The fencing hall was different from the other halls. Its floor was wooden, and its walls were covered with hanging swords of all kinds: long swords, short swords, curved swords, heavy swords, even strange swords Ryan had never seen before.
At the front of the students stood a massive man, bald, with a thick beard and arms like tree trunks. He didn't need to introduce himself because everyone already knew him by his presence alone.
Professor Gareth Ironwood – a former champion of fencing tournaments, said to have never been defeated in a fair match for fifteen years.
He shouted in a thunderous voice: "Sit down!"
Everyone sat as if struck by lightning.
he said as he paced before them like a hungry lion.
"I don't like theory, But the academy forces me to teach it. So I'll be as brief as I can. Everything I say here is important. If you fall asleep in my class, you will regret it in the practical session. Trust me."
He took a long sword from the wall and spun it with skill.
"Fencing is not just swords, arms, and muscles. Fencing is a game of minds before it is a game of bodies. The mind is the true weapon. The sword is just a tool."
He began explaining the theoretical foundations of fencing that only professionals know:
First: Analyzing Your Opponent
"Before you touch your sword, you must understand your opponent. How does he stand? How does he breathe? How does he hold his sword? Does he lean toward offense or defense? Is he fast or strong? All these indicators tell you his weaknesses before the battle even begins. The foolish warrior attacks. The smart warrior studies."
Second: Distance Control
"Distance is your life and your death. If you get too close, you become vulnerable to close-range strikes. If you stay too far, you cannot reach him. The ideal distance is one where you can hit him and he cannot hit you. This varies according to the length of your sword and the length of his."
Third: The Rhythm of Battle
"Every fighter has a rhythm. Some attack quickly, then slow down. Some wait, then pounce. If you understand your opponent's rhythm, you can break it. Changing the rhythm suddenly is the best way to confuse your opponent."
Fourth: Deception
"The best strike is the one your opponent doesn't expect. That is why you must learn deception. A false move that makes him raise his sword, then you strike from the other side. A false glance to the left, then you attack from the right. Breathe loudly as if you are tired, then suddenly pounce."
Fifth: Protecting Your Weaknesses
"Every fighter has weak points. Perhaps your right shoulder is weaker than your left. Perhaps your left leg is slower to move. Know your weaknesses before your opponent does, and conceal them as much as you can. Cover them with a mental shield, not an iron one."
Professor Gareth took a deep breath, then looked at the students with sharp eyes.
"Now I will tell you something you will not hear from any other professor."
Complete silence fell.
"Fencing is not honorable."
Some students were shocked, but the professor continued.
"Yes, fencing is not honorable. In real battles, there are no rules. There is no referee who applauds you when you play fairly. There is only who remains standing and who falls. If your opponent expects you to fight with honor, deceive him and strike him from behind. That is not cheating. That is wisdom."
He raised his sword high.
"I will now show you three basic techniques that you must master theoretically before you apply them practically next Wednesday."
Technique One: The Severing Strike
The professor explained that this strike relies on using the weight of the sword, not its speed. The goal is to cut through the opponent's defense with a powerful circular motion. Its strength lies in breaking the opponent's balance even if they block it. Its weakness is that it consumes a lot of energy and requires a moment of slowdown before execution.
Technique Two: The Deceptive Thrust
A move that looks like a direct thrust toward the chest, but at the last moment veers to the side. This technique requires wrist flexibility and speed in changing direction. The professor said it is one of the most difficult techniques but also one of the most effective against fighters who rely on quick reflexes.
Technique Three: The Defensive Circle
Not an attack, but a method of defense and counterattack. Instead of blocking the opponent's strike directly, you follow the movement of his sword in an imaginary circle, then use its angle to bounce back with a counterattack. This technique requires a deep understanding of the physics of motion and the angle of the sword.
Professor Gareth spent the rest of the period explaining these three techniques in meticulous detail, using his demonstration sword to trace the paths of the strikes in the air. The students were completely absorbed, some taking notes, others trying to fix mental images in their minds.
Ryan did not speak throughout the class. But his eyes were fixed on the professor, and his hands traced the movements in the air without him noticing. Every word Gareth said was a precious treasure.
"Distance is your life and your death."
"Deception is not cheating; it's wisdom."
"Fencing is not honorable."
These concepts were completely different from what Ryan had expected.
When the lesson ended, Ryan felt his head was full of information, but he was also excited.
Edan said beside him.
"That professor is crazy!,There are plenty of duelists who value their honor in a duel more than their lives, I didn't expect him to say something like that.especially from someone like him."
but a smile appeared on his face.
"But I like his craziness."
Ryan admitted.
"Me too."