Roman takes a deep breath, as his vision of the giant returns to normal. “I miscalculated. That's all. Your Pincher is indeed a strong form of attack. Probably the strongest kind of attack you can make in your well-rounded state.”
“Really?” William says, adjusting himself to stand firm and ready to continue.
“However, you can go beyond that, I think. Forcing the pincher to a powerful effect can be possible, depending on the Feel of the Annihilation. More flow would make it stronger, albeit a bit harder to control.”
“You want me to go beyond the well-rounded state?” William furrows his brows and feels his body could take it, but for how long? Only a try would allow him to see that.
“Yes. That would increase the strength, but lower the extent of the uptime of your Emblem. The price for the strongest attack is usually rather steep for any Walker of your kind.” Roman says, and his whole appearance returns to normalcy. The shadowy Vectors return to their place as if nothing happened. “Remember that adjusting the power can cause variable strategies and corresponding solutions to any kill. Adjusting them may be something you will have to consider, because of your special Feel of the Annihilation.”
“So my Skill is the reason for future variables?” William asks.
“Of course. The method of adjusting the power is quite good. Forming that small fist proved that already, while this well-rounded state is nothing but a stronger form of that small, yet dense fist. But don't try to go beyond some limits. I think it could strain the flow of your body if you do it too many times. When you feel the need for it, you should adjust corresponding strategies readily, and when you need it. That is the advantage you have, William. Having this sort of controlled state you currently have is enough, but that doesn't mean I can see room for improvement. You do too, right?” Roman says in a surprising, yet calm tone. He faces William, who doesn't reply anything, since he is long prepared for another attack.
“Shit... An increase in defense is needed, I suppose.” Roman sights in his mind. “What a bummer. Another expectation was exceeded. Oh boy...” Roman adds a bit more defense than before, fearing that the rising power that Wiliam shows would bite him to the ass. Using 4 times more quality over his shadowy Vectors, his defense shoots out of what Rank 1 Walker should give him.
Roman also wants to see how William will continue attacking, and a proper defense is the only measure he has to see everything clearly. His basic strength definitely exceeds any made-up marks and expectations he made up in his mind.
Gesturing William to continue with raised hand, and a wave of his finger, causes William to strike forward. This time he forms no Pincher, but goes with a regular attack that he doesn't name. It is a normal jab, of a normal sort of state. It feels quite slow, but as Roman assumed from before, it came to his fist with quite a forward heavy force.
It has much more raw power behind it than one would guess, which isn't surprising considering the well-rounded state has quite a raw power behind it. It's not as fast as the smaller one, and surprisingly, it has about the same flexibility. The density of the smaller Claw makes William's movements stiff, while the well-rounded form is thicker, thus a bit clumsy to use.
With enough time, he will adjust to it, since it's barely been a few days since he is forming some familiarity with his Annihilation.
Roman dances around with William in steady steps. He uses his increased defense to no longer dodge or deflect, but uses his first, elbows or knees, feeling the power of William's attack. He could see the changing flow of William's claw. It forms jabs the easiest, and its power and attacks are quite effective. Even the spikes around the knuckles where he makes the fist are adding a small touch of penetrative power, for an already powerful fist.
Spikes are a firm matter of the Vectors with more density to their Cyckle. They form on their own without much knowledge of why. They just do, even though William is yet to come to terms with that. Roman also did not include that unnecessary information either. Sometimes, there is no need to state things to make things more complicated. Williams Anihilat seemed to be prone to these spike shapes on their own, and Roman recognize it. His own Annihial doesn't have this, but that doesn't mean others can't have some variables in shape, mass, and so on. In this sense, almost all Walekrs have some unique circumstances, caused by the System or by talent.
William's fist no longer can be called a simple one. It forms a weapon known as Brass knuckles, in some strange sense of fashion. While his fingers and claws are more normal looking, with sharp fingertips, the knuckles of the fingers are smooth. When he makes the first, the spikes around the opposite side of the palms protrude a little, forming small sections of spikes in return. It's quite a physical reaction over the Cyckles, and Roman recognizes it for what it is.
Brass knuckles are a handful of weapons. Usually, it has holes for 4 fingers apart from the thumb. One could clutch it, thus the first would have protection, and metal would touch the opponent instead. The metallic part could then have more variables. Spikes, patterns, and any kind of design could be used. When a fist is holding it, it becomes a weapon. Metal is stronger than a regular hand, after all. At least considering the human fights, that is.
For Walkers, it has no usage, apart from inspiration to form Molds, and so on.
William's Annihilation Claw has something like this. A form of his no intentions, but it forms like this always. It intrigues Roman for sure, but there are many kinds of Vectors and Emblem. Sometimes, they can be quite unique. As a former instructor of the Emblem Academy, he sure met quite a few.
With such a fist, even a simple swipe around his knuckles could be quite deadly. However, that is not everything in his choices. Roman can see that already. One particular spike that William still hasn't figured out.
It's a bit longer, and sharp with some curvature. It forms on his elbow outside of his view.
Right, this form of the Annihilation Claw no longer feels like an extension of half of his arm. With bigger mass, and Annihilation in presence, it almost hugs his entire arm, and adds quite a mass to his body and reach.
Roman continues dancing around, thinking and doing nothing but his own research about William's variable possibilities. He takes more hits than ever before since he is curious about the power of his attacks, Cyckles, and how well he can use this form.
William is yet to see the end of his stamina at the 4th-minute mark, surprising Roman quite a bit since he thinks he should be reaching his limits.
It seems he got one thing wrong. The overall reason for going with the dense, thus smaller approach, isn't as effective to him. Even though he came up with these forms on his own, some forms are better for him than others. That, or his body is prone to the flow, or his Emblem can take the Cyckles better. Roman finds it also interesting, taking good note of that in the following moments.
A good understanding of a beginner Walker is precious, and if there is something Roman is good at, it is this. If all goes well, William will go with the remaining 3 rounds, and he should get quite some improvements. It is gonna be great.
William feels the burden in his arm all so much. The Annihilation Claw in this form is taxing his muscles a bit more than the smaller form. His shoulder, in particular, is already screening at him, and so is his neck and back. Yet, Willaim still continues going, dancing alongside Roman's giant form. He gives it his all, expecting and hoping to go all into this series with a more potent attitude and strength.
He already decided on that, the moment he felt his Annihilation Element in himself. In order to see his own limits, he doesn't care about losing energy but hopes for improvements instead.
Remaining round ends with William still standing. He endured it all. Roman remained untouchable, since the very first attack, but William doesn't even think much of it.
“You got harder and stronger. I can't move you at all.” William complains, wheezing and almost collapsing to the ground. He did so after a couple of breaths. “Begone!” He whimpered, returning to normal.
“Of course I did. I did use some "limited" defense before.” Roman gives him the right excuse, before returning to his normal appearance. “Who do you think this is for? For you, William. I don't want you to see me haggard like a combat doll. This is training and I am your instructor.”
“Yet I forced my attack through your defense how many times? Twice? Thrice? That's great!” Willaim scowls, yet his words sound cheerful.
“Where the hell did that number come from?” Roman asks, walking to the collapsed William to see the state of his body. Since he is barechested, everything is easy to see. William's muscles are straining themselves, but no tears or big problems were yet to come.
“Where? When I pushed myself through you 10 feet, forced your hands a few inches, and now that your whole Immitation disintegrated.” William says, oblivious to the fact that the last part is his wishful thinking.
“Ohhh... Do you think so? Now, tell me, where did you learn the word Imitation? I am curious since I am sure I didn't tell you about it at all. I did give you some warnings of some other forms, but that...” Roman looks at him in seriousness, folding his arm around his chest.
“That? Oh, that is... Quite something. I am. You see.” Willaim mumbles in an awkward manner, unsure if it is even true. Didn't Roman talk about his imitation already? He isn't sure. Is it even a big deal to know about this?
“Was it Mi-Yung who got a loose tongue?” Roman says.
William forces a nod. “It's jsut a piece of information she gave me. It was more of a situation, where she was giving you some face, making you appear stronger. I never heard of many Walkers before, so she probably thought you deserved some love. Maybe... I don't know.” William explains himself while trying to escape his piercing gaze.
“Whatever.” Roman shakes his head. “I don't mind this. Those who know me, are those who know me by that skill anyways. It's quite something, you know?”
“Yeah... Mi-Yung explained that to me. Flock of Jawrans or so I heard.”
“Great. Now with that out of the way, let's go to the main point. Your Annihilation Claw.” Roman says, forgetting himself as if it didn't matter.
“Yes?” William at last, glances toward Roman, who goes back to his lecturing persona.
“It's really impressive. What else can I say?” Roman sights, telling it as he feels. He sits right in front of William, who also forces himself to sit. “It even has some marks for defenses, while strength and speed are overall, a mixture of your previous styles. It's very well-rounded, as I called it. There are also those spikes that form interesting variables, but you are yet to use them to your advantage. Those are great, so remember that.” Roman says, mumbling quite fast like a maniac.
“Also, you should even learn to use more striking methods with your elbow. It has interesting forms of power, and I bet it could be stronger. The human elbow has a quite thick bone, making it a well know weapon for thousands of years. Yours have a special spike, which could add interesting power, but didn't even use it once. I will give you some advice in hand-to-hand combat and spars tomorrow, as you probably don't know how to act around those spikes of yours. That should be the last day though. Practicing it in a more steady manner where you don't have to care for time will prove to be more efficient. It will make it much better, so work on this... and that.” Roman goes on to a much longer series of lectures than ever before.
His face turns to a maniac that doesn't care about the following minutes, and constant taking. He keeps talking, giving William hints, help, and lecture over his own finds and opinions. It goes to almost 10 minutes as if Roman can't perceive the limits of his own words.
Even William is losing track of time, before Roman stops himself, to check his clock.
“Oh... I overstepped my boundaries and words again... How usual of me.” Roman slaps his face, going back to his feet as if he didn't just tell thousands, if not tens of thousands of words in a matter of those minutes. “Get back to the state from before. It's time to master, or at least, get very familiar with this stance. At least this, and the next 2 series will go with this form. Understand?” Roman tells without giving William any choice of retaliating.
Even if William wants to talk back, he feels the need to do that anyway, so there goes the rest of his day and energy.
None of them could complain though. Each of them hopes for their own things, while both will succeed in them in their own way.
No manner what, William's gaze is full of determination after feeling his path is more than clear before his eyes.
While he is clear on that front, Roman's path is littered with a single word. Reward.
Although, he would probably lie if someone asked him if he dislikes this sort of schooling of a fresh Rank 1 Walker. Of course, he would refute, shaking his head vigorously. Though, he would never tell he hates that. That, he wouldn't dare to tell.
With the flow of the training in many Bunkers, uninterrupted or interrupted by mistakes, loss of control, injuries, or lack of interest, the majority of Walkers remain in belief, that they are ready for the Trial.
One way or another, some will fail, while some will succeed. That's just how it goes in the Academy Trials. Some will fail so others would succeed. It is the same, every damned time.
It goes this way for the most part, while it wouldn't be any different this time as well.
In a different place, with different kinds of feelings, is a similar, yet different kind of Rank 1 Walker. He has no personality like William. His, is more arrogant since he could afford that.
Stark Takker is striking the golden skin and glistering body of a Rank 7 Walker, nicknamed Nightmare Ropp. All of his attacks are ineffective, but the general training methods did change for this day as they should. However, some things remain the same. He! His strained, and overly worked-up personality remains the same as the day before.
Today is the offensive day when many Skills of Walkers are getting their first motions and experiences.
The last 3 days make the most difference for the Trial. It is known for that, but none of them is less important than either of them. Each day is needed like the other. Each is very balanced, as they should be.
All in the name of the methods, that have been practiced for 20 years in the name of the Emblem Academy.
Though, there occurred some changes in the last 20 years. Numerous, in fact. The introduction of the forced awakening made many differences, and not bad ones, at that. But, it wasn't enough to change the fundamental world of Walkers or the state of humanity.
The most prominent change the forced awakening did was quite obvious. It made the first Walkers who went with this method, reach further into the System. Some are reaching Rank 6 in steady numbers. Some are even close to becoming Rank 7 and few did in recent times. All, while being under 40 years of age, it is nothing but a piece of good news.
Such a topic isn't that powerful, or important for humanity. It is a steady force, but not an overpowering one some hoped to see. It was not that long ago when the accelerator was invented. Some find these accomplishments already good enough, while others don't. It would take a few more decades of continuous work to make a truly drastic difference, and that's still in the realm of "what if".
In a cubic concrete bunker with many scratches, dust, and stone debris around, Stark struggles to continue attacking Ropp. This is already going on for a long time. Ropp isn't even moving for the past 3 hours.
In all this time, Stark is making his attacks as he sees fit, while a few times, Ropp even dozes off in boredom. Having the ability to sleep in such a situation, and even while standing, speak to his insanity, or power.
Forcing all his Skills to work, Start never stops. He doesn't dare. He doesn't want to. Using his stubbornness, and hop, he keeps clutching his dagger in an unyielding manner. Focusing more on striking methods he deems worth mastering is his task for today.
His face is tired, and sweat drips down his nose and chin. Yet, he doesn't stop as there are still a few things he hates with a passion. Weakness, his expectations, inability, and variables of such words.
That is quite a hectic overview for a teenager to have.
He knows why though. Stark doesn't want to be average. Not with his dad in the picture. Stark knows his overall control over his Emblem isn't that great. It is to be expected from a Rank 1. And that is nothing but normal, yet he feels he needs to exceed the normalcy or even the extraordinariness.
He needs to master more things and get better. The following Rank-up will reveal the much-needed results of his hard work. Extra power, hidden stuff, and Skills that will change his future. They are all there. But in the future, not the present. Yet, he wants to see immediate results, which is a bad attitude to have.
Ropp would tell him that as well, but with his fist. Though Ropp still enjoys his inability do to anything to him. That is enough for him. His defenses are nothing but superb. Nothing else, nothing more. That's how it goes when he is under the attack of Rank 1.
Unlike Roman, this man has no trouble with going past 10, or even 15 % of his power to make this kid cry in arrogance and helplessness. Some Instructors are like this, while others aren't. He? Ropp isn't even an instructor, so why should he care?
However, here is something he dislikes. Some hope that never came, which flustrates Ropp.
Stark never complains. Never cries, sheds a tear, or even utters a word of dissatisfaction. He has never done such a thing in the last day.
Stark always comes into view of his Status. He also follows the callings of his Mindless Eyes to accomplish what he wants. He long ago mastered the Statues of Type, Health, Condition, and even a few of his important Skills.
He worked with what his father taught him ever since he was young. Ever since he began to crawl, then speak, and then move better. His father always pushed the world of Walkers to his son. That is, even long before he started to develop the motions of Rank 0.
Since then, his life always revolved around becoming a Walker worthy of his father's name. Perhaps, it was forced upon him. He didn't have a choice in this.
Though, it became a burden for him in later years. Teenagers are like this. Stubborn, fearless, and impatience. It is long ago that he feels the stubborn and maniac nature that comes from his father It forms his personality. e knows he is like him. The man he regarded with unlikely passion. he calls him his father, and he doesn't hate him.
It's just that.
A fact.
No... Maybe that is the wrong term. Maybe his feelings were dull and suppressed because he felt like he should please his father in the past years. After all, he always acted like a good child. That could only last that long since he didn't have much choice back then.
Now, Stark grew up and distanced himself to be his own thing. He has the option to do so. Become independent, and act as he wants. Either of such things is something that a teenager would do. But at this age? He sure feels he could do anything.
Although he isn't an adult, any Rank 1 Walker is considered to be one. At least in broader terms, that is. Stark is still a 16-year-old kid. A half a year older than William.
“Hmph! I figured that much...” Stark snickered, punching the ground in a sitting position. He ended his calming session to get back his stamina and control of his Emblem. While he did so, he also went over the stuff in his System, or use that time to master things through the Mindless Eyes. In this way, he doesn't waste any time. It is what his father taught him. It is not a wrong approach, even if he is his own thing.
“The attacking patterns of these basic swords are too dull. Small, it couldn't be that great for me. I want something more to this than speed and these chains. I want overwhelming power. Something that can be used with limited control, but drastic solutions and intent. A spear, polearm, or even a hammer or axe would work, but the former is way out of my basic form.” he thinks to himself while his gaze was glued to his Status.