Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage

Chapter 108: The Four Pillars of Martial Arts

The discovery of martial arts was only the beginning. While individual practitioners managed to survive in a world ruled by mana and magic, their fragmented knowledge was not enough.

They needed unity, a way to refine their techniques and pass them on to future generations. Thus, the concept of the martial school was born.

Kyle narrowed his eyes and gave his maximum attention as he read this part. This was the major reason Dan had given this book to him after all.

At first, these schools were modest, the book continued. They were only gatherings of a few like-minded individuals practicing in secluded forests or mountains, driven by a singular goal—to create a legacy of mastery that would outlive them.

Each school was founded on an elemental principle, not just for strength, but as an interpretation of how one could engage with the world.

The book highlighted four main martial schools:

First on the list was the school most synonymous with sheer power and devastation—

The Radiant Inferno school was born from the fury of the elements: fire, lightning, and light.

Their techniques embodied raw destruction, and they were unparalleled in their offensive capabilities.

He knew that while the power of this school was tempting, it required relentless control and constant risk.

Kyle read the long text on its history and doctrines before coming to his conclusion. "Theirs is an art that does not simply strike—it obliterates."

Kyle felt drawn to this school already, maybe it was because of their strength, who knows? 'I can't choose yet until I'm done with reading,' Kyle decided before turning the book's page.

"Iron Earth," Kyle muttered the name of the next school.

As revealed by the name, this school was shaped by the twin elements of earth and metal.

Its foundation was rooted in defense and physical might. While the Radiant Inferno school sought to overwhelm, the Iron Earth school stood like a mountain, unshakable and formidable.

"Their philosophy," Marcus wrote, "Is that true power comes from endurance and control.

The body is a fortress, and every motion is a testament to unbreakable will.

The art of the Iron Earth teaches one to be unyielding, turning defense into offense at the perfect moment."

Kyle could see the appeal. Practitioners of this school were known to outlast their opponents, absorbing their attacks like a mountain weathering a storm, only to strike back with the force of an avalanche.

It was a school of grit, patience, and unmatched resilience.

"This is for those who don't mind a long fight," Kyle thought aloud, recognizing the similarities to his own way of wearing down opponents in battle. Yet, the thought of moving like an immovable statue, slow and powerful, wasn't quite his style.

He didn't put to much stress in that school and moved on to the next.

The Wind Chasers school embodied the air element. Their art was built on the principles of speed, agility, and dexterity. All practitioners of this school made it their goal to move like the wind.

"Speed is not just movement—it is awareness," the book continued. "The Wind Chasers School teaches its disciples to anticipate, react, and outmaneuver, turning every moment into an opportunity."

"This isn't... Bad," Kyle thought after reading some more on it, he could already imagine his way of fighting with some of the listed techniques.

Like before, he didn't make up his mind, deciding to finish up first. He continued reading into the last school highlighted by the book.

The Serene Wave school is a school of patience and grace, derived solely from water," the text began. "Where the other schools may rush or overpower, the Serene Wave school understands the value of pacing and waiting for the precise moment."

Kyle's eyes followed the description, tracing how the order's philosophy revolved around fluidity in both thought and movement.

.

"The path of the Serene Tide is one of control and inevitability. Every move flows into the next, like a river carving through stone. The practitioner does not seek to match an opponent's aggression but to guide it, like steering the currents.

Kyle sat back in his chair, absorbing the essence of this school. It wasn't about overpowering or overwhelming.

It was about being an unyielding current, constant and adaptable, slowly wearing down any resistance.

"So, slow and steady wins the race, huh?" Kyle murmured. The Serene Wave school reminded him of his own tendency to study and observe before acting.

There was something deeply appealing about using technique and strategy over raw power.

"That's all," Kyle sighed as he closed the book. He had managed to glimpse on the potential of martial arts and now the hurdle of choosing a school stumped him.

All the schools were each chose a unique style of combat and all of them were appealing in their own way.

The Radiant Inferno school called to those who thrived on power and domination, warriors who needed to strike first and strike hard.

The Iron Earth school was for the resolute, those willing to become an unyielding wall before unleashing a devastating counter.

The Wind Chasers school captured the essence of motion, speed, and precision, perfect for those who trusted their agility.

And the Serene Wave school... it was a path of patience, calmness, and directing the flow of battle.

Kyle opened the book once more and skimmed through the rest of it, noting chapters on martial techniques and applications. Read latest chapters at mvl

They were impressive but felt less relevant right now. He leaned back in the chair, letting out a deep sigh as he stared up at the sun, which had risen higher in the sky.

The morning air was very quiet and that helped him to think more clearly.

He'd admired the power of the Radiant Inferno, marveled at the fortitude of the Iron Earth, envied the speed of the Wind Chasers, and respected the unassuming might of the Serene Tide.

Kyle took another breath and ran his hand over the rough cover of the book. "What school do I embark on now?"