[2 Months Ago]
Edward and I decided to meet up after he revealed his family's Martial Arts heirloom to me.
I was certainly curious about what his predecessors deemed worthy to be passed down, but I certainly wasn't expecting very much.
The Martial Arts of the modern era had dwindled as compared to the past, so my knowledge—though incomplete—was far better than any Martial Arts I found around.
'I don't want to let him down, especially after he opened up concerning this supposed secret...'
Even if it would be an underwhelming experience, I was determined to critically examine Edward's inheritance... at least the basic foundation of it.
And I did...
It betrayed all my expectations!
"T-this is—!!!" I exclaimed, feasting my eyes on the Martial scroll Edward handed over to me.
Anabelle was also present, but she kept silent in matters like this because she knew nothing about Martial Arts.
Regardless, both of them appeared stunned by my overwhelming reaction to the document I held in my hands.
"What is the matter?"
"I've never seen you so surprised before!"
Both of them asked at nearly the same time, displaying concerned expressions. I was a bit too overwhelmed to speak so I returned my gaze to the scroll and read it once more.
My heart rate increased once again and I controlled every excited muscle within my body from erupting in another shocking display.
"Edward, what did you say your family is? What lineage do you come from?" I asked after finally soothing my nerves.
Edward appeared taken aback by my question, but he must have concluded that I was dead serious considering the grave expression on my face.
"W-well, I'm not sure. We come from a long line of Martial Artists—that's all I know. Before he passed, my father told me our ancestor was a hero who was revered as the greatest in the way of the blade. He also said I would come to the realization of the truth if I reached a certain stage in the Martial Arts we practiced."
Edward seemed conflicted as he spoke. His eyes didn't even rise to look at me and he kept staring hard at the ground as though something was written there.
"I... I want to prove the art of the Blade is superior to all others and I want to reignite my family's legacy, ensuring Martial Arts take their place back in the world!"
This time he finally raised his head and looked at me with tears in his eyes.
The emotional display he gave made me even more certain... there was more Edward wasn't telling me. Still, I was satisfied with the little he shared. It meant a great deal to both of us.
Moving closer to the boy who still trembled in overflowing emotion, I grabbed him by the shoulder and gave a slight, yet firm pat. The moment I did this, he raised his head once again and stared straight into my eyes.
His brown pupils showed no sign of evil, just pure resolve. He had worked himself so hard to restore a dignity he wasn't even certain existed. The honor of a Martial Artist certainly flowed in his veins... and now I knew why.
"Edward, this Foundational Martial Art you have shown me... is the best I have ever seen!"
The moment I said this, Anabelle and Edward both jerked in surprise, taking a few steps back as though hit by the brunt of my words.
"W-what do you mean?"
"Jared, what are you—?!"
I raised one of my fingers to stop them from saying any more. It was certain I would need to explain some things.
"There are nine forms in this '9 Fundamental Precepts' technique. Each form has a peculiar kind of motion and they have combinations used. The most important is that the motion of the technique determines the result of the blade once the move has been established."
All nine forms produced different results than just slashing. The First Form, 'Rend' tore apart the target thanks to the focus on speed and a brutal strike. The other forms also had their specialties. In essence, this was a foundation that sought balance in sword mastery!
I had never seen anything like this before. It made me wonder what kind of techniques were embedded in the other scrolls he had. If the foundation was this good, then...
"Edward, it's no surprise that you couldn't master these techniques on your own. They are too profound."
The boy was struck dumb, just staring in shock at my words.
"I will be honest with you. If this technique is what qualifies as a fundamental one in your Martial Arts inheritance, then the advanced ones will be greater than My Martial Arts I know!"
More surprise filled the air.
'I wonder why he even bothered learning the other mediocre arts when a treasure trove was right in front of him...'
Well, I couldn't blame him. Edward couldn't fully grasp the techniques so he must have sought to learn from other Schools to broaden his knowledge and cover his weaknesses.
But...
"Edward, from now on, I forbid you from learning and practicing any other Martial Arts but your own."
It would simply be a waste of time engaging in something subpar to his inheritance.
"J-Jared... is this really true? My family's Martial Art... is it that great?" His eyes beamed like a child's and what I sensed to be a lost glint of pride and hope began manifesting.
'Well, judging by the foundation... and the limitless possibilities that exist beyond this, then...'
"Your family's Martial Arts is the greatest I have ever seen. Edward, I will teach you the flow and use my superior knowledge to help you in mastering it. But, it will be in exchange for something."
Nothing was free in this world, and I already made it known to Edward that I was going to require compensation for my help even before I began helping him.
