"No martial art is mastered in a day—especially not for someone like you, who only knows archery and nothing else."
Zach Mercer's voice was calm but resolute.
"That's why we start with the foundations. Only after you've laid the groundwork can I teach you real techniques. This part is dull—far duller than archery practice. It could take years, maybe a lifetime. Are you prepared for that?"
Leo took a deep breath and answered without hesitation. "I am."
"Good," Zach nodded, expression unreadable. But deep down, he thought, This kid has grit. And potential. Maybe… maybe he'll really surprise me.
"Uncle Zach…"
Zhao spoke up from the side, his voice serious. "I want to learn too."
"So do I!"
"Me too, Uncle Zach!"
One after another, the others followed. Who didn't want power? Who didn't want to live just a bit better?
Zach didn't look the least bit surprised. He only said mildly, "Teaching one or teaching several—it makes no difference. I just worry you won't stick with it."
The group erupted in passionate vows, some even raising their hands as if swearing an oath.
Zhao, in contrast, was silent—his eyes smoldering with fierce determination.
"Enough."
Zach waved them to silence. "If you're all that eager, then let's begin."
Gulp.
Even Leo swallowed nervously. It's starting already?
"Whatever technique you hope to learn, it all begins with stance training. Without firm footing, your legs are weak, your form collapses, and your punches turn sloppy. That leads to wasted effort. To build power and balance, we start with one thing—stance."
The group nodded like chicks pecking at grains, eyes brimming with excitement.
"The first stance you'll learn is the most fundamental: the Primordial Stance. Once you reach basic mastery, you'll move on to the Taichi Stance. Only after that can you begin practicing Taichi Flow."
Zach's gaze swept over the group. "Still not satisfied? Then comes the Trinity Stance. This stance marks the beginning of all variation. As they say, 'All change returns to Trinity.' With that, you'll unlock advanced techniques like Intent Strike, and later, martial forms inspired by beasts and spiraling steps."
The group stared, some blinking in disbelief.
So we need to master the Primordial Stance… then Taichi… then finally Taichi Flow?
And to reach Intent Strike, we still need to go through Trinity Stance first?
How long will that take?
"What's this? Discouraged already?" Zach snorted. "This is internal cultivation—the core of all martial training. If you learn techniques without building a foundation, you'll end up empty-handed by old age. And I haven't even mentioned the hand forms, footwork, or leg drills. Those too must be practiced from scratch."
He swept a sharp gaze across them. "If you still want to continue—step forward."
Leo grinned and stepped up without hesitation.
Zhao followed a heartbeat later.
Warren and the others glanced at each other… and joined in.
Zach let out a low chuckle. "No one backing out? Good. Then begin by holding the Primordial Stance for one hour. After that, I'll teach you your first hand forms."
The Primordial Stance looked simple but felt anything but.
Feet shoulder-width apart. Arms relaxed. Chin tucked. Back straight. Breath natural. Imagine yourself becoming one with nature.
Leo took a moment to glance at his Status Panel.
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Skill: Primordial Stance – Lv.0 (0%)
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Sweet, he thought. New skill unlocked. I wonder what it gives at Level 1?
"Clear your mind. No drifting thoughts."
Zach passed by and gave him a pointed glance.
Leo froze, slightly embarrassed. Man, Uncle Zach's eyes are sharp.
The training field grew quiet. Occasionally someone passed by, staring at the group with baffled expressions.
At first, everyone thought: "This is just standing still—what's the big deal?"
Then: "Crap, my thighs are on fire. My head itches. Something crawling up there?"
Then: "Please—how much longer?!"
"Not even ten minutes and you're shaking?"
Zach snorted. "Can't hold it? Then walk away. Not everyone is meant to be a martial artist. Learn to accept that."
Leo twitched. Not only is Uncle Zach's gaze sharp—his tongue's venomous too.
Still, Leo didn't feel too bad. Probably thanks to his enhanced Physique, he was holding up surprisingly well.
Another ten minutes passed. One trainee dropped out, red-faced and breathless.
"Go rest."
Zach dismissed him with a wave, then looked at the others. "If anyone else is near their limit, say so now."
No one moved.
A few more minutes passed, and others started to quit, one by one.
After another stretch, Warren stepped out too, face flushed.
Only Leo and Zhao remained.
Zhao gritted his teeth, fists clenched at his sides.
He'd already lost to Leo once in archery. He wouldn't lose again—not in this.
He wasn't weak. He wouldn't be left behind.
Leo, meanwhile, stared blankly ahead but kept one eye on his panel.
This progress is painfully slow.
Over forty minutes had passed. His skill had barely reached 4%.
One percent every ten minutes? That's a thousand minutes to hit Level 1. Sixteen hours. Just to stand still.
Sounds easier than archery, sure—but this pain is full-body. At least archery only tired out my arms. And I had a massage afterward… even if it was from that foot-scratching dude.
Now everything hurts. I don't even know if I can do this again tomorrow.
At this rate, it'll take four or five days just to level up once. And only after reaching minor mastery can I even begin the Taichi Stance. And after that, Taichi Flow.
By the time I'm ready to actually fight, the world might've ended!
And don't forget—this is just one of the foundations. There's still hand forms, footwork, leg drills… all from scratch.
If I follow everything step by step, it could take years.
I don't have years…
His gaze flicked to his Experience Points—17 gained from the morning's hunt.
If I use them on Basic Archery, now at Level 4, I'll barely gain 17%.
But if I drop them into this fresh skill—Primordial Stance…
Maybe it'll be worth it.