Only I Am A Reader

"Unfortunately, skills aren't as simple to hold back as strength, especially when the opponent doesn't even have the basics…"

Even though the weapons were only training ones made of wood, the children could already imagine what it would be like to be beaten by that. The battle instructors' bodies were tough, but the training weapons' only property was being tough. Moreover, it had the ability to directly cut their room to maneuver in the hands of a veteran battle instructor.

"So, your second task just for today wouldn't be a battle. Instead, you are required to watch a demonstration and make another choice."

Being spared for one day would usually bring some relief in the children's hearts. However, almost all of them were occupied contemplating their life choices, especially those who had yet to properly finish one training list. They thought they had all the time to climb up and adapt to the current routine, but it now felt like they were being punished for trusting in themselves.

"The 24 instructors will be battling each other rather than battling you. Each of them will be using their weapon of choice to give you a general impression…"

'Finally.'

Listening to Instructor Han's introduction, Leo was slightly overjoyed. Throughout the last week, the battles had a great effect when it came to digesting the effect of Skill Reading's activation. However, using one's body as a weapon was pretty limited even in murim. Palm and fist techniques existed, but their lethality couldn't be guaranteed.

In a place like the Heavenly Strength Society which put strength ahead of most things, a killing weapon was something essential. If not for the fact that the 'students' were children that required some tempering through 'soft-hearted' fist fighting in preparation for the real thing, they would have been already holding a weapon in their hands from the very beginning.

Swish!

Under the silent atmosphere surrounding the children's troubled minds, the battle instructors had already drawn their weapons before retreating to their stages, calmly facing each other.

"Start!"

The candles were lit as the instructors broke out of their stances, skillfully using their weapons to counter their opponent. Unlike the children who needed to get used to the danger of battle, all that they wanted to show was how to use a weapon. As such, only weapons clashed. Pressuring, blocking, deflecting, all kinds of tactics used in a weapon versus weapon battle were demonstrated, sparking up some color on the children's pale faces!

Not everything was lost! Just like they would stand at the risk of their opponents' weapons, they would also gain the ability to shield damage using their own weapons!

Having failed to do so till this point, most didn't have the confidence to deliver any attacks other than the starting three, even wielding a weapon was unlikely to change that. However, blocking seemed incredibly compatible with dodging! A perfect anti-beating combo!

Almost everyone had forgotten their task to 'observe', their minds wandering in strange directions. Only a select few appeared to be interested in the various styles of weapons, looking at each battle with discerning eyes.

'Hmmm…'

Leo tried to pay attention to battles with swords, but he quickly found them boring. Regardless of the world he was in, his Swordsmanship was undeniably at a high standing point. Compared to Close Quarter Combat, Leo was confident in beating any of the sword-wielding instructors in a battle of pure skill.

As a result, Leo's eyes drifted away from sword battles or simply concentrated on their dissimilar opponents. Before he knew it, the battle instructors suddenly stopped, rendering their weapons motionless.

"Well then. I hope you have seen enough as it is the time to make a choice once again."

Instructor Han's words resounded out, taking the children out of their fantasies. Whether it was those who wanted to make their lives easier or those who sought something that suited them, everyone's eyes collectively turned to the weapon racks.

"Everyone can go forward according to your order and pick what they will go with. Feel free to try them out before making a choice… It might seem like something trivial, but this will impact your life from here on out. Choose your companion wisely!"

The children's expressions hardened out a bit as they listened to 'Gentle Han'. Considering the policy of this place, making the wrong choice could cost them dearly. Even 'Two' who was excitedly approaching the weapon rack slowed down a bit.

Swoosh.

However, in the end, he still drew the choice he already had in mind first. He couldn't resist taking a few swings with the broadsword he held.

"I will take it."

He originally wanted to try other weapons first, but he simply felt that the somewhat heavy sword fitted perfectly into his hands. No matter what, the sword was already solidified in the minds of the masses as the proper image of a weapon. Even children's stories or games always focused on this particular weapon. Since he didn't feel uncomfortable with it, 'Two' naturally didn't want to change his initial choice.

"Give it to him."

The guard standing beside Instructor Han stretched out his hands following the order, presenting a stack of paper that was roughly tied together.

"To make up for the skill gap, you will be given a book recording the basics of using the weapon you chose. Everyone will receive the same thing, but what you learn will depend on you."

Although most of the children lacked the ability to read, the books handed to them were properly illustrated so that even a child could understand them. However, the degree of comprehension was bound to vary from one kid to another.

The children walked to the weapon racks one after the other. Following the rule of Leo's first book, almost everyone picked up a sword. The sword was a weapon that required skill to be wielded properly, but using its most basic form was something that almost everyone could use. Most importantly, it also served as a great blocking tool!

"Next."

As the disproportionate picking continued, it was finally Leo's turn to make his choice…