Chapter 446: Close-Combat Training: Basic Weapon Usage Continued

"First, the vertical chop!"

Jier held the Training Wooden Sword in one hand, raised it above his head, took a step forward, and chopped straight down.

His movements were crisp; the vertical chop was slow to start, but lightning-fast upon the descent. The crowd in front could still clearly see the motion of raising the sword over his head, but when Jier chopped down, they could no longer follow it. With just a 'whoosh', Jier's hand had already stopped, holding the sword near the ground.

After finishing the move, Jier began to explain the differences: "The vertical chop has the slowest start because you must raise your entire sword-wielding arm over your head before you can launch the attack. This gives the enemy time to react; they will dodge, defend, retreat, or seize the chance to counterattack."

Jier counted off the four types of enemy reactions, then asked: "So, why do we perform a vertical chop?"

The Warriors listened and thought, 'That's right, the vertical chop is so slow to start. I originally had the offensive advantage, but such a slow attack move puts me in a disadvantageous position instead, so why use it at all?'

The four Warriors looked at Jier expectantly, because they knew this Knight, who was younger than all of them, would surely have a qualified answer.

Jier did not let them down and immediately answered his own question; he no longer expected these Warriors without a foundation to answer his question perfectly.

"Because the vertical chop has the greatest force! What does that mean? It means that when an enemy is within your attack range, facing this sword or axe chop, it is extremely difficult for them to parry."

Jier casually performed a few more vertical chops, and the 'chirp-chirp' sounds of breaking air rang out: "Raising the height of the weapon allows you to utilize the acceleration force of the weapon falling naturally, and it also provides your swinging arm with an excellent trajectory for generating power and acceleration. From top to bottom, your weapon is constantly accelerating, and the force is constantly increasing."

He compared it with the other two types, the diagonal chop and horizontal slash, to provide a contrast: "Compared to these two types of swings, the vertical chop is the method with the greatest force bonus."

Next, Jier performed a stepping diagonal chop: "The diagonal chop is flexible in its movement. After all, you can hold the sword in your right hand and chop diagonally from the upper right to the lower left, or from the upper left to the lower right, while simultaneously linking it to other moves. Compared to the vertical chop, it doesn't require you to raise the weapon above your head to increase height; you can strike directly from a combat stance, or you can raise the weapon to shoulder height before striking down, or even raise it higher."

"These are all possible. The higher you raise it, the greater the power of the swing, but correspondingly, your attack motion will be slower. You must consider this height yourself during combat. At the same time, the diagonal chop is our most commonly used move in close-quarters combat. It not only brings the enemy's neck, chest, and abdomen—all vital points—into the attack range, but after the weapon strike is finished, it can also be followed up with a left-hand sidearm or other moves."

Jier first performed a standard diagonal chop, then immediately followed up with a power-packed, unexpected haymaker from his left hand, which had been resting at his left waist.

But that wasn't all; the Training Wooden Sword he had swung to the lower left was flicked back up in a reverse motion—this was another strike. After the Long Sword was raised, Jier followed up with a heavy kick, stomping forward with force.

This set of strikes possessed both the speed of weapon swinging and the force of punches and kicks. An ordinary enemy who blocked the weapon swing would be sent flying by Jier's punches and kicks, and one who blocked the punches and kicks would be struck in a vital spot by Jier's weapon.

Exhaling a breath, Jier finally demonstrated the horizontal slash to the four men. He first assumed a standard combat stance, then retracted the Training Long Sword he had been holding forward, pulled it to his side, swung it outward, and then swept it horizontally forward.

"This move has the largest attack range, but it is generally not used alone; it is a method to force the enemy back after you have performed other moves. If the enemy tries to block, you can use the impact between your weapon and their Shield to retreat while taking advantage of the momentum. If the enemy doesn't block and just retreats, you can use the opportunity to open up the distance between you and the enemy, or catch your breath, and launch a new round of attacks."

Jier warned: "Don't count on this move having a high probability of wounding the enemy. If the enemy isn't stupid, this move won't hit anyone."

But Jier shrugged again: "However, anything can happen in this world, so I can't say for sure. Additionally, unlike using a Long Sword, this move is actually more useful and common for axe-type weapons like a Single-handed Axe or Two-handed Axe. Because axes are generally heavier than Long Swords, their striking power is stronger than that of a Long Sword."

Jier asked the other Warriors watching nearby to lend him a Single-handed Axe. Jier then swung the Single-handed Axe horizontally; every swing made a 'woo-woo' sound, full of force, making people fearful to watch. Even Warriors with a Shield in their hands would not want to use their Shield to block the axe's horizontal slash.

"If the enemy doesn't have time to use their weapon or Shield to block this horizontal slash, then they had better watch their ribs or waist; taking a hit like that is no minor injury. If it's a Double-handed Heavy Weapon, this same move could even knock an enemy using a Shield to the ground."

Having said this much, Jier added a few more words about which weapons are suitable or unsuitable for different moves.

"The heavier the weapon, the more suitable it is for moves with slow speed and appropriate force, such as the vertical chop or horizontal slash; the former can crush the enemy's frontal defense, and the latter can knock down or force back the enemy. The lighter the weapon, the more suitable it is for moves with fast speed and moderate force, such as the thrust, left and right upper diagonal chops, and backhand attacks."

"But sometimes in battle, the exact opposite method can also produce surprising results. For example, if I take a two-handed warhammer and use a forward lunge similar to a Long Sword's thrust instead of a full-power smash like a vertical chop, it will also be impossible for people to defend against, and they will be knocked over by me."

Jier instructed the four Warriors: "Those are still a bit far off for you; just practice the basics of the weapons in your hands first."

"Combat stance, and several simple combat moves for weapons: thrust, vertical chop, diagonal chop, horizontal slash. Practice these moves well today; tomorrow I will teach you more moves, as well as the ways and methods of using weapons to parry."

The four Warriors nodded in agreement, then dispersed to begin practicing their basic combat stances, as well as the seemingly simplest thrusts and swings. At the beginning, their movements were often uncoordinated; after all, their original movements had already been memorized by their bodies, and it was not easy to consciously change them in a short time.

The four of them either forgot how to place their feet or forgot which parts of their bodies needed to coordinate during a thrust to achieve the maximum attack range. As for the simple swings, everyone had to be reminded by their companions to remember to take a step forward with every strike to try their best to expand the attack range.

"Alright, it's your turn." Jier clapped his hands and said to the seven Warriors who had been waiting for a long time.

He walked over slowly and asked them: "You should have all seen and heard what I just explained. If anyone still has deficiencies in these basics, find time to train on your own. As for now, what kind of training do you want to receive?"

The seven people looked at each other. They had all engaged in life-and-death struggles with Bandits and had killed people, so they naturally valued martial arts training more. They would usually ponder how to conduct close-quarters weapon combat in private with familiar friends and relatives. At this moment, when Knight Jier asked them where to improve, some had an idea in their minds, while others were relatively confused.

"My Lord! Can you provide us with individual guidance for improvement? Everyone's weapons are different, and their combat habits are also different." A Warrior raised a hand to ask.

Jier tilted his head and looked at the weapons in the hands of these seven people, discovering that four used Long Swords, two used Single-handed Axes, and one actually used a rare Changdao.

Seeing Knight Jier staring at him, the Warrior using the Changdao knew what Jier was puzzled about: "Knight Jier, this was captured from the Bandits. I used to be an apprentice to a butcher, so I am quite familiar with using a blade. When weapons were distributed, I asked to take this one to use."

"Oh, that's fine too. Alright, you come one by one, tell me the areas you need to improve, and I will teach you."

Jier stood in place, hands on his hips, waiting for the Warriors to step forward.

The seven people discussed it, and finally, a Warrior using a Long Sword walked up and said to him: "Knight Jier, there are the most of us using Long Swords, so shall we start with us?"

Jier waved his hand, signaling that it was fine.

"Then I will ask: we discussed it and feel that you really need to explain the parrying aspect of using a Long Sword to us properly." This Warrior raised his sword and performed two parrying motions to the left and right. His movements were quite proficient, but the same could not be said for the other Warriors using Long Swords.

"Alright, then let's start like this. I will explain this, and everyone listen, because it can be used by everyone. However, just talking is boring; personal experience will help you better understand what I am saying."

Jier raised the wooden Training Long Sword in his hand, signaling the other party to attack him.

The Warrior who asked the question looked at the Iron Sword in his hand and said nothing, knowing it was impossible to hurt Knight Jier, so he raised his hand and thrust.

"Well done!" Jier instead praised him. The wooden Long Sword in his hand unfolded with a reverse flick, knocking the opponent's fast thrust aside.

"Again." Jier encouraged him. The Warrior steadied his body, adjusted his wrist, and performed another thrust from bottom to top.

This time Jier was not very satisfied: "This is not a rapier specialized for thrusting; an Iron Sword of a common style is not good at thrusting. Do you know why?"

While speaking, Jier extended his sword and tapped the opponent's thrusting Long Sword, deflecting its direction. Combined with Jier moving two steps horizontally, the opponent missed once again.

Taking a breath, the Warrior took small, continuous steps forward, while the Long Sword in his hand continuously thrust at Jier's entire body. He said: "I, do, not, know."

In order not to interrupt his breathing rhythm by speaking, he spoke in a staccato manner, popping out only one word at a time. It sounded like he had quite a few grievances against Jier, but in reality, that was not the case.

Jier was much more relaxed; his breathing was steady, but the movements of his hands were not chaotic at all: "Because the form of this Long Sword of yours is a Classic Style Longsword, which results in it not being long enough. The blade is actually too wide, which makes it more suitable for chopping, used like a Cleaver, rather than for thrusting."

Jier retreated one step at a time, while the Training Wooden Sword in his hand struck the blade of the opponent's thrusting Long Sword accurately like a whip with every swing.

The constant retreating, combined with the parrying and deflecting of the weapon, meant that the Warrior's continuous pursuit thrusts never once hit the armor on Jier's body.

This made the Warrior pant for breath after only a brief offensive—half from exhaustion, half from anger. He was angry at himself for not being able to land a single hit despite his proud continuous thrusts. One had to know that this was merely Knight Jier purely defending; if Jier had launched a single counterattack, he likely wouldn't have been able to thrust more than a few times before having to focus on defense, leading to a shift in offense and defense.

"Switch someone else; add another sword-wielding Warrior over here. Everyone watch closely how I deal with your attacks." Jier's interest was piqued, and he beckoned for two more sword-wielding Warriors to join in. The frustrated and panting Warrior retreated a few steps in discouragement, switched the Long Sword to his left hand, and kept shaking his right hand to relieve the soreness that had accumulated just now.

Two sword-wielding Warriors immediately walked over with large strides. The two approached from left and right; because they had not learned battle formations or squad coordination, they each fought their own way—one lunged forward with a direct thrust, and the other swung with great force.

Jier scanned left and right, saw the situation clearly, and ignored the Warrior thrusting directly from one side. He did not retreat or dodge again, but instead lunged forward instantly, bearing down on the Warrior who was swinging.

He flicked the Training Wooden Sword in his hand, knocking aside the opponent's nearly full-force swing. There was no helping it; Jier's strength was already greater than these ordinary Warriors, and having been forcibly strengthened by the Dwarf God of Strength with Divine Power a few days ago, his strength had actually increased by a full hundred percent over his original physical foundation.

Of course, this was not counting the strength intensity from his use of Life Energy to enhance his arm strength; it was purely his own physical strength.

The Knight's Life Energy enhances a Knight's strength in two aspects: on one hand, after the Knight's body is filled with Life Energy for a long time, the muscles themselves become stronger; on the other hand, when the Knight activates Life Energy, the Knight's strength increases several or even a dozen times in a short period.

The Dwarf God of Strength strengthened the former.

Of course, just like multiplication, when your base number increases, multiplying it by the same factor will also result in a larger total.

Jier rushed forward, breaking through the left and right pincer attacks of the two, then turned around and said directly to the four Warriors wielding Long Swords: "All of you come at me together, you four!"

The Warrior who had not yet been called immediately rushed out, joining this extremely intense training spar. As for the previously sore-armed Warrior, he held his sword and slowly circled outside the encirclement net formed by the three, ready to suddenly join in at any moment.

"Oh, you learned this so quickly?" What Jier was referring to was the current behavior of the last sword-wielding Warrior who hadn't joined in. Because the four of them had never learned battle formations, the three of them were already making the encirclement scene chaotic; if he were to join in, it was hard to say whether he would be providing pressure to Jier or helping Knight Jier.

Because once there were too many people, they would cause serious interference among themselves. Jier even had to go out of his way to help them, so they wouldn't hurt their own people.

As for the extra Warrior, because he was outside the encirclement net and could join the battle at any time, the pressure he brought to Jier far exceeded that of the others.

Jier utilized rapid displacement, constantly moving among the three who were surrounding him, making it very difficult for the three of them to properly form a triangle to encircle Jier; at most, only two people could launch an attack on Jier at the same time, while he used his Wooden Sword to skillfully parry the various Iron Swords attacking him.

At this moment, Jier even had the spare capacity to speak: "Don't just think about launching attacks at me; look more at how I use footwork to restrict and dodge your offensives. Also, pay attention to the specific situations in which I use my weapon to parry your attacks."

After speaking, Jier performed a Horizontal Slash on the spot, forcing back the two Warriors who wanted to close in and attack.

When they wanted to attack again, Jier had already shifted his position; he headed straight for the fourth person outside the battle. Pure defense inevitably leads to oversights after a long time, so if Jier wanted to save face, he had to be the first to defeat the Warrior who posed the greatest threat to him.

"Huh? Coming for me?" This Warrior had never been able to find a suitable opportunity to strike during the ever-changing battle, and he hadn't expected Jier to charge at him first.

He shook his sword, raised his spirits to the highest level to meet the challenge, and vowed to leave a mark on the Hard Cowhide Armor worn by Knight Jier.

Even a slight scratch would do.

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? (End of this chapter)