章 3: Chapter 3: Building a Strong Foundation
Character's Age: 5
Date: 253 BCE
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The Decision to Strengthen Our Bodies
The wooden swords Piao crafted opened the door to a new world for us. However, I quickly realized that learning to wield a sword wasn't just about technique; it was also directly tied to physical endurance and strength. A thought formed in my mind: "Before we start sword training, we need to strengthen our bodies. Only then can we truly become strong warriors."
That night, I shared my idea with Piao and Shin.
"I think we should strengthen our bodies before we start sword training," I said. "This way, we'll become both more resilient and stronger. Otherwise, we won't even have the energy to carry a sword."
Shin furrowed his brows. "What? Aren't we working enough already? Isn't all that field labor exhausting enough?" he asked.
Piao thought for a moment and then nodded. "It's not such a bad idea. Without a strong foundation, we won't last long in a fight."
"Here's what we'll do," I continued. "Every day, we'll do 30 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, 30 pull-ups, and run 5 kilometers. We'll repeat this for three months. Then, we'll start basic sword training."
Shin's face showed mild disbelief. "Every day? Isn't being a slave hard enough, and now we're making ourselves work even harder?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "If we want to change our lives, we need to be strong. It's that simple."
Piao gave a faint smile. "Then we start tomorrow," he said.
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Day 1: Facing the Challenges
The next morning, we began our training. Our first task was push-ups. Though it seemed like a simple exercise, doing it correctly was no easy feat. We placed our hands shoulder-width apart on the ground, lowered our chests as close to the ground as possible, and pushed back up.
"This is so hard!" Shin exclaimed, panting after his first push-up. "How are we supposed to do 30 of these?"
"Slow and steady," I replied. "If you rush, you'll tire out quickly. But if you maintain proper form, your muscles will strengthen faster."
Piao was more patient with his push-ups, carefully maintaining his form, though his breathing quickened as he continued. Using my Genius Mind, I focused on perfecting my form, with my mind giving constant feedback on how to use my body more efficiently.
After push-ups, we moved on to sit-ups. Lying on our backs, we bent our knees, planted our feet firmly on the ground, and placed our hands behind our heads as we lifted our torsos toward our knees.
"This is exhausting too," Shin said, gasping for air.
"We need to strengthen our core muscles," I explained. "They're crucial for balance and mobility when wielding a sword."
Next came pull-ups. Finding a suitable area for pull-ups was difficult, but we decided to use a sturdy tree branch in the village. Gripping the branch, we tried to pull ourselves up.
Shin almost fell on his first attempt. "This is impossible! My hands keep slipping!" he shouted. Piao was slightly better at it but still tired quickly.
Finally, we ran. The 5-kilometer distance required us to circle the village a few times. Shin complained constantly as we ran.
"When is this going to end? My legs are killing me!"
"If we don't do this, we'll never get stronger," I said. "To run faster, control your breathing."
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Week 1: Building Endurance
The first few days were grueling for all of us. Our muscles ached, our hands and knees were bruised, and every movement felt like a battle. But we didn't give up. Piao silently kept up with the training every day. Shin was reluctant at first, but soon he began to show improvement in his endurance.
Our daily routine stayed the same:
30 Push-Ups: To build arm and chest strength.
30 Sit-Ups: To strengthen our core and improve balance.
30 Pull-Ups: To develop back, arm, and shoulder muscles.
5-Kilometer Run: To boost stamina and leg strength.
This routine not only strengthened our bodies but also built mental resilience. Each day, we felt a little stronger.
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Month 1: Progress Becomes Visible
By the end of the first month, we could all see noticeable progress. Shin, who had struggled with pull-ups at first, could now complete them more easily. Piao's endurance had increased, and he was controlling his breathing better during runs. As for me, I felt stronger both physically and mentally. My body had adapted to the exercises, and I was no longer getting as tired as before.
"Look, we can do these exercises much more easily now," I told Shin and Piao one day. "This is proof that we've built a solid foundation."
Shin laughed. "I was already strong; I just needed some practice!" he said, though it was clear he was proud of his progress.
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Month 3: We're Ready
For three months, we trained every single day. Our muscles grew stronger, our endurance increased, and we could now run faster and do more push-ups and pull-ups. This period changed us not only physically but also mentally. We had become more disciplined.
On the final day of training, I turned to Piao and Shin after we completed our routine.
"We're ready to start sword training now," I said. "These past three months have been a chance to know ourselves and push our limits. But now, the real fight begins."
Piao gave a small smile. "We've strengthened our bodies. Now it's time for the sword
."
Shin raised his wooden sword high in the air. "Finally! Now I feel like a real warrior!"
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A Flashback: Wishing I Had Learned More
After completing our three-month physical training, it was finally time to begin basic sword training. Yet, just as I was about to start, a thought from my past life surfaced in my mind. "In my previous life, I only ever watched a few Kendo training videos," I recalled.
The videos had covered topics like sword grip, posture, and basic attack techniques. But at the time, I hadn't realized how valuable those lessons were. Now, they were worth their weight in gold, but my knowledge was limited to only three or four short videos.
"I wish I had tried to learn Kendo back then," I thought. "Life was hard, but I should have made the effort."
This feeling of regret fueled my determination even more. Here, in this world, I had the chance to make up for my past mistakes. I was committed to improving myself and seizing every opportunity this time.
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A New Name: Zhi Yong
I decided to give myself a new name. My name from my previous life didn't belong in this world. It was time to adopt a new identity. After much thought, I chose the name Zhi Yong.
In Chinese, "Zhi" means wise or intelligent, while "Yong" means brave or warrior. This name reflected both my mental strength and my warrior spirit. As I embraced this name, I felt a surge of new energy within me. "I'm a part of this world now. With this name, I'll write my own destiny," I thought.
I shared this name with Shin and Piao. They were initially surprised, but Piao smiled faintly and said:
"That name suits you. You're both wise and a warrior."
Shin shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me. Whatever your name is, you're still part of our team."
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Sword Lessons: Laying the Foundation
With our wooden swords ready, it was time to start training. I began by teaching Shin and Piao the basics of sword techniques, combining what I remembered from the Kendo videos in my previous life.
"Using a sword isn't just about attacking," I said. "Your posture, balance, and control are just as important as your strikes."
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1. Stance and Sword Grip
Our first lesson focused on the correct stance and how to grip the sword. I demonstrated how to hold the sword and balance their bodies.
"Don't grip the sword too tightly," I explained. "Hold it firmly with your fingers, but stay relaxed. If you grip too tightly, your attacks will lose power."
Shin grabbed the sword and clenched it tightly. "Like this?" he asked.
"No, loosen your grip a little. It should feel secure but light, as if you're holding it with just your fingertips," I said, adjusting his hands.
Piao grasped the concept faster. With slightly bent knees and a steady grip, his stance was nearly perfect. His attentiveness showed his eagerness to learn.
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2. Basic Attack: Overhead Strike
The second lesson covered a fundamental attack technique—the overhead strike. When performed with the right angle and power, it could be highly effective.
"Raise the sword above your head," I instructed. "Then bring it down with your whole body, not just your arms. The movement should come from your core."
Shin tried the move and swung his sword with great force, but he lost control and stumbled.
"Slower," I said. "This isn't about raw strength. Control and balance make your strikes effective."
Piao, on the other hand, executed the move more gently, focusing on balance. He quickly grasped the technique.
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3. Defense: Blocking
Swordsmanship wasn't just about attacking—defense was equally vital. So, our third lesson focused on blocking.
"You won't survive a fight if you don't know how to block," I said. "Blocking is about positioning your sword correctly and timing it well."
I demonstrated how to angle the sword slightly to deflect incoming attacks rather than absorbing their full force.
"Don't hold the sword upright; tilt it slightly toward the attack," I explained. "This reduces the impact of the strike."
Shin was more confident with offense, but his impatience showed in his defense. Piao, however, picked up the defensive positions quickly.
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At the End of the First Day
Throughout the day, we worked on stance, attacks, and defense. Shin showed natural talent with his powerful and swift sword movements, but he often lost balance. Piao was steady and cautious, though his strikes lacked power.
As for me, the Genius Mind ability helped me quickly grasp and refine each movement. By repeating the techniques, I aimed to improve both myself and my team.
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Growing Stronger Together
By the end of the day, we sat under a tree to rest. Shin, still catching his breath, placed his sword on the ground and laughed.
"One day, I'll use this sword against a real enemy. When that day comes, I'll be ready," he said confidently.
Piao quietly stared at his sword, a faint smile on his face. "We still have a lot to learn. But yes, we'll be strong."
I looked at my own sword and thought to myself: "This is just the beginning. Greater battles and toughe
r enemies await us. But with this foundation, one day, we'll change the fate of this world."
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Basic Sword Training: The First Steps
We decided to dedicate an entire month to learning only the basic sword techniques. Before moving on to more complex strategies and techniques, we knew we had to solidify our foundation. It would be a repetitive and tedious process, but I believed it would leave us with a strong base for the future.
"Sword training requires patience," I told Shin and Piao. "This isn't a game. If we want to become real warriors, we have to perfect every movement."
Shin sighed. "We're going to do the same things for a whole month? That sounds so boring," he complained.
Piao responded calmly, "But it's necessary. If we don't learn the basics correctly, it won't matter in a real fight."
Shin grumbled a bit but eventually agreed. Thus, our daily sword training began.
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Establishing a Daily Routine
We structured our training around a consistent daily routine designed to build physical endurance, reinforce sword techniques, and improve reflexes during combat.
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1. Morning Practice: Warm-Up and Balance Exercises
We started early in the morning with warm-ups to prepare our muscles and prevent injuries.
Stance and balance training:
Each of us held a wooden sword and practiced standing in a stable stance. Our feet were slightly apart, and our knees bent. This posture was essential for maintaining balance. During the first few days, none of us could hold the stance for more than 10 minutes without our legs trembling.
"Why is something so simple this hard?" Shin asked, panting.
"If you lose your balance during a fight, you leave yourself open to attacks," I explained. "That's why balance is one of the most important things."
Movement with the wooden sword:
We practiced moving the sword in controlled, precise arcs from above to below, maintaining a consistent angle. Piao excelled at this because of his patience and focus.
"Slow and controlled," I instructed. "It's not just about speed but also accuracy."
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2. Basic Attack Drills
In the second part of the day, we worked on basic attack techniques. The first technique we practiced was the Overhead Strike, a simple but effective attack where the sword is raised above the head and brought down in a straight arc.
Repetition:
We repeated this movement over and over. At first, our strikes wavered, and the attacks looked weak. But over time, our movements became more fluid.
"Keep your back straight while raising the sword. Move with your whole body," I advised Shin. His main issue was trying to rely solely on his arms.
Piao, on the other hand, picked up the technique quickly. He maintained control in his attacks. "I understand the power of this movement," he said. "But I need to be faster."
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3. Defensive Techniques
Learning how to counter an attack was as crucial as attacking itself. For this, we focused heavily on defensive techniques, particularly Blocking.
Blocking overhead strikes:
While Shin played the role of the attacker, Piao and I practiced blocking his strikes. Positioning the sword at the correct angle was critical—otherwise, we couldn't fully deflect the blow.
"Hold the sword slightly tilted during a block. Let the energy of the strike flow away," I explained. At first, Shin's strong attacks made us stumble, but we gradually learned the proper positioning.
Blocking side strikes:
To block side strikes, we needed to place our swords diagonally. This required more precision and quick reflexes. Piao showed great balance in these exercises, while Shin's impatience sometimes weakened his movements.
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Progress: The First Week
By the end of the first week, our stances became more stable. We could hold our swords for longer periods, and our movements were more precise. But this was only the beginning.
One evening, Piao placed his wooden sword on the ground and said, "I feel stronger these days. But fighting with a real sword will be very different."
"That's true," I said. "But don't forget, every master was once a beginner. These foundations will help us survive in real combat."
Shin laughed. "I'm already ready to fight! This basic stuff is just basic," he said. Yet I could see that even he was benefiting from the training.
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Physical and Mental Endurance
Spending a month on basic sword techniques not only improved our physical endurance but also strengthened our mental resilience. Although the repetitive nature of the training could have been tiresome, it taught us discipline and patience.
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By the End of the Month
By the end of the month, our movements with the sword felt natural, almost like reflexes. Our stances were stable, our attacks more powerful, and our defenses more reliable. Shin's attack strength had become sharper, Piao's defensive skills had grown more refined, and I had achieved balanced progress in both areas.
After the final training session, I placed my wooden sword on the ground and took a deep breath.
"Our month of training has laid the foundation for what we'll do in the future. But this is only the beginning. Next, we move on to more advanced techniques and real strategies," I said.
Pia
o and Shin nodded in agreement. We could all see how much this training had transformed us.
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After a Month: Moving Beyond the Basics
For a month, we focused solely on basic sword techniques. Our stances were now solid, our attacks controlled, and our defenses effective. However, a new thought began to grow in my mind: "Are the basics enough? Can we survive a real fight without doing something different?"
The Genius Mind activated. My mind analyzed everything we had learned, identified gaps, and calculated new possibilities. The basic techniques were effective, but they were predictable. In a real battle, relying only on basics would not keep us alive for long.
I needed to create something new—something unique to us, a technique that was powerful, versatile, and unpredictable. It had to surprise our enemies, enhance our speed and strength, and still prioritize defense.
"I'm going to create our own sword technique," I told Piao and Shin one evening.
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Piao and Shin's Reactions
As usual, Shin furrowed his brow. "You don't just 'create' sword techniques," he said. "Masters spend years developing them. Who do we think we are to come up with something new?"
Piao, however, was more thoughtful. "It's not impossible," he said. "But what kind of technique are you thinking of?"
I turned to them, my eyes filled with determination.
"A technique shouldn't rely only on strength—it also needs intelligence. We need to anticipate our opponent's moves and adapt. Speed, balance, and flexibility should be our greatest assets."
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The Genius Mind: Designing a Technique
That night, I used the Genius Mind to start crafting a new technique. In my mind, I designed every movement step by step, calculated possible scenarios, and adjusted for weaknesses. Drawing from the basics, I combined them in innovative ways to create a new system.
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1. The Core Elements
The foundation of the technique revolved around four principles:
Speed: Swift, unexpected attacks leave the enemy vulnerable.
Flexibility: Movements must easily change direction and transition into other attacks.
Balance Between Offense and Defense: The technique must allow for simultaneous attack and defense.
Unpredictability: The technique must be hard to read, forcing the opponent to constantly adapt.
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2. Combining Movements
I envisioned specific combinations of movements:
Side Slash and Follow-Up Strike: A quick side slash to expose the enemy, followed by a swift overhead strike.
Feign Block and Counterattack: Pretending to block to mislead the enemy, then swiftly transitioning into an attack.
Double-Directional Strike: Swinging downward with the sword while spinning the body to deliver a second strike.
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3. Fluidity in Movements
The most important aspect was ensuring seamless transitions between movements. My mind worked tirelessly to connect each action, creating a flawless flow. It took hours to finalize the sequence.
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The First Test: Trying the Technique
The next morning, I called Piao and Shin. "We're going to try something new," I said. "This is our own sword technique."
Shin struck the ground with his sword. "Let's see it. If it works, we can use it in battle," he said. Piao watched me closely, his curiosity evident.
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First Move: Side Slash and Follow-Up Strike
I picked up my wooden sword and demonstrated the first move. I swung a quick side slash, then smoothly rotated my body and brought the sword down in a powerful overhead strike. The movements were fast and fluid.
Shin stared in amazement. "That's… really fast!" he said.
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Second Move: Feign Block and Counterattack
Next, I pretended to block, baiting Shin into attacking me. As he swung, I quickly redirected my sword and struck back.
Piao immediately understood the logic. "You're turning defense into offense. This could be really effective," he said.
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Third Move: Double-Directional Strike
For the final move, I swung downward while spinning my body to deliver a second strike from a different angle. The motion was swift and aggressive.
Shin, visibly impressed, said, "No enemy could stand up to that."
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Naming the Technique: Wise and Brave
After testing the technique, I decided it needed a name. "This technique combines intelligence and courage. We'll call it the Wise and Brave Technique."
Shin laughed. "The name's a bit complicated, but whatever. What matters is that it works," he said.
Piao, more serious, added, "This technique could truly be useful. But we need to practice more. If we want it to be as strong as you say, every detail must be perfect."
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Working Together and Improving
From that moment on, we dedicated ourselves to perfecting the Wise and Brave Technique. We practiced each move repeatedly, improving our speed and precision.
Shin excelled in the speed of his attacks, though he needed to work on making his movements smoother. Piao was exceptional at defense and counterattacks.
Using the Genius Mind, I analyzed every mistake and adjusted the technique, accelerating its development.
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The Outcome: A New Path
What began as a month of practicing basic movements had evolved into creating our own unique technique. The Wise and Brave Technique represented not just our strength but also our intelligence. It wasn't just a tool for survival in battle—it was a means to carve out our place in this world.
"This is just the beginning," I told Piao and Shin. "One day, we'll use this technique in great battles and emerge vict
orious."
They both nodded in agreement. We were no longer just slaves. We were warriors determined to write our own destiny.
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