Chapter 76: Tactical Combat Training (I)
Arnold didn't know whether to laugh or cry after the system made that statement. At the same time, he was mad, going crazy...
He was confused, too, having to think that the system was only doing him "good."
"I... I don't..."
[You have to begin the training now!]
The system didn't give Arnold a space to speak, knowing what the youngster had in mind. He knew that he had been ruled by friendship emotions, and he couldn't just let that happen...
"Do you even have feelings?" Arnold just couldn't help but ask after that command from the system. "I guess, no. It's clear that you are just like an AI."
Arnold had a grim look on his face.
[I'm not an AI... I am a system. They are two different things.]
"You kept acting like an AI. One who doesn't have social feelings or even understand its host. Those guys were my friends, yet you want me to give cold shoulders at them."
"They loved me and also want my success... Just like you do. So why should I do away with them?" Arnold then glared.
[Because, they aren't ready to do what it takes to be an ally to the Pro Wrestling System's host. They need to be as ambitious, willing, and fearless as you are. With that, there would be no distractions as you all would be relentless fighters.]
Arnold wanted to make another statement but stopped. Actually, he had entirely nothing to say at that instant...
The system's last statement had clearly made him hesitate.
"Be ready? They are fighters after all!"
[Not fighters enough. Not wrestlers capable enough. Check deep in your heart, you know this. They are too weak to your eyes, too unconfident to be motivated, too scared to take high-rewarding risks.]
[They are not Max Fury's match.]
"But... But, I can't afford to lose them. They have been good friends in other aspects. I need to keep them as my friends at all costs!" Arnold suddenly found it hard to let go.
[It's your choice to make. Stay away, or show them the way. If they are ready for hardcore training and practicing, then they should be good enough to be around you.]
Arnold's face turned bright from darkness at that time, hearing what the system said. He actually knew Mark and Lila had a strong urge to improve, but their willpower was just too weak... Extremely frail.
"Alright... I would persuade them. But I would make sure not to expose you," Arnold smiled and said.
[It wouldn't be a secret forever... But I definitely shouldn't be disclosed for now... Until the Arrival.]
"What? What Arrival?" Arnold furrowed his brows curiously and asked.
[Something you wouldn't need to know at this stage. Please, commence the tactical combat training, Max Fury.]
Although the system didn't give a reply, Arnold's mind had flown to different thinking dimensions. He was shocked and, at the same time, extremely confused... Yet curious.
He guessed this Arrival stuff would have a connection, somehow, to the Anonymous Skills, but at the same time, he thought perhaps the Arrival might just be a strange wrestling power that would be granted to him one day.
Maybe, on that day when the system would leave him.
Arnold had several thoughts; however, nothing seemed to have been making sense to him. He judged that he was only guessing too much, and decided to keep that case aside...
In a few minutes, his tactical combat training began.
The system began its guide.
[First Practice: Sneak Attack.]
[The Sneak Attack is mostly important and used at the very beginning of a match. This was when a wrestler found his way to the back of his opponent, pinning him with a submission or a tight hold. This helps to exhaust and frustrate the opponent, giving the attack an upper hand in the match.]
"I think I have been good at sneak attacks," Arnold tried to boast.
[You are still a learner in sneak attacks, host. I will rank that sneak attack you made against Jerry Blaze an "E" if I were to.]
"E? Well, that isn't entirely bad," Arnold couldn't help but smirk.
[Well, let's begin the Sneak Attack training.]
Arnold stepped into the ring, facing a forged humanoid structure in the middle. Thanks to the advancing technology in the world, Grindhouse Wrestling had made it possible for these structures to move as if like actual opponents, launching attacks and diving to make a wrestler's practice reasonable.
Although they wouldn't harm, it was a robotic structure that had control remotes.
Arnold approached the forged humanoid structure in the middle of the ring and commenced the training right after.
The system ordered Arnold to make the humanoid structure attempt a punch and told him to dodge, sneak away, and make a tight grip at the back. Just in a matter of... One second!
Yeah, the system must be appearing strict, but that was the only way. There were cases when sneak attackers were being caught before a successful attack...
Arnold needed to be fast... Fast enough not to get caught sneaking at any time.
With the help of his advanced Agility, well, it didn't seem like the difficulty was going to be as high as that of a normal wrestler... A weak wrestler to be exact.
Just as Arnold caused the humanoid structure to launch a punch from the control button, its right arms were activated immediately, and before Arnold could know it, it thrust his arms towards Arnold's face, causing his mouth to broaden.
'WHOA!'
If not for his great Agility level, he could have gotten punched by the humanoid structure... He was glad that he had a good reaction speed, which had just saved his face.
[You should be always attentive. Wrestle it like you are in an actual match!]
The system said from behind.
At that time, Arnold already sneaked like a snake through the side of the forged humanoid structure, holding its waist so tightly right after. Although there was a slight hardness in its body, it wasn't bad compared to an actual human body anyway.
After this first move, Arnold waited for the system analysis, only to be stunned away.
[Three seconds. Try again.]
[This is a very easy task... Yet this poor focus and speed?]
Arnold just couldn't help but swallow his saliva... Repeatedly.