Chapter - 4 : Ancestral Sword

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Just like any other day, Alex commenced his training with weightlifting in the morning. He recognized the importance of building strength in his arms, enabling him to wield his sword with greater precision and power. Inspired by the character Zoro from "One Piece," who wielded three swords simultaneously, Alex aimed to emulate his idol's style. To that end, he dedicated himself to following Zoro's workout regime, which included lifting heavy weights, even using his mouth, along with meditation and intense sword practice.

When his father and grandfather witnessed Alex's unique training methods, they couldn't help but express their confusion. They questioned his unconventional approach, wondering why he was engaged in such peculiar exercises. Alex, unwavering in his determination, explained to them that his ultimate goal was to become a master of the three-sword style. Despite their skepticism and advice to abandon what they deemed a foolish dream, Alex remained resolute and continued practicing according to his own vision, refusing to be swayed by their opinions. He believed in his aspirations and was committed to pursuing his chosen path, undeterred by the doubts of others.

Alex's dedication and intense training over the years had yielded remarkable results. His physique had transformed into that of an athlete, with bulging muscles and a defined 10-pack abs. It was an impressive sight to behold, given that a Level 1 Novice Weapon Master was typically capable of lifting up to 800 kg of weight. Alex's ability to lift 500 kg without having awakened his natal weapon was a testament to his exceptional physical strength and disciplined training regimen.

Following his weightlifting routine, Alex transitioned to his sword training. His father and grandfather, aware of his current level as a beginner, taught him moves that were suitable for his skill level. They understood the importance of building a strong foundation and mastering the basics before delving into advanced techniques that could potentially be harmful without proper control.

Rather than imparting him with advanced skills directly, they left him with books containing their own advanced sword skills. These precious resources would serve as a guide for Alex to explore and learn from once he awakened his natal weapon. Until then, he focused on honing his fundamentals and perfecting the techniques suited to his current stage of development, setting the stage for his future growth as a formidable swordsman.

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Before his father's untimely passing, he imparted to Alex the foundations of "Basic Swordsmanship" and "Basic Footwork". As a young prodigy, Alex demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, refining his footwork to near-perfection by the age of eight. Recognizing his grandson's extraordinary potential, his grandfather took the bold step of teaching him the advanced technique known as the "Invisible Sword" typically reserved for Novice Sword Masters.

However, Alex was cautioned by his grandfather not to practice it without supervision, as any misstep or misuse of the technique could lead to severe injury. Acknowledging the risk involved, Alex diligently adhered to his grandfather's guidance, training under his watchful eye.

As time passed, Alex honed his skills and eventually mastered the "Invisible Sword" technique, wielding his blade with unparalleled precision and finesse. Yet, there was a limitation he had to contend with. Each time he employed the technique, his mana would deplete entirely, rendering him unable to utilize it again until he replenished his energy reserves.

As Alex prepared himself for another day of school, he couldn't resist the pull he felt towards his grandfather's room. Overcome with curiosity and a deep connection to the sword hidden behind the closet, he decided to take it out. This particular sword held a special significance in their family, passed down through generations. It was believed that carrying this sword during the awakening ceremony would bring good luck and increase the chances of successfully awakening the Sword as one's natal weapon.

Despite his desires to practice with this ancestral sword, Alex's grandfather had consistently denied him access. He explained that this sword held immense value, having been discovered by his own grandfather while playing near a river as a child. The sword had seemingly swum towards him, and he had picked it up, establishing a bond with it.

Throughout their family's lineage, the highest level of weapon mastery achieved was by Alex's grandfather's father, who had reached the impressive level of a 9th level Advanced Weapon Master. He wielded a Normal C level Sword Weapon as his natal weapon.

Aware of the sword's significance and the tradition it represented, Alex felt a deep reverence for it. He understood that one day, during his own awakening ceremony, he too would carry this ancestral sword, hoping to invoke the same fortune and awaken his own natal weapon. But for now, he reluctantly returned the sword to its rightful place, respecting the legacy it held within his family.