The Dark Rebirth of Pandora: Revenge of the Abyss

Chapter 27: Learning Fencing Technique

”Letʼs start with the origin of this fencing. This fencing was one that I learned 3,000 years ago. It belonged to a hero from that time. After being captured, I became interested in his fencing and, through torture and magic, he taught me the art completely.”

”What caught my attention about this fencing is that it is not too complex, has high lethality, and is efficient. While it may not be as powerful as some other fencing techniques I have, it is still quite useful.”

”The long sword combat technique, known as the ʼKunst des Fechtensʼ, originated mainly in the Germanic region of Europe during the Middle Ages, especially in a place called Germany, according to the hero.”

”However, I donʼt find the other worldʼs history relevant, so all we need to know is that the name of the technique is Kunst des Fechtens.”

A fencing technique from my world seems interesting in a way.

”First, Iʼll talk about it. This technique has 17 main movements known as Hauptstücke and has some variations. I will start by listing the techniques and their variants.”

”I will only say it once, and you must memorize everything. After I list the techniques, I will ask you what I mentioned. If you canʼt recall them all, I will break your arms as punishment.”

ʼDamn it!ʼ Now itʼs confirmed one day, Iʼll beat up Thalor in a friendly duel. Iʼll first prevent him from speaking so he canʼt give up, then Iʼll beat him up badly.

”Understood, Commander.” I focus as much as I can. I must memorize everything, even though my pain is reduced, it is still pain. I donʼt want my arms broken.

”The 17 main techniques are...”

1.Zornhau (Wrath Strike)

Description: A powerful diagonal strike, typically the first attack in a confrontation.

Application: Used to test or break the opponentʼs defense, the Zornhau creates an opening for follow-up attacks. Strength and speed are essential, allowing the fighter to initiate action and set the pace.

2.Krumphau (Crooked Strike)

Description: A strike executed with a tilted blade.

Application: Effective for deflecting the opponentʼs attacks or engaging their blade, the Krumphau can target vulnerable areas like hands or head while protecting against an incoming strike.

3.Zwerchau (Cross Strike)

Description: A horizontal strike aimed at the head or shoulders.

Application: The Zwerchau is used to redirect downward attacks, allowing the fighter to capitalize on openings in the opponentʼs defense. Itʼs useful for creating quick attack combinations.

4.Scheitelhau (Parting Strike)

Description: A vertical downward strike.

Application: Executed with force, the Scheitelhau is designed to split the opponentʼs defense or create space in their guard. It can target the top of the head directly or force a defensive response.

5.Schielhau (Squinting Strike)

Description: A strike that uses a misleading angle.

Application: The intent of the Schielhau is to confuse the opponent, often leading them to believe the attack is coming from a different direction. This allows for a direct strike at their defenses, exploiting hesitation.

6.Winden (Winding)

Description: A technique for redirecting the blade during close combat.

Application: Winden allows the fighter to maintain control under pressure, enabling both offense and defense from various positions. Itʼs essential for adapting to the opponentʼs actions.

7.Abnehmen (Disengaging)

Description: A retreat technique to set up a counterattack.

Application: By retreating, the fighter can deflect an attack while preparing to counter. This technique is useful for maintaining initiative without overexposing oneself.

8.Durchwechseln (Changing Through)

Description: An evasion technique that involves lowering the blade.

Application: Used to reposition and avoid the opponentʼs blade, Durchwechseln enables the fighter to change the line of attack and find a new opportunity to strike.

9.Nachreisen (Following)

Description: A strike or movement that follows the opponent.

Application: When the opponent retreats, Nachreisen allows the fighter to follow and strike, maintaining pressure. Itʼs a technique for controlling distance and pace in the fight.

10.Hängen (Hanging)

Description: A defensive maneuver with the sword held high.

Application: Hängen is used to block attacks and set up counterattacks. The swordʼs position allows for a quick response to attacks from different directions.

11.Absetzen (Setting Aside)

Description: A technique that combines defense and attack simultaneously.

Application: By deflecting the opponentʼs blade, the fighter can attack at the same time. This technique is effective for interrupting the opponentʼs initiative and creating an opening.

12.Mutieren (Mutating)

Description: A rapid shift in angle or position.

Application: This allows the fighter to adapt their approach in response to changes in the opponentʼs action. Mutieren is useful for surprising the opponent and avoiding their attacks.

13.Duplieren (Doubling)

Description: A technique aimed at doubling the force of the strike.

Application: Used to break through stronger defenses, Duplieren is a powerful approach that can be applied in combination with other techniques.

14.Ringen am Schwert (Wrestling with the Sword)

Description: A grappling technique with the sword.

Application: It includes pushes and leverage, enabling close-quarters combat. This technique is crucial when distance is limited, making the sword an extension of the body.

15.Durchbrechen (Breaking Through)

Description: A technique aimed at disrupting the opponentʼs defense.

Application: Focused on forcing an opening in the opponentʼs guard, Durchbrechen is an aggressive technique that seeks to destabilize their defense.

16.Indes (In the Moment)

Description: A concept of reacting instantly.

Application: Involves maintaining control over timing and distance, allowing the fighter to respond quickly to the opponentʼs actions, whether for attack or defense.

17.Fühlen (Feeling)

Description: The concept of sensing the opponentʼs blade pressure.

Application: This technique allows the fighter to feel the strength and direction of the opponentʼs attack, helping to determine the best response, whether defensive or offensive.

These are the main techniques; now, the initial stance you should use is...

Vom Tag Stance

Sword Position:

The sword is held high at a diagonal angle, with the tip pointed toward the opponent, generally at eye level or slightly above. This allows quick access to various strikes and makes defense easier.

Feet:

The feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other (typically the dominant foot). The stance should be stable, allowing for quick and effective movements.

Body:

The body should lean slightly forward, with relaxed knees ready for movement. This helps with mobility and quick responses to attacks.

Hands and Grip:

The dominant hand grips the sword firmly, while the other hand can rest on the guard, ready to assist in defense or grappling techniques.

Head and Eyes:

The head should be upright, with eyes fixed on the opponent. Keeping the head up allows for a clear view of the action and helps anticipate the opponentʼs moves.

Advantages of the Vom Tag Stance

Readiness:

Being in an attack-ready position allows the fighter to quickly react to any movement from the opponent.

Versatility:

This stance facilitates the execution of various techniques, including cuts, thrusts, and defenses.

Control:

By keeping the sword elevated and at an angle, the fighter can control the center of the fight, making it harder for the opponent to launch an attack.

This stance is an essential foundation for practicing this type of swordsmanship, offering an excellent blend of defense and offense, allowing the practitioner to quickly adapt to the dynamics of combat.

”Now I will discuss with you the variations...”

1.Zornhau

Zornhau with follow-up using Winden: After executing the Zornhau, the practitioner can use Winden to rotate their blade around the opponentʼs sword, seeking control and strength to set up a follow-up strike or neutralize the opponentʼs defense. This technique enables a smooth transition between offense and control.

Zornhau with subsequent attack (e.g., Zwerchau): After the Zornhau, the fighter can immediately follow up with a Zwerchau, maintaining pressure and exploiting the opponentʼs vulnerability. This quick sequence can destabilize the opponentʼs defense, making it hard for them to react.

2.Krumphau

Krumphau at different angles: Varying the height of the Krumphau allows the fighter to target unprotected areas, such as the head or hands. This flexibility is useful for exploiting weaknesses in the opponentʼs guard, catching them off guard with unexpected attacks.

Krumphau followed by Abnehmen: After deflecting the opponentʼs blade with a Krumphau, the practitioner can step back and prepare for a direct attack. This combination enables the fighter to deflect an attack and then exploit the opening created for an effective counter.

3.Zwerchau

Zwerchau at different levels: The Zwerchau can be directed at various parts of the body, such as the head, shoulders, or torso. This not only confuses the opponent but also forces them to adapt to different attack heights, which can lead to defensive errors.

Zwerchau combined with Scheitelhau: After a Zwerchau, a vertical strike with Scheitelhau can be executed. This sequence increases pressure and forces the opponent to defend in multiple directions, creating opportunities for additional strikes.

4.Scheitelhau

Scheitelhau with varied entry angles: Altering the angle of the strike allows the fighter to target vulnerable areas like the head or shoulders while adapting to the opponentʼs position. This keeps the technique versatile and unpredictable.

Scheitelhau as a counterattack: Using the Scheitelhau in response to a vertical attack from the opponent is effective for neutralizing the strike and opening up the opponentʼs defense. This counter technique is crucial for maintaining the initiative in combat.

5.Schielhau

Schielhau for deception: Using Schielhau to create an angle that appears to be a direct attack can confuse the opponent. This feint can open up the opponentʼs defense, allowing the fighter to exploit their uncertainty.

Using Schielhau to deflect blades: The Schielhau can be used to deflect the opponentʼs blade, creating an opportunity for a follow-up strike. This technique not only protects but also allows for an active response.

6.Winden

Winden in different positions: Changing the position of the blade during Winden enables the fighter to seek control in pressure situations, helping to dominate the center of the fight and set up strikes.

Winden followed by a direct strike: After Winden, a direct strike can be executed quickly, surprising the opponent. This sequence increases the aggressiveness and effectiveness of the attack.

7.Abnehmen

Abnehmen with distance variations: Adapting the technique according to the opponentʼs proximity allows for effective defense. This ensures the fighter is always ready for a counterattack, regardless of the distance.

Combinations of Abnehmen and Duplieren: Using Abnehmen to deflect an attack and then applying Duplieren is an effective strategy for breaking defenses. This combination allows the fighter to maintain pressure while exploiting the opening created.

8.Durchwechseln

Durchwechseln at different heights: Lowering the blade to avoid high attacks or repositioning to a safer attack line is crucial in defensive situations. This adaptability allows the fighter to maintain control.

Using Durchwechseln in grappling situations: In a clinch, Durchwechseln can help to escape and reposition for an attack. This technique is essential for maintaining the initiative in close combat.

9.Nachreisen

Nachreisen variants to follow specific opponent movements: Tracking the opponentʼs movement as they retreat is essential for maintaining pressure. This technique allows the fighter to capitalize on the opponentʼs mistakes.

Combining with other techniques for control: Integrating Nachreisen with other strikes, such as Zornhau or Zwerchau, can increase pressure on the opponent, making defense difficult.

10.Hängen

Hängen in different postures: Varying the defensive position of the sword allows the fighter to block different types of attacks, preparing for an effective counter. This flexibility is essential for defense.

Using Hängen to counter direct attacks: Using Hängen to deflect an attack and counter quickly maximizes both defensive and offensive efficiency.

11.Absetzen

Absetzen combined with follow-up attacks: After deflecting a strike, following up with an immediate attack keeps pressure on the opponent, forcing them to react. This technique is effective for creating a fast-paced rhythm in combat.

Variations in response to different attack types: Adapting Absetzen to various attack styles allows the fighter to maintain a solid defense while seeking attack opportunities.

12.Mutieren

Mutieren at different attack angles: Altering the direction of the attack in response to the opponentʼs position is crucial for maintaining initiative. This can confuse the opponent and open attack opportunities.

Using Mutieren to escape tough situations: Quickly changing angles can help avoid an imminent strike, allowing the fighter to regain control.

13.Duplieren

Duplieren with variations in force and angle: Adjusting the intensity of the strike based on the opponentʼs resistance is vital for breaking defenses. This adaptability makes the attack more effective.

Using in combination with Winden or Hängen: Integrating Duplieren into defensive or control maneuvers maximizes effectiveness and creates follow-up attack opportunities.

14.Ringen am Schwert

Grappling variations, such as pushes and shoves: Using the sword as an extension of the body in close combat enables effective strength techniques, leading to control over the opponent.

Integrating Ringen movements with sword attacks: Alternating between grappling and sword attacks confuses the opponent, creating a tactical advantage.

15.Durchbrechen

Durchbrechen in combination with other strikes: After breaking the defense, following up with an immediate strike capitalizes on the opening. This sequence increases aggression and pressure on the opponent.

Using Durchbrechen to break specific defenses: Applying the technique to known weak points in the opponentʼs defense can be decisive for victory.

16.Indes

Indes variants for different combat situations: Instantly reacting to the opponentʼs actions and adapting the technique to the context is vital for combat effectiveness. This allows the fighter to stay one step ahead.

Quick reactions adapted to the opponentʼs style: Adjusting responses based on the opponentʼs behavior is crucial for maintaining control and initiative.

17.Fühlen

Variations in sensing pressure during combat: Learning to feel the intensity of the opponentʼs blade pressure allows for quick and precise decisions, improving defensive and offensive effectiveness.

Integrating Fühlen into other defensive techniques: Using the sense of touch to determine the exact moment to attack or defend is an essential skill for a fighter.

”So, thatʼs the end of my explanation on the 17 main techniques and their variations... now, recite them all to me.”

”Y-Yes, Commander, th-they are... th-they... are...”

ʼIʼm so screwed.ʼ

That day, he broke my arms three times because I took three tries to memorize them. The maids who heard my screams will never forget it. But one thing I do know... when I get stronger, Iʼll beat Thalor using this technique he taught me, and Iʼll do it in a way thatʼll make him wish he was never born.