Here's another chapter.
Chapter 6: Three in a Bout
"You have me surrounded. Great teamwork. But you three are obviously not used to ganging up on a person."
I casually deflect a spear, battered down an axe with my forearm, and slide back to avoid a flurry of wallops from Loran's war hammer. It's three against one; I can easily wipe the floor with them without using any weapons, but I feel that's not going to teach them much. Instead, I'll be giving them pointers in their formations and let them continue their futile attempts at playing Whack-a-Enzo.
My sparring opponents are Loran, Harvey, and Quill. I encountered Loran during his break after I left the library and was asked if I wanted to do some sparring matches which I answered yes. Harvey and a guy name Quill later joined in and I had the three of them show me what they are capable of.
Name: Loran Terrell
Level: 64
Age: 26
Affiliation: Kingdom of Hasiera
AP: 2516/2516
HP: 210/210
Stats
Details
Equipment
I'm already well acquainted with Loran; wields a war hammer, in his twenties, has black hair and blue eyes, one of the militia team leaders. He's not that buff, but solid enough to wield a war hammer with ease.
Name: Harvey Quintus
Level: 60
Age: 27
Affiliation: Kingdom of Hasiera
AP: 3221/3221
HP: 220/220
Stats
Details
Equipment
Harvey is a guy in his late twenties with neatly trimmed bronze-colored hair with matching eye colors. He's Loran's second in command, large, muscularly, and favors a big battle axe for a weapon. He's pretty stoic and levelheaded when on duty, but sociable with everyone when he's not.
Name: Quill Sar
Level: 60
Age: 24
Affiliation: Kingdom of Hasiera
AP: 2306/2306
HP: 166/166
Stats
Details
Equipment
The last one isn't someone I'd remember meeting. Quill is a young man with tied-back moss-colored hair that I thought was dyed. He has a slender build and wields a spear with two sharp-pointed wings on the spearhead allowing him to stab or slash left and right.
All three of them are good fighters, probably better than your average player in terms of skill.
'Team cohesion is good.' I thought to myself while tilting my head to the side to avoid Harvey's axe. 'They've fought together before to achieve this level of teamwork.'
There wasn't any need for me to attack, so I decided to use my rope dart instead of my usual weaponry to parry, block, and dodge their attacks. They ramp up their efforts, flanking my sides and looking for any slipups I might make, but with my high AGI and DEX; along with my actual acquired reflexes. Their attempt to pressure me is a fool's dream.
"Alright! Let's pause it right there!" I said as I leap over them and lands out of their reach. "You guys have great teamwork, but your positioning isn't working for you. The way you guys are widely spaced out and side by side is like you're fighting a much larger opponent and that opponent has some backups behind it. There's no attempt to surround me completely and that allows me to easily disengage."
Loran rotates his arms and rubs the back of his neck, looking somewhat impressed. "It's a formation we use when fighting big Grimm. One of us takes center, the others spread out left and right. It helps us cripple their limbs when it focuses on one of us."
In other words, they'll net out in front of a large Grimm and try to hack off their body parts when it attacks one of them. Since the Creatures of Grimm don't often attack alone, there's bound to be another Grimm nearby so they can't exactly get behind a single Grimm without another one breathing down their back.
[Insight on the {Kingdom of Hasiera} Military Strategy has increased by + 6]
I nod understandingly, "That works very well against Grimm, but not so much against a person who knows what they're doing. Let's adjust your positioning. Loran, you stand here, you two come closer to him over there and there. Quill, a few steps back… There! That's good. Harvey, a little more out."
With a few adjustments; Loran, Harvey, and Quill now stand in a perfect triangular formation before me.
"Isn't this the same, but inverted?" Quill asks.
"The approach is different. Literally." I gesture for them to move towards me. "Loran when you feel that you're within striking distance, hold your position. The two of you will keep moving straight past him and me… Keep going… Stop!"
Now I'm in the center of their triangular formation.
"Ah, I see what you meant by a different approach."
"Now you guys have me surrounded properly. See how you can see the others at this angle? You can effectively coordinate with one another." All three of them now have clear visual over each other and is positioned at an angle where they can attack without getting in the way of the other. "At best, I can keep my eyes on two of you but not all of you."
This formation is something we call the Triangle of Death. One of our rival alliances, Her Majesty's Regime, used this formation to great effect when they get locked into close-quarter combat, isolating and killing high-value targets. Their high-value targets included me, so I had the unpleasant experience of getting surrounded and killed by HMR's best fighters.
Eventually, I adapted and overcome their Triangle of Death twice and managed to get the title Tempest-At-Arms for killing six players around me who are similar to my level. It's the proudest achievement I've accomplished so far because nearly all HMR members know what they're doing, especially the ones I've fought.
'God that was intense. I didn't think would win against Zelf and Naysay.'
"If I decide to attack one of you, the other two can strike me from behind." I then point to the empty space between Harvey and Quill. "If I try to break out of the enclosure, you two can hit me from both sides or move back to keep in enclosed. Should I'd be occupied with two of you, one of you can hit me from behind."
[Combat Tactics III imparted]
They nod, making eye contact with one another and inspecting the distance between me and themselves.
"But it won't be easy trapping someone as fast as you." Said Harvey.
"No. It's not. Everything I just said sounds good on paper. You'll need to adjust your positioning and approach depending on the situation. And when you corner someone, they'll become desperate to get out. Though that can work to your advantage if they become reckless or panicked." There are people you don't want to trap, like Joan who will just incinerate her surroundings with her flamethrower and semblance with no regard for nearby friendlies. "In some cases, it's best not to surround them."
Loran had a thoughtful look and shares a look with his teammates as they reconsider their strategy against me. "Let's try again then."
"Don't worry. I won't be zipping around, yet." I assure them, "Try to make me block and deflect your attacks. You'll get a better chance hitting me."
All three of them back away and return to their starting position, huddling and spreading out in a V formation as I showed them. This time, Quill is taking point with Loran and Harvey flanking a few meters behind him.
'Makes sense. His weapon has a longer reach than the others.' I wrapped my dart rope around my right arm, and clutch the metal dart in my hand like a dagger, beckoning them to come.
They immediately charged with Quill spearheading the assault with three swift thrusts of his weapon that made me backpedal.
Loran and Harvey hastily establish themselves at the back of my right and left, closing in and forcing me to towards Quill who thrust and slash with his spear. Their weapons blur at the front of my face as I pivot on my heels and duck very low, feeling their cold steel breezing past me. With one hand supporting my balance, I push off the dirt ground, nearly sliding out of their encirclement if they weren't quick on their feet.
They aim high, mid, and low; overwhelming my dodging options and repositioning when I try to break free. It's time to move on to the next stage.
[Combat Tactics III successfully achieved]
[Combat units will now gain Combat Tactics III]
"Good! You forced my hand for real this time." I unfurl my dart rope and quickly ensnared all three of their weapons tightly, effectively disarming them. They all dumbfoundedly blink at what I just did. "Let's move on to the next level. I'll be actively parrying your attacks now."
I withdrew my dart rope and store it back into my armguard where I store my throwing knives and other small utility tools and weapons. The militia who was watching us spar were now joined by other townsfolks including some children.
'Never thought I would attract this much of a crowd.'
A pair of enriched-looking tonfa appears in my hand from a shimmering pale blue orb, taken directly from my inventory causing a few murmurs to erupt from the crowd.
Equipment [Appease and Provoke]
Grade: Artisan
Inlaid Dust Crystal: Fire (3) | Ice (3) | Rock (2)
Elemental DMG: 185
Blunt Physical DMG: 591
Bonuses:
{+195 DEX}
{+127 AGI}
{+44 WIS}
Crafting & Repairs
Modifications
Requirement
Created by Enzo
Description: Let me beat some sense into you
This weapon is defensive in nature and doesn't really suit the combat style I normally go for. It does, however, make me commit to a defensive style that I desperately need sometimes and that has paid off. That doesn't mean I haven't gotten many kills with this; I've gotten plenty against experienced players.
"You have some nice weapons."
"Thanks. I made this myself." I twirl the pair of tonfa, feeling the grip in the palm of my hands and loosening the muscles in my arms. "Ready when you are. Don't hold back!"
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Farran was already impressed by Enzo's performance during the Grimm incursion, now he's even more impressed by the way Enzo is handling three… No, teaching three of his best fighters.
The scene before him could best be described as a dance with Enzo at the center of it all making it livelier with his spectacular and effortless pirouette. A rhythmic clang and rings accompany the sound of battle, small sparks showering the air as metal struck metal. Surrounded on three sides and relentlessly attacked, Enzo smoothly swivels and parry against the heavy weaponry that Loran and Harvey wield while deflecting Quill's blitzing spear.
Whenever one of them overextends or weakens their guard, Enzo punishes them by striking their hands that grip their weapons, making them reel back in pain or outright dropping their weapons.
CRACK!
"Ack!" Loran jolts back, shaking his hand wildly and switching his war hammer over to his left.
Enzo didn't take advantage of Loran's temporary impairment, allowing Loran to take his brief breather before jumping back into the fray. It seems that Enzo doesn't want this sparring match to end any time soon, making no efforts in going on the offensive outside of throwing a few counterattacks.
Farran cracks a grin and turns his attention slightly away, spotting Altan and Aoi nearby. The red-haired boy was completely mesmerized by the display, eyes glued to the triangular formation that periodically rotates and fluctuates like a well choreographic fight scene. As for Aoi, he wouldn't be surprised if the lad begins painting this exact scene for remembrance.
Very soon did Loran, Harvey, and Quill started to tire having dedicated most of their energy trying to land a single hit while sprinting about to maintain their positions around Enzo. The first to drop out was Loran whose form became briefly sloppy, allowing Enzo to grapple him around the arm and used his legs to trip the young man over.
Next was Harvey who had his axe struck out of his hand with such force that he stumbled back and collapsed, panting and sweating heavily. When it was Quill's turn, he had accepted the outcome, going all out and had his spear rebounded by Enzo's standing his ground, knocking him flat on his back.
"You caught on surprisingly fast. Good work." Enzo commends the three of them, juggling his tonfas in the air before making them disappear in a flash of blue light. "So, do you guys need a hand up?"
With the sparring match over, everyone begins to applaud them for the exciting and sprightly match, including Farran. It really brought him back to his younger days as a huntsman-in-training watching the combat tournaments during the Vytal Festivals.
"Heh. Getting too sentimental…"
/-/
I am a bit disappointed with how little reputation I gained from this side quest, but that's how most side quests are. On the bright side, the other rewards are quite good and it was fun sparring with them. All three managed to level up and learned something new that they can teach to the rest of the militia now.
[Primary and Secondary Objective completed: Loran Terrell, Harvey Quintus, and Quill Sar have leveled up]
[You gained 5,000 Reputation with Hasiera and gained 1,000 Reputation with Loran Terrell, Harvey Quintus, and Quill Sar]
[Combat Tactics II has been applied to Hasiera Defense Force: Militia] [Combat Tactics II Completion: 0.07%]
This will improve the militia's quality in combat, but it'll take a while for all the militia to be 'upgraded' according to the system. They still need to learn it and that's a long way down.
"Hahaha! Enzo, lad!" Farran slaps me on the back with a wide grin on his face, "Ya did a magnificent job guiding my lads back there! I truly appreciate it. They've been slacking lately, though it don't show, haha!"
"It wasn't much, just a was a small-time lesson that they quickly picked up on."
Whenever I teach this sort of thing to our alliance members, they often fumble a bit due to their inexperienced combat, positioning, and teamwork. Loran and his teammates must have a lot of prior experience to be able to learn from just a single demonstration. Of course, I purposely went easy on them to give them actual room to practice and improve on the spot.
"Don't be too modest now. That wee time lesson goes big, lad." He laughs and pats my shoulder before heading in the opposite direction. "Now, I'll be seeing how them lads are doing."
"Go easy on them, and see you later."
"Enzo!" I hear Altan calling me and turn around to greet the red-haired boy.
"Hello again, Altan."
"Were you able to find the world map?" Altan was the one who showed me where to find the world maps in the primary school he attends. He couldn't show me the ones in the classes but knew where to find the spares in the library.
"I did. Thank you for showing me where to find them."
"You're welcome."
It's well into the late afternoon and it'll probably be dinner soon. I didn't notice it earlier, but there are metallic sundials that are probably made of bronze if the green coating around it is anything to go by. Meanwhile, I'm wondering if I should continue practicing, reading, help out, or do some exploration.
'Now then. What should I do next?'
I'll probably head out and help out with reconstruction or hunting during the day, maybe help out with nighttime patrols or go exploring in the pitch darkness at night. The latter sounds absolutely suicidal, but I've managed in dark environments with mobs over level 140 with barely a scratch. Then again, I don't know what's out there or if I'll even respawn if I die so I'll very likely not do that sort of thing… Maybe.
"So, um… Will we also be doing something similar like they did earlier?" Altan looks very eager to continue training. That enthusiasm is a great driving force and is something I like to look for in people. "Maybe not the next time we meet, but someday?"
'Someone is certainly inspired. That's good.' Recalling that one critical quest I received, I need to help Farran revive the Martial Tradition policy thing. It's hard to tell if I'm making any progress at all, but I think I'm getting there.
CRITICAL QUEST
The Kingdom of Hasiera's martial tradition is fading among the newer generation. Help reinvigorate the fading tradition that has kept the settlement standing for decades.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Assist Farran in reviving [Martial Tradition]
REWARD
Primary Objective: +100,000 Reputation with Farran, upgrades the quality of combat units, and unlocks new defense modules
"You guys will learn how to fight in groups too. The basic will be first, no matter how boring that may be. But you guys will get your chances very soon." Maybe the next combat session or the next one after that. They'll need to build stamina and strength first.
"Will we also get to fight against you? Not a real fight!" He quickly said, "But like a… Fake fight?"
I get what Altan asking about. "Sparring you mean? A practice session in combat?"
Altan nods, "Mm."
"You'll guys will get plenty of chances. In fact, you guys can just challenge me to a sparring match anytime when I'm available." At this current rate of low preoccupation, I won't mind the constant flow of people wanting to fight me. Alternatively… "Or, you guys can look for me to do some extra training sessions outside of our scheduled lessons."
I do a lot of 1-on-1 training with my alliance members, including those from Avalon though they have Colonel Weymar as my Avalon counterpart. I'm actually starting to miss the daily and weekly notifications for combat training from my alliance already…
That aside, even though Farran and I have a structured schedule for the new trainees that meet every two days, the schedule can be adjusted to a daily one once they've adjusted. There are also the more experienced trainees like Aoi and the militia who I'll eventually meet. But until then, I'll be bored and exploring around the town.
"We can?"
"Yup, but I would recommend you guys getting over your muscle soreness first before doing any of that sort."
In my world, the real world and not Remnant: Online, muscle soreness typically lasts for a few days depending on the person after a hard workout. According to Farran, that's also the case for them but their aura helps speed up the recovery process which means the muscle soreness tends to last for a day or two.
If only we had that sort of healing factor back on Earth. I would have recovered quickly after that mountain biking injury and the muscle soreness of having to build up my body again.
Altan blinks, looking very confused. "What muscle soreness?"
"I think you might see what I mean tomorrow."
Pardon my grammar.