Noboru followed Yori throughout the central building of the first stronghold. It was a lavish building. Many valuable substances such as gold and even diamonds and rubies were all used to decorate and enhance the looks of this building.
Despite its size there were few people here. Aside from personal slaves for the Enlightened and the Enlightened themselves, there were no people here at all.
Noboru felt out of place due to this wealthy interior. He had never seen such a place before in his life. He was the sole apprentice here on top of everything, making him stand out. It was a feeling he deeply detested.
Yori's mood remained unchanged, his strides proud and confident as he silently walked into a room, beckoning Noboru to follow inside.
It was a training room, a simple one at that.
Thick and insulated walls prevented others from getting injured accidentally by an uncontrolled and dangerous attack as well as keeping them from hearing the constant sound of fighting.
Yori sighed as he stepped into the middle of the room and gently touched his own throat.
"Let's hope my voice doesn't give out."
He looked Noboru in the eyes, a bright smile emerging on his face, before launching a punch that Noboru barely managed to dodge.
He looked surprised and yet chose to remain calm and silent nonetheless.
"Good reflexes boy. It was to be expected. I wouldn't have thrown that punch if I wasn't sure that you could dodge it."
"The second lesson for the day will be combat. That involves another lecture but, because it suits the lesson perfectly, we will train combat at the same time."
"Don't take it the wrong way please. You have immense talent, however, your body is weak. Imagine yourself as an unrefined diamond."
Noboru was ready, his earlier trepidation turning into the same excitement that Yori was feeling. Yori has been annoying Noboru often since the time they met. His analytical skills made him deeply frustrated.
"As you wish master. I don't plan on holding back."
With that said, Noboru dashed forward, jabbing at the old man's throat without holding back an ounce of his strength. The attack was caught by Yori with ease. He drove his strong knee into Noboru's stomach, punishing him for leaving his torso so helplessly unguarded.
After receiving such a blow, Noboru gasped for air and stumbled back a bit, quickly catching and collecting himself again.
"Not bad. It was far too aggressive nonetheless. Leave yourself this open to an Enlightened in a real battle and you will be cleaved in half. You collected yourself quickly. It's a perfect testimony to your talent."
Yori smiled contently as he awaited another attack. The pride he felt for Noboru was evident and so were his high expectations of him.
Noboru cleverly refused to attack him for now. He knew very well that Yori's defence far surpassed his own offensive capabilities. He could only land a blow if Yori messed up his offence.
Suddenly, the lecture started and Yori began to have a monologue once more.
"In combat, there are many ways you can use your primary element. Some augment their physical attributes. Some summon things out of thin air. Others create perfect weapons and armor, although similar to augmenting yourself, it still has different effects and is optimal for other primary elements."
As Yori spoke, he circled Noboru slowly, upholding a wide grin. He adopted a defensive stance, looking at Yori constantly, anticipating a sudden attack.
"Unlike choosing a primary element, choosing your own style of fighting has nothing to do with talent or compatibility. It is merely a matter of preference."
"There are certain primary elements that work best for a certain style of fighting. Plant based primary elements are a perfect example. These work best for summoning things. Stone, for example, works well for every type."
"In theory, you could learn every type, however, most limit themselves to merely one. Some choose two. These are normally exceptionally talented Enlightened with suited primary elements. They are by no means the norm."
"Why do you think that is, Noboru?"
Noboru didn't appreciate his question, knowing that Yori will most likely come to more conclusions about Noboru's character depending on what he answers.
It was an intelligently inserted question, serving as a small rest for the old master's voice on top of revealing more about Noboru's character.
If he were to answer with words such as "those people are too weak" or "they aren't intelligent enough" then it would show that Noboru thinks of everything he doesn't understand as weak. That certainly isn't the case.
Noboru thought quietly for a bit before answering at the same time as Yori delivered a low kick which he backsteps out of in the nick of time. He countered with a jab to the sternum but it got caught by Yori's hand with ease, his reaction being a silent and pleased sound at seeing Noboru's improved defence.
He was learning quickly and it pleased Yori greatly.
"They most likely choose to restrict themselves for a multitude of reasons. For some, multiple may apply and for others merely one. Servants may choose a style that compliments their master's style and choose to only improve that one. Others may choose one only because of their primary element's compatibility and others because their clan is known for exceptional fighters using that certain style, bringing their clan honour."
Yori already seemed pleased with his answer and wanted to stop him there, however, he wasn't able to. Noboru continued before he could speak up.
"For most, the reason they limit themselves must be fear."
"If there are no downsides to training and using more than one style, why would you not? The reason is that the person is too used to their one specific style. They feel that if they mess up and never truly learn the new style, the time used to train it would be wasted. They are too scared of what might happen and refuse to take even the smallest risk. They are too comfortable and refuse to step out of it even for success."
Yori ceased his offensive stance and took in Noboru's words quietly. He was amazed by his answer. Not only did Noboru show a deep understanding of social norms by including reasons such as honour but he also demonstrated understanding for the human nature.
It was something Yori deemed essential for fighting and understanding your opponent on the battlefield.
He laughed a satisfied and happy laugh before speaking up.
"I cannot add a single thing, boy. Well said!"
Noboru bowed his head plainly and shortly as a gesture of gratitude for the praise.
"I have a question, master. Do these fighting styles pose more significant danger or less depending on which you use? In other words, do the styles counter each other?"
"Yes, to some degree they do but that is insignificant. An Enlightened's rank, use of primary element, strength, technique and ability to adapt quickly is more important than anything else."
"That's all. Thank you."
Yori smiled and nodded gently, acknowledging Noboru's gratitude.
"Noboru, let's continue to spar now. Your combat skills must improve further and further. I won't let you rest anytime soon."
"Gladly, master."
Yori adopted an offensive stance once again while Noboru adopted a defensive one.
Both were similar when it came to fighting.
They enjoyed the experience, strength and endurance they could accumulate as well as fighting itself.
They proceeded to spar for hours on end. Yori did not utilise his primary element once and merely trained Noboru in martial arts.