Rank C

Guy: Phew… almost done for this session… just a couple more should do it.

Mark: Fine form, fine form indeed, Guy.

Guy: Ah, hey Mark

Mark: Good to see you, hows the arm?

Guy: Fine, thanks.

Mark: Well alright then. Sometimes I fear you overwork yourself with your training, it would be unfortunate for us should something happen to you during your preparation. Be careful when it comes to exercising.

Guy: …Ok, I guess.

Mark: I have always wanted to tell you something though.

Guy: What?

Mark: Your dedication to your dreams and ambitions is staggering; I admire that. With such drive I have no doubt that you will see your goal attained. I think I could help you, if you'd like.

Guy: Right… whatever.

Mark: For instance; I noticed that when you're on the offensive you leave your flank unguarded. I thought perhaps a pauldron or a buckler could assist you with that.

Guy: No, I can't allow any additional weight in combat. It would upset everything.

Mark: Fair enough I see, though the future world's greatest swordsman should be able to adapt with ease.

Guy: …

Mark: … Ok, what's wrong?

Guy: Nothing.

Mark: Well that's a lie. Something is clearly bothering you. Tell me what the matter.

Guy: Leave me alone.

Mark: Guy, if there is a problem then I'd like to help. It's my job to make sure that you're at you're best.

Guy: There's no problem. I just want you gone.

Mark: …Very well, I'll leave you in peace. The Sacaean dedication to honesty cuts both ways I see.

Guy: What was that?

Mark: I'm trying to be of assistance to you, there's no need to be so hostile.

Guy: I don't need your assistance. No swordsman needs the assistance of a man who sits behind a desk all day.

Mark: Ah… I see now. If you don't believe I can help you then I won't disturb your training any further.

Guy: Finally…

Mark: But if at some point you change your mind; then seek me out. I'll be more than happy to help.

Guy: …

Mark: Farewell.

Guy: Fight me, Mark!

Mark: Eh?

Guy: You don't have the right to judge my skill! Face me, now!

Mark: Oh boy… that's not what I meant when I said I wanted to help.

Guy: I could use a new training dummy; one that pathetically fights back might even be fun.

Mark: Well, I've never been one to back down from a challenge. Just please bear in mind that straight up combat has never been a speciality of mine.

Guy: Come at me!

Mark: *sigh*


B Rank

Mark: Guy?

Guy: …

Mark: Don't be spiteful.

Guy: …

Mark: There is a good reason why I won the duel, several good reasons in fact.

Guy: Grr…

Mark: Grow up, Guy!

Guy: Huh?!

Mark: You have two options now; you can sit there like a child playing with swords, or take constructive criticism like a man. Either way, you will listen to what I have to say.

Guy: A-Alright, tell me then.

Mark: Very well, when it comes to physical combat you are indeed the superior combatant, but you are lacking in other areas of your training, areas that I am quite proficient in.

Guy: Wait, what? I'm better than you?

Mark: Yes, you are. When it comes to physical prowess, if you're a ten then I'm a seven, at best.

Guy: Then… why did I lose?

Mark: It's as I said; you're green. Inexperienced as you are, you're unaware of the various elements that come into play during a true combat.

Guy: True Combat?

Mark: Precisely.

Guy: Then what I've been doing all this time hasn't been real combat?

Mark: Not as I would define it, no.

Guy: Ok, so… how would you define fighting?

Mark: The way I see it, a true fight is when you rely on more than just your sword arm. You have a keen eye and sharp reflexes, but your mind… it's placid.

Guy: What are you talking about?

Mark: Well, you are clearly not thinking about your approach to the fight. You need to put more tactical thought into it. Now during our missions and various encounters with our foes, you can rely on me to do my best to think tactically for the whole company; I would never pit you in a fight that I didn't think you couldn't win. But if you wish to realise your ambition on becoming Sacae's greatest swordsman, you must learn to do this for yourself.

Guy: I have to think like a tactician?

Mark: Precisely, my friend, exactly that. You need to battle with your mind.

Guy: …Teach me. Teach me to battle with my mind.

Mark: I'd be happy to, Guy.


A Rank

Guy: I'm ready, sir.

Mark: Very good; attack me.

Guy: … HYAA!

Mark: This is your first lesson; know your enemy.

Guy: HAA!

Mark: Everything you know about me, everything you know about them. You must know how they think, how they feel. When you challenged me, you thought that I was inferior, that I was no match for you. In short you underestimated me.

Guy: Phew…

Mark: That was your first mistake.

Guy: HA! NYAA!

Mark: Second lesson, know yourself. All your failures, all your flaws; know them. Know all of your misgivings, and therein you'll know your limitations.

Guy: Ok… Alright…

Mark: Back then… you were angry, and what's more you failed to temper that anger into something useful. You were too easily manipulated, I led you to believe that you had the upper hand, you allowed me to dictate the terms of our duel.

Guy: HYA!

Mark: And there was your second mistake.

Guy: …

Mark: If you know yourself and the enemy, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

Guy: Right.

Mark: If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory you gain you will also suffer a defeat.

Guy: Ok, I understand.

Mark: If you know neither yourself nor the enemy, you will succumb in every battle.

Guy: … I get it now.

Mark: hmm?

Guy: I used to think that because you were weaker than me that it didn't matter what you thought. But I know now that training and strength can only get me half way to my goal. I need to learn how to fight with my mind.

Mark: I'm glad you understand, I feel as if you could become greater than any before. You've got so much potential that I think it's almost my duty to help you see it become a reality.

Guy: Thank you for sharing this with me Mark, I won't forget it.

Mark: It's no trouble, Guy

Guy: But will you keep instructing me? I want to learn more from you.

Mark: It would be my pleasure.


Ending

Guy and Mark bid farewell to each other, together they vowed to continue they're training, meeting up every few months to see how much the two have improved.