"As we begin our lesson of Close Combat," the man with a sharp aura declared as he strode into the classroom, his presence commanding attention. The students turned their gaze towards him, their anticipation palpable.
"I am Alder Thornwood, your Beginner Close Combat instructor," he introduced himself, his name prominently displayed on the tag of his uniform. His piercing gaze swept across the room, assessing each student with a discerning eye.
"I understand that some of you have already received training in close combat techniques, passed down through your family or acquired in other ways," he acknowledged, his focus shifting to the students in the first row, who exuded a sense of readiness.
"On the other hand, some of you may be starting from scratch, with little to no prior experience," he continued, his attention turning to the girls adorned in fashionable attire.
"However, there is one undeniable truth," Instructor Alder emphasized, his voice filled with conviction. "Regardless of the career path you choose—whether it be alchemy, magical engineering, scholarly pursuits, or administration—strength holds importance in our world. As you witnessed during the entrance exam, everyday life is rife with magical phenomena and lurking monsters. Situations may arise where one's survival depends on their ability to defend themselves."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "No matter your wealth or academic achievements, in a life-and-death scenario, they will hold no sway. It is the strength and skill you possess that will determine the outcome." His words carried a weight of experience and wisdom as the students listened to him with caution.
"Therefore, it falls upon each of you to take responsibility for learning how to defend yourselves against the dangers that will inevitably arise," Master Alder Thornwood continued, his voice carrying the weight of conviction. With a decisive motion, he raised his hand, commanding the attention of his students.
"This is precisely why I am here, standing before you as your instructor," he declared, his hand descending in a swift and powerful motion.
With a resounding "Swoosh," a gust of wind surged through the classroom at an incredible speed, cleaving the air in two. The force created an invisible divide, separating the room into distinct halves.
"To teach you the very techniques that will enable you to protect yourselves against such threats," Instructor Alder proclaimed, his voice filled with unwavering resolve.
The students stared in awe, their eyes wide with amazement at the display of sheer speed and power exhibited by their instructor. The undeniable prowess and skill displayed in that single motion left an indelible impression on their minds, igniting a newfound determination within each of them while making some remember the techniques they had learned beforehand.
Even the aftereffects on them were diverse; there was one thing that was common in their responses. The fire that was ignited in their hearts as they were the audience of that splendid display of magic was amplified once more since they knew the possibility of getting stronger.
At that moment, the classroom became a sanctuary of possibility—a place where they would learn to harness their own strength, to face adversity head-on, and to emerge as capable defenders of themselves and others.
"Now that we have concluded our introductory remarks, let me provide an overview of how our lessons will primarily unfold," Instructor Alder Thornwood addressed the attentive students. "As you can already observe, our focus will primarily be on practical training, where you will engage in regular sparring sessions to learn the art of self-defense and gain exposure to a diverse array of combat techniques."
He paused briefly, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "However, this does not imply that we will neglect the theoretical aspects. In the real world, you will encounter adversaries wielding various weapons, possessing different affinities, and employing unique aura techniques. Each weapon carries its own strengths and weaknesses, and it is crucial for you to acquire knowledge on these aspects. While it is not possible to delve into every intricate detail within the scope of this course, we will provide an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of different weapons, equipping you with the knowledge needed to counter them effectively or make informed choices when selecting your own weapon of choice."
Instructor Alder's voice resonated with authority, his eyes scanning the room, ensuring he had the attention of each student. He continued, "Additionally, we will explore various combat scenarios, analyzing strategic approaches and understanding the importance of adaptability in combat situations. Even though those who want to go in the path of knights will have more direct courses related to this topic, we will still explore these aspects in order to make you familiar with the concept. Your ability to think critically, make split-second decisions, and utilize the skills you acquire will be paramount to your success."
He clasped his hands behind his back, his stance exuding confidence and determination. "Throughout this course, you will undergo rigorous physical training, refining your reflexes, endurance, and agility. You will learn offensive and defensive techniques, footwork, and proper body mechanics. Mastery of close combat requires discipline, commitment, and unwavering focus. There will be assignments that require you to enter the training grounds, which will be checked via your bracelets and recorded for further adjustments on your training. I expect nothing less from each of you that you will thoroughly finish the assignments."
With his hands still clasped behind his back, Instructor Alder's sharp gaze surveyed the students, noting their varied expressions and levels of anticipation. His perceptive eyes honed in on a few individuals who seemed to possess a spark of potential, silently acknowledging their hidden talents. "There are indeed a few hidden gems within this year's cohort," he mused to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Perhaps the notion of a 'Golden Generation' holds some truth after all."
Bringing his attention back to the entire class, Instructor Alder cleared his throat, his commanding presence demanding the undivided attention of the students. "Now that we have provided an overview of the course, it is time to delve into our first lesson."
As his words were finished, he pressed the button on his hand, only to reveal a hologram of a human body right beside him.
"Unarmed combat."
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More chapters are on the way.
