[Soldier]

Stephan walked around Aran, correcting his stance, grip, and thrusts as he went. After he was satisfied as to the young boy’s competence, he began the next drill. “Now we will learn the slash.” He took out his dagger and held it, blade up, the standard stance. “Thrust the blade forward, then down to one side. Don't go too far or you will not be able to recover in time. Turn the blade toward your opponent, and cut up as you bring the blade back to your starting position. The idea is to make two rapid cutting motions, one going down and one coming back up. Now practice.” Just as before, he walked around his student as he called out “SLASH! TURN! BACKSLASH! RECOVER! SLASH! TURN! BACKSLASH! RECOVER!”