"Hand-to-Hand Combat Training"

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

12th Day of August, Tuesday Afternoon

Unity College of System Studies, Skill Gymnasium

The Skill Gymnasium buzzed with anticipation as over 1,000 students returned after their extended break. Although the 2.5-hour rest period, aided by free stamina potions, had provided some relief, many still felt the lingering aches from the morning's intense training.

As Instructor Brax took his position at the center of the gym, a group of medics in white uniforms stationed themselves along the walls. Each medic carried portable recovery kits equipped with emergency energy patches, muscle relaxants, and advanced tools to address cramps, sprains, and other physical strains.

The lead medic, a tall woman with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, briefly addressed Brax. "We'll be on standby during the session. Let us know if anyone needs immediate attention."

Brax responded with a curt nod and turned his attention back to the students. He adjusted his Bluetooth microphone and clapped his hands, the sharp sound echoing through the vast hall.

"Alright, listen up!" he bellowed, his voice echoing across the massive hall. "Break time's over! I hope you enjoyed your little nap because the real training starts now." He let the tension settle before continuing, pacing deliberately like a lion surveying its prey. "Today, we focus on something every one of you needs: hand-to-hand combat. No weapons. No fancy tech. Just your body and your willpower. If you lose your weapon, your gear, or your energy reserves, this—" he raised a clenched fist into the air— "is what will save your sorry hides."

The students shuffled uneasily as he signaled to his assistant instructors, who spread out across the gym to assist with the session.

"Form rows. Spread out! I want enough room between each of you so you don't punch your neighbor in the face—accidentally or otherwise," Brax barked.

Accel lined up with his friends, Ewan, Lila, and Hannah. As the rows solidified, Brax adjusted his microphone and cracked his knuckles. "We start with the basics: proper punching. Watch me closely and don't mess this up, or you'll be punching incorrectly until your arms give out."

Brax demonstrated a clean, sharp jab, his arm snapping forward like a whip. "Fists up! Pivot slightly with your back foot for balance and power! And punch—like—this!" He unleashed a series of quick punches, his booming voice punctuating each strike. "Ha! Ha! Ha!"

The 250 assistant instructors mirrored Brax's movements, forming a wall of precision and strength. "Now you! Mimic what you just saw! And don't just wave your arms around like limp noodles—I want force behind those punches!"

The students began hesitantly, their movements uncoordinated and clumsy. "HA!" Accel exclaimed, punching forward, trying to match Brax's intensity. His form felt stiff, but he focused on getting the rhythm.

"Faster!" Brax shouted, pacing through the rows. "Stop hesitating like you're asking the air for permission to hit it! Punch with confidence! Punch with intent! Remember—your life could depend on this one day!"

"Medic!" an assistant instructor called out, pointing to a student who had collapsed, clutching their arm. Within seconds, a medic rushed over, applying a muscle relaxant and helping the student to the side.

"Keep going!" Brax barked, unfazed. "You think the enemy's gonna stop because your arm's cramping? No! Push through the pain!"

Accel felt a burning sensation in his shoulders and forearms, but he gritted his teeth, focusing on his form. Next to him, Lila's punches grew weaker, her movements faltering. "I don't know if I can keep this up," she whispered.

"You can," Accel replied firmly. "Just focus on one punch at a time."

By the two-hour mark, a notification popped up in the systems of combat-oriented students:

[Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat I Learned!]

Those without combat-related systems didn't receive the skill but felt their Strength Attribute increase by +1. Accel, however, noticed something different.

Archivist System Notification:

Skill Added to Archive Collection: Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat

He wiped the sweat off his brow and smirked. "Guess I'll study that later," he muttered to himself.

Brax clapped his hands together, commanding attention. "Alright, punching practice is done! But don't celebrate yet. We're moving on to kicks. The legs are just as important as the arms, especially when you're dealing with multiple opponents."

He demonstrated a front kick, raising his knee before snapping his foot forward with precision. "Ha!" he shouted, striking the air.

"Your turn!" Brax ordered, motioning for everyone to start.

The students hesitated for a moment before lifting their legs, attempting to replicate the kick. Many stumbled, their lack of balance evident.

"Stop flailing around like newborn deer!" Brax barked, his tone unforgiving. "Watch your stance! Keep your weight balanced and kick from your core!"

The instructors moved among the students, correcting forms and offering guidance. Ewan nearly lost his balance, but an instructor steadied him, adjusting his posture. "Try again, but plant your supporting foot firmly," the assistant advised.

"Ha!" Accel shouted as he kicked, feeling the strain in his thighs and calves. His movements were rough but improved with each attempt.

"You're getting there, Winchester," Brax said, stopping briefly to observe Accel. "But don't get cocky. Perfection takes time."

"Understood, sir!" Accel replied, redoubling his efforts.

As the second hour of kicking practice wore on, more students began to falter. Some collapsed, their legs unable to bear the strain. Others pushed through, driven by sheer determination or fear of Brax's wrath.

By the end of the session, Brax blew his whistle, signaling a stop. "Alright, that's enough for today!" he announced. "You've all earned a break—but don't think for a second that this is over. Next week, we will do the same session again and again until you get used to it before we proceed to the next one."

The gym erupted in groans and sighs of relief as students collapsed onto the floor, utterly exhausted. Brax surveyed the scene, his expression unreadable. "You're dismissed. Go eat, rest, and recover. I expect every one of you back here next week on Tuesday morning."

Accel leaned against a wall, his body aching but his mind racing. His Archivist System had stored the skills he'd seen and practiced today. It was a small victory, but one he intended to build on.

Archivist System Notification: User System Attribute

Vitality: 10 (+11), Health Points: 210/210

Energy: 10 (+11), Energy Capacity: 110/110

Strength: 10 (+10), Attack Power: 20 Dmg

Agility: 10 (+10), Speed: 0.02% faster

Dexterity: 10 (+10), Physical Stamina: 105%

Endurance: 10 (+10), Defense Power: 20 DEF

Knowledge: 10 (+11), Mental Stamina: 105%, Energy Regen: +2 Per Minutes

Archive Collection: Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat

Learned: Incomplete

Understanding the Skill: 0%

Proficiency Level: Beginner First Level