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"So you see! That's why I never believed in ghost stories. They simply do not exist!"

Chloe, was blabbering on about some of her village's folk tales. The only people listening were Clam and Gary though. By now, Robin had gotten used to the woman and mostly tended to Asai's needs. Robin had spent the duration of the travel trying to under him more than ever. Always trying to predict and to read his mind whenever he made any gestures or actions. The man could glance over at something and she would immediately try to sate his supposed desire.

"Is she trying to show me what kind of wife she'd be if we were to marry? She's trying way too hard. Getting dressed in the morning now takes longer because she insists on doing it for me. But, I'm not complaining, it feels good being served like this."

After traveling with the group for some time, and encountering small packs of beasts. Chloe had realised that she was the weakest link. Thus, whenever the group would rest. Asai would summoned his two [Phantom Menace] and literally tell them to run circles around the girl at varying distances and speeds. Allowing her to practice firing her arrows at them. 

Even without imbuing her weapon with mana, thanks to Chloe's [Bow Mastery] her arrows were smashing and penetrating quite deep even into the largest trees and rocks. Asai could only look forward to the day when she would also be utilizing mana. However, he would wait until she decided to commit herself to him. With her own vow of fealty.

Something she didn't want to perform until she had returned to Einhoren and confirmed whether or not all those stories Asai had told her were genuine or not.

Asai decided to respect her decision, and to be patient. He was no longer the boy who believed himself to be a protagonist of a game. Expecting everyone to blindly follow him into the depths of hell.

...

Night time.

Tomorrow the group would arrive at Ahkma village. Afterwards, it would only take them another half a day's time to reach the dungeon. Currently Asai was enjoying the campfire's warmth alone. The others were asleep.

In his hand, Asai spun his karambit around his index finger. Spinning it as if it was but a mere fidget-spinner.

As much as he loved his two blades [Yomi & Yami] their incredibly small range really didn't help. He desired something greater for sure. However, even after scouring his territory and Einhoren's smithies, he was unable to find anything even remotely close. After all, these two blades were gifts from god.

When utilized. Against fully armoured opponents, the two fangs were mostly useless. Unable to penetrate the metal plates, unless he imbued it with his mana. Which if one thought about it, was a costly endeavour. And even then, the length of the blade barely penetrated deep enough.

"Milord." It was Clam. The man was perhaps a couple hours too early to wake. Clam watched as the golden blade spun, leaving an after image of gold. 

"Clam. How about a friendly spar?" 

"With or without armour?"

"With, and I'll be using a wooden sword."

The two headed out into a small clearing. The camp would be secured by the two shadow clones, so they didn't need to worry.

Whilst Clam adopted a long stance, gripping the blade in front of his body, its point towards Asai.

Asai positioned himself into an inside stance. Handle held close to his side chest. Blade aimed towards his head. However, Both weapons were wooden.

"Clam, tell me. Why do we attack the head?"

"Because it is the weak point of most humans and monsters."

"True, but there's another crucial reason. I'll show you. Are you ready?"

Clam strained his eyes, bringing his focus to its peak, ready to block. When before knew it, he was staring at the stars above. He blinked a few times before pushing himself off the ground.

"What happened?"

"You were too focused on my blade. You need to observe the bigger picture. Watch my shoulders, my arms, see which muscles I utilize to predict the path. Look closely."

Asai slowly moved his blade forward, traveling directly towards his eyes.

"You see, our brains find it hard to process the distance when something as skinny as a blade travels directly towards the eyes. Especially so when one can thrust as fast as me. If I were to perform the exact same thrust towards your torso or limbs. You would easily recognise my intent. Want to practice a few more times? When Gary wakes up, you should teach him this as well, and then the men under your command. Give them every resource and technique you can. Keep them alive."

Clam nodded. The two would spend a couple hours left until day break sparring. By the end of it, Clam started to rely on his instincts and intuition rather than just his visual stimuli. Thus, taking another step up the ladder of swordsmanship.

[Asai Trichia: Lvl 73] [Robin: Lvl 67] [Clam: Lvl 59] [Gary: Lvl 60] [Chloe: Lvl 35]

kophzi

https://youtu.be/B5SdTdYq4Y0

Dudes punching and slamming each other more than using their weapons. epic