Chapter 26– Training Begins & Weapon Art Selection
Chapter – Morning Training & Weapon Selection
Early Morning Training
Before the sun had even risen, Alden was already awake. His muscles ached from yesterday's intense training, but he welcomed the soreness—it was proof of progress. His body was still adjusting to his increased stats, but slowing down wasn't an option.
He strapped on weighted ankle bands and wristbands, each filled with mana-infused iron dust to make them heavier than they appeared. The additional weight wasn't overwhelming, but it forced his muscles to work harder with every movement.
"Alright, let's get moving."
[You enjoy torturing yourself, don't you?] his katana, Kuranai, remarked, its voice laced with amusement from its bracer form.
"Pain builds strength," Alden muttered, stepping out into the cold morning air.
The academy grounds were quiet, with only a few early risers scattered around. He started his usual routine—a light jog, gradually increasing his pace. Despite his E-rank physique, the weighted gear made every step feel sluggish, forcing his body to adapt and endure.
His breathing remained steady as sweat trickled down his forehead. Discomfort was temporary. Growth was permanent.
By the time he completed his rounds, the sun had begun its ascent, painting the sky with hues of orange and blue. His uniform clung to his skin, drenched in sweat, but there was satisfaction in the ache of his limbs.
He headed back to his dorm for a quick shower, mentally preparing for the day ahead.
Today, they would be choosing their secondary weapons and weapon arts.
---
Classroom – Weapon Selection Announcement
Freshly dressed in his uniform, Alden entered the classroom just as Professor Reynard stood at the front, his sharp gaze scanning the students.
"Today," the professor began, his voice cutting through the morning haze, "you will be selecting a secondary weapon and a weapon art."
A murmur of excitement spread through the class. A secondary weapon meant more versatility in battle.
"The Academy provides every student with one weapon art," Reynard continued. "However, there is a distinction—S-Class students receive a three-star art, while others receive one- or two-star arts."
Alden leaned back in his chair, already familiar with how things worked from the novel he had read.
'The main cast already have four-star techniques inherited from their families. They don't even need these basic academy arts.'
[Yet you're still picking one?] Kuranai asked.
'Of course,' Alden responded mentally. 'Variety in combat is always an advantage.'
---
Weapon Selection Hall
The students were led to the weapon selection hall, a grand chamber filled with neatly arranged weapon racks.
Blades gleamed under the enchanted lighting, bows were strung with reinforced strings, and various polearms stood tall, waiting to be chosen.
Alden took a quick glance at the main cast as they made their choices:
Leonhardt (Protagonist) → Spear (A balanced mix of offense and defense.)
Alicia von Rosenheim → Rapier (Swift, precise strikes focused on agility.)
Seraphina Everfrost → Twin Daggers (Assassin-like speed and unpredictability.)
Reynard Faulkner → Longsword (A refined swordsman's weapon of choice.)
Luca Ashenpaw → Greatsword (Brute strength with overwhelming power.)
Elena Brightwind → Bow (Long-range precision and battlefield control.)
Sylvara Nightwhisper → Sword (A dual-wielding finesse fighter.)
Alden's fingers trailed over the weapon racks before settling on a dagger.
[Dagger – Standard Grade]
It wasn't enchanted or special, but that didn't matter.
[You have a katana that can cut through steel, yet you're picking a dagger?] Kuranai questioned.
'Different weapons for different situations.' Alden replied. 'A dagger is easier to conceal and perfect for close-quarters combat.'
Swords were powerful, but sometimes, a small, swift blade was deadlier than a heavy swing.
---
Weapon Art Selection
After selecting their weapons, the students moved to another hall filled with floating scrolls, each containing a weapon art. The academy's collection ranged from one-star to three-star techniques.
Alden focused on the three-star dagger arts available:
1. Shadow Fang Style – A swift, deceptive technique designed for overwhelming an opponent with rapid strikes.
2. Silent Step Blade – A stealth-based art specializing in assassinations and silent eliminations.
3. Phantom Dance – A high-speed technique that enables continuous slashes in rapid succession.
After a moment's consideration, Alden selected Shadow Fang Style.
'Silent Step Blade would be great for assassinations, but I need something versatile for open combat too,' he reasoned.
Professor Reynard clapped his hands, calling for attention.
"Now that you have chosen your weapons and techniques, we will move to the training grounds for practical application."
Excitement rippled through the students as they were led outside.
---
Training Grounds – First Test of the Art
The open field was filled with wooden and metal training dummies, each reinforced with magic to withstand repeated strikes.
Professor Reynard gestured toward the targets.
"Your task is simple—activate your weapon art and test its basic form."
Alden took his position, dagger in hand.
He inhaled deeply, channeling mana into his arms. The moment he activated Shadow Fang Style, his body felt lighter, and his reflexes sharpened.
'Fast. This technique is built for speed and agility.'
He dashed forward—his movements nearly a blur.
Shing! Shing! Shing!
His dagger struck the training dummy in a series of rapid, unpredictable slashes. Three hits landed in the time it took for an ordinary strike to finish.
Alden stepped back, studying the result.
'Not bad. This will be useful.'
He shifted his gaze toward the main cast.
Leonhardt's spear moved fluidly, piercing straight through the dummy.
Alicia's rapier danced in elegant arcs, each strike precise.
Seraphina's twin daggers flickered like shadows, leaving behind deep cuts.
Luca's greatsword smashed through a dummy with sheer brute force.
They weren't even struggling.
Alden smirked.
'Of course. They have their family techniques.'
But that didn't matter.
He wasn't here to match them. He was here to surpass them.
Wiping sweat from his brow, he exhaled.
The training had only just begun.