Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 472 105.8 - What it means to be a Genius

<Combat Training Arena, Sixth Day of Training, 5 A.M.>

The morning light once again filtered through the high windows, casting long shadows across the training hall. Dakota and Astron stood on the mat, the air between them crackling with anticipation.

"Are you ready?" Dakota asked a fierce smile on her face, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Astron met her gaze, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. "As ready as I'll ever be, Master."

Dakota nodded, satisfied with his determination. "Remember, we'll use only the [Gale Stance]. Show me everything you've learned."

With a swift motion, Dakota assumed the [Gale Stance], her posture relaxed yet radiating controlled power. Astron mirrored her, his stance solid and focused.

"Begin," Dakota commanded.

Astron moved first, launching into a [High Gale] strike with fluid precision. His fist cut through the air, aimed at Dakota's upper body. Dakota met his strike with a perfectly timed block, her movements effortless.

"Good," Dakota said, her voice calm despite the intensity of the exchange. "Now, keep it going."

Astron transitioned smoothly into [Medium Gale], a horizontal strike designed to break through defenses. Dakota matched his pace, her own strike intercepting his with equal power.

The sound of their strikes echoed through the hall, each impact a testament to their skill and training. Astron's movements were precise and powerful, each strike flowing seamlessly into the next. Dakota's responses were equally flawless, her experience and skill evident in every motion.

"Don't hesitate," Dakota urged, parrying another strike. "Commit fully to each attack."

Astron pushed harder, the rhythm of his strikes becoming more aggressive. He flowed into [Low Gale], his strike aimed at Dakota's lower body. Dakota countered with a swift kick, deflecting his attack with ease.

"Excellent," Dakota said, her tone filled with approval. "Now, let's see your full potential."

Astron's eyes narrowed with determination. He launched into a rapid sequence of strikes, combining [High Gale], [Medium Gale], and [Low Gale] in a relentless barrage. Each strike was executed with perfect form, his mana enhancing every movement.

Despite his speed and precision, Dakota matched him strike for strike. Her movements were a blur of controlled power, intercepting each of his attacks with calculated precision.

'Is she reading me?' She deflected, blocked, and countered with a grace that seemed almost effortless.

'Indeed. I guess I still have yet to engrave the sense of battle to my technique.' He already knew that training his attacks alone would not help him in the real battle. No matter how fast he grasped, he was fighting with his body for the first time.

'The range of the strikes, the posture, everything is different.' Dakota was different.

'She is….Spacing me….' Out of all the people that he had faced, she looked like a wall. There were no surprise attacks, no witty strikes.

Pure Martial Arts.

That was new for him, as even while he was in that place, the sole reason why he had learned to fight was to efficiently destroy his enemies.

Astron felt the burn in his muscles, the strain of pushing his limits.

But he didn't let up. He poured everything into his attacks, and his desire to improve drove him forward.

Dakota's eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity. "Good, Astron. Keep pushing."

The sparring session became more intense, the sound of their strikes filling the hall. Dakota hit Astron multiple times, each impact a reminder of her superior skill.

'What it means to be a Martial Artist…..It is to never back down.' But Astron didn't back down. He absorbed each hit, using the pain as fuel to push himself harder.

Finally, Dakota stepped back, signaling a pause. Her breathing was steady, her expression a mix of satisfaction and approval.

"You've done well, Astron," she said, her voice firm but encouraging. "Your control over the [Gale Stance] is impressive. But remember, in a real fight, it's not just about executing the moves perfectly. It's about adapting and responding to your opponent."

Astron nodded, his breathing steadying as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "Thank you, Master," he said.

Dakota's eyes twinkled with a mix of approval and challenge. "Tell me, Astron. Do you understand why you weren't able to land a hit on me, even though we used the same martial arts?"

Astron considered her question, replaying the sparring session in his mind. His strikes had been precise, his movements fluid, but something fundamental had been missing. His gaze met Dakota's. "It was because my intent was obvious, wasn't it?"

A proud smile spread across Dakota's face. "You're a quick learner," she said, nodding in approval. "Yes, your intent was clear. In a fight, especially against a skilled opponent, you must mask your true intentions. Make your movements unpredictable, blend your attacks, and keep your opponent guessing." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"You must become a master of deception. Your body should move fluidly, but your mind must remain sharp, always adapting to the flow of battle."

Astron turned his gaze towards the simulation rooms, the advanced training areas equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to push trainees to their limits. He nodded.

"I know what I need to do."

From now on, he will be polishing his skills in those rooms.

*********

<Acrobatics Training, 11 A.M, Sixth day of training>

Tianna stood in the center of the training area; her expression focused as she prepared to demonstrate an advanced technique to Astron. Today's lesson was critical for Astron's progression into the advanced stages.

"Astron," Tianna began, her voice clear and authoritative, "Today we'll be introducing an advanced technique that requires mastery of a special spell called [Grapple Link]. This spell is essential for navigating certain obstacles in the fifth, sixth, and seventh stages."

Tianna raised her hands, magical energy already forming around them. "The [Grapple Link] is a third-rank spell that imitates the thread of a spider, creating flexible, intricately woven threads. It uses four spell blocks: 'Create,' 'Engrave,' 'Enchant,' and 'Weave,' combined with special circuitry to form the thread."

She demonstrated the spell step by step. "First, we start with 'Create,' which forms the basic structure of the thread." A glowing line appeared between her fingers, shimmering with potential.

"Next, we 'Engrave' the thread, adding the necessary patterns and runes for flexibility and strength." The line glowed brighter as intricate symbols formed along its length.

"Then, we 'Enchant' the thread, imbuing it with magical properties to ensure it can withstand significant force." The thread pulsated with energy, becoming more tangible and robust.

"Finally, we 'Weave' the thread, intertwining the enchanted lines to create the final, flexible product." The glowing line split into multiple strands before weaving together into a single, strong thread.

Tianna extended the finished thread, attaching it to a nearby structure and using it to swing gracefully across the training area. "With the [Grapple Link], you can traverse gaps, climb walls, and maneuver in ways that would otherwise be impossible."

She landed softly and turned to Astron. "This spell is crucial for your advanced training. Mastering it will greatly enhance your mobility and efficiency. Pay close attention to the spell blocks and the circuitry I've shown you. It might take a while for you to be able to completely master how to create the spell at a fast speed, but it is fine to spend a lot of time."

"Do you mean this?" Astron asked, raising his hands as a glowing thread began to form between his fingers.

Tianna's eyes widened in astonishment. "What is this? What am I seeing?"

Astron explained calmly, "In the academy, I had already learned how to use basic blocks and how magic works."

'Thanks to a certain someone.' He could not help but think as he remembered how that certain someone waited for the whole night to teach him how to use magic.

"I can already use certain spells up to the second grade. I wasn't expecting this one to be easy, but I figured I'd give it a try."

Tianna's mouth hung open wide, unable to believe what she was seeing for a moment. "You… you can already form the spell blocks and create the thread?"

Astron nodded, focusing on the thread as he continued to weave it. "Yes, Instructor. The basics came naturally to me, and I've had some practice with similar spells. I'm not perfect yet, but I understand the principles."

Tianna shook her head in amazement. "It was my fault."

'For expecting anything less for you…..What a monster…' "Your fault?"

"Don't mind me."

Once again, Tianna saw a new world.

********

<Stealth Training, 12 A.M, Sixth day of training>

"Do you wish to challenge the sixth stage?"

"Not yet. I think it is better for me to train a little bit more."

"Good. You should never get ahead of yourself, especially while training."

"I will keep that in mind.

********

<Reina's Room, 3 P.M, Sixth Day of training>

Astron stood before the door of the training room, his mind already working on deciphering the new password. 'The password... It should be, Expand Yourself.' As he thought, he deciphered the psions.

"Only the strong will prevail."

But the answer was not close this time.

"She had a change of heart, it seems. Maybe something happened." He mumbled as he entered the password. After entering, she faced Reina who was sitting on the table with her legs crossed. This time, her suit was not a short skirt but a pair of black jeans with trousers.

"Let's begin today's training," Reina said, her tone calmer compared to normal. She created a new set of psion lines, this time with multiple higher-ranked threads. "Today, you'll start by focusing on filtering and assimilation for a multiple higher-ranked mana thread, as per usual."

"I understand."

********

"Welcome, Trainee Astron Natusalune. Beginning body training session focusing on Everchanging Glyph optimization."

And he finished the day with the same voice once again.

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