Part 1 – The Kingdom of Clearwater

After Viv was finished reforesting the place, we set off through the remainder of the forest and managed to get to the other side with some help from the Fairies which were kinda friendly to us. After we reached the ends of the forest, the Fairies gave their good byes to us and went back to their home, deep in the forest. Our party on the other hand decided to go to the nearest city which was called 'Loviern'. Loviern was the capital of the Kingdom of Clearwater which was next to the Capital of the Kingdom of Davion for some reason. Well I suspect that both Kings know that they can't push an army to the other because of the forest in the way.

On the way we have passed by the farms that were shattered around the city. Thanks to this though there were no monsters besides the basic mobs around the city walls. The space from the Forest and the city were mostly filled with farms and there were regular guards coming and going to keep the peace.

Due to this, the place was mostly considered bad for players who want to start out and besides, there was Morata that was considered one of the best places for noobs right now due to its low-tax, friendly high-levelled community that helps the new players out and it was still quickly developing due to the high number of non-combat classes coming to Morata.

However this city was also getting some traffic as well due to Morata. This was due to the fact that there were several methods of getting there. To be more precise there was only two. Walk there by land or sail there by sea. The second choice was less popular since the ones that want to go to Morata mostly were the really poor beginner but if a person has enough money, namely some Gold which was really high amount for low levelled player, they could leisurely ride to a place near Morata without the strain of walking.

Well before all of that...I have a slightly difficult problem to deal with....

“Eden, hurry up and get in the light so we can go!” said a irritated Alexandra.

I was currently hopping from place and place in the shade making sure that I don't get a single ray of light on me.

“Your behaviour is embarrassing to us....even the NPCs are avoiding us now....” said a depressed Viv.

It was a bit over noon and since there was a lack of shade for me to go through and I didn't like the idea of turning into a girl that much due to a certain person, I was more than determined to stay as a guy even if I had to die!

However the situation isn't as extreme as you might think. I only change gender to female when more than half of my exposed area is covered in light and this goes the other way as well. The problem is that I am wearing a T-shirt and pants right now and had no other clothing....

“Eden! I don't care if you turn into a girl! I promise I won't defile you anymore so let's go!” shouted Alexandra to the innocent me sitting in the shade.

“I refuse!”

The feeling of changing gender was horrifying to me. When I turn into a girl, I can literally feel my thing down there disappearing. I was like a nightmare was being relived over and over again when I turn into a girl.

“Eden, you can rest in the inn when we reach the city.” said Viv in a calm motherly voice.

“I still refuse!”

“Why?”

Viv frown just then.

“The city is a sea port. That means there will be more light that will reflected off the water and I will turn into a girl again!” I shouted.

Viv shook his head and asked, “llyfr is there some way to make sure Eden stays one gender?”

[Not of I know of but if you continue doing this Eden, then I believe Warlic and Crysero would like a word with you. Besides you can search for a 'cure' in the mage guild in the city as well while avoiding the light there]

“.....”

“So do you accept?” asked Viv.

“Do you have a cloak or something to block the sun?” the teary me asked.

[p=center]xXx[/p]

“Wha! This place looks cool!” I said as I observed one of the rare sea port cities in the game.

Sea port cities are different from the normal ports you can find near a lake. The reason is that they are the main hub for sailors and other sea related class. Also it acts as a normal city as well which means normal players can stay here as well. However due to the problem I outlined earlier, this place is still not as populated as most other cities even in the outer edge of the continent.

“To think this person could be such a pain...” mumbled Alexandra.

“I never knew such a person could be so stubborn...and he's a sadist as well....” mumbled Viv as well.

“Should we just drown him in the water and let it be that?” whispered Alexandra.

“No we have to.....” answered Viv.

“Oh! That's a great idea.” said Alexandra.

As I was sight seeing, it appears my two comrades are discussing the ways to kill me just then.....even Viv joined the dark side.....I am very sadden to this turn of events.

“Do you two know where the mage guild is” I asked thus ending their discussion on how to drown me while chopping me to pieces for the moment.

Alexandra just pointed at the tallest tower in the city and said, “Over there.”

The mage guild tower thing was positioned next to the sea or was it a giant lake? The tower was only a part of a much bigger building that hopefully housed a number of books for me to read.

“Okay then, let's go-arhhhhhh!”

Alexandra grabbed my cloak and dragged me away from the mage guild.

“We are going to get you up to scratch again! Without magic you're almost useless!” said Alexandra as we or rather she was dragging me to the Blade Master Guild.

Part 2 – The Art of Killing

“I see you are very familiar with the sword Alexandra. I would be glad to teach you some new tricks” said a certain instructor that looked more like a Orc then human.

His eye went from Alexandra to Viv then me.

“You....”

He fixed his gaze at me.

“Are kinda weak aren't you.”

“I can't help it! My magic was sealed!!!” I pounded the floor remembering the harsh training Warlic and Crysero designed. There was only one way that training could result in. Death or Strength near Death. I wasn't fond of doing that kind of training over and over again.

“Hmp! I can feel there is some sort of strength in you that can easily suppress me, probably from some sort of Hell Training but the reason I call you weak is that you cannot utilise that strength. I presume you were heavily reliant on magic. I have nothing against magic but to stay safe and kill your enemies will only cost you in the end.”

I looked up at this instructor that seemed to have some wisdom. I can use tears on him then.

“Instructor........”

“However before we start I must ask a question.” said the instructor while the others in the building nodded their heads.

“What is it......”

“Are you a guy or girl?”

The veins in my forehead could almost rip out of my head and kill this guy but unfortunately while I am a guy right now.....

“....”

“You don't know?” said the instructor confused.

“Well you can think of Eden as both at the same time. Also you shouldn't mess with him even though his magic is sealed. I've seen him stomp a guy to death in a sadistic manner” answered Alexandra in my place. However what is this extra bit you added in that is surely not true?

I see the gazes of practically everyone land on me. Those who were practising stopped and there was a awkward silence in the air.

“So...what's there to teach?” I asked breaking the silence.

After coughing the instructor said with confident, “There are many styles to use a sword or any other bladed weapon. In this guild, we aim to perfect one's natural style of battling. First we need you to spar with someone.”

I looked around to see that all of the men in the room (There are no women here) looking away, whether it is to a wall, to the ground or to someone else. I looked back to the instructor to see that even he is avoiding my gaze.  I sighed to see Alexandra was more than motivated to kill....I mean spar with me.

“Damn I have no choice.....” I muttered under my breath and took out my sword and my dagger which I can finally equip no that I am over level 150.....though I kinda skipped the process of passing that point.

For those who can't remember the stats of my weapons, here they are.

Sharpened Iron Sword   Durability: 50/50   Damage: 30-35

A sword made by a talented blacksmith. It was forged in its natural sharpened form and has an increased damage output. However its durability is lowered due to this. It is light and easy to swing.

Restrictions: Level 100

Options:

- Strength + 5

- Agility + 5

Large Rathian Dagger  Durability: 100/100   Damage: 50-70

Made from the fang of a Rathian, it naturally has high durability and damage. As the material is made from a Rathian it has the element of fire and gives a resistance to fire as well.

Restrictions: Level 150

Options:

- Deals 20 fire damage per hit

- Strength + 15

- Agility +10

- Increase Fire resistance by 10%

Naturally the Rathian Dagger has a much higher damage base and it is a rare drop but the sword is definitely a lot longer and I am more familiar in using it. However the dagger isn't tiny at all, in fact it is half the length of the 100 cm sword which is a bit longer than your average ruler that you use in school.

I held my dagger in my left hand with a backwards grip and my sword in my right since I am right handed though I can use my use almost as well. On the other hand Alexandra uses a large two handed great sword that she nicked from the King's treasure a while back.

Our level was a bit over 100 back then and we're almost twice that level now so I believe she will get a new weapon soon enough. Well the same could be said for me as well since I need a new sword.

“Are you ready?” I asked and she gave me a smile in response which means she's going to attack!

Alexandra charged straight at me using her high agility and swung horizontally. By swinging that way, you will leave yourself vulnerable for a split second but the other person would be too occupied with dodging that she wouldn't be attacked.

Damn, like anyone will have time to attack when a large sword is heading straight at you before you can blink.

I jumped upwards to dodge the slash and at the same time swung down at Alexandra without mercy. It wasn't my fault if she died.

Clang

However she somehow managed to swing her sword up at me in that short amount of time and after attacking once. She was a damn monster!

The force of her swing pushed me away from her and I landed right in front of her on my knee. I found myself to be seeing a blur which I think was her boots and rolled quickly out of the way. Alexandra knows me well enough that given the chance I would attack and continue to attack until my enemies die so she is forcing me to defend.

“Sword”

Crap, she's going to use that here?!

“Burst”

I started my own skill at the same time.

“Wave!”

“Strike!”

A wave was coming to me as I moved my sword for the stab.

Crap....I can't dodge it in time...

BOOM

Critical Hot!

You took 10524 damage

Damn, that look two-thirds of my mana in one go.....factoring in the point that I charge head first in the wave itself. I was blown back to the wall and was unable to move immediately.

Just went I thought everything was done a sword was pressed next to my neck.

“Do you surrender?” asked a cocky person I knew.

I sighed and raised my hands in defeat.

“Okay then, its decided that we're going shopping after this to find you cute clothes!” demanded Alexandra.

“Wha-NO!”

Alexandra raised an eyebrow.

“Why the should I?!” I demanded.

Stab

Alexandra's sword moved from my neck and into the wall behind me. I could feel her blood thirst in going shopping with me and probably Viv as well around her. Her gentle smile could not have been more scary for me right now.

“O-okay......” I managed to say out of fear.

Clap

The instructor clapped his hands and signalled Alexandra withdraw. Then he began a certain conversation that involved my misfortune....

“So, how was he?” asked Alexandra.

“Well....he was fine but with you as an opponent....” he replied.

“I never hold back against him you know. I don't have that luxury.” she puffed her cheeks up.

“Fine, I’ll teach him all I know and he has that move that interest me greatly.” he smiled a bit knowing that he would see something good later

“Then, I'll pay the usual.” she said confidently.

“Yeah, make sure you dress him and yourself up nicely. There's a dressing room at the back so you can change there when we're done.” he gave her a thumbs up.

“Yay!”

Alexandra turned and looked at me and said, “Change of plans, I'm going to pick out the dresses you're going to wear~”, before running off with Viv to somewhere that I would never want to go with her.

“...”

I was stunned at the turns of events. I wanted to run away but seeing that Alexandra was so....enthusiastic on dressing me up, I gave up on that idea. I sighed once more.....it looks like I'm sighing more lately....

Part 3 – Combat 101

“Firstly, it looks like to me that you're not familiar with using a dagger am I correct?” asked the instructor.

“Yeah, usually I only use the sword and magic with the other hand.” I answered.

“Also it looked like you could do more than that in the spar with Alexandra.”

“Well......”

Activate Body Transformation: Hands of the Betrayer.

Body Transformation: Hands of the Betrayer is now active

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

You will gain the following Bluffs while this is active:

- Weapon and Unarmed combat speed will increase by 10%

- Strength in hands will increase by 10%

- Defence in hands will increase by 10%

- Able to parry attacks bare-handed to a certain extent

WARNING: Normal NPCs will believe you are a Demon when they see your hands

By hands quickly changed to the one I had during the time in the forest. It was the hands of a demon and was slightly darker than my skin with scales. My fingers were also sharper as well at the ends and my fingernails partly combined with my fingers. I looked at my bluffs and found that, only that many bluffs did not allow me to do what I did before in the forest where I literally crushed a man's skull with one hand.

Well maybe the other transformations gives some sort of bluff as well or its just that more options will be available with me mastery this skill some more.

“Holy......that looks awesome!” the instructor had his eyes wide open in shock and amazement.

“Also I can do this as well....”

Activate Body Transformation: Eyes of the Condemned

Body Transformation: Eyes of the Condemned is now active

You will gain the following Bluffs while this is active:

- Seeing Distance will increase by 15%

- Able to see more clearly at night

- Blindness effect will be less effective

- To a certain extent, you will be able to see the souls of others

- Eyes will Glow in the Dark

WARNING: Normal NPCs will believe you are a Demon when they see your eyes

I couldn't exactly see it but judging by what happened last time, my eyes would turn into that golden red colour. I ignored the warning of this skill twice now but all I see was that the instructor and other blade master guild members were interest.

“Well, I've never seen someone from the Demon Clan before. Or are you something else?” asked the instructor with his sparking eyes.

“I'm classified as one of the others though normal people will think I'm a demon. Anyway I only have one more skill I can use right now that I've didn't show you. Its called 'reset point' but I've never used it before.”

I drew my sword and swung down and shouted, “Reset!” hoping for the best. Thankfully the skill worked and my body immediately went back to the first stance I made before swinging my sword.

Stance has been Reset

The mouths of everyone else in the room was dropping to the floor.

“Wh-what the hell is that move?!” demanded the instructor while shacking my shoulders.

I answered the instructor while being shaken down like a victim of a mugging. “Li-like, I sa-said. I-it's a mo-move to re-reset m-my s-stance.”

Realising that his image of a brutal emotionless instructor was being destroyed, he coughed once and tried to restore his attitude. “Well that is a very useful move you have there. Well for me to teach you, you can't use that move since I have no idea how it can be applied. And also, do you not have any other skill?”

“Nope.”

“So you only have that stabbing move right?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that's a problem if I'm going to teach you. Stabbing moves have huge openings after the attacks but with that reset move of yours, it won't be much of a problem. The problem is that I can't teach you how to fight while having such openings. Those kind of skills are powerful but they are usually reserved as finishers. Also It looks like you don't have a style.”

“Style?”

“A proper form in fighting. Not having a style has its own advantages but it is much better to have a style since it allows you to fight better overall. With a solid style, you'll able to fight head on against enemies. Alexandra has a particular style and that was why she was able to defeat you easily since she knows what she can and cannot do in advance. Without a style you would try to do something and fail without knowing your limit. Of course this only applies to those monsters who don't have human limits and I can assure you that you are not one of them.....probably. Well then, what kind of fighting style do you want?”

“Hmm......one that is compatible with using magic and allows me to fight with what I have right now.”

“There is no such style of fighting” he bluntly answered.

“Then what the hell am I going to do then?!” I blurted out.

“Well you can learn multiple styles and try to mix then. That's what most people here do either way. But there are some that stick to only one and polish it to the extreme. An example is again Alexandra when she learnt how to fight using her sword. You noticed that she doesn't attack with anything else besides her sword right? She doesn't use her hands or feet to attack and only uses her sword while moving her body to swung the sword. That is the power of a single style. While this limits flexibility, if you master only style then you can forcefully break flexibility alone. You saw how she managed to swing her sword up after she attacked in a moment right? Well most people mostly stick with one and edge out a bit to other styles.”

Should I stick with one style of fighting? Then I won't be able to due-wield the dagger as well and it is better than the sword in terms of stats. But on the other hand if I get to the point where I can fight like Alexandra and become some sort of monster in fighting then......what do you think llyfr?

[Well, you should get a fighting style that can use a spear and sword at the same time. I believe you should learn how to fight with both a long-sword and spear at the same time]

Why do you say that?

[A long-sword is a bit shorter than a spear but shares some techniques since they are both long weapons in the form of stabbing. Also you have the reset skill that will become overpowered later one when you can continue to attack using finishing moves. That sword of yours is weak for you right now and you should sell it with the dagger as well and buy a new sword. You can just use your hands in close range like before and also you should practice using a bow as well]

I thought about what llyfr said.....and he has always made the best decision for me so I should follow it.

“Umm.......can I learn how to fight with a long sword? And also a spear separately?” I timidly asked.

This request was kinda weird and it didn't help that I only had a sword and dagger on me right now.

“Okay then. There should be a long stick shaped like a sword and one that is shaped like a spear at the weapon storage place. Grab one of them each and I'll teach you how to fight using them.”

Part 4 – Immovable Stance

“This form I am showing is called the Six Strike Form since you can aim for 6 places. However in actual fact after the first step you can only hit 3 places.” said the instructor while holding the wooden long sword with two hands. He took a step forward using his left leg and swung down vertically then took another step and swung down diagonally and took another step and swung up diagonally.

“This is the same using the other foot. The basic point of this form is to allow the user to attack any kind of enemies head on with a single slash to finish it. Namely one strike, one kill. However this stance has a weakness which is it takes a bit of time to set up the stance and that would make you end up dead. Because of this, the stance uses kicks to give you time to attack. The easiest way to learn is to experience it head on. Try attacking me.”

I held the wooden long-sword in my hand and swung at the instructor horizontally to the right. In that moment the instructor took a step forward at me and swung to my left and hit my neck in one go. Then he kicked me away.

“Next is the stabbing attack. You move your elbow like this and draw the sword near shoulder level before doing the stab.”

The instructor took a step and pushed the sword forward in a single motion as well.

“This is one example of how to fight with this style. Well then you've seen the basic form now practice! Swing 1000 times for each type of attack! Go out in the open area and practice there! Don't return until you gain the skill!” ordered the instructor in a loud voice.

Some time later.....

Ding

You have learned the 'Six Strike' Form Beginner Level 1

I was sweating under the sun right now and thankfully the Blade Master Guild gave me some new clothes when I asked. It was one of the those loose thin type cloths that  absorb much sweat so it didn't so it drag down my performance. However I was very suspicious of why they gave me this to wear and why they were staring at me like that......

Well I don't have to do this anymore so I decided to report in to the instructor to see what I needed to do next.

Your Gender has been changed to Male

I went up to the instructor and said, “I finished learning the skill. Thank you are guiding me” in a humble voice.

The instructor turned to me with a smile and said, “Thank you fir raising the morale of this guild. HAHAHAHAA.”

Then the instructor's face went back to his serious mode.

“Good. Now I believe you wanted to learn some spear techniques right?”

“Correct” I responded with confirmation.

“The form I’m going to show you is one that uses both stabbing and slashing using a spear. Well such spear techniques are common but this one can be combined with the Six Strike Form as well. Look closely how I hold the spear. Notice that I am not spreading my hands that far apart. It is called the Trick Shot Form. Reason is that it can be used with a sword as well and the fact that it is used as a second strike. First you do a simple stab or slash and then....”

The instructor stabbed forward into the air and then using his hands he twisted the attack and slashed to one side. He stopped then did it again but this time with a slash first and then changed it to a stab.

The instructor turned to me and said, “The trick is in the wrist. When you use a spear, you usually spread them out to reduce the strain on them. But when you don't do that, you can forcefully alter the attack you're using and trick the enemy before killing them. When you want to stab afterwards, you twist your hand like this”, the instructor showed me the weird way of doing it, “and when you want to slash, you do this”, the instructor showed me again which as different from before.

“Now use the same wooden sword you have and try to integrate this technique in the form”

Some more time later.....

Ding

'Twist Shot' Form was integrated into the 'Six Strike' Form

Six Strike Form has levelled up

Damn......finally.....my hands are hurting like hell right now.

“Show information on Six Strike Form.”

Ding

Six Strike Form Beginner Level 2

Five Slashing moves and one Stabbing move is the core of the Six Strike Form. Each attack is used via a single step forward and a single attack at the same time. The Trick Shot Form has been integrated into the Form as well, allowing you to change your attack mid-way.

Weapon Speed Increase when using this Form: 10%

Weapon Damage when using this Form: 20%

Time to set up Stance: 4.5 seconds

Ah.....finally. Well I should stop now since its about to turn dark. I walked into the main building and a message that I'm finally getting used to pops up again.

Your Gender has been changed to Male

Well I'm getting used to my body changing now......NOT! How can I be happy with my body turning female! I asked that damn instructor to let me practice inside but he refused! I have to stay out so long and train as fast as possible to get inside!

I stomped in the main building of the Blade Master Guild find Alexandra holding......a dress......it would be nice if I didn't think that she is going to force me to wear that.....

“Alexandra you......”

Alexandra looked at me with a bright smile, “Eden this dress is yours~”

“Oh.....shit.....”

I immediately ran to the exit but the thick bodies of the Blade Master Guild blocked all exits including windows. Outnumbered and without magic I'm........going to be dressed up.....

“Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

Continue Misfortune?PreviousExitNext

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Author's Notes:

- 4800~ words

- Well I can at least warn everyone that this and the next chapter is basically training. Boring stuff but I need Eden to at least be able to fight in melee without getting slaughtered. Plus you see the difference between him and Alexandra in close combat now...

- Oh yeah....been working on that collab chapter with ninnin for a bit....12 pages and we haven't even gotten to the fighting...