First System Mission...
Ethan rolled his eyes at the system's subtle jab but couldn't help the smirk tugging at his lips. "Alright, alright, I get it. Let's see what I can do."
Him to was actually excited to do stuff like this as he didn't have the chance to do it in his past life...
Soon, Ethan stood in the training yard, gripping the hilt of a practice sword with uncertainty. The air carried the scent of freshly oiled steel, mingling with the earthy aroma of dirt and sweat. The system's words still rang in his mind:
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MISSION
[Practice sword techniques/forms for 2 hours.]
[Reward: Unlock a new skill and stat boosts.]
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For someone who had rarely held a sword before, even with the memories, the task felt daunting. Ethan glanced around the yard, hoping for some guidance.
His eyes landed on Darius, his immediate elder brother, who was training a group of guards.
If I'm going to learn, I might as well ask someone who knows what they're doing.
"Darius," Ethan called, approaching him.
Darius, tall and broad-shouldered, turned with an arched brow. His crimson eyes—evidence of his dragon-affiliated talent—glimmered with faint amusement. "What's this? The youngest Drakethorne stepping into the training yard? Should I be worried?"
Ethan ignored the teasing, holding up the practice sword. "I want to learn a sword technique. Can you teach me?"
Darius blinked, then smirked. "You? Swinging a sword? That's a sight I'd pay to see. But sure, little brother, I'll teach you something."
He motioned for Ethan to follow him to an empty part of the yard. As they walked, Darius began to explain.
"Listen, Ethan, sword techniques are more than just fancy moves. They're about control. They make your swings smoother, your strikes deeper. A good technique can mean the difference between a scratch and a fatal blow."
Ethan nodded, absorbing every word. "Got it. So, what are you going to teach me?"
Darius picked up a practice sword from a nearby rack and twirled it effortlessly. "This is called the Crimson Edge Technique. It's a foundational sword style, designed to refine your control and precision. It has four forms, each building on the last. Mastering it will give you an edge against anyone at your level, and if you awaken a sword-related talent, it'll make your strikes even deadlier."
Darius stepped back and raised his sword, his movements fluid and deliberate. "Watch closely, Ethan. These are the four forms of the Crimson Edge Technique."
"First Form: Ember Slice"
Darius swung the sword in a smooth arc, the motion precise and deceptively simple. "This form focuses on fluidity. It teaches you how to transition between strikes without losing momentum."
"Second Form: Burning Spiral"
He spun the sword in a tight, controlled spiral, the blade cutting through the air with a faint whistle. "This one's about control. It trains your wrists and arms to handle the sword's weight while maintaining speed."
"Third Form: Inferno Sweep"
Darius crouched low and swept the sword in a wide, horizontal arc, the motion powerful and devastating. "A defensive form. It clears space around you, forcing enemies back."
"Fourth Form: Crimson Lunge"
Finally, Darius stepped forward with a sudden, explosive thrust, his blade extending like a viper striking its prey. "The finishing form. It's all about precision and speed. Land this, and you'll end most fights in one strike."
He lowered the sword, turning to Ethan. "Master these forms, and you won't just be swinging a sword—you'll be wielding it."
--
As Darius finished his demonstration, Ethan felt a familiar hum in his mind.
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NEW MISSION
[Master the Crimson Edge Technique.
Reward: +2 Strength, +1 Agility, Unlock: Swift Slash.]
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Ethan smirked. "Guess I've got no choice but to get this down."
Darius raised an eyebrow. "Talking to yourself already? Don't tell me you've lost it before we've even started."
"Not yet," Ethan said, picking up his sword. "Let's get to it."
'Seriously I have to stop speaking to myself'
Darius guided Ethan through the forms, correcting his stances and movements with occasional smirks and jabs. "You're holding it like a kitchen knife. Loosen your grip."
Ethan adjusted, repeating the forms over and over.
[Crimson Edge Mastery: 10%]
Sweat dripped down his brow as he moved through Ember Slice, then transitioned into Burning Spiral. Each motion felt awkward at first, but his body quickly adapted.
By the end of the first hour, Ethan's movements were far smoother than when he had started.
Darius watched him with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Not bad, little brother. You're picking this up faster than I expected."
Ethan grinned. "I aim to impress."
***
Nearby, a burly servant with a scar across his cheek had stopped to watch. His spear rested casually on his shoulder as he leaned against a post.
"Isn't that the youngest Drakethorne?" he muttered to another guard.
"Yeah. Haven't seen him train in ages."
The scarred man chuckled. "He's improving faster than most recruits. Maybe there's hope for him after all. It did be nice to have another powerful young master join Lord Drakethorne's Mercenary group."
--
By the second hour, Ethan's mastery of the forms had grown exponentially. His strikes flowed seamlessly, his blade moving with speed and precision.
Darius, who had been teasing him at the start, now stood silently, his arms crossed as he observed. "Alright, Ethan," he said, stepping forward. "Let's see if you're ready for a challenge."
"What kind of challenge?" Ethan asked, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Darius smirked, raising his sword. "Hit me with everything you've got. If you can force me to use my talent, I'll admit you're not completely useless."
Ethan's grip tightened on his sword. He nodded, stepping into the Crimson Lunge stance.
---
The spar began, and Ethan moved with speed and precision, cycling through the forms of the Crimson Edge Technique. Darius parried effortlessly at first, his smirk growing. "Is that all you've got?"