Waiting for the students in the training arena. Raven was going to be teaching the A-Rank students. 25 of them stepped in with their gear and equipment, eyes ready for a lesson.
"Alright. Combat tactics. So let's start this off." Raven put on Smiling Mime's Persona. The students readied themselves for a fight as Raven dashed before them. A swing from a greatsword where Raven lowered his body close to the ground. Evading it as he got close to the student. Flicking her nose.
"Out." Another went after Raven with a shotgun blast to the face. Thinking she had gotten him, only to be met with a flick to the head. Signaling she was out, the warriors went after Raven with the might of aggression in their veins.
"Good. Aggression is good." Hounding him down to corner Raven as the tanks readied their shields. It was a simple strategy. Works with enemies that are too focused on the attackers but Raven was going to use the tanks as a platform. Following the plan, Raven planted his foot on the tank's shields as he flicked them back. Then flipping in the air as he flicked at another 6 warriors.
"8. So another 17 more. Use magic, use aura, use whatever it means to land a hit on me." He gave the instructions as they went after him, one had aura but wasn't stable enough for a sword wave. One had mana, but the spells took too long to cast. It was a mess of its own right. There was one, a student with a jikdo who went after Raven with speed and precision. Using every part of the sword. The hilt to push Raven back and the sheath to strike from the side. Raven was able to dodge it but he was focusing on getting the rest of them out of the way first. He needed to see what this one can do.
"Hmm. Right, Tan Dong-Min. You're the son of Sword of Wudang. Impressive." A compliment. Not a backhanded comment but Raven needed to see more.
"Thank you, Instructor." Raven was going at it with Dong-Min. The way Dong-Min's sword flowed was unique. Unlike the Sword of Wudang that uses the Ring Pommel Sword, Raven could see why Dong-Min preferred the jikdo. He was aggressive with high speed movements and his techniques were sure-fire ways to kill a monster. It was above what Raven expected. Dong-Min was matching Raven blow for blow but stamina was a concern for the young man. Ragged breathing and sloppy motions within his sword skills.
A flick to stop the fight as Dong-Min fell to his knees still trying to get back on his feet.
"Train your stamina, Dong-Min. You can be S-Rank if you train properly. Hmm..." Raven raised his eyebrow as his eyes glowed azure. Seeing Dong-Min's aura veins blocked at some areas.
"Alright. That's enough for today. Here." A set of documents appeared to the hands of the students. A detailed breakdown of how they fight along with colorful language on what is it that they did wrong. Where they also see a QR code at the bottom left corner of the document.
"That QR code is going to be for extra materials you can use. Courtesy of the Black Wings. My brother said he's got various Hunters over there who want to teach newcomers. From basic aura strengthening to the other stuff. I'm heading to the next class." Raven stepped out to see Sword of Wudang, Tan Hwan standing outside with his white uniform and the ring pommel sword on his hip.
"Your son's good. He can be S-Ranked but his aura veins are blocked in some areas. Using raw strength the way he does it? It's great. His techniques are sharp but his stamina needs work."
"I see... Can you cure it?" Raven shook his head.
"My aura isn't suited for it. It has to be you or someone else. I can guide you on doing it but we have to take it slow. That aura core of his is swelling. If you can get Poison Demon and Heavenly Physician to check on it. They can help him through it."
"What do you mean?"
"Aura comes from nature. It's best if it's healed by those of similar nature. I'm a tsunami while you're a calm river. It may be water but it won't match. We'll harm each other because our natures are different. Do you get it?"
"Nature must follow nature. The flow of the river and flow of the tsunami is different. I never thought of it that way. Thank you, Instructor Ashenworth. I've learned a bit from you today as well."
"Tell the Heavenly Physician and Poison Demon that their flows may be different but they can both do many things that intertwine with that path. Poisons are just chemicals, depending on who uses them. It becomes healing or killing. I need to go to my next class."
"I should also head there. It seems that some of us from Syriacus want to see what you're capable off."
"Fine. Fine." Raven headed there where he found Plum Blossom Swordsman, Poison Demon, Heavenly Fist Demon from Syriacus lying in wait. Then S-Ranks from Cherry Blossoms which were Lady of Swords, The Blade of Thunder and Serpent Slayer. Students, parents and some of the nobility were present from the other countries.
"We'd like to have a duel with you. If you're willing." Raven then noticed the wall mounted monitors flickering.
Gacha system activated.
System has updated with new personas.
Free Persona Pull.
X 10
Guaranteed 3 S-Ranks!
"A gacha system?" Serpent Slayer spoke as he turned to Raven who pulled out his phone. Spinning the wheel as they see the screen monitor showing statues of Raven in brozen, silver and gold. 5 Bronze, 1 silver, 4 gold statues.
The gold statues exploded, revealing an icon of Raven which was a bird that had weapons behind it. The icon burned away as they see the splash screen of Raven sitting in an empty room, bandaging his wounds with scars over his face. Putting on a hanbok to rest over his shoulders as Raven headed out with a jikdo in hand. Seeing dozens of people before his eyes.
"Kill him!" Raven dashed through the crowd as he drew his jikdo. Sheathing it as blood splattered all around.
"Dead Flowers Swordsman. S-Rank!" Another splash screen, showing another Raven who was wearing a school uniform. Running into an alley has checked his phone. Seeing the words 'Villains'.
"Give me a break, HQ! I just finished exams! Ah fine!" Raven tapped on an icon of his phone where they see his entire body be covered in a sleek suit of armor. Chains hanging on his wrists with his helmet being all black with a neon blue skull appearing. Dashing out to face the situation. A villain was about to harm a civilian, but not on Raven's watch.
"Justice Kick!" A kick to send the villain flying to the side.
"That's Iron Justice! Shit!"
"Justice Chains!" Raven threw the chains from his wrists that coiled onto the villains, then followed by him beating them into submission with his fists. Sirens were heard as Raven left. Hearing another alarm that made him busy. More villains were afoot. Watching Raven call out every attack was enough to make them feel confused.
"Iron Justice. S-Rank." Everyone turned to Raven. Trying to wrap their heads around what they saw.
"Not my idea okay. That Persona's rules were to say every attack. God he's embarrassing."
The next persona's voice was heard.
"By his majesty's orders." The splash screen faded with the sight of Raven wearing a shirt and pants. A katana to his left hip, a cigarette parked to his lips. Lighting itself as they see enemies dying before Raven. Burning up by black flames. A forest literally made up of flames. Mana controlled so finely as they see seedlings sprouting into trees made up of flames. Branches waving their leaves that touched Raven's foes. Burning up into a variety of flames as he stood there with a bored expression.
"His majesty is a slave driver, sometimes." The screen captured Raven who continued his walk amidst the flames.
"Flames of The Forest, S-Rank. Persona." The next Persona was Raven wearing a gray shirt, tattoos on his chest. Sitting in a conference room with plenty of men in suits. Reading documents while sipping a cup of tea. Then the door opened in a hurry, with a man struggling to breathe.
"What is it, Junior?"
"It's the Big Four, Captain. They declared war on us!" Raven got up to the cupboard behind him, pulling out a pair of gloves and a trench knife.
"Get everyone ready. We're killing them then." The scene changed to Raven fighting against men with guns with just his knife. Lacerating most of them with speed and precision. Throats were slit, tendons were torn. Hearts were staked. Just the brutal sight alone had everyone feeling the fear. No aura. No mana. But that sheer amount of bloodlust and thirst to kill was drowning them out. The S-Ranks were fine but as the camera shifted to Raven who had blood all over his clothes. His bored expression and lighting up a cigarette.
"This is just how White Tigers handle things."
"White Tiger Captain. S-Rank Persona." The next were simple splashscreens of Vanguard Operator, Arctic Fox and duplicates for Scorpio.
"So is this how your powers work?" Hwan asked as Raven gave a nod where he was now the White Tiger Captain Persona. Wielding a trench knife and instead of his long black hair. It was a hair shortened to a mane, though Raven did tie it up.
"What's so special about the White Tiger Captain?" The Lady of Swords inquired.
"He's got 5 skills. First is Tiger's Wrath. He doesn't play in a fight, he focuses on putting his foes down fast. Second skill is.. It's called brawling knife. The trench knife he uses is specialized for fist fighting and its got a good blade. Third skill is Near The Edge. I can roughly guess how dangerous a situation is and the closer to death I get, the better my reaction time. Fourth skill is Parry. Any attack that I can parry will be directed elsewhere and leave you a brief moment of weakness. Fifth skill is Grind The Nerves. The more damage I leave on my target, the weaker their body gets. It's not because the blade is laced with poison it's because this guy works similar to Smiling Mime. So, Hwan. Want to try this one out?"
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
"If you would be willing." The S-Ranks went to their seats as Raven readied the knife. To face against Hwan who was the Sword of Wudang would be suicide but Dong-Min was watching them.
"Wait, Hwan. Your son is watching so I want it to be a special lesson for him. Do you mind if I switched?"
"I am fine with your choice." Raven switched to Dead Flowers Swordsman.
"Dong-Min. Dead Flower Swordsman is similar to you. No aura. No mana. Just pure strength, stamina, speed and technique. This Persona uses the Praying Flower art of swordsmanship. It's different from Wudang but the fundamentals of combat are the same. In fact this one mirrors you perfectly. Using the entire blade and scabbard as a means to fight. Shall we Hwan?" Hwan gave a nod as he drew his blade, in that instant Raven took a step to the side. Dodging the sword wave.
"I have to say Hwan. That was beautiful. It's rare to see someone with such mastery of aura. But it wasn't just a single wave now was it?" Raven spoke as blood trickled from his neck.
"You can tell?"
"You used the first wave as a means to get my attention then the remaining waves would come in silently. Masking beneath the first wave's sound and aura. I barely noticed it at the last minute. But, there's one flaw to it." Hwan also noticed his sleeve being cut.
"Dead Flowers Swordsman's Praying Flower art of swordsmanship is an ultrasonic sword technique." Raven said as they watched him take off his hanbok and shirt. Revealing the dozens of weights attached to his body. Throwing the weights to the side as Raven stretched his neck. Revealing an entire bag of pebbles.
"And because we both are Sword Masters... Our range is beyond our blades. It's double. So we're in each other's range."
"Yeah. For swordmasters the opening move is important when facing an enemy of equal stature. Dong-Min, do you understand better?"
"Yes, Instructor."
"I can't teach you this sword technique because its far too different but I can teach you the training methods for you. The weights over there are about... Let's say 500 kilos each. Compressed into something like that. It's because when the Dead Flowers Swordsman kills, he has to attach one kilo into it. So there's about. I don't know, maybe more than a hundred of those? Let's continue, Hwan."
They vanished from sight, only the glimmers from the sparks of their blades being seen. Dong-Min was able to keep track of them but some of the Hunters were losing their vision. It was too fast. Then hearing laughter.
"I have to say, Instructor Ashenworth. This is quite fun. I'm guessing my other friends may want to join me in this."
"Come on already! It'll be more fun if they saw how S-Rank Hunters fight!" Plum Blossom Swordsman, Poison Demon and Heavenly Fist Demon joined in. Poison Demon spreading poison all around with his fan in one hand and a knife in the other. Plum Blossom Swordsman unleashing the plum blossoms of Mount Hua over to Raven, going at him with both poison and aura. Raven swung it away, leaving a huge scar on the ground as Heavenly Fist Demon went after Raven with an aura imbued fist. A punch that sent Raven flying to the wall. Recovering in mid-air as he sprang off the wall after the Heavenly Fist Demon.
"Poison Demon, try masking Plum Blossom Swordsman's aura with your poison. Makes it much harder to see. Heavenly Fist Demon, try and hide within the poison. You can get the drop on me that way." He spoke as he deflected Heavenly Fist Demon's fist to the side and clashing with Hwan.
"Is that even possible?" Poison Demon asked first where as he glanced to Plum Blossom Swordsman who had an eyebrow raised.
"You both can do it. It's just you need to make it thicker while Plum Blossom Swordsman has to make it thinner."He just parried Heavenly Fist Demon's attack with the hilt of his blade, pushing it to the side following it up with a headbutt.
"If this were an attack team of an S-Rank Dungeon. I'd pick you five and have it in this order. Poison Demon can handle the crowds with the poison. Plum Blossom Swordsman to double as a crowd controller and attacker. While Heavenly Fist Demon takes on the heavier enemies with Hwan to deliver the blow. This is a perfect combination for an attack dungeon for 5 man." Raven said as he sheathed his blade, which prompted the rest to stop attacking.
"It seems that we too haven't thought about how to fight well as a group." Plum Blossom Swordsman spoke up as the others gave a nod.
"It's because you guys are the current day Murim. Even before the Dungeons appeared and Hunters became a thing, you all were at each other's throats. Unorthodox Sects, Orthodox Sects and Demonic Sects. Even to this day you waged war on each other until you all started to see the madness that happened when regular people became Hunters. Supreme Heavenly Demon, The Martial Alliance Leader and The Unorthodox Leader became allies because you all saw how bad things were in Syriacus. You're not used to working together. Especially those three. They may hate each other on the outside but truthfully they threw the ways of old. Demon Sects no longer have to do the whole, sacrifice humans to get more power. Now it's go to a dungeon, sacrifice enemies they kill for their constellation to do it. But your constellations are rigid. They cannot simply be friendly as they hold each other in contempt for the past."
"You seem to know... A lot about us."
"I got connections. So the Cherry Blossom Hunters. You want to have a go?"
"No. It feels like we need to train harder."
"It's not about training harder. It's about learning synergy. I am a one man army because that's just how I fight. But fighting in a team would be tough. If all of you S-Ranks went after me all at once with actual teamwork? I'd be taking heavier blows. Wait.." Then Raven's phone rang.
You have taught something for the other S-Rank Hunters.
Food for thought which gives you the right to summon a few allies.
You can only choose from the three S-Rank Banners.
Dead Flowers Swordsman
SR- Ally. Dead Flower Disciples SSR Ally - Dead Flower Grandmaster, Laguna. SSR Ally - Dead Flower Swordsman of Azalea, Jason SSR Ally. Dead Flower Swordsman of Orchid, Misha SSR Ally- Dead Flower Swordsman of Iris, Van SSR-Ally Dead Flower Swordsman of Hyacinth, Andersen
Iron Justice
SSR Ally- Spitfire SSR Ally- Mister Nobody SSR Ally - Quantum Panther SR Ally - Car Hero SR Ally - Carbon Man SR Ally -Iron Puma
White Tiger Captain
SSR Ally - White Tiger Boss, Blackburn SSR Ally - White Tiger's Captain, Jillian SSR Ally - White Tiger's Vice Captain, Gary. SR Ally - White Tiger Regulars x 20(repeatable) SR Ally - White Tiger Elites x 10 (repeatable) SSR Ally - White Tiger's Vice Captain, Errol.
You may pick 6 allies.
"Laguna, Gary, Errol, one White Tiger Members and two White Tiger Elites." A door opened up as they see a man walk out first, long blue hair roaming swaying with his steps. A jikdo to his hip. A face full of scars.
"You look younger, master. I remember you being an old man the last time I saw you."
"They said you needed me in my prime. So I obliged." Laguna spoke before turning to the two men who stepped out into view. Tattoos all over their hands, one of a white tiger. Wearing white shirts that made their tattoos seem visible. They were more mafia in terms of appearance. Finely tailored suits with the Vice Captains wearing a striped tie. Errol's tie was loosened with two buttons undone, while Gary was prim and proper. Even with a tie clip. Errol's gray tapered haircut while Gary had his blonde hair in a braid. The other members stepped out, the elites wore a black tie while the regulars wore a white tie.
"We greet the captain!" The regulars and elites spoke where as Errol was busy looking around with his coat on his shoulders. Gary on the other hand took a moment to walk over to Raven, patting the dust away from Raven's clothes.
"Geez, Gary what are you my mom?"
"You're a Captain sir. Look the part at least. So about this place. What do you want us to do captain?"
"I'll explain later Gary. Master."
"I know disciple. You want me to prepare them. They may not be my disciples but I will train them."
"Gary, bring the crew over to this location. Find a guy named General Lowell and work with him. Here's some cards. Get yourself some chow." Gary and the members took the card as they headed out first. Errol grabbed the card too, making his way out with the others.
"Disciple. It has been some time. I passed you all of my techniques. It is time for us to see each other as equals." Raven drew his jikdo as Hwan and the others respected those words, taking their seats. Laguna took off his hanbok, throwing the weights aside which had the same amount as Raven's.
"Dong-Min. This is a fight you must pay attention!"
"Yes, Instructor!" Dong-Min's roar was the start of the fight. Raven and Laguna went straight at each other. The first clash as they both grinned at one another. Their scabbards were part of their weapons with the blade going for the kill but the scabbard as a shield. Fast hands with motion that did not waste a single ounce of energy. Precision and aggression all in one. Dong-Min's eyes glued to their movements, seeing how they used feints against one another.
The fight even had Hwan and the other swordsmen feel the air stir. A fight without aura, mana or even bloodlust. This duel was between master and disciple. It was a dance as the pair were trying to force one another into their own flow. Raven was a great tide but Laguna was a calm tide. Swinging their scabbards at one another as the blades starved for blood.
An upward slash met with a scabbard. All that was needed was one moment. Their blades grazed each other's skin as blood trickled. Yet their blades sang for more, harping for flesh to be yielded. The master and disciple had broad grins as blood trickled from their own bodies but Raven got the blow. Slashing diagonally across Laguna's chest. The pair sheathed their blades.
"You are no longer my disciple. You have mastered the many arts of the Dead Flower Swordsmanship. You are a Grandmaster in name and title. Dong-Min, was it?"
"Yes, My name is Tan Dong-Min, Mister Laguna sir!"
"Have you killed?"
"I've fought monsters and some Hunters."
"I suppose I could pick a few more disciples but considering the rules of your world I can't have him be that injured or heavily scarred can I?"
"You are free to test my son's grit. We have potions to heal his injuries. If I allow him under your tutelage. I believe he will grow further."Hwan spoke up, whereby Plum Blossom Swordsman raised his eyebrow.
"Please train me!" Dong-Min shouted as he got up.
"I will train you. Not in technique but to sharpen your combat sense. You will be putting some of these weights. I'll start with half a stone." In that moment they saw Dong-Min fall to his knees. Barely able to stand. The weight of 500 kilos on his body, it was just a regular pebble but the weight was forcing Dong-Min on his knees. Raven turned to the rest of the students.
"Dong-Min will be excluded from my class. Master."
"Laguna, Raven. We are now equals. What is your request?"
"The other martial artists may want to have a duel with you after that display." Laguna grinned.
"A martial artist lives for the fight. Of course I'll oblige." Those words alone had people facing him by the droves with Raven readying entire crates of potions for the fight. Keeping watch as how the A-Rank students went up first with Laguna cutting them down and giving critique. A potion for each person after their duel, their eyes were lit up even more. Raring to go as Hwan too participated.
Though they stood still. Those who were watching were confused but Raven told them. 'Two sword masters. Their range is beyond their blade's reach. They are in each other's range. They might look like they're standing there but they already traded more than a hundred blows.'
Tension built up as they made their move. Hwan and Laguna had been grazed by each other's attack. It was a much deeper wound as Raven only caught Hwan's sleeve but Laguna grazed Hwan's entire chest. Contrasting to Hwan who only got Laguna's arm. Laguna tied his hair then chopping a good chunk of it off. Where Raven went over to grab the lock of hair.
"Chopping your hair off, Laguna?"
"It was getting in the way. I need to keep a clear vision with this martial artist. I chopped it once for you too." Laguna sheathed his blade and got into a proper stance. Closing in on Hwan without drawing it. Dodging Hwan's aura waves and piercing strikes. At point blank range, using the bottom of the hilt to strike Hwan. Pushing the hilt to strike Hwan's chin. Fully drawing the blade with two quick slashes. That left marks on Hwan's body.
"I yield. It was honorable duel, Dead Flowers Grandmaster."
"It was a splendid display, Sword of Wudang." The martial artists were renewed with vigor by Laguna's appearance but Raven wondered what was going on with the White Tiger members...