Finishing the Brawler class took around the same amount of time as the Amateur Netrunner class had, close to three months. With Vik’s teachings and the PanzerFaust shard, it wasn’t too difficult for her to earn levels regularly. Thus, it was time for Sophie to take the last basic class she wanted.

Class selected: Apprentice Swordswoman

Skills Unlocked: Sword Techniques (Basic), Sword Combat (Basic), Footwork (Basic), Quick Step

Quick Step: Lvl.1

You can dodge singular attacks more easily.

Sword Techniques (Basic): Lvl.1

Grants basic knowledge of Sword Techniques.

Sword Combat (Basic): Lvl.1

Grants basic knowledge of Sword Combat.

Footwork (Basic): Lvl.1

Grants basic knowledge of Footwork.

Quick Step sounded like it would be an incredible skill, especially when used against small groups of enemies.

There was also the trait she had gotten from the Brawler class.

Trait: Stable Footing - Your footing is significantly more stable, meaning you are much harder to be knocked off balance (unless you choose to be).

It was a very good trait and it would prove to be immensely useful for her new class.

Sophie was very satisfied by the multitude of skills she was collecting. Obviously, however, her new class needed to be levelled up. In order to take advantage of a mentor bonus, like she had done with Sasha and Vik, the girl was standing outside of a dojo. Specifically, a dojo that Rogue had recommended after being asked.

It was located about halfway up one of the buildings in the City Centre. Whoever ran it clearly had resources, considering the use of actual wood. The design appeared quite traditional from the outside, and neither of the two girls thought it would be any different internally.

‘Y’know, Soph, I really don’t think I need to be here.” Sasha was desperately trying to escape, not looking forward to training alongside her younger friend.

“You do. You’re struggling to use those Rippers of yours. They may not be blades but I’m sure the trainer will be able to come up with something. Rogue did recommend this place after all.”

The netrunner’s pitiful gaze didn’t faze Sophie, who dragged her inside without a second thought. They were greeted by a receptionist, who guided them to an almost empty room. As suspected, it looked every bit the traditional dojo the pair imagined. Tatami mats covered the floors, there was a small shrine on one wall and multiple weapons adorned another.

In the centre of the room, an older, clearly Japanese man, sat in a seiza position. He wore a black gi and lying across the floor in front of him was a katana.

“You are my two new students?” He asked quietly.

Sophie bowed, pushing Sasha’s head down as well before speaking. “We are. I am Sophie and this is Sasha.”

“Hmm. Welcome. You may call me Arakawa Sensei for now. You were sent here by Rogue, yes?” His voice had a slight edge of approval, likely at the younger girl’s gesture.

“That’s correct, Arakawa Sensei.”

“And what do you wish to learn from me? I would think Edgerunners such as yourself would prefer more destructive tools.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

Glancing at her friend, who still seemed unwilling to speak, the younger girl replied again. “I wish to have at least basic mastery of as many different skills as possible. However, I am very interested in learning more about the sword.” She nudged Sasha.

“I’ve been dragged along. Sophie says I need to learn how to use these,” her Rippers appeared, “properly.”

“I see. I am unfamiliar with the use of such weapons, however I believe I can still assist. However, I will attend to the young one first.” As he spoke, Arakawa Sensei stood, returning the katana he had to a space on the wall. A wooden blade that Sophie recognised as a bokken was retrieved. He gestured the young girl forward before presenting her with the practice blade.

She took it, then looked at the man, confused. He didn’t say anything, instead walking around and examining her.

“Take any stance you know. Allow me to see what I am working with.” The mercenary did as he asked, finding herself in a stance that her basic sword techniques suggested. Immediately, the elderly Japanese man hummed in approval. “This is not bad.”

Although he said that, Arakawa Sensei began nudging her feet, adjusting her arms and changing her posture. Once he was done, he spoke again. “This is better for you.”

Skill: Sword Techniques has reached level 2!

Sophie didn’t allow any of her surprise to show. Internally, she could feel the small amount of new knowledge click with what Arakawa Sensei had changed in her posture.

“Now, perform an attack.” She did so, executing a basic downwards slash. The extra level in the Sword Techniques skill allowed her to perform slightly better than she would have beforehand. “That was good. There is much to improve on, but for now you just need to practice your movements.” The man ran her through a few more basic manoeuvres, then left her to practise on her own. He turned to Sasha.

“Come, demonstrate how you utilise your claws.” As he spoke, a wooden post rose from the floor, surprising both girls. “Attack it.” The netrunner didn’t need to be prompted. A wild barrage of slashes followed, though they only left faint marks on the post. What the hell is that thing made of!? Considering Rippers were capable of tearing through metal, the lack of damage on the wood was startling.

“Alright, stop. I have seen enough. You use your claws like a wild animal. Any inexperienced opponent would fall. Against anyone with a modicum of training however, you will find yourself vulnerable.”

The man’s eyes flashed and only a few moments later, the receptionist appeared, carrying a small box. She handed it over before exiting again. Arakawa Sensei opened the box, retrieving ten small objects. He carefully slipped them over his fingers. Once he was finished, both girls could see the small set of claws that adorned his hands.

“These are a weapon known as Neko-te. I believe they should serve as a suitable substitute for your own claws. Allow me to demonstrate.”

On the same wooden post that Sasha had attacked, the man left several deep grooves as his hands struck rapidly. He finished his demonstration and looked at the netrunner. She was staring at the marks in fascination.

“How did you do that?” She asked.

“You attacked with raw speed. There was little power in your strikes, nor was there precision. Follow my movements with your own.” Having said that, the pair of claw users began to move in sync. Meanwhile, Sophie continued her own practice. Once Arakawa Sensei was finished with his demonstration, he began watching and correcting the movements of his new students.

By the time they were done, multiple hours later, both mercs had improved significantly. As they were leaving, their sensei spoke.

“You have proven yourselves worthy of being my students. From now on I am your sensei and you will address me as such. I expect you both to return tomorrow.”

The girls shot each other a look, then spoke.

““Yes Sensei!””

-----------------------

While the pair of girls went home, Sophie was intensely questioning her system.

How come I’m almost a fifth of the way through my Apprentice Swordswoman class already? That’s ridiculously fast.

Arakawa Ichiro is considered a ‘Master’ by the system. His skills with the sword approach the pinnacle of what is achievable in the Cyberpunk 2077 Universe. In addition, he has decades of experience as a teacher, allowing him to impart knowledge and skills to you significantly easier.

This is the first time I’ve heard anything about a ‘Master’ rank. Can you explain that to me?

‘Master’ is a rank given to someone that truly understands and utilises their skill effectively. The basic, intermediate and advanced ranks are all focused on providing knowledge and ensuring you understand a skill. The ‘Master’ rank is about your utilisation and experience of that knowledge.

Like muscle memory?

Correct. Muscle memory of the correct movements is a form of mastery.

Right…Is there something above ‘Master’, then?

Above the ‘Master’ rank is ‘Grandmaster’. This is a complete and total change of the skill. Often it involves the fusing of multiple skills or the development of a completely unique ability based on the skill in question.

I assume I’m still pretty far off that point then. However, I’m confused. Why didn’t Vik rank as a ‘Master’ for the ‘Striking’ skill?

Viktor Vektor focuses entirely on boxing. If he had trained to strike with all parts of the body, he would have mastery over the ‘Striking’ skill. He does, however, rank as a Master for ‘Boxing’.

Is that so… lots to think about now.

The idea of ‘Master’ ranked skills was exciting for the young girl. Sadly, they were still quite far away. Instead, she needed to focus on her current situation. “So, what did you think of Sensei?”

“It was different than I expected. I feel like I’m actually learning proper techniques now. I’ll admit, I was skeptical when you told me about it. Sensei taught me a lot of things so I’m grateful to him. What about you?”

“He was nice! Having someone teach me things makes everything so much easier to learn. I’m really excited to go back!”

“You really are strange Soph. You work so hard and you’re so talented at everything. I’m a bit jealous to be honest.” The netrunner shot her friend a strange look, one that Sophie returned.

“Don’t be. This will probably be the last of my foundational skills. Once I get the basics down, I’ll start improving on them all. If you’re jealous, you just need to do the same. Branch out a bit from what you already know.”

“Hmm, I guess you’re right. I’ll find something that I’m good at. Can’t let you shoulder everything yourself after all.”

Sophie grinned at her partner. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you be a lazy cat all the time.”