章 3: Chapter 3: A Swordsman?
The *Doriki* value is a measure of one's overall combat ability, divided into two major categories:
1. **Physical attributes** like strength, speed, and endurance.
2. **Weapon mastery**, which includes proficiency with cold weapons such as swords and spears, or hot weapons like firearms.
These combined evaluations form a person's *Douriki* score.
---
"Ed, *Douriki* value: 197. Not qualified," announced a cloaked Revolutionary Army member with a detached expression.
The boy named Ed clenched his fists tightly, his face full of frustration. So close—just three points short!
The crowd murmured in response.
"197? Just three points away..."
"What a pity."
"Don't worry, Ed. You'll make it next time."
Koala, with her usual gentle demeanor, comforted Ed as he left the training grounds, whispering something that reignited the boy's spirit, leaving him brimming with determination.
---
"So the passing mark is 200?"
Watching this unfold, Rhodes furrowed his brow.
His consistent sword training had improved his physique significantly, especially his arm strength. However, compared to others, he still lagged behind.
---
As time passed, most of the young participants failed to reach the 200-point mark and left the stage with dejected faces. Only a select few surpassed it, but even fewer breached the 300-point threshold—and they barely managed.
Naturally, those who succeeded basked in pride, soaking up the admiration of their peers.
Suddenly, a surprised voice rang out from the center of the arena.
"Reiz, *Douriki* value: 387. Outstanding!"
387?!
The crowd erupted. This number was nearing the superhuman threshold.
Turning their gaze, everyone saw a muscular youth standing tall.
Reiz, standing at over 2.2 meters, with bulging muscles and a wild, beast-like aura, remained calm amidst the commotion, as if the result was entirely expected.
"Damn... that guy's insufferable," someone muttered.
Most participants had scores close to the passing mark, and here was Reiz, almost doubling it. Naturally, this show-stealing result irked others, especially the boys vying for attention.
Rhodes's expression flickered slightly but quickly regained composure. After all, characters like Reiz were likely cannon fodder, destined to exit the story within a chapter or two.
---
One by one, participants took their turns, either leaving dejected or standing proud. However, with Reiz's overwhelming performance, everyone else faded into obscurity.
Finally, it was Rhodes's turn, drawing the crowd's interest.
"Huh, even Doctor Rhodes is taking the test?"
"His physique is so frail; there's no way he'll pass."
"I'm not so sure. Lately, I've seen him practicing swordsmanship diligently."
---
As Rhodes stepped onto the platform, the record keeper instructed flatly, "Punch the target with all your strength."
"Understood," Rhodes replied calmly, taking a deep breath.
If he wanted access to the Revolutionary Army's resources and advanced training, he needed to pass this test and join them.
Rhodes positioned himself before the target, focusing entirely on his movements.
Pushing off the ground with a sudden burst, his body twisted, transferring power from his legs to his hips and finally into his fist.
The strike was sharp, like a sword thrust.
*Thud!*
As his fist struck the target, Rhodes's eyes gleamed. "Not bad. The power transferred perfectly."
Lacking formal training in punching techniques, Rhodes had used sword-thrust mechanics to execute his strike. It paid off.
"Good explosiveness," the record keeper remarked, visibly impressed.
The seasoned Revolutionary member could see that Rhodes's punch was near flawless, utilizing every ounce of strength.
"However," he added, "be mindful of maintaining your balance. Sacrificing stability for power can backfire."
Rhodes nodded, appreciating the constructive critique.
---
Unfortunately, the rest of the tests—speed, endurance, and resistance—quickly revealed his shortcomings. Failing in all other physical aspects, Rhodes drew less attention from the crowd.
"It's fine," Rhodes thought to himself. He had never expected to shine in these areas.
---
The record keeper, noticing Rhodes's struggles, tried to console him. "Don't worry, physical strength improves with time. You're still young. With three to five years of consistent training, you'll meet the standards."
His tone, meant to encourage, only made Rhodes chuckle inwardly. "If only you knew..."
Rhodes wasn't banking on physical metrics. His confidence rested on weapon mastery.
---
Finally, it was time for the weapons segment.
Participants could choose their preferred weapon. Naturally, Rhodes chose the sword—a real one, its steel blade gleaming under the sunlight.
As Rhodes gripped the hilt, his entire demeanor shifted.
Gone was the calm, polite doctor.
In his place stood a sharp, icy presence. His eyes radiated focus, and his aura exuded an overwhelming edge.
The record keeper froze momentarily, feeling as if he were in the presence of a true swordsman. "No... it can't be. He's too young for that," he muttered, shaking off the thought.
---
Rhodes stepped forward, his focus narrowing as he raised the blade.
The crowd fell silent as Rhodes dashed forward, his movements swift and precise.
In that fleeting moment, everything around him faded. All that existed was his blade and the target before him.
With a faint smile, Rhodes unleashed a clean, effortless slash.
*Shhhk!*
The sound of tearing air echoed as the sword cut through the testing material—a block of dense black stone.
But it didn't stop there. The blade sliced through the stone and continued, severing the wooden support beneath it.
*Crash!*
The wooden stand collapsed, and the stone halves toppled to the ground with a heavy thud.
---
The record keeper stared, dumbfounded.
This black stone was extremely durable, often used to construct fortress walls. Rhodes's slash not only cleaved it but rendered the stand beneath useless.
"That's..." he stammered. "A swordsman's strike."
---
Even Koala, watching from afar, was visibly stunned. She had known Rhodes was skilled but had never expected this.
"A swordsman... at sixteen?" she muttered, struggling to process the sheer talent on display.
I hope you're enjoying the story so far! If you're liking it, please consider leaving a review and dropping a Power Stone. Your feedback and support mean a lot to me and help keep the story going.
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