Chapter 15: Chapter 15: The Blade's Gamble
Chapter 15: The Blade's Gamble
Smoker knew it was just a test, but he couldn't accept being defeated so easily. His pride wouldn't let him.
I haven't lost yet.
Raising his hand, Smoker asked Zephyr:
"Can I use weapons?"
Zephyr, who had been watching coldly, noticed Smoker's unwavering determination. He pointed to the nearby weapon rack and said in a deep voice:
"Fine. Choose whatever you want from over there."
Smoker walked over to the weapon rack, pulled out an iron rod, tested its weight, and shouted at Dominic:
"You can choose one too."
Dominic shook his head, declining Smoker's offer.
"I don't use weapons."
Smoker nodded.
"I was careless earlier. Now that I have a weapon, I hope you won't hold back. Although I know I can't win, I still want to see the difference between me and someone strong."
Dominic glanced at Zephyr, as if seeking approval.
Smoker noticed Dominic's hesitation and looked at Zephyr too.
After a moment of silence, Zephyr nodded at Dominic, signaling him not to hold back.
Dominic then turned to Smoker and said, "Alright. I won't hold back this time."
Smoker wasted no time. In a flash, he appeared before Dominic, lifting the iron rod with both hands and swinging it down with all his strength.
"Iron Body!"
Dominic remained unmoving and took the blow head-on. This time, however, he wasn't as relaxed as before—he even took half a step back.
It worked.
Smoker's eyes lit up as he launched another series of attacks.
But this time, Dominic didn't allow himself to be struck again. His movements became fluid, almost paper-like, as he dodged Smoker's swings with ease.
Paper Arts!
Smoker froze for a moment, realizing the overwhelming gap between their abilities.
In the blink of an eye, Dominic vanished from sight and reappeared behind Smoker.
Shave!
"Finger Gun! Random Fire!"
Dominic moved with such speed that Smoker had no time to react. It felt like dozens of bullets hit his back simultaneously.
The searing pain forced Smoker to spit out blood. Dizzy and disoriented, he eventually collapsed, unconscious.
---
So this is Marine Six Styles?
Karen watched Dominic's every move intently, his heart racing with excitement.
"This is the Marine Six Styles," Rocinante explained to Karen.
"I heard it's a set of techniques developed by the Marines over generations of combat. Only high-ranking officers are allowed to learn them."
Karen asked, "Can we learn them too?"
Rocinante nodded.
"Of course, but not everyone can master them. How many techniques you can learn depends on your talent."
Karen sighed as he looked at Dominic.
"That senior must be a genius to have mastered all six techniques."
Rocinante glanced at Dominic thoughtfully and guessed,
"Haha, I think Teacher Zephyr chose Colonel Dominic specifically to demonstrate the Six Styles to us."
---
After Smoker was carried away on a stretcher, several recruits who fancied themselves capable stepped up to challenge Dominic. Unsurprisingly, they all failed.
Unlike Smoker, they didn't insist on fighting to the bitter end.
Even Rocinante and Hina gave it a shot but backed down when they realized they stood no chance.
"Are you going to give it a try?" Rocinante asked Karen.
Hina, curious, followed Rocinante and added, "Yeah, what about you?"
Karen nodded and slowly walked toward Dominic.
"Does it count as a win if one side is unable to move?"
Dominic glanced at Smoker, still unconscious on the stretcher, and frowned.
Another reckless fool?
Just as Dominic was about to advise Karen against it, Karen declared,
"I want to choose a weapon!"
Just like Smoker.
Zephyr, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.
"You may."
The other recruits whispered amongst themselves.
"Why is he choosing a weapon? Does he think he'll force the Instructor to go all out, like Smoker?"
"Didn't you hear? He said 'unable to move.' Is he talking about the Instructor?"
"That's Karen, the guy who confessed to Hina. His strength isn't impressive."
"Maybe he just wants to show off and get Zephyr's attention."
Ignoring the murmurs, Karen walked to the weapon rack and selected a weapon. Smiling at Dominic, he said,
"Instructor, I might offend you during this match. I hope you won't take it personally."
Dominic scratched the back of his head and replied confidently,
"It's fine. Use whatever method you like—if you can beat me, I won't mind."
Karen closed his eyes, recalling a memory from when he passed the first assessment.
---
Ding… Congratulations, Host, on acquiring the skill: 100% Catch an Attack Barehanded.
100% Catch an Attack Barehanded: When using a sword weapon with both hands, shout "Look at the sword!" The opponent will always catch the blade barehanded.
---
Opening his eyes, Karen muttered,
"You'll see something unbelievable now."
Shouting, "Dominic, look at the sword!" Karen swung the blade in his hand.
Dominic, cautious after hearing Karen's vow, instinctively glanced at the weapon.
Not good! Fooled! Don't look!
Though his instincts screamed at him, it was too late. Years of experience told him something bad was about to happen.
"Iron Body!"
Dominic quickly retreated and reinforced his body using Iron Body.
…But nothing happened.
Everyone stared in confusion at Karen, who stood frozen, and Dominic, who kept retreating.
What just happened?
Karen, bewildered, waved the sword again.
"Dominic, look at the sword!"
Again, nothing.
Did I do something wrong?
Karen glanced at the weapon in his hand—a single-edged blade—and realized the issue.
It's not a sword—it's a knife!
In Karen's world, knives were single-edged, while swords were double-edged. He put the blade down and awkwardly asked,
"Um, can I change my weapon?"
Zephyr coughed to cover his surprise.
"Ahem. What kind of weapon do you want?"
Karen described a proper double-edged sword in detail. An instructor behind Zephyr drew his weapon and handed it to Karen.
Karen's eyes lit up as he took the sword and declared,
"Alright. Now I'm ready."
******
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