Jason leaves Quinn's home and heads to the Clarksons. As he walked, he couldn't help but think fundly on the last hour. He would never forget it: literally. However he couldn't do so now in the public, lest he sport a boner and embarrass himself.
When he finally arrived, he made his way to Sammy's room as agreed ahead of time. After a knock, he was let in. Jason couldn't help but notice Sammy blushing a bit. 'No way! Could it be?'.
Sammy locked the door behind them before gesturing for Jason to sit on the lone chair of the room before backing up and clearing his throat.
"What I have planned is a secret and is very embarrassing. I trust you to keep it a secret, but you better not laugh. Got it?!"
"OK, I'm super curious now. Come on! Quit burning daylight and let's do this thing!"
"Pfft! What was I being all worried for? Fine. Just wait here and I'll be back. And one more thing, we're going to talk in whispers from now on so no one else can heard us. Understood?"
"Yeah yeah sure sure, now git. I'm on the edge of my seat here!"
Accepting his response, Sammy then enters his walk-in closet and closes the door behind him. What follows is the sound of clothes ruffling for a few minutes before the doors open and Jason beholds the image of Sammy.
Sammy stands before Jason in a sexy dress with a deep red blush but still manages to pose for his audience.
"S-so, what do you think?" Asked Sammy trying to hide the nervousness from his voice.
Jason was gobsmacked for a moment before regaining his senses. "Awesome! I didn't know you were a crossdresser. You could very well pass for a chick. The hair clip was a great touch too. It looks nice on you."
"T-thanks..." Sammy accepts his compliment shyly.
"Come on, give me a twirl. I want a 360 view." Demands Jason.
"You mean like this?"
"Yeah. Nice panties, though."
"Oops!"
"Could you try a couple more poses?"
"Yeah. How about this? And this? And this?"
"Keep em comin, buddy. I'm loving this show."
For several minutes, Sammy changed into different dresses and did many poses for Jason which he enjoyed. He felt like a VIP at a private fashion show. As dinnertime was fast approaching, Sammy decided to switch things up.
"Hey Jason, I'll be dinnertime soon. We should wrap things up."
"Yeah... Guess you're right."
"Wanna make things even more memorable?"
"Oh? How?"
Sammy responds to the question by wordlessly raising his blouse and completely exposing his panties for Jason to see, while giving him a smug yet sultry look.
"Wait. Is this what I think it is?"
"Yup! Now shut up and take off your pants."
An Hour Later.
Dinner that evening would have been awkward enough without Sammy giving him smug looks while licking his lips throughout. Jason wondered if Sammy was being possessed by a black woman because of how things went down in the room.
'So much saliva...' Absentmindedly thought Jason as he ate.
But make no mistake. Jason thoroughly enjoyed himself.
World: 44 days.
Clarksons: 39 days.
It was the big day of the departure. Jason and a couple other adventurers where lined up and getting briefed by the head guard of the caravan. After that was over with, and some other tasks were taken care of, Jason had some free time for personal matters before the departure to say his goodbyes.
As luck would have it, Quinn was waiting nearby for him to be free. Jason had already said his farewells earlier that morning to the Clarksons and especially to Sammy who snuck into his room very early in the morning for another round.
"I guess this is it. You take care of yourself, you hear?" Jason tells Quinn.
Quinn only responded by walking farward and resting his head on Jason's chest who in turn embraces him in a hug. He loved how soft Quinn felt. He could hug him forever.
The caravan departs and Jason's journey to Arkensaw begins. It was an uneventful two day journey and when Jason arrived in said town on the evening of the second day, it was as he guessed: Lumberjack themed.
Carpenter shops, Saw mills, mountains of sawdust and woodchips, lumberjacks with axes milling about. He'd take his time sightseeing tomorrow, but he'd rather report to guild about finishing his Quest, then finding a place to sleep. He spent that evening in one of the Inns which he paid for a week to get the discount.
World: 47 days.
Clarksons: 42 days.
The first order of business was to find these competing Dojos. That wasn't hard to do as they could be seen from the inn; near the middle of town and facing each other from opposite sides of the road. 'How cliché.' Jason thought.
Jason was drawn to the Primordial Fist Dojo, as he was more keen on hand to hand techniques than ax techniques, but he'd give the latter a try later in the future.
Arriving in front of the door, Jason noticed a timetable on the wall beside the said door. After reading it, he learned that there were two time slots.
The first slot was 2 hours before breakfast till just before, and the other slot 2 hours before dinner till just before. He just missed the morning session it seemed.
Despite being outside the operation time, the door was wide open so Jason didn't see the harm in checking inside . As he entered, he was greeted with the site of the interior which was being swept by a young girl who notices him right away.
"Hello miss, I'd like to sign up for the dojo. Seems like no one's here, though."
"Oh Hi! Everyone is out in the field right now, but the master always returns an hour before the first lesson, so you can meet her then."
"I see. Thanks for the heads up. I'll be back later today, then."
"You're welcome! See you again!" Said the girl as she waved at his departing form.
"Alright. Got some time to kill. I'll explore the town, grab lunch, explore the outskirts, then get back just in time to meet this 'master' of theirs."
World: 47 days.
Arkensaw: 2 days.
After his little excursion, Jason returns to the Primordial Fist Dojo. True to the girl's word, the Master happened to be present at the time stipulated.
A woman who by Jason's guess might be in her late 20s was sitted in a meditative pose in the middle of the dojo. Not wanting the disturb her, Jason didn't announce his presence but just stood to the side of the open door patiently. Luckily he didn't have to wait.
"Good, good! You're quite the considerate one. Thanks for not interrupting, though you didn't have to bother since I already knew you were coming. Please come in, you're new to town, I believe." Said the woman.
"Thanks. The name's Jason. Just came into town last night. I heard a dojo was in this town, so I came to check things out."
"I see. I'm guessing you'd like to sign up and join the dojo, correct?"
"Yup. You guessed correct."
"Excellent! Come have a seat while I'll explain some things before the other students show up."
Jason accepts the invitation. And as he sits across the woman, the girl from earlier walks over bringing tea and serving them both. The woman takes a sip before starting.
"Tell me, Jason. What do you know of the Primordial Fist?"
"Nothing. Just heard about it for the first time a few days ago."
"What?! How could you not know of the Primordial Fist? It's practically common knowledge."
"Guess news doesn't reach everywhere, huh."
"I see. Still make sense no sense, but I was going to explain anyway so it matters not. You see, the Primordial Fist is the origin of all martial arts. It is so deep and profound that it has to be divided into different styles. The only being alive who has mastered all styles is our Great Saint of the Primordial Sect."
The Master continues her monologue until people start to filter in to the dojo. Jason could hear some of them whispering to the side.
"Who's the new guy?"
"Good question, never seen him before."
"Why bother, we're gonna find out anyway when he introduces himself."
"Oh, don't be such a wet blanket. We're just curious, is all."
"Wonder what style he'll pick. It would be nice to have someone with the same style to train with."
"I don't care so long as he can fight. None of you are a challenge and I'm worried I'll start getting rusty because of it."
"We know! We get it! Quit rubbing it in already, sheesh!"
The background banter continued till it was about time for the lesson to begin, so the master was forced to cut things short. 'Boy can she talk!' Jason thought to himself; not at all annoyed by her quirk.
"OK. Is everyone present?" Asked the master.
"Yup." "Yes." "Yeah." "All here." Responded everyone.
"Good, good! You all made it back safe and sound. As you can see, we have a new student. Care to introduce yourself to the others?"
"Sure. Hello everyone, my name's Jason. Pleasure to meet you all."
"Hello Jason!" Everyone replied in unison. 'Pfft! Why does this feel like alcoholics anonymous?'
"As per our tradition, we'll have you spar with one of other students to guage your ability so we'll know how to cater to you unique training needs."
"OH! Oh! Me! Me! Let me have at him." Said a short girl who reminded Jason of those rural Japanese tomboys he'd watch in anime with her pixie cut, mocha skin, snaggle tooth and boyish personality.
"I was going to select, you anyway, so calm down, Taiga. Now, if you two will come to the centre so we shall begin."
When Taiga and Jason did as told, the master began explaining the rules.
"This is a friendly spar, so no lethal attacks and stay clear if the eyes and crotch. You win by either, knockout, submission or concession. I will step in and stop the fight if I feel its getting out of hand. Are the rules understood?" Asked the woman.
"Yes!" "Yes!" Both combatants took their respective stances as they readied themselves.
"Alright, begin."
Taiga immediately charges at Jason and throws a flying kick his direction which he manages to dodge. Before he could mount his own offensive, Taiga recovers and goes for a roundhouse kick which he ducks under, however Taiga rides her momentum as she continues to spin and deliver a kick with her other leg to his midsection while still in midair.
Jason eats the attack and backpedals a few steps before regaining his balance. They both take their stances once again and prepare to attack each other. And just like in the beginning, Taiga initiates with a series of kicks. This put Jason on the defensive as he tries his best to block and dodge the quick and heavy strikes.
The pummeling continued for some minutes and the other students were getting bored of the one-sided spar.
"Hey Taiga! We ain't got all day! End it already!" A yell came.
Seeming to agree with the heckler, Taiga attempts to use her signature attack to end the fight. However, midway through her motions, Jason extents his leg and interrupts the attack with a front kick; striking her side and sending her flying.
Taiga falls and tumbles but manages to right herself and look at Jason in disbelief. "How?!"
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Everyone shared her sentiment. Taiga was dominating the whole spar. How did Jason come out of nowhere to deliver that beautiful counter.
How were they to know that Jason was memorizing all her attacks during their exchange. Now he could replicate everything she had done up to this point.
Getting back to her feet, Taiga got into her stance once again. "Guess you're more than what meets the eye. Looks like I'll have to go all ou- WHAT THE?!"
Jason was taking her exact stance and they were mirroring each other perfectly. "You think you can beat me with my own fighting style? I'D LOVE TO SEE YOU TRY!"
Taiga and Jason clash once again and she retakes the advantage she had before, however Jason was doing better than before. He may have copied a portion of her moves, but she had more experience with them.
It was like picking up a fighting game and playing a character who you memorized a portion of their moveset. Then proceed to fight in an online match against someone who mains the exact same character.
Any normal person would get destroyed in such a scenario, but with the help of his [Muscle Memory], Jason learns from every clash, every block, every dodge and every direct hit. And because of this, he slowly and surely closes the gap between them.
Even Taiga's "experience" advantage is losing its edge. The experience gained from 100 battles vaguely remembered is nothing compared to the experience gained from 10 battles perfectly remembered.
Eventually a stalemate is reached. It is maintained for some moments before the tables begin to turn in Jason's favor as he begins to pressure Taiga now. However he's not able to dominate her. Turns out she's got him beat in the stamina department and that's what's saving her from being pummeled.
Jason gets tired of the status quo and decides to end things by baiting her with an opening. He pretends to be more tired than he really is, and makes deliberate blunder. Not willing to let the opening go, Taiga commits to an attack which Jason sidesteps and then proceeds to punish with a solid punch to the gut which floors her.
Taiga is floored and holds her gut in pain and out of breath. But before anything else happens, the master calls the fight.
"Thanks for going easy on me." Jason says as he reaches out a hand to Taiga.
"Hahaha! Screw you, dude! That was a good fight." Taiga responded in good humor as she takes his hand.
"Good, good! A splendid spar. Thank you, Taiga for being our Guinea pig."
"Hey!" Taiga yelled indignantly which made everyone laugh till she too joined in.
"I was quite surprised, Jason. Your ability to adjust to, and copy Taiga's fighting style midfight is quite remarkable."
"Thanks."
"Alright, now that I've guaged your strength, we can move on to the next step which is determining which style suits you best."
The Master goes on to explain that Primordial Fist is divided into to 6 Styles:
- Limitless Style.
- Cresent Style.
- Flow Style.
- Burst Style.
- Blitz Style.
- Power Style.
- Bulwark Style.
These styles are grouped into 3 types:
- Red Types: Blitz, power style.
- White Types: burst, crescent, bulwark.
- Blue Types: limitless, flow style.
"I'll put you through basic training in both red and white ki control to determine which you're best at using, then I'll test your knowledge in human anatomy to see if you're suited for Limitless Style. Your spar showed me you might have what it takes to pursue the Flow Style, so I'll train you there too and see where things go."
All that would begin tomorrow. Tonight, she had to deal with the others: supervising spars and helping them fine tune their styles and techniques.
Jason would participate in some of these spars, then would watch and listen-in to other activities. All in all, it was a very productive night.
Things came to a close and the Master dismissed everyone for the night after bringing in food for everyone to eat. Turns out the student contribute Hazard Beast meat which is prepared at the dojo for them to consume right after training before heading to work.
The group headed over to the site outside the town where trees were felled. They and the lumberjacks who were also coming over to replace the previous shift went together as one big group for the sake of security.
The students of the Primordial Fist were primarily responsible for protecting the workers at the site from Hazard Beasts.
A portion called the Assault Group would enter the surrounding forests and hunt anything they find, while the others called the Defense Group patrolled the perimeter of the site to intercept anything that slipped past the first group.
The Rending Ax Dojo on the other hand almost exclusively trained the lumberjacks. They appeared to have great strength and stamina plus the ability to fire a sharp Cresent wave from the blade of their Ax which was used to cut tries much faster.
The group made its way to a tented area where guild staff were milling about. As the others clocked in, Jason signed up as part of the Security Detail. Initially he was assigned the Defensive Group, but after presenting a letter from Sam, the staff member reassigned him to the Offensive Group instead.
'It's good to have friends in high places.' Jason thought to himself as he left to join the Assault Group which Taiga just so happened to be a part of.
"Yo, Jay! Looks like we'll be seeing more of each other, huh? We're about ready to head out, so follow our lead and don't cause any trouble, ya hear?" Instructs Taiga.
"Yeah, sure, I'll be good. Just go lead the way already." Responds Jason.
With that, the Assault Group set off. Jason made himself useful right off the bat by Sniping multiple Hazard Beasts from a distance. He made a mental note to thank Sam again for all the training.
Because it was night, a decent number of Beasts were out and about, which meant the Group returned with quite the hefty amount of prey by daybreak where they had their breakfast and waited for another group to relieve them of their shift.
Getting back to the Inn, Jason went to bed which involved meditating, and sparring with a clone of Taiga in his Lucid Mindscape.
World: 48 days.
Arkensaw: 3 days.
Waking up at noon, Jason heads downstairs to grab lunch at the bar where he meets Taiga who waves him over.
"Afternoon, sleeping beauty. Wanna eat lunch together?" Offered Taiga.
"Sure. I don't mind." Jason replied as he took a seat at her table.
"Got any plans till we head over for training, big guy?"
"Hmm? No, nothing I can think of now. Why you ask?"
"Cuz I'd like to invite you to a spar. You vs me. In the dojo. It's great for training, and since we're similarly skilled, we'd improve faster. So, What do you say?" Asked Taiga.
"Weeellll, not that I'm rejecting the invitation, but why me of all people? You only met me yesterday and here you are asking me to spar with you. What about the other guys at the dojo?"
"What? Those guys?! Nah, it doesn't work out. Lemme explain: ya see, I'm in a weird position: I'm number 4 in the dojo, but I've never beat number 3; much less 2 and 1. They're just that strong. Plus the guys below me are just too weak to challenge me, so I've had to train by myself."
"Oh."
"Oh is right! And here you are, a pinch stronger than me and even know my fighting style. You're like the perfect practice dummy."
"Dummy?"
"Woah! No! I mean Sparring Partner. Sparring Partner. It was a slip of the tongue, there."
"Pfft! Fine, but I'm sorry to say I'll be leaving you in the dust soon, so it's kinda pointless to train with me Cuz I'll ragdoll you around the dojo."
"Hah?! What are you trying to say, you got stronger in your sleep or something?"
"Uh... Let's just say that the gap between us has widened and leave it at that."
"Hmmm... I'd like to see that for myself. I'll get off your back if it turns out that way, so quit dragging your feet and accept already!"
"Fine. After we eat, we'll head to the dojo. Deal?"
"Deal!"
After lunch, both Jason and Taiga made their way to the dojo. But when they got passed the door, Taiga wasn't pleased with what she saw.
"Darnit! Those two got here first."
On the mat were two individuals duking it out and showing skill level and techniques head and shoulders above he and Taiga. While that was happening, Taiga walked over to a corner and tinkered with a small device before returning.
"What were you doing over there?"
"Just setting up the timer. Rules are if you're the only ones in the dojo you can train for as long as you want. But when someone else shows up, you get 10 more minutes before you have to vacate the mat for others to use."
"I see. Makes sense." Jason responds as he continues watching the fight between the two.
"Ugh! I'm taking a nap. Wake me up when they're done."
"Sure. Will do."
10 minutes later, the timer goes off and the combatants stop their spar before stepping off the mat and walking pass the two without acknowledging them.
Jason found their behaviour odd, but Taiga brushes it off. "There are sticks up their asses. Don't overthink it."
Accepting her explanation, Jason follows her to the mat and they begin their spar.
10 Minute Later.
"What the heck?! How'd you improve so much so quickly?"
"I did tell you, didn't I? Now take my hand." Jason responds as he pulled her up.
"This sucks! I'm back to square one!" Complained Taiga.
"I don't agree. Fighting someone stronger than you is the fastest way to improve."
"Yeah, yeah! I know, the master says the same thing. But I hate losing all the time. I hate having to scurry around like a little rat just to survive against the other guy. The tension of fighting against someone so close to you in strength where either of you can take the win, and any mistake can turn the tables is exhilarating. It's what I live for." Explains Taiga.
"You know what? I get where you're coming from. I was there. Our fight was all kinds of fun."
"Told ya."
"But that doesn't change the fact of the situation. The path to strength has been paved, and it won't change for anyone because they feel it sucks. This means you'll have to grit your teeth and do what must be done to get strength. You know, better to eat stale bread than go hungry for a tastier meal you know will never come."
Taiga was silent for a moment, then she let out a deep sigh. Knowing she took his word to heart, Jason patted her shoulder.
"Don't be so glum, we're training partners now. I'll just fight you at a touch above your level. It's not exactly what you want but it's the best you can ask for."
"Ugh! Thanks. But it's just not the same. Knowing you're not fighting me serious rubs me the wrong way."
"Hate to break it to you, but you and I are not worth taking seriously to a lot of people. That is true today, tomorrow, and a hundred years from now. It's a fact of life we all have to accept."
"Oohhh! That's true. Hmm... Hearing that is oddly more... freeing? I forget the word. But I feel less pressure. Thanks, Jay! For real this time. You really helped me put it all in perspective."
"Glad I could help, partner."
The two groups continued taking turns sparring for hours till an hour before the classes were to begin and the master walked through the doors of the dojo.
"Training diligently, I see. Good, good! You can't go wrong with such diligence."
All the students turned and greeted the master after she made her appearance.
"I think we're good for now. Imma head back to the inn to take a bath and grab a bite. You should too, Jay. We'll be back in time for the lesson."
"Sounds like a plan. Let's go."
The two left, then returned cleaned and rejuvenated right before classes began. After assigning all the other students tasks for the evening, The Master brought Jason to the side for some one on one training.
After determining his White Ki control to be pretty decent, Jason is taught both White and Red Ki control exercises.
The Master wished to leave it at that for the day and give Jason ample time to practice, but Jason insisted they do the Flow Style training, to which she begrudgingly agreed, since he wouldn't let up.
The Master proceeded to explain the fundamentals as well as demonstrate the Kata for the style.
Flow Style is a combat technique that's centered around guiding the flow of force and momentum. It reminded him of the anime version of Aikido whereby one would use the force of their opponent's blows against them by either redirecting them back at them or away from oneself. It was ideal for fighting opponents stronger than oneself: specifically Hazard Beasts with overwhelming strength.
Thinking this was enough for the time being, The Master was shocked to learn that Jason wished to also see her books on Anatomy and be taught the limitless style. This time, she stood her ground and didn't let him have his way.
'This fellow is quite odd.' She thought to herself as Jason went back to Ki Control Training. Based on her current evaluation, Jason has compatibility with both the Burst and Crescent Styles. The jury is out on the others, but that is how things stand for now.
Training eventually came to an end and Jason along with the remainder of the students left for work. Jason was instructed to practice his Ki Control while on the job; which he did, and when he returned to the inn, he did combat practice in his sleep.
World: 48 days.
Arkensaw: 3 days.
Today, Jason once again harrassed the Master over the Limitless Style, to which she threw up her hands in defeat, went into a room and brought him the reading materials. She then informed him she wouldn't give him personal training on the style until he took and passed an exam on the stuff he was reading.
Unworried by this, he acknowledged her words and dove into the books. The master had an anger tick appear on her forehead when she saw how fast he was flipping through the pages: thinking he was skimming and not aware he was absorbing everything, but didn't say anything and left him to his devices.
Jason made a mental note to take this exam 7 days from today so as not to shock the master too hard. He knew he could ace any exam with only a few minutes of studying, but he wanted to keep a somewhat low key.
World: 55 days.
Arkensaw: 10 days.
The past week, Jason had been working and training. He would take some time out of the day to write letters to Sam, Quinn and Sammy.
For Sam, it would be keeping him abreast of the goings on with him. For the other two, it felt more like having penpals. Quinn would write about books, while Sammy was more into small talk.
Through these exchanges Jason learned that Quinn had applied for a spot in the Guild's administrative staff, and that Sammy had gotten back into hunting, but with a party consisting of Quinn, Susan and himself.
Jason was glad to know they were taking initiative in their lives and hoped this'll help their chances of meeting again sooner.
It was the day of the written exam and Jason was stoked. The Master thought it was too soon, but didn't have the mental energy to protest. She just handed him the papers and waited, only to have them returned in a quarter of the usual time.
"What is this?"
"I'm done."
"What? Impossible!"
"I learn fast, remember?"
"..."
"..."
'...He's an odd fellow...' Finally bending to his will, the Master takes the papers, and Jason waits patiently as the exam is graded. Minutes pass, and she'd done.
"So, how'd I do?"
"You passed, of course. However I'm curious as to why you left some of the questions unanswered when the rest were answered perfectly."
"Exams are tough, what did you expect? Now, about that Limitless Style training you promised..."
"So insistent. Very well, you have earned my guidance and shall receive it."
Limitless Style involves using Acupoints to remove the body's limiters as well as trigger other bodily effects. Acupoints is one of the shortcuts in manipulating red ki just like hand gestures is for white ki.
By hitting select Acupoints in a specific sequence, one can perform the following effects:
- Unlock the body's limiters.
- Dull pain.
- Halt bleeding.
- Healing/Guiding red ki.
- Paralysis, etc.
The Master didn't fail to mention that a faction called The Temple of Healing Wind owes their healing techniques to The Primordial Fist: alleging that they copied the technique, then made modifications.
However, she had to give credit were credit was due and added that they had improved upon it considerably and are currently peerless in terms of medical arts.
Today Jason would learn the Limit Breaker Technique. Other days he'd learn other techniques. He would bide his time for another 7 days before requesting to be taught another style.
World: 62 days.
Arkensaw: 17 days.
Of all the Limitless Style Techniques Jason really loved the Limit Breaker. By hitting specific acupoints in unique sequences, he could removed his body natural limiter.
The technique has 10 stages, and each stage removes and additional 10% of the bodies limiter. The risks were that it would cause muscle tear and bone fractures if you overexerted yourself, but that also happened to be a good thing as they would grow back stronger.
It was a broken way to train that those who dabbled in Healthcare exploited inorder to not be left behind physically since they spent so much of their time studying and treating patients.
But enough about that. It was time to politely harass the master who at this point didn't care anymore and would teach him whatever he asked. Jason found this change odd, but didn't think too much about it.
The request was made and the master began teaching him the basics of the Burst Style. It was easy to learn, but hard to master.
It involved sending a burst of ki through the arm and out the fist during a punch at the instant said fist makes contact.
If the burst is premature, it hits the target but repels the attackers fist, making it the worse outcome.
If the burst comes after the fist strikes a target, it delivers second strike made of ki, making it the next best thing.
Those who mastered this technique can time the burst to within 100th of a second after the fist strikes. This results in a special effect where a focused shockwave is formed which ignores defenses and passes through objects as it travels some distance.
Taking this attack directly to the torso will result in severe internal trauma and bleeding, and taking it to the head means death.
World: 69 days.
Arkensaw: 24 days.
The Dojo Master and Jason has fallen into a routine where every 7 days he'd request to learn a different style. The master is still baffled at he pace at which the fellow could learn. But it was nothing to be concerned about. Rather, she was thankful that such a prodigy would grace her dojo.
No longer did she deny him anything. He has more than proved his ability to receive all her teachings. He was the key to her rising up the ranks in Primordial Fist Sect. She just has to make sure he doesn't fall into a rivals hands, as well as ensure she secures his cooperation if not loyalty.
Anyway that was something for another day. Today, she'd be training Jason in Crescent Style. This style involves coating one's hands and feet in ki and using it to slash, slice, and stab from up close and from range.
It is named after the Crescent shaped ki fired in an arc, which is the hallmark of the style.
It is basically designed to serve as an alternative to bladed weapons, and to have a backup in cases where a blade is not on hand.
After the usual training session, the master informed Jason that in 3 days the dojo would hold a tournament to decide this month's Adept.
Practioners of the Primordial Fist are separated into 8 ranks:
- Novice.
- Adept.
- Expert.
- Master.
- Grand Master.
- Elder.
- Sect Master.
- Saint.
Novices are new initiates who have been undergoing training for some time. They are the lowest rank.
The Adept is the individual who wins the dojo's monthly tournament and gains the right to be tested by the Master in direct combat once.
It is a temporary title only held by one individual per dojo per month. One can challenge their master as many times as they win this tournament.
If the master is satisfied with said challenger's performance and deems them qualified, they are granted a pass to compete in the Yearly Expert Tournament where the winner gains the title of Expert.
Every Master is granted only one pass per year, so this decision is taken very seriously because nominating someone who goes on to win the tournament increaes their chances of being promoted to Grandmaster.
"I have high hopes for you, make sure you win handily, OK?"
"Sure thing."
"Good, good!"