Cid arrived at the library.
The library administrator was an old lady.
That was quite normal. At this point in time, Lisa should still be a student at the Sumeru Akademiya.
The old lady looked very spirited. "Young man, do you want to borrow a book?"
"I want to practice the polearm. Is there any basic instructional material for polearms?"
"Of course there is. Let me think…" The old lady walked back and forth among the piles of bookshelves, finally stopping in front of one.
"This book is good. Remember to take care of it," the old lady handed the book to Cid. "Young man, why not consider borrowing an advanced spear technique book?"
"Thank you." Cid accepted the book. "Advanced spear techniques can wait. I'll solidify the basics first. After all, all changes stem from the fundamentals, and building a strong foundation is always the right approach."
"The young man is very honest," the old lady smiled, seeming quite pleased. "Don't forget to return it within two weeks."
"Got it." Cid left.
Walking along the rainy streets of Mondstadt, book in his left hand, black umbrella in his right, and two polearms strapped to his back.
…
Spear techniques have a long history. The main movements are block, capture, and thrust.
Block and capture are defensive actions.
Block: Grip the spear with both hands and draw an arc with the spear tip downward to the left to intercept an attack coming from the opponent's outer side.
Capture: Draw an arc with the spear tip downward to the right to intercept and seize an attack coming from the opponent's inner side.
In both cases, the arc traced by the spear tip should not be too large. One should use the short burst of power generated by coordinating the waist, hips, and forearms.
Thrust is an offensive action. Grip the spear with both hands and stab straight forward, with force reaching the spear tip. The rear hand must touch the front hand. It requires accuracy and power—hence the saying "the spear thrusts in a straight line."
The three are usually closely connected and form one of the important components of basic spear training.
Can you understand it? Cid said he couldn't understand it at all.
What the heck is this? You can't just make things up behind closed doors. Better see if there's a training class.
Cid put down the book in his hand and headed once more to the Adventurers' Guild.
Fully developed spear techniques are personal and exclusive; they are generally only taught through master-disciple relationships.
But something as common as basic spear techniques—someone would definitely be willing to teach it.
Although in Mondstadt's history, the nobility once considered spears weapons for commoners, that was in the past.
Look at the Favonius Lance or the spear given out during the Windblume Festival—now, as a city of freedom, Mondstadt doesn't have any particular prejudice against spears.
Cid approached Katherine: "Is there a place that trains basic spear techniques?"
"Esteemed adventurer, the Knights of Favonius recently have a related course."
The Knights of Favonius teach this too? Wait… teaching something as commonplace as basic spear techniques to supplement their income isn't hard to understand.
"What are the requirements for enrollment?"
"It only costs 8,000 Mora. There are no special requirements."
This price… Cid felt it was within a reasonable budget for him.
ps: The prices here differ from the game.
"Thank you." Cid handed Katherine a small pouch of Mora as a consultation fee.
Katherine kindly gave Cid the address.
Transaction complete.
Cid headed to the Knights of Favonius spear training class.
After paying, he received a student ID.
He could come to learn anytime. There was more than one spear instructor here, and it was open all day. But he had to present the student ID to train.
It was also quite close to the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
In any case, Cid's martial arts training life officially began.
…
Head Instructor: "Although due to historical reasons, Mondstadt had a long period where spear techniques were absent,
it's no big deal. Our ancestors imported spear training methods from Liyue!
Come on, start with the horse stance. You over there—Cid! Why is your butt sticking up so high? Lower it for me!"
…
Instructor A: "Young man, you're the weakest student I've ever taught. How can your core be this powerless?
Still want to find a wife someday? Never mind, I'll give you a Liyue kidney-tonifying prescription. Go home and brew it to drink."
…
Instructor B: "Butt-sticker, your potential for development is huge."
…
Instructor C: "Cid, how did your arms end up this powerless? Can your hands even satisfy yourself normally?"
…
Instructor D: "Cid is quite a serious young man, but unfortunately his physique seems very poor. I suggest he nourish himself more."
…
Instructor E: "Cid is one of the students who has improved the most—because his starting point was truly too low."
…
Instructor F: "Cid? Who's that? Don't ask me about ordinary students. I only remember the more outstanding ones in my impression."
…
Instructor G: "Cid? Is there a student by that name?"