A hunter's apprentice

More Training And First Mission

The dim lighting of the Underground's training room cast a focused atmosphere as Katrina and Piper prepared Lincoln for his next lesson. A selection of rubber training knives lay on the table beside them, their edges dulled for safety but still heavy enough to give Lincoln a real sense of handling a blade.

"Alright, Lincoln. Today's about close combat with a knife and understanding how to move without being seen or heard. We're focusing on precision, stealth, and control."

Lincoln nodded, feeling both eager and slightly apprehensive. 

"Sounds intense."

Piper smirked, crossing her arms. 

"Intense is putting it mildly. But don't worry, we'll get you there."

Katrina held up one of the training knives, her movements fluid and measured.

"One important thing to remember, most of the time, your opponents will be bigger and stronger than you. You're still apprentices, still kids. You won't be able to overpower them with strength alone, which is why techniques and tactics matter so much."

Lincoln's gaze sharpened as he listened. Katrina's words carried a weight he hadn't fully considered. This wasn't just about training; it was about adapting to situations where the odds might be stacked against him.

"The key to knife combat is understanding that this isn't about brute force. It's about knowing when and where to strike, how to stay balanced, and, more importantly, how to stay out of reach."

She handed him a knife, and Lincoln took it carefully, feeling its weight in his hand. 

"So... what's the first step?"

"Footwork, you always want to stay mobile. Don't plant your feet too heavily or you'll lose control. When you're moving, keep light on your toes. Try to anticipate where your opponent's going to be, and adjust your stance to be ready for a quick reaction."

Piper stepped forward, a training knife in her own hand. 

"Watch me." she said, assuming a low, agile stance. 

She began circling Lincoln slowly, her feet barely making a sound on the floor. 

"See how I'm balanced? I'm ready to move forward, backward, or to either side if needed. You want to stay in control but not tense. Relax, but stay alert."

Lincoln mirrored her movements, following her lead as he took up the same stance. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, trying to move smoothly and without a sound. After a few minutes, he started to get a feel for it, though his movements were still a bit stiffer than Piper's. Katrina observed with a critical eye. 

"Not bad, but try to loosen up a little, Lincoln. You're still a bit rigid. You want to flow with your movements, like water."

Lincoln adjusted his posture, focusing on the way his feet moved. After a few more attempts, he managed to glide a little more smoothly, his stance becoming less forced.

"Better. Now, let's move on to strikes."

She demonstrated a few basic moves, showing how to grip the knife properly. 

"When you're striking, you want to keep your wrist steady. Your movements need to be controlled, not wild. Aim for weak points like the shoulders, thighs, anywhere that'll immobilize an opponent without exposing yourself to a counter-attack."

Lincoln watched as she demonstrated a quick, precise jab aimed toward an imaginary opponent's side, her movements almost too fast to follow. He tried to imitate her, but his strike came off too forceful and lacked control.