'm quite old. Its natural for me to not be up to date with today's trends."

"I understand sir. I do not mind it at all."

"You're a very polite young man. Hoho~."

"About the registration fees..."

"Hmm... you seem to be having financial troubles... How about this. I will teach you free of charges but only in one condition."

"Really! What is the condition then?"

"You see, over my years of teaching I've created a few champions in the field of fencing. If you look over there, you can see a few gold trophies. Yet, as I grew older the value of those trophies diminished to the extent that they are worth nothing. I quickly understood that the individual that people look up to aren't Olympians or martial art champion, rather it is pro gamers. All I ask of you is to learn my fencing art and show the gaming world it's true value. I want you to be the champion of this new age of gaming or rather the champion of 'Second Chronicles'."

Mylo understood the old mans concern. In this day and age the rise of gaming and the downfall of other entertainment prospect rose significantly. The true celebrities weren't actors or politicians, it was pro gamers. The old man was a coach in the truest sense of the word, he wishes to train and nurture athletes and make them champions. Since he can't do it the traditional way, he decided to adjust to today's norm and create a new kind of champion, one that would be truly recognized by the world.

"Hahaha! Old man! That was my intentions from the very beginning!"

"Hoho! I knew my eyes and senses did not deceive me. I can see a champion out of you. My name is Ludovic, but please call me coach."

"I'll be in your care, coach!"