"So, you have decided against signing the contract, just like that?" Leon said in a surprised tone.
"Yeah, changed my mind and then some..." Gladius said in an apologetic tone.
"Ok.."
"Really..." Gladius was surprised, he made Leon sign the contract before because he is in desperate need of assurance, but after talking to Deus, he had changed his mind. So, the fact that Leon let bygones be bygone so easily was shocking to him.
Meanwhile, Leon shrugged in response, as much as Gladius's previous action disgust him, Gladius is the best Swordsman master he could ever have since Gladius is the most experienced in the knowledge of the sword.
Seeing Leon's response, Gladius sat cross-legged on the grassland and then gestured at Leo to do the same.
Leo complied as Gladius gestured to him, and just like this, the awkward atmosphere between these two lessened. Leo and Gladius seem to get along with each other quite well despite Gladius's previous actions.
Nevertheless, Gladius breathed in the fresh air of the atmosphere before saying to Leo, "Leon tell me, what's the weapon of your dream, what's your chosen weapon, which weapon do you feel that you will be able to wield perfectly and will be comfortable for you to use"
"Great Sword" Leon replied in a solemn voice. This was the weapon his heart goes for, this is the weapon of his dreams. This is the weapon that he wants to become his partner in battle.
"Good Choice, But when it comes to great swords, Great swords are considered one of the best swords. They are heavy and powerful weapons that deal massive damage to opponents.
They have longer reach than many other melee weapons, which can alloy you from a distance and keep enemies at bay. And also they can be used for both cutting and thrusting attacks, making them versatile weapons for various combat situations.
You see, since you are a gangster, your style of fighting does not fit a great sword-swordsman, so you have to train extra hard to let what I will teach you to seep right into your skin and be ingrained in your mind" Gladius said calmly, still sitting in the meditating position.
After that, he stood up, "Make me a Greatsword You desire..."
Leo imagined the weapon of his dreams and behold, a majestic greatsword materialized out of thin air! This double-edged beauty boasts a fierce dragon head for a hilt, complete with glowing red eyes and a roaring jaw from which the blade emerges. Its shimmering golden hue only adds to its awe-inspiring presence, truly a piece of weaponry fit for a king. Just as the sword started falling, Leo caught it with one hand, flexing around with it a little, looking cool while doing that.
Gladius saw the Greatword and smiled. "You do have a unique taste, I didn't know dragons could be loved by anyone, this much"
"Are dragons that bad?" Leon asked with furrowed brows.
"You wouldn't like to meet them if you witness their true nature, dragons are creatures of pride, they see even Gods like us below them. So yeah! They can get pretty irritating with their annoying pride" Gladius replied.
"Hmm..."
Though Leon was sure that Gladius is not lying as he does not have any reason to, that doesn't change his beliefs about them. He loves dragons because they are cool. Nobody's words could change that solid belief.
"Am just saying, am not telling this to change your belief but am certain you would encounter them in the future, especially with that system of yours.." Gladius pointed out with a slight laugh.
An excited look appeared on Leon's face, despite Gladius's warnings Leon still has not changed his mind.
Gladius laughed at his naivety, 'Well, they say experience is the best teacher... It sure would teach Leon many good things'
"Alright, when do we start," Leo said anxiously.
Hearing Leon, a devilish grin crept to Deus's face sending chills down Leon's spine. "We have the perfect environment for your training"
Gladius would have preferred a mountain top as that's the best place to train one's swordsmanship, but right now, he got an idea which made him change his mind, his idea would make Leo training more interesting especially when Leo's chosen weapon is a great sword.
"To be able to wield a great sword, you got to first have a firm grip, and I have the perfect place for you to train your swordsmanship," Gladius said and started walking towards the waterfall, Leon following him closely behind.
Reaching the waterfall, Gladius said, "Slash through this waterfall thousand times, You should not stop until your grip and slash is firm enough not to be deflected by the falling water"
Leo did not complain, He went to the point of the waterfall with the highest pressure and then slashed through it. He stayed focused not to let himself distracted by the water splashing all over the place.
PAH-!!
The pressure and weight of water falling from the spring high above hit his blade's side pushing it to the ground, thereby deflecting the attack.
Leon sighed, 'This is going to be hard'
Nevertheless, he did not give up, he kept trying, but still even his unyielding determination was not helping as he kept failing time and time again.
SLASH -!!
PAH-!!!
'Fuck, Again! '
This process repeated itself several times, and Leon did not let his failure stop him.
He didn't bother counting the process as that would be a waste of time.
SLASH-!!
PAH-!!!
'AGAIN!'
But still, he was a human, the higher the failures the more frustrated he got.
But then...
[Your Greatsword mastery is increasing...]
Seeing this prompt, Leon was happy that at least, his hard work was yielding fruit.
Though it might sound easy, slashing a Greatsword through a huge volume of falling water is not an easy task, the weapon can easily get deflected by the weight and pressure from the waterfall.
Weapons with a large surface area like a Greatsword made things even harder.
This was what made this training unique, Gladius stood by the corner watching Leo work hard with an expressionless face, Compared to his sufferings, this was nothing, so he didn't bat an eye.
Instead, he said to Leon in a calm sage voice. "Treat the Sword as an extension of your hand and body! Be one with the sword! If you can't do that, then slashing through the waterfall is an impossible task!"