Charles starts looking around the bookshelves, the books that filled the bookshelves seemed to have cloth covers with the names on the book's spine. The first book Charles saw was a book called "Searing Thrust Palm," he opens the book to see images of a person doing several different poses with text talking about each one. "The technique you have in your hand right now is quite a famous one. That technique aims to use one's palm to thrust into the opponent leaving a searing pain in their chest and has many different moves to make sure that you land that final thrust palm to your opponent's chest." The Arena Master explained. Charles decides to put the book back as he thought to himself: 'So each technique has a bunch of different moves that make sure you're able to land that main move!'
Charles then starts to walk down the bookshelf as he scans the different names of the books. "Wolf Fang Strike" "Shadow Weaving Fist" "Leaping Uppercut" and a bunch of different other techniques. "Sir, what do you think is a good choice for me?" Charles asks The Arena Master, seeing so many different techniques has left Charles overwhelmed. "I cannot help you in this Charles; you must learn to choose for yourself." The Arena Master replied smiling. "Hmph since he will not help you I will!" Janko commented as he finally comes out from his short slumber. "That would be great! What do you think I should get?" Charles asks.
"You should try to find a technique that will work with your current fighting style! For example, if you were to usually fight standing firm and strong while attacking your opponent with pure strength but you suddenly picked a technique that focuses on using your opponent's strength against them as you move around like you were dancing on air. The two techniques will clash with each other and may result in your death in future fights! So, you should try to find a technique similar to how you fight!" Janko explains. After listening to Janko, Charles thought of the fights he had gone through and realizes that he had been relying a lot on the little Emperor's Spirit he had. "Janko, my Emperor's Spirit was rejected by heaven, right? So how does it work now? I know I can still use that slow-motion effect, but will that last forever?" Charles asks.
"Hmm well the slow-motion effect you keep seeing is a part of your body now so it will stay with you, only special abilities you obtain with an Emperor's Spirit like the power to make someone of weaker will kneel before you might not exist inside of you anymore," Janko replied. 'At least that slow-motion effect is still there. But I can't keep relying on it; if I face a powerful opponent again I might not be able to dodge their attacks!' Charles thought and decided to start looking for a technique that focuses on dodging.
After looking through several books with Janko's help, he found five books that he could use. "Fleeing Sparrow Strikes," "Floating Swan Steps," "Constant River movement" "Dashing Rabbit Strikes" and "Silent Shadow Movement." "So, which one should I choose Janko? These look like ones I could use." Charles asks as he flips through the books. "Hmm, the "Fleeing Sparrow Strikes" seems to be a straightforward technique that emphasizes on a hit and run tactic. "Floating Swan Steps" resembles a movement technique that makes your movement in battle as graceful as a Swan, helping you move much better. "Constant River Movement" tries to replicate how a river constantly moves to make you constantly move as your fighting. "Dashing Rabbit Strikes" has about the same idea as "Fleeing Sparrow Strikes" regarding attack but mainly focuses on moving towards your opponent and evading their attacks to dish out your own. Lastly, it's "Silent Shadow Movement" it resembles stealth movement arts that makes your steps much quieter allowing you to blend into the shadows as you move." Janko says as he examines each technique.
"I would say that the "Dashing Rabbit Strikes" is most likely the best technique for you since your fighting style is much more up close and personal. This technique would be greatly beneficial for you!" Janko said confidently. Charles nods as he felt like Janko's advice this time was quite good. "Sir, I've chosen my technique!" Charles said as he puts the book for "Dashing Rabbit Strikes" on the table of The Arena Master." "So, you have chosen "Dashing Rabbit Strikes." You have picked quite a good technique for yourself. Now go on and choose your weapon." The Arena Master replied calmly. "Alright, you just got the "Dashing Rabbit Strikes" so we need to find a fast weapon that complements the skill!" Janko commented.
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Charles looks at the wall of weapons to see what would suit him. "Janko, would a dagger be good?" Charles asks. "Yes and no. In a one on one, it would be great with your new technique but against multiple people you might have difficulties." Janko replied. Charles moves over to the sword section to see if he could find anything. But just as Charles thought that no sword would suit him, he notices a curved dark wooden stick. "Sir, why is there a wooden stick under the sword section?" Charles asks The Arena Master as he looks at the stick curiously.
"Ah that one, I had the same reaction as you when I was talking the merchant that sold it to me." The Arena Master takes the wooden stick from the wall and uncovers it. The two sticks of wood separate and reveals a beautiful silver blade that looks extremely sharp. Charles stares at the sword with extreme interest, it was plain on the outside, but inside it was a beautifully curved and sharp blade. "When the merchant showed me the blade I immediately bought it due to how unique it was. Usually, swords would have a small engraving on their blade or hilt to symbolize that they had made it, but it doesn't have one on this sword. So, the merchant and I assumed that it was made by a low-level blacksmith trying out his first sword. Though the craftsmanship looks quite good, I fear that the blade would be weak. That is usually the problem with low-level craftsmen." The Arena Master commented.
Charles thought about it for a while and decided: "I choose this sword as my weapon!" The Arena Master looks at Charles for a second before asking "Are you sure? This sword is quite mediocre compared to the others." " Yes, I'm sure!" Charles replied, "Alright, then take the sword and come over to my desk." The Arena Master gives the sword to Charles and walks to his desk. "You picked well! The sword looked as though it was made from steel, unlike the other weapons made from iron!" Janko commented "Steel? Iron? Not copper? What's the difference?" Charles asks "Copper is weak metal and very cheap, Iron is more commonly used due to its hardness, and it's much easier to make than steel. Steel is much harder and durable than Iron but is hard to make."
Charles walks over to the desk and stands with his back straight while holding the "Dashing Rabbit Strike" book and the sword he had just received. "The merchant did not give me a name for that sword you have there, but it should be called a katana. Anyways let us talk about the second thing you are here for, now I think you have heard about the auction that the audience will be joining right tonight?" The Arena Master asks, and Charles nods. "Now you were supposed to be sold just like the other four who won. But that has changed, a good friend of mine has asked me personally to give you to him.
"A friend?" Charles asks, "Yes, do you see this entire room? Almost everything in this room was bought with my money using his connections. So, I am indebted to him, so now is here to collect that debt to obtain ten young fighters including you. You and the nine other young fighters will be sent to his fort to train and become his guard." The arena explains as he brings out a map. "This is where we are in Roaring Silk City in the Dragston Empire which controls the west. Where you will be going is east of here to a place that used to be called the Yang Dynasty but now due to some conflicts the Yang Dynasty has been split up into different states fighting for their capital."
"So, who is this friend? Is he involved in the different states fighting and why would he need young fighters like me?" Charles asks. "Yes, he is involved in the warring states. He is, in fact, a general from one of the states, as for the reasons as to why he needs ten bodyguards I assume his scared of assassinations in such a dangerous time. Anyways now that you have obtained your technique and weapon, you may leave now. You'll be able to sleep in your room for tonight; you will leave for the state of Zhong Zhou."