Basic Swordsmanship Training

After attending the magic class, Aria hurried to the basic Swordsmanship training class. He headed to the Training Ground, which was often used for Swordsmanship student practice. When Aria arrived, he found several first-year students already lined up neatly in the vast open area. The slightly cloudy weather created a calm atmosphere, and Aria quickly joined the line. Once all the students were lined up properly, an instructor stood in front of them, with a strong build and sharp eyes, like an eagle watching its prey. The instructor was Cedric Stormvale, a Swordmaster.

"Listen carefully, everyone!! Today is about the fundamentals of Swordsmanship, the foundation that determines whether you will become a true swordsman or just someone playing around with iron," he said.

The students listened attentively with a straight posture, proving that they had made up their minds to become great Swordsmanship practitioners.

The instructor then explained how to hold a sword correctly.

"Holding a sword is not just about gripping the hilt; if your grip is too tight, your arms will tire quickly. If it's too loose, the sword will slip from your hands during battle."

As the instructor demonstrated the correct way to hold a sword, the hilt should be flexible, and the hand should be closer to the guard, while the other hand should balance the grip below it. The fingers should be strong enough to control the sword but not too stiff.

After the instructor gave a demonstration of how to hold the sword, all the students started mimicking the movement. Some students seemed stiff when trying it, and the instructor walked among them, correcting their hand positions. However, for Aria, who had learned to hold a sword from a young age, even though he didn't know the basics, it felt familiar when he held the wooden sword.

"Hmph… I don't know why, but when I hold the sword, it feels like I truly understand and become one with the sword. Could it be because I often practiced holding a sword carelessly when I was younger?" Aria said, a bit surprised.

At that moment, next to Aria in the line were two noble students, Leonhardt Vaelion and Gray Durnhardt. Both seemed at ease and relaxed while trying what the instructor had taught.

"Hah? This is so easy, just holding a sword like this," Gray said arrogantly, as if dismissing the basics of the training.

However, Leonhardt quickly demonstrated his impressive talent.

"Hey Gray… you better not be so cocky just because this training is easy for you. When you get defeated by someone who's not as outstanding, you'll know the feeling," Leonhardt responded to Gray's earlier comment, indirectly showing who was the most skilled between the two of them.

The training continued, and the instructor then gave the next explanation:

"A sword is not just a tool for slashing—every swing of the sword must have a purpose."

The instructor then demonstrated some basic moves:

Knight Cleave – A full-power downward slash.

Twin Fang Strike – Two quick slashes from the right and left sides.

Rising Talon – An upward slash, often used for surprise attacks.

Sundering Blow – A vertical strike aimed at breaking the opponent's defense.

These basic sword swings would be taught to the first-year students. Every student began practicing swinging their wooden swords with varying levels of difficulty. The sound of wood clashing echoed through the air as they tried to master the techniques. On the other side, Gray and Leonhardt competed to see who could master the swing techniques faster.

"Come on, Leonhardt, let's prove who's better between us!" Gray said confidently, believing he would win.

Leonhardt, feeling challenged by his rival, eagerly joined in. Meanwhile, the other students were still struggling to master the basic swing techniques.

"Ugh, why does this feel so difficult? Noble students are different; they easily learn the techniques, it really makes us ordinary students jealous," whispered some of the other students, feeling envious.

On the other side, Aria, still struggling to master the swing, caught the instructor's attention.

"Interesting... this child has high concentration in every swing he demonstrates—it's as if he's been holding a sword for years."

At that moment, Aria finally succeeded in mastering the basic swing technique, which shocked all the students. They couldn't believe that Aria, an ordinary student and not from a noble family, could grasp the instructor's teachings so quickly. This inspired the other ordinary students, making them feel that they too could compete with students from noble families. Gray, who witnessed this, looked a little annoyed. How could an ordinary student understand what the instructor taught so quickly? Meanwhile, Leonhardt was more interested in how Aria had mastered the technique so perfectly.

However, the instructor was still somewhat displeased to see some students merely standing still while swinging their swords.

"Don't just stand there like trees rooted in the ground! If you can't move properly, then the swords you hold are completely useless!"

The instructor then demonstrated the basics of Swiftfoot Maneuver, which taught how to move nimbly in battle. This technique required students to keep their feet shoulder-width apart for balance while slightly bending their knees to allow for quick movement. They also had to use the front part of their feet to step forward rather than their heels.

The students began moving according to the instructor's guidance. Some were able to maintain their balance quickly, while others needed more time to adjust.

"Good! Never be afraid to fall! A true swordsman does not even fear death!"

The instructor then proceeded to teach the final lesson of the day, which focused on basic defensive techniques:

Iron Guard – A technique that blocks attacks with the sword using arm strength, while keeping the body in a firm and stable position.

Sentinel's Stance – A defensive stance that makes a swordsman more stable and difficult to push back when facing powerful attacks from an opponent.

All the students continued practicing the techniques taught that day until the training session ended. Afterward, they returned to their dormitories to rest. Before dismissing the class, the instructor made an announcement.

"Tomorrow's training will consist of sparring matches between first-year students. Therefore, make sure to get enough rest and keep your bodies strong and healthy!"