"The training rooms are all currently in use, young master. However, I can talk to the people in charge and arrange for one to be emptied for the day."
He glanced at him with a questioning gaze before asking, "Will this be for your use, young master? Do you need me to prepare a personal trainer?"
Viktor had almost forgotten that he was trying to keep his power hidden. His old butler seems to be as sharp as ever, and to anticipate that, he needed to answer with care.
"Well, I needed it for my allies, actually. Just prepare an empty room large enough for training."
Luckily, Viktor was mostly prepared to answer questions. The butler nodded and escorted Viktor back to his room.
Considering how his father usually regarded him, Viktor was pretty sure the old man would still be busy very busy for quiet a while. Like before, always too busy to meet him. He partially wondered why the old man wanted to see him in the first place if he was going to make him wait.
Within less than an hour's time, the room was finally prepared. As an extra precaution, Viktor decided to call for Jessie and the two bodyguards to accompany him for a quick training.
Although he did want to train, the two bodyguards were asked to come to help form his alibi.
After they were safely inside the room, Viktor gave them a dozen yellow spirit stones each to consume to help them improve their realm.
As for Jessie, right now she has the best proficiency in martial arts compared to the other members of his team.
"As for you, Miss Sky Realm, come with me and help me train," Viktor said with a relaxed tone to his voice.
"Alright, alright. Of course, anything for you, young master~" Jessie replied with a teasing smile.
First, Viktor decided to take a deep breath and concentrate. He tried to recall the information engraved in his brain at the moment he received the reward. A few minutes passed, before the Djinn spoke in his mind.
<Do you wish for some guidance?>
Caught off guard, Viktor stammered as he answered, "Err, yes, sure."
Right after the words were spoken, lines of information appeared in his mind.
[36 Fists of the North Star manual]
[This is an ancient, 3000-year-old secret martial arts style that allows the practitioner to destroy an opponent's body from within by using precise knowledge to employ quick yet strong strikes at their channeling points. Those killed with this technique often face a violent and gruesome death.]
<The manual is split into three parts, [Fist Technique], [Inner Power], and [Movement Technique]. Which one do you wish to learn first?>
"Alright then, let's start with the fist technique first!"
The fist was split into 8 stages, each containing 4 different kinds of continuous punches
As Viktor recalled the knowledge, he realized the technique was similar to the one used by a certain loud, famous Asian martial artist. In essence, it was a series of short punches dependent on speed.
Viktor had to master 4 characteristics of the techniques before he learn about the variations.
Fist position – The punch is delivered as a vertical fist, as this allows it to fall in behind the elbow and deliver power through the centreline. It cannot have any other orientation.
Impact point – The bottom two knuckles deliver impact into the smallest possible area for more damage. It tilts slightly upward on impact to impart force upwards while driving further into the target.
Force transmission – The goal is to maximize force transmission into the target, working against an opponent's downward weight. Success can be observed when the target remains still upon impact, rather than being pushed across the room. His body absorbs the bulk of the force.
Arm tension – The arm and wrist are loose and fast, becoming rigid at the moment of impact, connecting a solid stance and full body weight into the blow.
He practiced a bit and ensured he was able to integrate the characteristics into each of his punches. Then, he started to train the first 4 basic variations with Jessie.
Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!
As Viktor practiced his punches, he allowed the girl to block and parry attacks with the metal sticks.
A few hours passed, and he had managed to incorporate the basic 4 variations into muscle memory. He proceeded to go and attempt the two advanced stages and found out it was a bit too hard to comprehend at his current stage. Hence, he decided to check the next category in the manual.
[Movement Techniques]
This time, it showed a series of steps. Similar to the fist technique before, it came with 4 stages. The basic steps, the 2 advanced stages, and 2 expert stages.
In order to fully master the first 4 stages of the fist technique, apparently, he needed to learn the four stages of the movement technique first.
As a result, the training session turned into less of a combat practice and more into something similar to a dance lesson. Viktor practiced to get a feel for the steps' rhythms and try to dodge or counter enemy attacks.
An hour passed, and Viktor finally comprehended the steps as much as he could. He decided to resume sparring with Jessie again.
Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!
A few hours later, Viktor started to feel the effect of physical training. his body had started to ache, while sweat had covered the entirety of his body
He took a quick glance at the window and saw the sun had started to dip, giving way to the cold evening. However, there was still zero news from his father. He decided not to think about it before returning to the provided room to rest.