Fernandez, Tower District, 12 Pioneer Road.
The afterglow of the setting sun spilled across the broad courtyard, laying a faint golden-orange sheen over the ground.
Ha!
Accompanied by a crisp cry, a slender figure sprang up like a nimble swallow. The rapier in her hand carved a fierce arc through the air, thrusting precisely at the figure before her throat.
Clang!
The short sword in her opponent's hand steadily caught the seemingly fatal strike. Then, with a flick of his wrist, immense force surged through it, jolting the girl back several steps.
Anise steadied herself, breathing lightly. Fine beads of sweat already covered her forehead, and several strands of red hair clung messily to her cheeks, yet only added to her valiant air.
"Very good, Miss Anise." The instructor sheathed his short sword and nodded approvingly. "Your reaction speed has improved considerably since last time. You've more or less mastered this set of swordsmanship."
"Thank you, Instructor Matthew." Anise put away her rapier. Though somewhat tired, the light in her eyes grew ever firmer. "But I don't think it's enough. If I were facing a real enemy, once that move was blocked, I'd already have fallen into a passive position."
Matthew sheathed his short sword at his waist, walked to the stone bench by the courtyard's edge, lifted the kettle, and poured two cups of water. He handed one to Anise as she approached.
"Your judgment is accurate, Miss Anise. After that advancing straight thrust was blocked, your center of gravity would indeed shift for an instant." He took a sip of water and continued, "That is why the next move in this sword style, Flowing Water Force Unloading, emphasizes borrowing force and following the momentum—turning a thrust into a sweeping cut."
"You need to practice the connection between the