Chapter 78 - 77 - Four Sword Styles
Ashtoria still stood tall, the training sword lowered in her hand, but her voice remained sharp and clear like the edge of a blade.
"In general," she said softly, "there are four fundamental styles of swordsmanship."
Riven, still half-crouched with one hand resting on his knee, slowly lifted his head, listening.
"First, the straight and precise style. It prioritizes accuracy. Every strike aims for a weak point. The movements are minimal but deadly."
Ashtoria took a slow step forward, as if sketching the motion into the air. "It’s typically used by calm, calculating swordsmen."
"Next is the heavy and powerful style," she continued without pause. "It relies on physical strength, momentum, and frontal impact. The movements are slow, but a single strike can break the enemy’s blade. This... isn’t a style that suits you."
Her eyes swept over Riven’s slender frame from head to toe.
Riven wasn’t offended. He knew Ashtoria never spoke to belittle.
"Third, the swift and agile style. This one resembles a dance. Attacks come from unexpected angles, full of feints and shifts in rhythm. It’s difficult to master but deadly in the right hands."
Ashtoria stopped in front of Riven and slowly sat on a flat stone nearby. Her blood-red eyes had softened—more intimate, more personal.
"And lastly... the soft and flowing style. Like water. It doesn’t oppose force directly, but redirects it, flows with it, then strikes from unseen openings. This style suits those who are patient and deeply attuned to the rhythm of combat."
Riven listened in silence, allowing every word to sink in and settle.