SELECT DUNGEON'S STORY - Nephilim's Corruption

Chapter 17 - Alfred & Catherine Special Training

Before Vezda began training Alfred and Catherine, Vezda returned to the Tower to head upstairs. His goal was to get to the blacksmith's place where he used to buy his katana. A thing Vezda does is a sign that he will reward Alfred and Catherine if they can indeed master the regulation of breathing and body.

“Excuse me, Sir. I want to ask you about the katana sword like I bought it. Can you make it again?” Vezda meets the blacksmith who made the katana that Vezda uses now.

“Of course, but the cost will not be cheap because the lowest level adamantin for tamahagane also remains expensive.” Said the blacksmith.

“Cost now is not a problem. So that the price can be cheaper, I will give this raw mithril metal as the material.” Vezda gave 2 raw mithril metal rods which were also given by the Araga City Union to him.

“This will cut a hefty manufacturing cost. How many katanas do you want, Mr...?” The blacksmith asked about the number of swords that Vezda wanted and also the name Vezda of course.

“Vezda. You can call me Vezda only. I want to buy 2 custom made katana.” Answer Vezda.

“Hahaha just relax. I am Hikoshiro Nagayoshi, you can call me Hikoshiro only. I'll take it out after the katana is over. Where's your home, Vezda?” Hikoshiro was the name of that blacksmith.

“I am in Eastern District, Aliviah Alliance Residence.” Vezda answered him casually while Hikoshiro was shocked to hear it.

“Alliance Alliance?! You are a member of the Alliance Aliviah?” Hikoshiro was completely shocked.

“Iya right. What's wrong?” Vezda asked as if he didn't know anything.

“Usually Alliance Aliviah buys and orders weapons to the Thalia Alliance or the Lugh Alliance. If you do not know that, then most likely you are a new member.” Hikoshiro.

“I understand and yes I am a new member in Alliance Aliviah.” Answer Vezda.

“If indeed a member of the Alliance Aliviah ordered my work, maybe this is a coincidence.” Hikoshiro said to Vezda.

“No. That's no coincidence. This sword fits perfectly into the breathing arrangement I use. I'm also pretty sure Hikoshiro would know that, right?” Vezda offended his abilities.

“Of course. The question is why would you order a katana with the same property?” Ask Hikeshiro.

“I will teach my friends who are still at level 4 of breathing and body settings. I hope they can become stronger to protect his friends.” Vezda.

“If you master the breathing and body settings, then you also master 1 main branch right?” Ask Hikoshiro.

“I mastered Dance of Scorching Flame.” Vezda's reply made Hikoshiro even more shocked than before.

“After hundreds of descendants, it turns out that there is someone who returned to master it. Means you indirectly control all the branches that exist, right?” Hikoshire refrained himself from getting too excited.

“Ya like that.” vezda replied briefly.

“Your determination is very strong, Vezda. Teach them well, you are responsible for their lives too, right?” Hikoshiro said and in Vezda Hikoshire's eyes was like a young boy who really had the skill and the will to make the best katana.

“Of course. They are like my own sister. You too, Hikoshiro. Your sword is a masterpiece that I respect the most because it is not easy to forge such a sword.” vezda replied.

“Thank you. You just have to wait for my sword later.” Hikoshiro said to Vezda.

****

Vezda, Catherine, and Alfred set off for an open forest-like place that entered the town of Femi on the edge of the Northern District. It was a huge mountain range that separated the North coast of Femi and the City of Femi then the mountain range had several waterfalls and it was perfect for Alfred and Catherine's special training. The mountains and the open air in the North are very safe and there has never been any incident there because many Alliances also have second place in the mountains including Aliviah.

“I didn't expect we'd be heading to our cabin when we weren't on vacation.” Catherine said to Vezda and Alfred while taking a short rest.

“I also just found out that we have the right cabin with a waterfall like this.” Vezda said while looking at the surroundings.

“Despite the outdoors, here is very safe thanks to the Daimon Alliance who always patrols every part of the mountains.” Alfred said while preparing some equipment.

“Well, we're not here to have fun, but to practice. Tomorrow we will begin our training and now maybe we will have more conversations so that I can adapt this training to your abilities.” Vezda said and sat on the floor with Alfred and Catherine.

“I understand, but why are you telling us to bring a lot of underwear, Vezda?” Catherine asked Vezda.

“This exercise is an exercise to regulate breathing and body and deepening in the Dance of Flowing Water branch. This means that you will be very closely related to water and you must use underwear only to maximize the results of this exercise.” Vezda's words surprised Catherin and Alfred.

“Vezda, are you serious? That's very embarrassing.” Catherine said with a very red face and Alfred seemed to be thinking the same thing.

“You used it only 6 hours at the beginning. You should meditate and strengthen your body under the waterfall. I'm sure you won't be able to master it right away, but you two have the fastest learning potential. Maybe in just 1 month or faster, you can master Dance of Flowing Water.” Vezda's explanation changed Catherine's point of view instantly.

“Wait a minute, Vezda. This training means there is a possibility of taking our lives?” Catherine asked Vezda because meditating under a waterfall is not normal and can kill anyone who stays there.

“Betul. But I will always be with you. Dance of Flowing Water is the easiest branch to train, but that doesn't mean that you will continue to use that ability, during the battle practice later on, I will see your changes as a whole. Body posture, body shape, to your muscle structure can be adjusted and you can learn it yourself later.” Vezda.

“Good. I will explain in detail what are the things related to the regulation of breathing and body.” Vezda said and took out every notebook of his own regarding the regulation of breathing and the body.

****

The regulation of breathing and body was a martial will to fight against monsters in the East. The weapons and abilities they possessed were not good enough when compared to the low-level adventurers in Femi, but with the regulation of breathing and body, as well as, ordinary citizens who did not have the Blessing of the Archon could fight any monster easily. Those who manage to master it can deepen that ability with a dance that suits their body. There are 6 dances in total with 1 dance being the origin of other dances.

The Dances of Scorching Flame

The Dances of Raging Fire

The Dances of Roaring Thunder

The Dances of Flowing Water

The Dances of Breeze Ice

The Dance of Scorching Flame was the first dance to be the origin of all existing dances. This happens because not everyone has the same posture, body shape, and muscle structure. Almost all people who study the regulation of breathing and body are those who do not have the blessing of Archon and must train themselves at least 2 years to master 1 branch only. While those with blessings may be able to master it in a very short time. It also makes sense because basically the adventurers who have Blessings and levels above 3 must have fought a lot and manage their stamina well.

That was the reason why Carlos and Vezda took so long to master it because they mastered it before having the Blessing of the Archon. Vezda is currently confident that Alfred and Catherinde can master the Dance of Flowing Water branch in less than 1 month considering their career journey as adventurers up to level 4.

“Catthy, Alfred. You guys understand that, don't you? Well, now that it's been quite the night we start our first practice. We will sparring until you guys are completely exhausted to get a picture of your stamina and strength.” Vezda said and stood up.

“HEEE?!” Catherine and Alfred were surprised to hear Vezda, but there was no other choice but to fight Vezda.

The two of them fought Vezda empty-handed accompanied by 4 lights and the gurgling sound of water from the waterfall at night. Imagined with many lamp insects, they can see into the forest clearly because of the illumination of the attacks.

“Show your best ability.” Vezda challenges catherine and Alfred.

****

It's been 8 hours they both played Vezda and they've been very exhausted and battered. While Vezda did not even budge and not a single shred of sweat came out of his body. Although Vezda was very loud, Vezda helped Alfred stand up while Catherine knelt down and held back her cries.

“Today I thought I was a strong adventurer, but I wasn't. I can even just be hit and slammed with ease.” Catherine's voice rang out in Alfred and Vezda's ears.

“That's why I trained you, Catthy.” Vezda said and stretched out his hand to help Catherine stand up.

“Come, Catthy. We certainly can. We have to keep getting stronger for everything.” Alfred said with his body that had almost fallen and was being held by Vezda.

“Good.” Catherine said and clasped Vezda's hand to get back on her feet and headed for the cabin to rest.

Vezda recorded each of their abilities, posture, body shape, muscle structure, and fighting style from an empty-handed perspective during the 8-hour sparring. Vezda writes everything in detail to tailor their engineering training to be effective. Vezda had also actually brought 2 katanas while they were training. Although Catherine was currently asleep, Alfred was still working on something else: taking notes on what he had learned. Alfred did ask for a pencil and a book from Vezda as Vezda got ready before leaving for the Northern District.

“Alfred, take a break. Although we will do nonstop exercises, when there is a moment to rest, rest first.” Vezda said while holding his book.

“Ah, Yes Vezda. I'm just excited and I want to take note of the things I've been through.” Alfred said with pleasure.

“Don't be more than 1 hour. We will start meditation in 6 hours.” Vezda just told me about it and refocused on his notes.

“Vezda, I actually want to ask.” Alfred stopped writing and focused more on Vezda.

“Why?”

“Why is it like the other members are stronger than me? I was trapped because I was weak and did not have any strength. Sometimes I think Ragnulf who was originally under me, now he has caught up with me and become level 5.” Alfred's feelings were well understood by Vezda.

“Alfred, I am very sure that Aleratha is here, you will be scolded or punished if you say that.” Vezda said to Alfred.

“Tap–”

“It doesn't mean me and Aleratha don't understand how you feel, Alfred. Being humble and humble are 2 different things. You have your own way of raising the spirits of other members who are at level 3 or lower.” Vezda said as he closed the book.

“But, it's useless for elite members, isn't it? They are much calmer and they are calm because they are strong.”

“True, but did you know that each member has their own role?”

“Hah?” Alfred seemed to be remembering something.

“You may be a lower level than Laris, but you may not realize that you have helped Laris in any way that you may forget and that is the same for all elite members. Including myself.”

“Then ken–”

“You don't have to ask why because I won't give you any answers either. I have my own way of raising the spirits of my friends and you also have your own way. You are weak, but remember what you and Catherine did does not show that you are a coward because you have a strong desire to be strong. This exercise is the answer for you.” Vezda put his book next to his bed.

“...” Alfred fell silent and finally he realized that he was one who could raise the spirit of his level friends.

“Training and Catherine will be different. You will learn the Dance of Flowing Water and Catherine will learn the Dance of Free Wind. Be rested. After you wake up, the exercise will be very strenuous.” Vezda said and immediately did something else.

“Good.” Alfred looked more excited.

****

Morning came and the air was cold. Vezda wakes up Chaterine and Alfred. The two of them instantly woke up and listened carefully to all the commands from the vezda.

“Listen, from today until the specified time, you must be ready in all commands. Morning instantly wake up and wear your underwear in an empty room and head straight to the base of the waterfall for meditation.” Vezda's words were very loud today and they both felt that it would be a very tough exercise.

“Then after getting the signal from me, dry your body and change your clothes into training clothes that you have brought. Then practice swinging the sword.1000 times and I will watch over you. Will be added according to the need. After that 100 full set physical exercise sessions. The rest of you will learn separate techniques. At night you only have a little time to sleep and go straight back to the morning routine. You guys got it?” Vezda said with a slight shout.

“Paham!” Aleratha and Alfred replied in unison.

“60 seconds. To change clothes and go straight to the bottom of the waterfall. Now!” Vezda gave the order and the two of them immediately rushed to change their clothes into underwear only within 1 minute to meditate under the waterfall.

Their extreme training had already begun to develop techniques, fighting abilities, physical capacities, and breathing and body regulation. Their determination changed and their spirit was very burning. Vezda had no idea what had happened to the two of them, but they were much more excited than yesterday. Although learning the technique was very difficult for them, in just 2 days they could adjust their muscles with much more natural movements. Their strength in their respective techniques is still not strong, but the matter of their speed is very good. Thanks to physical training and hard meditation, they can increase their stamina far from before.

****