The sound of metal against metal resonated in the training area as Elio and Diana exchanged blows.
She, now level 8 like most builders, demonstrated impeccable technique in every movement. However, the gap in speed and perception meant that even her most precise attacks were anticipated by Elio.
The massive sword in his hands, born from the fusion of the Artromus weapons, should have been unwieldy, unsuitable for traditional techniques. But Elio's superhuman strength turned it into a natural extension of his body, maintaining the agility of a normal sword with devastatingly superior reach.
"Effective range," Diana explained while retreating from an attack, "is fundamental in any martial art. You must know both yours and your opponent's."
The techniques she taught, inherited in her family from decades of development under Fathoran, were solid. Over eighty years of refinement had turned them into a practical and effective system, though far from perfection.
But Elio's enhanced perception allowed him to see beyond. Patterns revealed themselves to him, along with their limitations.
"It's not fair!" Diana protested as her extended sword disintegrated against another impact from the Artromus sword. "How am I supposed to teach proper distance when your weapon so far exceeds the range of the one I used to learn?"
Although Elio could create steel extensions on Diana's sword to match reaches, these rarely survived the devastating power of his fused sword for long.
It was difficult to focus on technique when your sword broke so often.
The difference between their summons only widened the gap, Elio's winged salamander making Diana's roseline shark look like a toy fish in comparison.
Faced with these limitations, Diana had opted for a purist approach: teaching the basics of swordsmanship as an independent system, without trying to integrate the complexities of magic and summons.
'In a duel without magic,' Elio thought while dodging a precise blow, 'distances would be crucial.'
But their battles were different.
It was the same one he had carried since reaching level 4, when he decided to specialize in the art of the sword above other weapons.
Although Elio offered to buy him one of wind or earth or extend it with steel, Lucien politely refused.
"Since I was already level four... The logic is simple," he had explained once, demonstrating a cutting movement. "Why use a spear when you can attack at range with magic? The extra reach becomes redundant."
His choice had been based on pragmatism: the sword offered unique advantages in close combat and superior ability to cut through magical attacks. Where the spear added unnecessary reach for a mage, the sword provided versatility and control.
Diana observed from the side as master and student took their positions. This would be Elio's final exam, proof that the techniques he had learned had become more than just theory.
"The rules are simple," Lucien announced, his sword glowing softly. "Everything is allowed: magic, summons, techniques. Let's see if you've really learned to integrate Diana's teachings with your style."
The tension in the air was palpable as both level 10s prepared for the confrontation. This wouldn't be a simple sword duel, it would be a demonstration of how traditional technique could evolve when combined with pure power.
"Everything allowed," Elio confirmed, "except decapitations, of course."
Lucien nodded. With 1,100 resistance points each and an agreed limit of 500 damage points, the math was simple: three or four well-connected hits would be enough to determine a winner.
"The system armor will heal any damage," Diana added from her observer position. "But still, maintain control. We don't want unnecessary accidents."
It was a delicate balance: enough intensity to test real skills, but with clear limits to avoid tragedies. The improved level 10 resistance allowed them this type of training that would have been unthinkable outside the system's domains.
"Four hits," Elio murmured, calculating. "Or maybe 2 if I can connect criticals."
The two positioned themselves, their swords glowing with contained power. This wouldn't be a simple exercise in technique, it would be a demonstration of how pure power and refined skill could work together.