Transcendent Gene
Chapter 90: Guided Training [6]

Chapter 90: Guided Training [6]

Gio was different from the average young genius.

Naturally, there was nothing wrong with learning new styles and forms. They would always be helpful to have in his arsenal. However, Gio didn’t have a need to build his own style.

He knew how he wielded a blade and was moving back towards a peak he’d already reached. He could further strengthen that peak by learning new things now, but that was just a matter of living and experiencing things.

When it came to training with an instructor... Well, it was safe to say that Jax was more than just a little confused.

From the first day, he realized there wasn’t really much for him to teach.

When Gio asked for the second spar that day, Jax took it seriously. Instead of aiming for a quick win like the first time, he intentionally slowed his movements so Gio actually had a chance to respond.

Gio acted first. He swung his blade down from above, letting it meet the sword Jax raised to meet it. In the same movement, he swept his leg out, kicking Jax’s shin and forcing his leg to buckle.

All the pressure he had in his sword left, allowing him to move it with pure fluidity. The way that sword snaked around Jax’s own blades and found its way to his chest was impressive, to say the least.

Jax was able to pull away before the sword made contact, but the movement alone was enough to prove the height of Gio’s battle sense.

He wasn’t restricted to clean and honorable methods. He was willing to go for the lowest of blows if it meant bringing him victory.

And his sword...

’It’s fast, but not too fast. He’s used to using heavier weapons.’

He wielded the sword as if he knew it would supplement his power. He focused on speed instead of pure strength to supplement its weaknesses.

He made large sweeping slashes and powerful swings when he found opportunities to land a lethal blow, but when he was in the midst of combat, he was like a serpent, slithering around and attacking in quick, successive bursts.

Gio knew the best fighting styles for his body and characteristics. Over the period of a century, he had more than enough time to figure out exactly how he wanted to move his blade.

Whether it was one sword or two, whether it was a spear, a polearm, or a dagger, he had already found his style with every weapon he’d used in the tower.

If he wanted to improve on those styles, he would have to wait until he could properly utilize them in the current era.

That was what he wanted to gain from these spars.

Gio lost the second spar as well. It was only obvious that he would. He lost every spar that he requested after that, but it never brought him down.

His perceptive abilities increased. His body started listening to him better, developing the flexibility and stamina to act as he wanted it to. His sword style started to take shape, almost to the point where he felt confident in using real sword techniques.

Over the span of a month, Jax and Gio sparred hundreds of times.

He felt the improvements he made during his time with Ulver every single day, and he felt as the improvements he made with Jax enhanced them, creating an overall change in his league.

The hauler came and left as it went on the missions it needed to complete. In the meantime, Jax and Gio slept, ate, and lived in the desert. Their tents were spacious enough and had heating/cooling systems, so it wasn’t like they were living off the land.

Plus, food was provided for them. They didn’t have to hunt for prey, which was a bit of a shame.

Gio focused on training every day, fully aware of what he’d win if he was able to succeed at the end of the month.

And after spending the day prior resting, Gio arrived back at the desert where Jax was waiting for him.

"The month is over, huh?" he said with a grin.

Gio hummed with a smile.

"Yeah, and we still haven’t fought with Sequences."

"It isn’t my job to train your Sequences. You’re already getting everything you wanted from me, so why complain?"

"It’s not a complaint."

"No, no. Make it a complaint. I’d be so happy if you wanted to use abilities this time."

Gio smiled wryly. He was getting used to Jax’s attitude, which made it easier for him to return the conversation casually.

But, well...

"Let’s save that for after. I think this one is a little bit too important to ruin because I want to be prideful."

Jax shrugged.

"If that’s what you want."

He grabbed his swords and stepped up, his eyes full of provocation.

"So, you ready?"

"I’m going to block it this time."

"You haven’t blocked it yet."

"Maybe I was just letting you think I wasn’t ready. What if I catch you by surprise?"

"Hahaha!"

Jax laughed loudly, cracking his neck. By the time his head was facing forward again, his eyes had gone sharp.

"Let’s find out then."

He charged forward. Both swords came down from above just like the last time. Gio raised his sword to block, knowing he had no choice but to two-hand his blade if he wanted to stand against the pressure of the impact.

He gritted his teeth and looked at the man beyond the wood.

’I’ve tried rolling in every direction. It’s impossible to gain momentum by retreating.’

He had also tried to use a single hand to hold his sword while attacking with the other, but he immediately crumpled under the pressure and lost. He tried using his legs, but Jax just took the chance to topple his balance and throw him to the ground.

He kept his gaze on those eyes, but he watched Jax’s body through his peripherals.

’I know what you want me to do now.’

He had indeed been practicing in secret for this. He couldn’t let Jax plan out his moves from here on.

Because as long as the rest of the battle happened naturally...

’...I’ve fought him enough times to understand how he moves.’

Gio tightened his grip on the sword and flicked it. He watched Jax’s wrists as he tried to snake his own sword around and push Jax’s blades towards the ground. Jax saw what he was doing and immediately laid off the pressure, stabbing his left blade towards Gio’s gut.

He turned his body, allowing the sword to pass in front of him before ducking to avoid the second attack. From that same position, he sprung up, launching his shoulder into Jax’s chest and pushing him back.

’Now.’

He couldn’t waste this chance. Gio charged forward and stabbed from below while Jax’s guard was still broken.

The man’s eyes narrowed.

If he was someone on Gio’s level, it might’ve worked.

But Gio had to learn what it was like to fight when things didn’t go according to plan. That was the original purpose of the entire test.

Jax was flexible beyond what the term "Flexibility" could describe. Even with the blade directly in front of him, he twisted his body, allowing it to scrape by just centimeters away from his waist.

He spun around and jumped in the air, throwing a wide kick towards Gio’s head and forcing him to duck again. Gio threw his sword over his head, knocking Jax’s wrist.

"Nice one!"

Jax grinned. The wooden blade struck his wrist with a strong "Thwack!" However, he didn’t lose his grip on his weapon.

Gio wanted to push for another move, but he’d already lost his opportunity. The moment his feet touched the ground, Jax retreated several steps and rested his blades on his shoulders.

"It was a good thought, but anyone who properly trained with a weapon would know that keeping it in your hand is the most important part. I learned how to keep my grip before I even learned how to use a sword."

Jax tapped the wooden swords against his shoulders with a smile.

"It was a good start, but it’s not enough to satisfy me. I’m gonna go harder now. If you slack, it won’t end well."

Gio nodded.

Jax took a break because he knew that was a good move. A lot of Sequencers used weapons as a medium and trained them only as much as they needed to, so this kind of move would work if Gio used it against the right enemy.

Jax was the wrong enemy. Against someone like Jax, Gio needed to be more creative to gain an advantage.

And to do that when the difficulty of their duel was being upped...

Well, Gio couldn’t say he wasn’t ready for a challenge.