Re: Apocalypse Game

Between Science or Swordsmanship, The one Alan enjoyed the most was teaching them.

As the teaching session continued, Alan's passion for teaching shone through. He believed that the skills he imparted to these players would not only increase their chances of survival but also give them a sense of purpose and camaraderie.

The top deck of the cruise was transformed into a vast training ground, with 400 eager players, including the Wolverines and Marsh's unit, gathered to learn sword skills. The new batch of swords and shields had arrived just in time, making it possible to equip everyone.

Alan began the session with basic moves, ensuring that all participants had a firm foundation. He emphasized the importance of balance, precision, and fluidity in swordplay. Demonstrating various offensive and defensive techniques, he led the players through three-step, five-step, and eight-step sequences. These maneuvers were designed to prepare them for real combat situations.

After an hour of collective practice, Alan instructed the players to pair up, with one taking on the role of the attacker and the other as the defender. The rule was simple: if one participant received three direct hits, they would admit defeat, a concept that encouraged both offense and defense.

Noticing Vicky's disinterest and boredom, Alan decided to liven up the training. He called her to spar with him, prompting her to said. "I already have a master sword skill, I don't think I need this training anymore Alan" she said

In response, Alan made a proposition to the crowd, promising to award his precious newly crafted uncommon sword to anyone who could defeat Vicky in a sparring match. The offer instantly piqued the interest of many players, and the deck buzzed with excitement.

Vicky couldn't help but express her concern for the valuable sword, but Alan reassured her, saying, "Don't worry, you're already at the master level. My precious sword is safe with you." This words however only further made the girl anxious.

Vicky took Alan's proposition seriously, knowing that her skills as a master level swordsman gave her a significant advantage over the other players. With 30% increased speed, her mastery of the swordsmanship skill made her a formidable contender. Her descent level gave her the attribute needed to best her opponents in sparring sessions.

One, two.. three people were defeated under Vicky sword and Alan took the spar as a chance for good teaching session.

As the players on the deck continued to practice, a group of newcomers approached. It was the Black Sand mercenaries, led by their formidable leader, Cachellos. The crowd instinctively parted to make way for them as they walked confidently toward the bow end of the ship, where Alan and Vicky were engaged in training.

Alan remained composed and politely welcomed Cachellos and his men.

"You wish to register for training?"

The question ruffled the feathers of one of Cachellos' subordinates. However, a mere gesture from Cachellos silenced the dissatisfied man. The scar-faced Hispanic leader examined the uncommon sword that Alan held, and he singled out one of his men to step forward.

Understanding the task at hand, the chosen mercenary approached Vicky and confidently declared, "I will spar with you."

Knowing he was not one of Cachellos' veterans, she confidently accept the challenge. With her sword at the ready, the two combatants began their sparring match, eager to prove their skills. The crowd watched with bated breath as the battle between the two started.

The clash of steel against steel echoed across the deck as Vicky and the Black Sand mercenary sparred intensely. It quickly became apparent that these two were evenly matched, with their skills and speed on par with each other. But after a relentless exchange of blows that lasted for ten moves, Vicky found herself getting cornered, and in quick succession, she received three decisive hits that resulted in her defeat.

Irritated and a bit shaken by the loss, Vicky asked about the man's skill level. With a smug smile, he replied, "Novice." Vicky's confidence was crushed by the revelation. In contrast, Alan commended the mercenary for his skill and handed over the uncommon sword willingly. He declared, "I will give you another one for a rematch."

The mercenary glanced at Cachellos, who nodded, and then grinned. "Alright, it's your loss."

Vicky had expected that Alan would fight in her stead. To her surprise, he asked her to fight one more time, instructing, "Do it again."

In their second match, Vicky managed to hold her own for 20 moves, demonstrating remarkable improvement. But despite her determined efforts, she once again lost without landing a hit on her opponent.

Alan seized this moment to offer a valuable lesson to the 400 players who had gathered to watch. He explained that having skill in the game was not sufficient. The mercenary's real-life combat experience gave him a significant edge in the virtual world, enabling him to defeat a player with a master-level skill.

Humbled by her defeat, Vicky was quiet for a moment. Then she solemnly said, "I have learned my lesson, Alan. I will train harder."

Alan's response, however, was far from over. He remarked, "No, your lessons are not finished."

Alan turned back to the victorious mercenary, withdrawing yet another uncommon sword from his collection. He casually inquired, "What about one more time?"

Once again, Alan pitted Vicky against the mercenary player. Her face had lost its earlier color, and her spirit seemed to have faded. Yet, Alan, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and whispered a few strategic moves into her ear. He then gave her a gentle push forward. "Go!"

The battle unfolded in a manner similar to the previous rounds. Vicky found herself pushed and cornered within the first 30 moves, already having sustained two hits.

At that critical moment, Alan's loud shout pierced through the tension: "Do not give up!" His words seemed to inject Vicky with newfound determination. She stood her ground and went on the offensive, executing a precise combination of moves instructed by Alan.

To everyone's surprise, Vicky managed to land her first hit, then a second, and finally, with a powerful, close-range strike, a third. The spectators watched in awe as Vicky claimed victory in the fight.

"I did it!! I did it!! Alan i did it!"

Vicky's comeback was met with a thunderous eruption of applause and cheers from the gathered players. Her victory was not just a win in a swordfight but a triumph over her self-doubt and fear. This become an important lesson to all that watch, how true strength wasn't solely measured by in-game stats or levels, but by one's ability to adapt and grow.