Dreamweaver; Successor Of The Nightmare King

Episode 24: Ciella Commences Physical Training

EPISODE 24: CIELLA COMMENCES PHYSICAL TRAINING

It was Monday, a new week had begun. It was afternoon after classes and my siblings met in the old library with Ciella, Arlene, Mitsuki and Concordia.

"Are we going to the second floor to train as usual?" Ciella asked Arlene.

"No, not today. At the very least you've acquired the basic theoretical knowledge needed to survive as a Dream Knight. From now on, we're entering a new phase of your training programme, combat training" Arlene said seriously.

Ciella gulped.

"Combat training?" she asked.

"We're going to help you figure out the sort of combat style that best suits you. If you intend to become a Dream Knight even for the purposes of support, you should at least learn some techniques for self-defense in case you find yourself in a situation where your allies can't help you" Arlene said.

"How will we do that?" Ciella asked.

"We'll start with the basics. Raising your physical strength, your speed and your stamina" Arlene said.

"Arlene, this isn't the sort of thing that can be accomplished by relying solely on strict theoretical rules. Besides, I think I have a better training module in mind" Concordia said with a smirk.

"What do you mean?" Arlene asked.

"Different people have different body types and by implication different styles of training and combat suited to them. Some rely on brute force, others on their natural speed and some on flexibility. It's true though, the basics can't be overlooked but I doubt Ciella will easily grasp the theory of combat" Concordia said.

"Interesting, so how do you intend to go about things?" Arlene asked.

"Ciella, all you need to do is answer one very important question. What do you value most?" Concordia asked.

Arlene sighed.

"The answer should be obvious" Arlene said.

In an instant, Concordia streaked past Ciella and snatched the mini-representation of Christopher.

"It's simple really...if you ever want to speak with San while he's in the Dream World, you'll have to reclaim this" Concordia said.

"Typical old school kung-fu training logic" Arlene slapped herself on the forehead.

Ciella stared at Concordia in surprise.

"So what will it be?" Concordia asked while tossing and catching the mini-representation of Christopher repeatedly.

A determined look slowly spread across Ciella's face.

"I'll do it!" she roared and charged towards Concordia.

Just before she could reach for the mini-representation of Christopher, Concordia sidestepped and tripped her. Before she could hit the ground, Concordia held her by the hand to break her fall and leapt nimbly away from her. Ciella chased Concordia all about the area but got no closer to catching her. There were times when Concordia would toss the mini-representation of Christopher over Ciella's head, then using a high speed step phase behind Ciella and grab it. Whenever Ciella charged for the mini-representation of Christopher, Concordia would sidestep and knock her off balance with a light push to the back.

Arlene observed Ciella's training.

"Pretty sly Concordia. By giving Ciella a goal, you're able to draw out her focus. You're also purposely running all about the arena to get her to train her speed and stamina. Every time you counter her charge, you're basically telling her to pay attention to her centre of gravity and what's even more impressive is..." Arlene narrowed her eyes.