Chapter 81: Sword
The morning sun painted a canvas of warm hues as the group of 50 players gathered, casting long, expectant shadows on the ground. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and skepticism. Front and center, Alan stood with an aura of quiet authority. The glint of freshly forged steel and the gleam of polished wood seemed to echo his intent.
"Each of you, step forward and take your weapon. Today we will learn to fight with swords"
Presented before the players were:
[Steel Sword]
[Type: Sword weapon]
[Rarity: Common]
[Attributes: Damage 16-24]
[Effects: None]
[Equipment Rating: 10]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: No]
[Remarks: A little better than a wooden sword, it's still sharp though]
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[Wood shield]
[Type: Other]
[Rarity: Common]
[Attributes: Defense + 4]
[Effects: None]
[Equipment Rating: 8]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: No]
[Remarks: Might as well bring a piece of a table instead]
Three days of relentless work by the crafters had culminated in these weapons. The swords, though termed common, had a blade that shimmered sharply under the light, promising lethality. The shields, robust and solid, both were adorned with leather straps that ensured a firm grip.
"Alright I will be your instructor today, follow my lead" Alan announced confidently.
Luis and Daniel, eyes alight with excitement, were already at the forefront, ready to absorb the teachings of a man they deeply respected. Alan's past displays of his sword-wielding prowess had left an indelible mark on them.
To add to the eager group, a few rednecks, typically aloof, expressed interest after seeing Alan in action. Vicky, known to possess a sword weapon expert skill, cracked her knuckles, ready to flaunt her expertise.
However, not all shared this enthusiasm. Many in the crowd exchanged skeptical looks, whispering among themselves. For them, the game was about firepower, strategy, and modern combat. Swords? They seemed like relics from the past, incongruous with the virtual battlefield they were preparing for.
Some even think that Alan was trying to cheat them by giving them a sword weapon instead of the promised firearm.
Alan raised a hand for silence, his face betraying no emotion. "Your firearms will be handed over tomorrow. Today, you learn sword fighting.
Alan began with his instruction. "Three offensive moves to start with," he began, extending his own sword as a demonstration. "Strike - a forward thrust. Swing - a horizontal move from left or right. And slash - a diagonal cut." With each word, he demonstrated the move fluidly, his body moving in tandem with his weapon, making it look easy.
"And for defense," Alan continued, raising his shield, "you have block, parry, and dodge." Alan's demonstration of each move was precise. "Blocking uses your strength to stop an attack. Dodging requires agility to sidestep the attack. Parrying involves finesse and timing, deflecting the attacker's weapon, possibly giving you an opening."
He took a moment to highlight the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type of attack. "Remember, a slashing attack is difficult to dodge due to its wide arc, but it can be parried or blocked easily. Strikes are linear and can be sidestepped or blocked but are tough to parry due to their speed. Thrusts are the trickiest - while they're harder to block because of their pinpoint accuracy, they can be dodged or parried."
Once the basics were established, Alan moved on to combinations. "We'll start with a simple three-move combo: strike, swing, and then slash." The players watched intently, trying to mimic his fluidity.
Breaking them into pairs, Alan instructed, "Practice the moves, both offense and defense. Take turns being the attacker and the defender."
The field was soon filled with the sounds of swords meeting shields or parrying another sword. The rhythmic cacophony echoed, painting a scene reminiscent of ancient battlegrounds.
At a distance, the Blood Patriots, who had been assigned to guard duties, exchanged uneasy glances as they witnessed the scene. "Why is he teaching them to fight... and sword? Really he must lost a few screws up there!"
The sun was now high in the sky, bathing the vast field in its warm embrace. Alan, observing each player, would sometimes jump in to correct a stance, offer a tip, or provide guidance on a specific maneuver. His patience seemed endless, and despite the ongoing criticism and skeptical looks, he never wavered from his purpose.
Some players had quickly taken to the sword, their movements fluid and precise, while others were still struggling, their swings lacking the necessary force or their blocks being a fraction of a second late. But regardless of their current skill level, Alan treated them all the same, offering encouragement and advice.
Merle, on the other hand, had grown increasingly restless. The lack of any "real" action for the past few days had clearly taken a toll on his patience.
Alan, sensing Merle's growing frustration said, "Dont worry we will see some action today"
Before any further conversation could take place, a delicious aroma wafted through the air, momentarily distracting everyone. Luis, beaming with pride, announced, "Lunchtime! I've prepared something special for everyone today - Carnitas, a recipe passed down from my mother."
[Rost Pork]
[Type: Foods]
[Rarity: Common]
[Attributes: Recover 10 HP and 20% Stamina regeneration within one hour]
[Effects: Prevent hunger]
[Able To Bring Outside The Game: Yes]
[Remarks: Flavourfull Meats to kick the day]
Players eagerly lined up, their fatigue temporarily forgotten in anticipation of the meal. The succulent roasted pork, glistening in its own juices, was tender and flavorful. Each bite seemed to invigorate the players, filling them with renewed energy.
It doesn't have extra effects like the previous food, but it gives a long stamina regeneration boost. The menu was requested specifically by Alan.
Once lunch was over and everyone had their fill, Alan stood up, his voice firm and commanding, "Alright, everyone! Grab your swords and shields. It's time to put your training to the test."
All 70 men came along with him, leaving the farm empty and tracking the forest hill on foot.