Lucas watched Klaus with a confused expression, processing the boy's words. "Klaus Park? Oh, I get it...you're not using your nickname." He said and let out a small smile and shook his head slightly.
Klaus frowned and a series of questions passed through his mind during these seconds.
'Nickname? What is he referring to? Anyway, Andrew is with me now, I can't ask him about it, so I'll just smile and nod.' Klaus made sure to do exactly what he had in mind to keep this information a secret.
Lucas understood Klaus' response and proceeded naturally so as not to create a friction with him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Klaus. I know you and your friend are from the archery department, but we are hearing a lot about you on campus and we were curious. I'm happy to personally meet the talent behind so many rumors. And you, who are you?" He inquired, looking at Andrew.
"I'm Andrew A. McClelland, also from the archery department. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lucas."
Lucas extended his hand to greet Andrew, his friendly smile lingering on his face. "The pleasure is mine, Andrew. I'm happy to meet another talent from the archery department."
Klaus seized the moment to join the conversation, recovering quickly from his brief mental war of trying to figure out why Lucas had mentioned nickname.
"We are trying our hardest to represent our department to the best of our ability at the tournament, and I see that you are as well. So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Lucas smiled, satisfied with Klaus' question. "I talked to the department coordinator about you, Klaus. And we agreed that a talent like yours would be essential to draw attention to our department during the competition, not to mention your already known prowess. We believe you have latent potential that just needs a push."
Klaus listened carefully to the initial proposal. "Yes, I believe that too, but I am already very busy with the Archery Department."
"I fully understand. That being the case, you would have to have extra motivation to also compete and practice fencing, wouldn't you? Well, the coordinator and I have talked it over and agreed that you will keep the prize money for all the competition modes you participate in."
Lucas smiled with his lips closed. "Why don't you follow me? I'll show you in the hologram room."
Lucas led Klaus and Andrew to a large hologram room ahead, where the department's large fencing training sessions were held. As they entered, the atmosphere changed completely. The white walls were covered with CGI-like stippling, and with a hand gesture Lucas activated the holographic system. The door and window disappeared, and the scenery began to materialize around them. Suddenly they were in an open field, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze caressing their skin. This was incredible.
Lucas raised his right hand and lowered it, making a few icons appear in full. "Each of these icons equals one of the modes we have, and they are: Individual Duel, Team Battle, and Tactical Challenges. Each of them requires different skills, strategies and knowledge. For example, in Individual Dueling knowledge in kendo is a valuable one, but in team not so much."
He then clicked on the Individual Dueling icon and began to mimic the basic moves of the area that appeared before them. He advanced and retreated with agility, showing his expertise with useful stances to block and counter with millimeter precision. Each blow was executed with impressive fluidity, revealing his complete mastery of this area.
Klaus watched in awe, immersed in Lucas' demonstration, while Andrew was more in awe of the scenery around him, because he could hardly tell he was inside a room inside a building and not in a verdant field.
The energy Lucas transmitted in every movement, the passion present in his gaze, all reinforced the reasons for him to be the leader of this department.
After the demonstration of the Individual Duel, Lucas moved on to the Team Battle. He explained the importance of communication and synchrony between team members with some holographic artificial intelligence dolls, as well as the strategy involved in cooperative combat. He then simulated a duo battle incorporating coordinated moves with an imaginary holographic partner, but this would not be an area covered in the tournament.
Finally, Lucas addressed the Tactical Challenges, which featured complex and unpredictable scenarios. He pointed out that these challenges required not only skill with the sword, but also strategic thinking and the ability to adapt quickly.
As Lucas explained each modality, Klaus visualized himself facing the challenges, strategizing.
The hologram room had become a world of possibilities, where fencing was mixed with the excitement of the impending tournament.
Lucas, pleased to see the motivation shining in Klaus' eyes, knew that he had awakened in him the desire to reach his full potential. He believed in his talent and dedication and was determined to help him become a true fencer. However, first he had to test it first hand to see if comments he had seen and heard about Klaus were really true.
"Klaus, you seem excited to me. Do you want to test your skills against mine? I promise I won't use too advanced moves." Lucas proposed.
Klaus looked at Lucas, surprised by the invitation. Adrenaline coursed through his body as the idea of facing the leader of the fencing department took shape in his mind. It was a unique opportunity to test his skills.
With a determined smile, Klaus accepted the challenge. "Of course, Lucas! It would be an honor to test my skills against you. I'm ready."
Andrew, who was watching the interaction with a mixture of anxiety and admiration, was intrigued by the proposal. He knew Klaus was a remarkable physical talent, but taking on the leader of the department himself was absurd for someone who had never even touched a sword, or at least that's what Andrew imagined.