Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage

As Kyle entered the training grounds, he was met with a vast open space, the floor covered in a thick layer of sand.

Along the edges, racks upon racks of weapons glinted under the sunlight: swords, axes, spears, and many more weapons. The variety was staggering.

"Alright, gather around!" a deep voice boomed.

The instructor, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard and intense eyes, stood at the center. His presence commanded attention.

He wore a simple tunic and trousers, but the way he carried himself spoke of experience and authority.

"My name is Instructor Harris. Today, we delve into your weapon training. You might be wondering why a mage needs to learn about physical weapons. Let me tell you, the path of a mage is not solely about casting spells. Sometimes, a blade can be just as crucial as a spell."

He began to pace, his gaze sweeping over the students. "Magic requires mana and your mana is finite. It's not every time am enemy will wait for you to chant your spells. When this happens, your weapons become your lifeline."

He stopped in front of one of the many racks. "We'll start with the basics. Pick a weapon that speaks to you. Get a feel for it. See how it balances in your hand."

Kyle moved towards the swords. His eyes were immediately drawn to a beautifully crafted katana. Its sleek, curved blade and elegant hilt called to him, memories of countless hours spent practicing with the weapon. He lifted it from the rack, adapting to its weight and balance.

The students spread out, each selecting their weapon of choice. Some chose heavy broadswords, others lightweight rapiers or stout axes. Instructor Harris observed them, nodding occasionally.

"Now, I want to see what you can do. Pair up and practice some basic moves. Nothing too advanced, just get comfortable with your weapon."

Kyle partnered with a fellow student, a tall girl named Elara who had chosen a spear. They squared off, exchanging strikes and parries.

Kyle's movements were fluid and precise, his katana slicing through the air with grace and control. As instructed they just clashed their weapons against each other.

Instructor Harris walked among the pairs, offering tips and corrections. When he reached Kyle and Elara, he paused, watching Kyle's movements intently.

"Stop," Harris commanded.

The students froze, turning their attention to the instructor.

"What's your name?" Harris asked.

"Kyle, Kyle Lin," Kyle responded, a bit surprised to be singled out.

"Show me what you can do," Harris said, stepping back and gesturing for the other students to give Kyle some space.

Kyle took a deep breath, centering himself. He began a series of kata, the traditional forms and movements of the katana. His body moved in perfect harmony with the blade, each strike, block, and parry executed with precision and power. The katana seemed to dance in his hands, reflecting his deep familiarity and skill.

When he finished, there was a moment of stunned silence. Then, Harris clapped slowly, a smile breaking across his face.

"Impressive, Kyle. Very impressive."

Kyle kept a firm expression as he was praised but felt excited. "Thank you."

Harris nodded, looking thoughtful. "Good. Very good. Your skills will serve you well, you have the potential to become a swordmaster. Don't relent and continue to train with the sword."

Kyle nodded again, feeling a surge of pride and determination.

"Now, let's discuss the importance of each type of weapon," Harris continued, addressing the class.

He had observed how some of them were having problems with their chosen weapons. Most had already replaced their previous weapons countless times.

"All weapons have their limitations and advantages. A sword is versatile and reliable, but sometimes a spear's reach can keep danger at bay. An axe can deliver powerful, bone-crushing blows, but its weight can be a disadvantage in prolonged fights."

He picked up a broadsword, swinging it effortlessly. "Strength and stamina are crucial for wielding heavier weapons. But remember, speed and precision can often outweigh brute force."

Harris then selected a light, thin rapier. "Rapier users rely on agility and quick, accurate strikes. It's a weapon for those who prefer finesse over force. It can exploit gaps in an opponent's defense with deadly efficiency."

Next, he moved to the archery section, picking up a longbow. "And then we have ranged weapons. Archery requires patience, precision, and a steady hand. A skilled archer can strike from a distance, avoiding close combat altogether. However, archers must always be aware of their surroundings and maintain distance from their enemies."

Harris's gaze fell upon Riya, a girl he had observed earlier with the bow. "You, step forward."

Riya hesitated briefly before stepping up, bow in hand. Harris nodded in approval. "Show us your form."

Riya notched an arrow and drew the bowstring back, her posture straight, her focus intense. She released the arrow, and it flew straight and true, hitting the target on the wall. The class murmured in appreciation.

Though she hadn't hit bullseye, hitting the target, something none of the Awakened had pulled off was enough to impress.

"Excellent," Harris said. "A good archer is a valuable asset. Remember, your strength lies in your ability to remain unseen and strike from a distance."

Riya nodded. Harris gestured for the class to continue practicing, walking among them and offering individualized advice.

Kyle experimented with different weapons, though he always found himself returning to the katana. The bond he had with the blade was undeniable, a result of his hard work.

Despite this, he tried his hand at a spear, a broadsword, and even a set of throwing knives, finding that each had its unique challenges and advantages but they still didn't sit well with him.

After some time, Harris called for attention again. "It's time for sparring. Real combat is the best way to learn. Pair up and prepare for a series of matches."

This time they were going to spar for real and not the other times they just exchanged attacks.

Kyle looked forward to his opponent. He found himself paired with a muscular boy named Gareth, who had chosen a heavy war hammer. They moved to an open area, sizing each other up.

"Ready?" Harris called.

Both boys nodded, and the match began. Gareth charged, swinging his war hammer with immense force. Kyle sidestepped, his katana slicing through the air in a precise counterattack.

The two exchanged blows, Gareth's raw power against Kyle's speed and precision. It quickly became clear that while Gareth's attacks were devastating if they connected, Kyle's agility and skill with the katana kept him just out of reach.

Gareth, who had performed better than most didn't stand a chance against Kyle and the match ended with Kyle disarming Gareth, his katana pointed at Gareth's chest.

Harris clapped again. "Well done, both of you. Remember, strength and skill go hand in hand. Gareth, focus on your timing and anticipation. Kyle, excellent use of agility and technique."

Next, Harris paired Riya with a boy named Jarek, who wielded a pair of short swords. The two took their positions, Riya keeping her distance and Jarek crouching low, ready to strike.

"Begin!" Harris shouted.

Riya immediately notched an arrow and fired, but Jarek was fast, dodging and closing the distance quickly. Riya fired a second and third arrow in rapid succession, forcing Jarek to zigzag to avoid them.

Just as he was about to reach her, she drew a small dagger from her belt, parrying his first strike which made him fall back a bit and created enough space for her to fire another arrow at point-blank range.

The arrow grazed Jarek's shoulder, and he stepped back, acknowledging the hit.

Harris stopped the match. "Good work on your adaptability, Riya. As an archer, your greatest threat is when your opponent draws near. You adapted well to the close-quarters combat. Jarek, your speed and agility are impressive, but always be aware of your opponent's range and capabilities."

The sparring continued, each student learning valuable lessons from their matches. Kyle watched, analyzing each fight and mentally preparing himself for his next match. He noticed how different weapons required different strategies and how the fighters adapted to each other's strengths and weaknesses.

He also got to see more of his friends fight. Orion, who chose a rapier, had a very pitiful match as his opponent mawed him in seconds.

Anne was very good with her daggers as she wrapped up a win.

Nearby, Zack stood with a pair of gauntlets, the heavy iron gloves glinting in the sunlight. He tightened the straps around his wrists, his eyes focused and determined. Despite his lax attitude, Zack had always been a fierce competitor, his strength and tenacity unmatched among their peers.

Instructor Harris called out, "Zack, you're up next! You'll be facing Leon."

A tall, lean boy with a spear stepped forward. Leon's movements were graceful and fluid. The two boys sized each other up, their expressions serious.

"Remember, this is a learning exercise," Harris reminded them. "Show me what you've got."

The other students formed a loose circle around the combatants, eager to watch the match unfold. Zack and Leon took their positions, their eyes locked in silent determination.

"Begin!" Harris shouted.

Leon moved first, his spear thrusting forward with blinding speed. Zack dodged to the side, his gauntlets raised in a defensive stance. The spear whistled past his ear, narrowly missing its target. Leon followed up with a series of rapid jabs, each strike aimed with precision.

Zack deflected the blows with his gauntlets, his movements quick and calculated. He knew that closing the distance was crucial; the spear's advantage lay in its reach.

With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, aiming a punch at Leon's midsection.

Leon sidestepped, his spear sweeping in a wide arc. Zack ducked under the swing, rolling to the side and coming up in a crouch.

He surged forward again, his fists a blur as he unleashed a flurry of punches. Leon struggled to keep up, his spear becoming a hindrance in close quarters.

Zack's relentless assault forced Leon to retreat, the taller boy's expression growing more focused. He spun his spear, using the haft to block Zack's strikes. But Zack was undeterred, his punches landing with increasing frequency.

Finally, Zack saw his opening. He feinted to the left, drawing Leon's spear in that direction. Then he pivoted sharply, his right fist crashing into Leon's ribs.

Leon grunted in pain, stumbling back. Zack pressed his advantage, delivering a powerful uppercut that sent Leon sprawling to the ground.

Instructor Harris stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the end of the match. "Well done, both of you. Zack, your aggression and close-quarters combat were impressive. Leon, you demonstrated excellent speed and precision, but remember to adapt when your opponent closes the distance."

The students clapped, acknowledging the skills displayed by both fighters. Zack offered a hand to Leon, who accepted it with a grateful nod. The two boys shared a brief smile, their rivalry tempered by mutual respect.

As the session came to an end, Instructor Harris gathered the students once more.

"Well done, all of you. Remember, the weapon you choose is an extension of yourself. Treat it with respect and continue to hone your skills. We'll build on this in our future classes."