Corwin's training didn't stop with Hunnt's instructions. Over the following weeks, the clearing became a battlefield of sweat, determination, and discipline—for him, Hunnt, and Pyro.
---
Day 2: Footwork Foundations
Corwin shuffled cautiously, focusing on small, controlled steps. Hunnt's sharp eyes tracked every misstep.
"Core tight. Move as one unit," Hunnt instructed, voice calm but unyielding.
Pyro darted around Corwin's ankles, swiping playfully. Balance… keep balance… faster, sharper… nyaah, the Felyne silently guided.
By the end of the second week, Corwin could throw a proper jab and cross without stumbling. Hunnt nodded. "See? Progress. Small steps every day—that's how mastery begins."
Corwin wiped sweat from his brow. It's exhausting… but I feel… lighter, sharper… maybe I can do this.
---
Week 3: Hammer Foundations
Hunnt dragged thick logs into the clearing. "Today, you learn to dance with your hammer."
Corwin gripped the heavy weapon tightly, already sweating. Hunnt tapped the handle lightly. "Loosen your grip. Let the hammer work for you. Don't force it—you guide it."
He demonstrated a smooth arc. The log thudded solidly. "Control the rebound. Don't let it pull you off balance."
Corwin swung. The hammer bounced violently, nearly sending him sprawling.
"Too stiff. Flow with it, not against it," Hunnt corrected.
Pyro flicked his tail, ears twitching. Sloppy… too heavy in the shoulders… nyaah.
Hours passed in repetitive swings, stances, and recoveries. Hunnt barked corrections:
"Feet wider!"
"Bend knees, not back!"
"Swing from hips, not arms!"
By sunset, Corwin's last swings were cleaner, steadier.
This hammer… it's heavy… but if I let it flow, it's like it's part of me…
---
Weeks 4–6: Precision and Power
Weighted logs became targets for overhead strikes, side sweeps, and crushing diagonals.
"Every strike has purpose," Hunnt explained. "Overhead stuns. Side sweeps control crowds. Diagonal breaks defenses. Learn timing."
Corwin swung again and again, missing often. Pyro leapt onto a log mid-swing. "Careful!" Corwin gasped.
Hunnt smirked. "If you can't stop mid-swing, you're a danger to allies."
Frustration drove repetition. Slowly, Corwin's strikes sharpened. Hunnt nodded. "Better. You're learning restraint."
Control… precision… not just power… got it… Corwin thought, breath ragged but determination steady.
---
Weeks 7–8: Switching Styles
Hunnt introduced combat scenarios: lunging with fists, forcing Corwin to react with hammer swings—or switch to fists instantly.
The rhythm was brutal:
Hammer strikes against a charging foe.
Jab and cross when Hunnt slipped inside his guard.
Quick roll backward before recovering the hammer.
At first, Corwin fumbled—hammer late, fists delayed, balance off. Repetition carved instinct. Soon, strikes flowed: hammer, fists, pivot, reset—smooth and deliberate.
"You're learning to adapt," Hunnt said calmly. "Hammer for power. Fists for emergencies. Never confuse them."
Pyro purred softly. Yes… smoother… nyaah… no longer clumsy.
---
Weeks 9–12: Forging a Fighter
Three months passed. The nervous lumberjack was gone. Each swing of the hammer cracked with accuracy. Fists followed with precision, footwork sharp and reactive.
Villagers whispered as they passed—the clearing echoed with hammer thuds and fist impacts, the rhythm of disciplined training.
Hunnt clapped Corwin's shoulder. "Look at you. Steady, disciplined, strong. Your hammer is your strength, fists your last defense. Respect both."
Corwin exhaled, genuine pride glowing. I can do this… I can protect the village… I won't let fear control me anymore.
Pyro brushed against his leg. Good, human… nyaah… your strikes finally carry weight.
The sun sank low, painting amber light across the clearing. Teacher, trainee, and companion stood together—not just bound by talent, but by sweat, mistakes, and relentless progress.
Corwin's first real steps as a fighter had begun, hammer and fists alike forged in discipline.