As Alex slowly grew from one year old to four, his training under Weapon Master Scif intensified. He was still just a child, but his connection to the Force and his natural affinity for learning made him an eager and promising student. His parents, proud yet cautious, watched as their son began to absorb lessons and develop skills that would shape his future. Though Scif took care not to push him too hard, his training was rigorous for a child, blending physical, mental, and spiritual growth into one cohesive journey.
---
Learning the Bastard Sword
One of the first weapons Scif introduced Alex to was the bastard sword, a versatile weapon that could be used with one or two hands. Though much too large for a child of Alex’s size, Scif had a custom wooden training sword made for him. Even with the training sword, it took Alex time to adjust to its weight and balance.
At first, swinging it was a struggle, but with each session, Alex grew stronger. Scif taught him the basic stances and footwork, how to block and parry, and how to swing the sword with precision rather than brute force. The weapon master was patient, always reminding Alex that swordsmanship was about control. “A wild blade cuts nothing but air,” Scif would say, adjusting Alex’s grip when it faltered.
The sessions started light, with Scif focusing on the fundamentals. He taught Alex to maintain a low, balanced stance to give him stability while wielding the sword. The weapon master also demonstrated the different strikes: overhead slashes, horizontal cuts, and thrusts, all of which Alex practiced with diligence.
Though the sword training was difficult at first, Alex’s strength began to grow steadily, his body slowly adapting to the weight of the weapon. More importantly, Alex learned that the sword was an extension of his body, a tool that required finesse and focus rather than raw power.
Interlude 1: The Sword
Alex gripped the hilt of his training sword tightly, his small fingers barely wrapping around the handle. He stood in the middle of the training grounds, the cool morning breeze brushing against his face. Scif stood across from him, holding his own sword with ease, waiting patiently as Alex struggled to steady himself.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
"Find your center," Scif instructed, his voice calm but firm. "Your body must move with the sword, not fight against it."
Alex nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. He shifted his stance, mimicking the posture Scif had shown him, feet spread apart and knees slightly bent. The weight of the sword still felt awkward in his hands, but he was determined to make it work.
With a swift motion, Scif stepped forward and swung his blade in a wide arc. Alex reacted, lifting his sword to block the strike. The impact rattled his arms, but he held his ground. Scif smiled faintly.
"Good. Again."
The training continued for hours. Each clash of their swords rang through the training yard, and each time Alex blocked, parried, or struck, he grew a little stronger, a little faster. He began to feel the rhythm of the swordplay, understanding that it wasn’t just about brute force but about timing, precision, and flow.
By the time the session ended, Alex was exhausted, his muscles aching, but there was a sense of accomplishment that warmed his heart. Scif patted him on the shoulder.
"You’re improving, Alex. Remember, the sword is an extension of yourself. In time, you’ll wield it with ease."
---
Teräs Käsi Training
One of the more amusing aspects of Alex’s training was the introduction of Teräs Käsi, a martial art originally designed to fight Force-sensitive individuals. Teaching a young Force-sensitive like Alex how to fight against beings like himself was an ironic challenge, and Scif found it humorous at times. Still, Teräs Käsi focused on agility, precision, and rapid reflexes—skills that Alex would need whether he faced Force-sensitive enemies or not.
At first, Alex’s strikes were clumsy, his small fists and feet struggling to land the precise hits Teräs Käsi demanded. Scif patiently guided him through the katas, teaching him the importance of form, stance, and breathing. Teräs Käsi was about speed and unpredictability, and Alex learned to strike from unexpected angles, keeping his movements fluid and quick.
Despite his small size, Alex packed quite a punch thanks to his Force abilities. He was able to enhance his strikes with the Force, giving them a surprising amount of strength. This added a new dimension to his training, as Scif began to teach him how to channel his power into each strike without overwhelming his body. The training was rigorous, but it helped Alex develop his coordination and control over the Force at the same time.
Interlude 2: Teräs Käsi
The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the training grounds as Alex practiced his stances. Teräs Käsi was unlike anything else Scif had taught him—it required not only physical strength but a deep connection to the Force. It was about reading an opponent’s moves before they happened, reacting with speed and precision.
Alex moved through the katas, his small body flowing from one stance to the next, his fists and feet striking the air with controlled force. Scif watched from a distance, arms crossed, nodding in approval.
"Remember, Alex," Scif called out, "Teräs Käsi is about balance and speed. Your opponent will expect you to use the Force—surprise them by using only your body."
Alex stopped, breathing heavily, and nodded. He squared his shoulders, focusing on the ground beneath him. He closed his eyes and felt the Force within him, not using it to enhance his strikes but letting it guide him, flowing through his limbs like water.
He struck again, faster this time, his fists connecting with the practice dummy in a blur of motion. His feet danced across the ground as he dodged imaginary attacks, his movements fluid and unpredictable.
After several more rounds, Alex collapsed onto the ground, panting but satisfied. Teräs Käsi was difficult, but he could feel the progress in every punch,
every step.