The next morning, Yui arrived at the training yard before most of the other new Explorers. The sun was still low, casting long shadows over worn dummies and scattered weapons.
He slipped his hands into his Battle Gloves, feeling their snug fit and the reinforced knuckles. This was his preferred weapon, and it felt like a natural extension of himself.
A tall Brawler instructor with a scarred cheek approached. "Ready to start your first combat training?"
"Yes, sir," Yui said, gripping his gloves tightly.
"Good. We begin with basic punches, sweeps, and defensive blocks. Keep your stance low, your movements fluid. Let the gloves absorb and redirect the force."
Yui moved forward, swinging his fists at the closest dummy. Each punch landed with a solid thud, and he adjusted his stance to maintain balance.
"Not bad," the instructor said. "Now a combination—jab, cross, low sweep, and step back. Flow from one strike to the next."
Yui practiced repeatedly, each motion smoother than the last. His arms ached, but the feedback from the gloves taught him control and precision.
"Excellent," the instructor nodded. "Brawlers rely on speed, power, and precision. Remember, the gloves aren't just for offense—they're for defense too. Use them to control your movements and block incoming attacks."
Yui tried a defensive maneuver, intercepting an imaginary opponent's strike with his gloves. The motion felt instinctive, almost natural.
Other new Explorers swung swords or tested bows nearby, but Yui remained focused on the rhythm of his punches and sweeps. By mid-morning, his movements were sharper, his stance steadier, and his combos more controlled.
The instructor clapped him on the shoulder. "You're learning quickly. Keep this up, and you'll be ready for live sparring soon."
Yui nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. He preferred Battle Gloves and intended to master them completely. Today was only the beginning, but he already felt the thrill of becoming a skilled Brawler