Chapter 18: Training A New Technique

After reviewing the techniques, he then chose the skills that the AI assistant recommended.

"Now that it is done, should I try them out?"

[It is advisable to try the Battle techniques and gradually change to footwork and then body tempering. In that way, the body will meld with the techniques trained during the process of tempering.]

"Okay."

[Also the VIP2 room has certain functions like multi-angle video recordings and Activity records. This could help track and make adjustments. There are also AI battle puppets that can assist in improving the battle experience. Any higher VIP room grade may help with training Improvements.]

"I see, that seems tempting."

But as he was about to ask for a suggestion, the AI then added putting cold water to his thoughts.

[The grade of VIP rooms also needs some requirements for access; currently, your VIP2 room is the highest grade Available for master's use.]

"Thank you for the reminder. I guess This would do." 'Now that I think about it, the other VIP rooms at the higher grades seemed to have lock markings beside them.'

Having heard what he needed to know, he started his training.

As Jayven was about to get ready to prepare for his training. He turned to his AI assistant, Orb, and asked something that bothered him a bit.

"By the way, why do I have to perform the Attacking techniques first? Wouldn't it be much more beneficial to practice movement techniques first?"

[True Movement techniques are quite beneficial in every fight, and it is the most used in every battle. But that is the thing about fighting: getting familiar with attacking is much more beneficial]

Hearing that made Jayven realize something.

"I see, so the purpose for this is to Maximize the efficiency of training. Even though it is called battle techniques, it also incorporates defense and a little bit of movement techniques."

[That's right, master, being able to use it and familiarize yourself with it will definitely be beneficial to any person.]

"Okay, then I'll get to it." With that, Jayven started to perform the movements of the first part of his battle technique.

The three Techniques he bought, the Body-refining techniques, Movement techniques, and Battle techniques, each cost about more than 30 Million RC each.

Because of that, he drained his credits, leaving him with about 5 million RC.

The Battle technique Mountain Tiger Claws is a rank A technique that incorporates Gripping Strength with the palm strike as its base.

The reason he chose this is because it could be used to handle weapons of any kind. Right now, he doesn't know which weapon suits him.

But the entry of Mountain Tiger Claw made him like the technique. It is A grappling move that focuses on holding the enemies; it could also be openly used in handling weapons as well.

With its strong and creative way of gripping, handling weapons would become easier. It is first just a palm strike that is followed up with a grabbing motion either when the strike fails or not.

So later on, the Palm attack became a grappler's arsenel. It was supposed to be a rank C move due to its deviating from the original purpose, but was later raised to A due to a master in the Scarlet Family.

A certain master there used the attack as their main move and was able to beat many people, even those that were three times their stats.

Hearing that, many were in awe at how one of the six main Powerful families of the world was able to improve such technique that it was raised by two ranks.

Later on, the technique was passed on to the public. But many believe it has even grown stronger and that it may not be just an A rank move But that of the legendary S.

Be that as it may, the first part of the Mountain Tiger Claw is only comparable to a C rank move at the first stage, But once mastered, its effects could reach at least B- rank techniques.

The first move heavily Focuses on the center of gravity of the user. Once one's own body is in a perfectly balanced state, it will then move on to the next part.

The body then twists as it shifts its center of gravity forward, making use of the user's weight. Following this is a strike using the palm in the form of a half-clenched fist.

Although it may seem simple, what's next isn't for grabbing and will be the main focus. Using the semi-clenched fist to fully clench it once the attack fails, grab the target.

The last part is simple: either it can strike the opponent or throw them off balance. This is the first stage of the technique.

"Still, the grabbing part will be difficult. It's a good thing that it also comes with an alternate striking position, not just the main one."

[Yes, master, the one who recreated this made sure that there would always be a follow-up when failure came, and if the performed movements are not stopped in time, then it won't be long till the opponent is grabbed, hence its possibility of reaching rank B-.]

"So I only need to practice the first form and master it first so that I can directly perform the second one."

[Actually, you can move to the second form if you can.]

"Really how?"

[There is more in the entry.]

Jayven then read the entry for the second form and understood why it said if he can.

"Oh, I have to be a mana user to be able to use it. I guess I can't."

[Not now, but it won't take long for you to achieve it, Master.]

"But I am still only at a bearer's standard; I am still at the first level of mana guidance."

No, master, you are already at the third stage of mana guidance. I don't know if you noticed, but you are easily transferring your mana to the point of attack.

"Eh, you're right." Jayven was surprised to hear that, and only now did he notice that his performance qualifies as a third-stage standard of mana guidance.

Mana Guidance is a basic mana manipulation training technique provided to all, but unlike battle techniques, it doesn't have any variations.

Since it is a standard record of a user's mastery of mana. It is more like a test than anything else—a set of practices that, once performed in a certain way, their usage of mana shall be rated.

There are 12 stages: the first three are perfecting mana bearing mastery; the next three are perfecting mana user mastery; the next is about Mana Intent mastery; and the last is mana Manifestation mastery.

Once all are mastered, their mana will be more refined and easy to use. And this will lead to reaching the next stage, Which can only be accessed by professional Hunters at a college institute.

[Well, then please continue to do the exercise till you familiarize yourself with and memorize all the forms.]

"Okay." With that being settled, Jayven started to practice all of the movements, and before long, his timer rang.

[Master, it is time for your meal.] With the reminder of his AI assistant, Orb, he stopped what he was doing.

"Yes, thank you; I guess that's the end for today."

He then exited the Virtual World and ate his meal. Following that, he prepared to do his homework.

~~~~~~~~~~

"HAHhhh, it's finished! With this, I can put all my focus on training. Well, I only have a week left till school starts."

Out of nowhere, a sudden itch came to his mind.

"But somehow I feel like I forgot something. Hmm? Well, it might be nothing since I forgot it. Let's just focus on the matter at hand."

Feeling relaxed, he then slept the night away.

And this became his routine throughout the Rest of his last week of summer.

---------A Certain Building In Blossom City-------------

A group of people gathered, and someone came in front of a man who seemed to be the leader of the group.

"Boss... We found your brother." He said to the man in a low tone.

"Good, bring him here. "The man demanded.

".....Um, boss, there is something you need to know."

"What is it?"

"T-the thing is, he.....is dead."

"What?!" Hearing the reason his mana became vicious to everyone around him.

"Eiikkkk!" He then yelled in fear as he was closer to the man.

"Tell me what happened."

The man then explained what happened and when it happened, also telling him that there were others who died in the incident.

"Who did it? Who killed my brother?"

"We don't know, sir; they said that heavy rain came pouring down, washing most of the blood during that incident. They are still looking into it."

"They better, because once I find the person responsible for this, I'll make him pay!"

Along with the roar of his voice, the people in the building felt even greater fear, as if it were directed at them.