The clearing near the village glowed with the first light of dawn, dew sparkling on the grass. Hunnt inhaled deeply, savoring the cool air before stretching his arms wide. The familiar tension in his shoulders reminded him how much time he'd spent crafting tools and repairing gear over the last few days. But today, the focus was clear: Rokushiki—specifically Soru, Tekkai, and Kami-e.
Hunnt glanced over at Pyro and Corwin. Pyro crouched low, tail swishing in anticipation, claws tapping the dirt in a restless rhythm. Corwin stood steady, hammer across his broad shoulder, eyes serious but faintly sleepy.
"Alright, Pyro, Corwin," Hunnt called, planting his fists on his hips. "No distractions today. We're sharpening our techniques. Soru for speed, Tekkai for strength, and Kami-e for instinctive evasion."
He took a deliberate stance, feet shoulder-width apart, letting his body sink into a relaxed readiness. The sun's rays peeked through the canopy, painting thin golden stripes across the ground.
Hunnt stepped forward and blurred into motion, demonstrating Soru. His body flickered—one heartbeat here, the next several meters away. He reappeared, chest rising with steady breaths.
"Soru is about explosive acceleration," he said, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Drive your legs into the ground, release in an instant. Don't think about running—think about vanishing."
Pyro's whiskers twitched as he positioned himself. With a quick inhale, the Felyne darted forward, paws a blur. He stumbled slightly at the landing, claws gouging tiny trenches into the soil.
[Almost there, Pyro,] Hunnt thought, watching the little warrior's determination. [He just needs to trust the burst instead of overthinking the landing.]
Corwin stepped next. His heavier frame launched forward with surprising force, though not with Pyro's agility. He grunted as he landed, hammer swinging for balance.
"Better," Hunnt nodded. "You're both getting the idea."
Switching gears, Hunnt set his feet wide and stiffened his muscles. His skin seemed to harden as he demonstrated Tekkai. "Tekkai turns your body into iron," he explained. "Not by locking up, but by tightening at the right moment."
He gestured to a nearby log. "Corwin, try it. Let Pyro strike you lightly while you hold Tekkai."
Corwin raised an eyebrow but complied, setting his hammer aside. He braced as Pyro gave an experimental swipe. The claw bounced harmlessly off Corwin's arm.
[Good,] Hunnt noted silently. [Corwin's natural sturdiness helps him here. If he times it right, he'll be a wall.]
Pyro, meanwhile, examined his own claws with a small huff. "Nyaaah, Master, it's tough!"
"That's the point," Hunnt replied with a faint smile.
Next was Kami-e. Hunnt relaxed his entire body, almost melting into the breeze. When Pyro feinted, Hunnt's torso swayed naturally, the attack missing by inches.
"Kami-e is about surrendering tension," Hunnt explained. "Feel the intent of the strike, then let your body move on its own."
They spent the morning cycling between drills. Hunnt blurred across the field with Soru, then stiffened into Tekkai, then flowed like a ribbon with Kami-e. Pyro copied every move, his SnS flashing in the sun as he practiced swift entries and exits. Corwin focused on Tekkai, each strike of his hammer syncing with a subtle tightening of his frame.
By midday, sweat soaked their clothes. Hunnt called for a short break under a nearby tree. They drank water and let the wind cool their skin.
[They're both improving faster than I expected,] Hunnt reflected as he watched his companions. [Pyro's speed is already catching up to mine. Corwin's defense… he'll be our anchor.]
After resting, Hunnt clapped his hands sharply. "Back at it!"
The afternoon turned into a blur of repetition. Hunnt set up wooden dummies for precision work. Pyro zipped between them, claws flashing, practicing Soru bursts followed by Kami-e twists. Corwin slammed his hammer into targets, bracing each impact with Tekkai, the wood splintering beneath his controlled power.
Hunnt observed carefully, calling out advice when needed:
"Pyro, lean forward just a touch before the burst—don't fight the momentum."
"Corwin, breathe before you harden. Tekkai isn't about holding your breath."
Each correction added polish to their moves. Even when they stumbled, the rhythm of effort and adjustment carried them forward.
As the sun dipped lower, Hunnt gathered them together. "One last drill—a mock assault. I'll come at you. Use everything we've practiced."
He lunged without warning, Soru carrying him forward in a blur. Pyro reacted first, tail snapping as he zipped sideways, claws grazing Hunnt's arm. Corwin stepped between them, body stiffening with Tekkai, intercepting Hunnt's punch. Hunnt shifted, flowing into Kami-e to evade Pyro's counter.
The clash of motion lasted several breathless moments. Finally, Hunnt stepped back, laughing softly.
"That's it! That's the coordination we need."
Pyro panted, ears perked high. [We're really getting faster, nyaah!] Corwin wiped sweat from his brow, nodding silently, eyes bright with quiet pride.
Hunnt rested his hands on his knees, chest heaving. [This is good. If we keep sharpening these techniques, even a Ravagerak won't catch us off guard.]
The clearing glowed orange with the last rays of sunset. The trio stood there, battered but smiling.
"Good work today," Hunnt said at last. "Tomorrow, we'll push even further."
Pyro purred softly, tail flicking in satisfaction. Corwin hefted his hammer, rolling his shoulders.
Hunnt gazed at the horizon, a thoughtful look on his face. [Whatever's coming, we'll meet it head-on. As long as we keep honing ourselves, nothing out here can stop us.]
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