Phantom Step

The day after Alex's successful trials at the Mercenary Guild, he, Mia, and Kenji walked through the bustling streets of Drakemouth. The city was alive with activity: vendors shouted to sell their goods, adventurers bartered for weapons, and the scent of roasted meat filled the air. Alex still felt a little out of place, having nothing but the ragged clothes on his back and the few items he had scavenged after escaping the slave traders.

Kenji, towering and confident, gestured to a small weapon shop tucked into the corner of an alley. "Come on, Alex. We're getting you something proper to fight with."

"You don't have to—" Alex began, but Mia cut him off.

"We insist. Besides, you need something that suits you, not some dull sword they give you for trials."

Inside the shop, the walls were lined with weapons: swords, axes, maces, and daggers of every size and style. The blacksmith, a grizzled old man with a scarred face, greeted them gruffly but let them browse.

Kenji picked up a pair of sleek daggers with curved blades, their handles wrapped in dark leather. He handed them to Alex. "These should do. Lightweight, sharp, and perfect for someone like you who relies on speed and precision."

Alex took the daggers, testing their weight in his hands. They felt natural, like extensions of his arms. He gave a small smile. "Thanks. I'll make them count."

The Lesson Begins

After purchasing the daggers, Kenji led them to a quiet clearing outside the city walls. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Kenji turned to Alex, his tone serious.

"I've got a technique to teach you. Learned it from a swordsman I worked with on a job. It's called Phantom Step. It's not about brute strength—it's about misdirection and timing. I think it'll suit your style."

"Phantom Step?" Alex echoed, intrigued.

Kenji nodded. "It's a footwork technique. You create an illusion of movement, tricking your opponent into attacking where you're not. It works with most melee weapons, and once you get the hang of it, it's deadly in combat."

Kenji demonstrated, stepping forward and then pivoting sharply to the side in one fluid motion. For a split second, it looked like he was moving straight ahead, but his real position shifted just as quickly.

"Your opponent will think you're charging head-on," Kenji explained. "But by the time they attack, you'll already be at their flank, ready to strike."

Alex frowned, gripping his new daggers. "Sounds useful. But…how do I even start?"

Kenji grinned. "Start with your feet. Watch mine."

For the next few hours, Alex practiced mimicking Kenji's movements. He stumbled more than once, his steps awkward and imprecise. Mia sat nearby, offering occasional advice but mostly teasing Alex when he tripped.

"Focus on the rhythm," Kenji instructed. "It's not just about moving fast—it's about timing and flow. Get your body to move without thinking."

Alex tried again, but his movements still felt clunky. Frustration bubbled up, but he bit it back.

A Night at the Tavern

After hours of practice, Kenji clapped Alex on the shoulder. "Good effort. You've got the basics, but it'll take time to master. Let's call it for now."

The trio headed back into the city and stopped at a lively tavern. The air was thick with the scent of ale and the sound of laughter and clinking mugs. They found a table in the corner, and Kenji ordered a round of drinks.

Mia raised her glass. "To Alex, the newest mercenary! May he not embarrass us in the tournament."

Alex smirked, raising his glass of water. "I'll do my best. Thanks for the vote of confidence."

As the night went on, Alex found himself relaxing for the first time in days. But the frustration of his earlier practice lingered in the back of his mind. He knew he needed to master Phantom Step if he wanted to stand a chance in the tournament.

The Dream Training Room

When Alex finally went to sleep that night, he found himself once again in the mysterious dream realm. The endless, featureless expanse stretched out before him, the same place where he had trained before.

"Alright," Alex muttered to himself, gripping his daggers. "If I can't get tired here, I might as well practice until I get it right."

He started with the basic movements Kenji had taught him, focusing on his footwork. Step forward, pivot, slide to the side. Over and over, he repeated the motions, each time trying to make them smoother and more fluid.

At first, he felt just as clumsy as before. But without the limitations of fatigue or time, he was able to analyze every mistake and correct it. He noticed how his weight shifted too slowly or how his balance was off when he pivoted. Gradually, his movements became sharper and more precise.

After what felt like hours, Alex decided to test the technique in a mock fight. He imagined an opponent charging at him, a large man with a sword raised high. As the imaginary enemy attacked, Alex stepped forward, then pivoted sharply to the side. The enemy's blade slashed through empty air, and Alex struck from the flank with his dagger.

A grin spread across his face. "Finally."

He practiced again and again, creating different opponents in his mind: a quick, agile fighter; a heavy, armored knight; a dual-wielding rogue. Each time, he used Phantom Step to evade their attacks and counter with precision.

By the time he woke up, Alex felt a newfound confidence.

Morning Resolve

The next morning, as the first light of dawn streamed through the window, Alex stretched and grabbed his daggers. Kenji and Mia were still asleep, but Alex didn't want to waste any time. He stepped outside into the crisp morning air and began practicing Phantom Step again, this time in the real world.

His movements were far smoother than they had been the day before. While he still stumbled occasionally, the foundation he had built in the dream realm carried over.

When Kenji finally emerged, rubbing sleep from his eyes, he watched Alex with a satisfied grin. "Looks like someone's been busy. You're getting there, Alex."

Alex nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "I'll be ready for the tournament."