40 Even More Training (1/2)

Hoemis explained to Lionell that even though he doesn't fight with a weapon, there's one thing that ties them together.

”Just like fighting barehanded, you have to be efficient with your movements. Don't waste energy.” Hoemis punched the air a couple of times, demonstrating completely efficient punches.

”All those punches wasted no energy. Now, I want you to try to hit me with your staff. If you somehow manage to hit me, which you won't, I'll reward you with something valuable,” Hoemis ordered.

Lionell was a bit angry that Hoemis looked down on him, so he would try to prove him wrong. He held his staff with a firm grip and without hesitation, he brought it up and swung it down at Hoemis.

Hoemis moved to the side, dodging the staff with no effort. ”Go up and put all your strength into it when you go down, don't add anything else.”

Lionell twirled the staff, the other end of the staff heading for Hoemis's chest.

”Good effort, but that isn't going to cut it.” Hoemis ducked, the staff missed him and went past his head. ”Remember what I said, make the minimal amount of movement with the most strength.”

Lionell started to become angrier. Hoemis was just toying with him and didn't even take him seriously. He tightened his grip around the staff and thrust the other end at him multiple times.

Hoemis sighed as he dodged the staff. ”Don't let anger affect your judgment. Use it to make you stronger and listen to what I'm saying.”

Lionell placed the other end of the staff on the ground and used it to propel himself towards Hoemis, trying to kick him. ”I am listening.”

”No, you're not.” Hoemis moved to the side, dodging Lionell's kick. ”That was very creative using the staff to push you forward, but you need to be more efficient.”

For the next hour or so, it continued like this. Eventually, Lionell did listen to Hoemis's instruction and he did get better, but no matter how hard he tried, Hoemis would just dodge and instruct him on how to get better.

”Good, but stop spinning your staff like that, you're not even trying to hit anyone,” Hoemis instructed.

Lionell tried to hit Hoemis, but just like always, Hoemis dodged his attack without even breaking a sweat.

”Alright, that's enough for today. Continue practicing on the dummy,” Hoemis ordered.

Lionell nodded and went over to the dummies. He was sweating buckets, but Hoemis didn't even sweat, not one little drop.

”Zeno! Come over here,” Hoemis yelled from across the room.

”Huh?” Zeno was startled by his name being called.

”I said come over here.”

”Ahh.” Zeno wiped the sweat off his forehead and went over to his teacher. ”Yes?”