Chapter 16: Clash of Styles

According to my master, just like mages, warriors were also divided into nine stages: from 1 star to 9 stars, with each group of three stages referred to as low tier, mid tier, and high tier.

While mages condensed a small star inside their mana core, representing a level up for each star, warriors stored the stars within their bodies. They had to identify nine specific meridian points within their bodies and condense a star for each point.

At my current stage of training, I hadn't yet condensed a star, placing me below even a 1-star mage. The Supreme Warrior Scripture stated that completing the second chapter would enable me to condense my first star. However, facing Anna, who had become a 1-star mage three years ago, put me at a disadvantage.

But now, with the handicap given to me, I might have a chance to defeat her. My master had taught me that in the early stages, warriors held an advantage over mages. Mages in the low-tier stage had limited mana capacity and required longer chanting times for spells. Even if they compensated with other skills such as close combat or weapon wielding, they couldn't surpass a warrior who excelled in close combat.

Anna and I stepped into the designated sparring ground within the gym. Anna was dressed in sportswear that accentuated her physique, while I remained in my casual clothes since I hadn't brought any spare attire.

"William, just do your best. Anna may seem tough, but she's actually a good-hearted person. And if you feel like you can't fight anymore, just say 'give up,' and she will stop," Sarah quickly reassured me before the fight began.

To assure her, I nodded and said, "Don't worry, I know my limits."

Inside the sparring ground, I moved my body lightly. Surprisingly, even though this was my first fight against a mage, I didn't feel nervous at all. Perhaps all the sparring sessions with my master had made me calmer in such situations.

"Are you ready? Because if you're not, it's going to hurt," Anna taunted.

Her taunt didn't faze me in the slightest. "I'm ready. Start anytime," I replied with a light smile on my face.

She didn't respond, and a moment of silence passed until the fight suddenly began.

I swiftly lunged toward her, aiming to take the initiative. Though she was taken aback by the speed of my attack, it didn't hinder her performance as she promptly countered with a strike of her own.

I had to admit, she truly was a genius. Despite my supposed advantage as a warrior, I couldn't find an opening to defeat her as we exchanged blows.

Our fight continued for five minutes, each of us trying to outdo the other. During that time, I managed to grasp the rhythm of her movements. My master had always told me that in close combat, unlike when using magic, people tended to have a subconscious rhythm in the movement of their bodies.

As a master of close combat, a warrior could control their own rhythm by training their body to the extreme. On the other hand, even if mages trained their close combat abilities, it was difficult for them to control their body's rhythm.

That's why, as soon as I recognized Anna's rhythm, I quickly formulated a plan in my mind. Anna fought using a renowned technique among close combat mages called the Rapid Fist Technique.

This technique focused on rapid strikes against the opponent. While her movements weren't particularly fast at the moment, if she were to combine the technique with magic, such as speed enchantment and body strengthening, it would become a devastating fist technique.

For now, all of her movements were within my field of vision. Compared to my master, her movements didn't fill me with dread. I countered every fist strike she threw at me with moves of my own, until I noticed her growing anxious.

I wasn't sure if she was getting tired or annoyed with the prolonged fight, but I knew my chance was coming.

When she threw a punch at me, I swiftly changed from a defensive stance to an offensive one. Evading her fist, I closed in and, right in front of her, executed the most basic move in karate: the stepping punch. I had practiced this punch a thousand times, and it packed a powerful impact.

My fist landed on her face, sending her flying backward. Blood trickled from her nose, and she seemed to have trouble standing up. However, I didn't let my guard down, ready to continue the fight until a voice called out.

"Stop!"