Chapter 47: Sword Intent
Kyle walked out of the General Weapon Training Class, feeling tired but bored. As usual, he had dominated the class from start to finish, but it seemed like Harris was becoming Lazy.
All he did was let them spar with themselves why he meditated. After sparing, they were also made to self-practice with their chosen weapons, which involved slashing, or repeating a move with their weapon.
Kyle sighed. 'That class is a waste of time. I have limited time and I can't afford to waste it on doing something like this.'
He knew how important having a feel and of your weapon was, but... He has been doing that since he was a little kid and didn't see a reason to use his limited time to swing swords in the name of a class, when he could any other time.
'I wonder if History and General Weapon Training Class is compulsory... I'll ask Instructor Dan if I can drop.'
He kept on walking till he reached his dormitory. He spurlged enough credits on a meal, as he received 20 from Instructor Harris. He didn't want to take any chances, wanting to be in the best form possible for his training.
He quickly refreshed and got ready before deciding to give Dan a call.
The comm rang twice before Dan picked up.
"Hey, Kyle. You ready?" Dan asked.
"Almost. I was just wondering where we'll be meeting today?" Kyle replied.
"Ah, right. I'll send you the location. We'll be training at my place in the staff quarters."
A notification pinged on Kyle's comm, a map opening with a marked location deep within the academy grounds.
The staff quarters weren't a part of the academy that he usually heard of. He thanked Dan and began before making his way out.
The walk to the staff quarters was long, as it was deeper into the academy grounds. Soon, he got to a large gate manned by some personnels, they granted him access as soon as he showed them Dan's invite.
As Kyle approached Dan's house, his eyes widened. The Instructors houses were massive— far larger than any residence he'd seen within the academy walls.
The buildings stood tall with clean, modern lines of white and steel, surrounded by a large, manicured garden that hinted at the prestige of its occupant.
He quickly located Dan's and entered in through the automatic gate that recognized his comm and granted him access.
The stone pathway leading to the door gave an ancient feel, framed by low hedges and trees that provided a serene atmosphere.
Kyle stepped up to the front door, hesitating for a moment before knocking. The door swung open almost immediately, revealing Dan in casual training attire, a smile on his face.
"Right on time, Kyle. Come on in."
As Kyle stepped inside, the grandeur of the house hit him. The ceilings were high, and the walls were lined with art , giving the space an elegant yet disciplined feel.
"Quite the place, right?" Dan said with a chuckle, noticing Kyle's awe.
Kyle nodded, earning a a laugh from Dan.
"The academy takes care of its instructors. Let's head to the dojo."
They walked through the house, Eventually, Dan led him through a set of sliding wooden doors, revealing the dojo.
Kyle stood at the entrance for a moment, taking it all in. The room was expansive, far larger than he'd imagined.
The floors were made of polished wood that glowed in the afternoon sunlight coming in through the tall windows on the far walls.
At one side of the room stood a large weapon rack, neatly organized with an assortment of weapons, all looking well maintained.
In the center of the room lay a large white mat, pristine and ready for training.
Dan moved to a wooden cabinet and pulled out a neatly folded training outfit, handing it to Kyle. "Here, put this on."
Kyle took the outfit, It was a plain white gi, nothing special.
He went to a corner to change, slipping it on, he realized it was slightly too big— loose in the shoulders and legs, the sleeves hanging past his wrists.
Dan smiled after seeing him. "It's a bit big, but you'll grow into it. I had to guess your size."
Kyle nodding. "It's a little to free, but it'll do."
Dan stepped closer with a more serious expression.
"Kyle, tell me something. How long have you been training with the sword?"
Kyle hesitated k what to say. He didn't know how much info the Academy had on him, but he guessed they would likely have none and decided to go for it:
"Since I was young. I picked it up on my own since, diligently training in the way of the sword."
"You received no training whatsoever, and you've already tapped into Sword Intent? How?"
Kyle nodded. "Yeah... I don't really know how it happened. It just sort of... came to me one day during practice, I experienced a threat when training and it just came. Ever since then, I usually manifest it at times when I'm under threat."
"You refuse to be threatened, huh? Interesting," Dan's muttered before saying:
"Do you realize how rare sword intent is?" Dan asked rhetorically. "Sword Intent isn't something you just 'find.' It's born from years of training, from deep mastery and connection to the sword. The fact that you've achieved it at your age… Kyle, that's not just talent— that's extraordinary."
Kyle was short of words. He knew sword intent was very helpful and strong, but he wasn't exactly sure of its rarity.
Dan continued with his teaching. "Sword Intent is more than just a powerful technique. It's an expression of your soul, your intent. It's what separates a master from an ordinary swordsman. At its most basic, it can overwhelm your opponents, crush their spirit with a swing yiur blade. But at its peak…"
Dan paused for the effect, letting his words linger in Kyle. "With full control of Sword Intent, you could split mountains with a single slash. You could change the course of a battle in an instant. And with the lightest touch, you could scar your opponents— leave a mark on their very essence, one that's impossible to forget."
Kyle swallowed. He didn't know how possible all these were, but they were all amazing.
Dan continued:
"Sword Intent can be destructive, yes. But it's also about precision. It's about understanding the fine balance between force and finesse. In the right hands, you could do more with a single stroke than most can do with an entire battle."
He stopped in front of Kyle, his eyes piercing. "But that's only if you master it. Right now, what you have is raw, unrefined. They're many levels of intent and you're only about to scratch its surface.
You're already ahead of most who seek that answer. But mastery of Sword Intent requires more than just practice— it requires discipline, focus, and a deep understanding of both yourself and the sword."
He placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder. "You're a rare talent, Kyle. But talent alone won't be enough. You have to be willing to dedicate yourself fully to this path. You have to respect the power you've been given, and learn to control it before it controls you."
Kyle nodded with determination.
Dan's voice continued. "With proper training, Kyle, you could become a great swordsmen of your generation. But know this: power like this can shape not only your enemies but yourself. The question is do you agree to embark on this path?"
"I'll do whatever it takes," Kyle said, his voice firm.
Dan nodded approvingly, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. "Good. Then let's begin."