"Alright, Pyro," Hunnt said, voice calm but firm. "You've seen me do it. Tekkai is about making your body as solid as iron. It's not just tensing your muscles—it's control, precision, and timing. Understand?"
Pyro flicked his tail, determination blazing in his gaze.
"Nyaah. I understand, Master. Make body… like iron. Easy, nyaah."
Hunnt raised an eyebrow, a faint smile curling at the edge of his lips. "It's not that easy. You'll see soon enough."
---
At first, Pyro's progress was slow and frustrating.
Every strike from his Master was a reminder of how far he still had to go. Hunnt would strike—controlled but firm—with a wooden staff, testing Pyro's stance.
"Brace," Hunnt instructed. "Don't just tense—lock your body at the moment of impact. You are the shield."
Iron, nyaah. I am iron, Pyro thought, closing his eyes. But when the strike landed, his body would give, sending him skidding across the dirt.
"Again," Hunnt said, steady as ever, stepping forward to help him up.
"Yes, Master… again," Pyro growled softly, shaking the dirt from his fur and resetting his stance.
---
Days blurred into weeks, and the clearing became their forge of discipline.
Whack!
Pyro stumbled, gritting his teeth.
Thud!
He rolled across the ground, coughing but refusing to quit.
Each time, his Master corrected him. "Too stiff. Flow first, then lock. Timing, Pyro. It's all timing."
"Nyaah… easy for you to say, Master," Pyro muttered through clenched teeth. "I'm smaller… but I'll get it, nyaah."
Hunnt crouched slightly, smirking. "Size doesn't matter. With speed and focus, you'll make this technique yours."
---
By the end of the first month, Pyro could withstand light strikes without toppling over. His fur was often slick with sweat, his body sore and bruised, but his eyes never dimmed.
By the second month, things began to shift. His body reacted faster, his muscles locking at the right moment. Hunnt's corrections came naturally now, his instructions flowing like instinct, guiding Pyro with seamless precision.
"You're close," Hunnt said one evening, the orange glow of sunset painting the clearing. "One more step. Don't think about blocking—become the shield."
---
The breakthrough came during the third month.
Pyro crouched low, claws digging into the dirt as his Master advanced, wooden staff raised. There was no hesitation in his golden eyes now—only sharp, unwavering focus.
I am iron. Unmoving. Unbreakable. Nyaah!!.
Whack!
The staff connected with a muted, metallic clang, and for the first time, Pyro did not move. His body held steady, rigid like tempered steel.
Hunnt's eyes flickered with pride as Pyro stood unshaken, breath steady.
Then, finally, Pyro exhaled, tail flicking upward with pride.
"Nyaah… I did it, Master. I… did it."
Hunnt allowed a grin to break across his face, stepping forward to tap Pyro's head. "Yeah. You've got Tekkai now—at least the basics. From here, it's about refinement."
Pyro puffed his chest, though his small frame trembled from the strain. "Stronger, Master… I'll make it stronger, nyaah."
Hunnt smirked. "Then we'll train until you do."
---
That night, they sat by the fire. Hunnt sharpened his wooden practice sticks while Pyro carefully cleaned his Sword and Shield. The soft crackle of flames filled the quiet between them.
After a moment, Pyro spoke, voice low but firm.
"Master… thank you. For everything. I… I'll get even stronger."
Hunnt looked up, slightly surprised but smiling warmly. "You already are, Pyro. Just keep moving forward."
Pyro purred softly, his tail swishing lazily as he stared into the firelight.
"Nyaah… always, Master."