Reborn as the Last van Ambrose
Chapter 246: Illusion Magic

Chapter 246: Illusion Magic

The training grounds were located in a natural amphitheater carved into a hillside overlooking Pearl City.

Unlike human military facilities, this space felt more like an extension of the surrounding forest than a constructed arena.

Trees formed natural barriers around practice areas, while streams provided both water and soothing background noise.

Grim arrived at dawn to find two dozen fox spirits already engaged in various training exercises. Most appeared young—three or four tails each—but their movements displayed a fluidity and grace that spoke to years of dedicated practice.

"Lord Ambrose," called a fox spirit with five tails who seemed to be overseeing the session. "I’m Commander Liú. Princess Ruxi mentioned you were interested in observing our combat methods."

"Thank you for including me," Grim replied. "I’m eager to learn how your people approach martial training."

"Very differently from humans, I suspect," Liú said with obvious amusement. "We emphasize misdirection rather than direct force. Would you like to demonstrate your own techniques first?"

The suggestion was clearly intended to gauge his capabilities before allowing him to participate in their exercises. Grim nodded and moved to the center of the nearest practice area.

"What would you like me to demonstrate?"

"Whatever you’re most comfortable with," Liú replied. "We’re curious about human fighting methods."

Grim drew his sword and began a standard training sequence—precise cuts, defensive positions, and flowing combinations that showcased both technique and conditioning.

The assembled fox spirits watched with obvious interest, occasionally murmuring comments about his form and approach.

"Impressive," Liú observed when Grim finished. "Your technique emphasizes directness and efficiency. Very human."

"Is that meant as a compliment or criticism?"

"Observation," Liú said diplomatically. "Our methods prioritize different values. Would you like to experience them firsthand?"

"Certainly."

Liú gestured to a young fox spirit with three tails. "Xiǎo Míng, please demonstrate our basic approach for Lord Ambrose."

The young fox spirit stepped forward, appearing almost delicate compared to Grim’s muscular build. When they began to spar, however, Grim immediately understood why fox spirit warriors were respected despite their generally smaller stature. _{free\we,bnovel.c o(m)}

Xiǎo Míng moved like flowing water, never meeting Grim’s attacks directly but redirecting them while simultaneously creating openings for counterstrikes. More unsettling were the brief moments when the young warrior seemed to flicker between multiple positions, making it difficult to track his exact location.

"Illusion magic integrated with combat techniques," Liú explained as Grim struggled to land a solid hit. "We don’t just fight with our bodies—we fight with perception and misdirection."

After several minutes of frustrating near-misses, Grim called a halt to the exercise.

"That’s remarkable," he admitted. "I could sense the illusions, but compensating for them while maintaining offensive pressure is extremely difficult."

"It takes years to master," Xiǎo Míng said with obvious pride. "But once learned, it allows smaller fighters to defeat much larger opponents."

"Could I learn such techniques?"

"The basic principles, perhaps," Liú replied carefully. "Though advanced applications require innate magical abilities that humans typically lack."

"What about contracts?" Grim asked. "Could magical contracts provide access to such abilities?"

"Theoretical," Liú admitted. "Though I’m unaware of any human who has successfully formed contracts for combat-specific illusion magic."

The limitation was frustrating but not unexpected.

"However," Liú continued, "you could certainly learn to counter such techniques more effectively. Understanding illusion magic makes it easier to resist."

"I’d appreciate any instruction you’re willing to provide."

For the next two hours, Grim worked with various fox spirit warriors, learning to identify the subtle signs that marked illusion magic and developing techniques for fighting opponents who didn’t always appear where they seemed to be.

The younger fox spirits proved enthusiastic teachers, eager to share their knowledge with someone who showed genuine respect for their methods.

Several commented that most humans dismissed illusion-based combat as "trickery" rather than recognizing it as sophisticated martial science.

"You adapt quickly," observed a fox spirit named Yún, who possessed four tails and specialized in fire-enhanced illusions. "Most outsiders become frustrated when their direct approaches prove ineffective."

"Frustration is counterproductive," Grim replied, dodging a strike that seemed to come from three different directions simultaneously. "If your methods work, I want to understand why."

"Good attitude," Yún agreed. "Though I should warn you—not everyone will appreciate your willingness to learn our techniques."

"What do you mean?"

"Some believe that combat knowledge should remain within our people," Yún explained carefully. "They view teaching outsiders as potentially dangerous."

Before Grim could respond, a commotion near the training ground’s entrance drew everyone’s attention. Xùyán had arrived, accompanied by several fox spirits who carried themselves with obvious martial competence.

"Commander Liú," Xùyán called out, his voice carrying across the amphitheater. "I understand you’ve been providing instruction to our distinguished guest."

"Lord Ambrose has been learning about our combat methods," Liú replied diplomatically.

"How generous of you," Xùyán observed, his tone suggesting disapproval. "Though I wonder if such knowledge is being shared appropriately."

The implied criticism wasn’t lost on anyone present. Xùyán was questioning whether a foreign human should be granted access to fox spirit military techniques.

"Lord Ambrose has shown nothing but respect for our traditions," Xiǎo Míng said boldly, clearly annoyed by Xùyán’s implication.

"I’m certain he has," Xùyán agreed with a smile that held no warmth. "Though respect and understanding are different things entirely."

"Perhaps you’d care to elaborate?" Grim asked, recognizing another of Xùyán’s subtle challenges.

"Simply that true appreciation for our combat methods requires more than intellectual curiosity," Xùyán replied. "It requires spiritual connection to the principles that guide them."

"And you don’t believe I possess such connection?"

"I believe that remains to be demonstrated," Xùyán said smoothly.

The atmosphere in the training ground had shifted from educational to confrontational.

The younger fox spirits looked between Grim and Xùyán with obvious tension, while Commander Liú appeared uncomfortable with the political undercurrents affecting his training session.

"Perhaps," Grim said carefully, "you could suggest an appropriate demonstration?"

"Perhaps I could," Xùyán agreed, his eyes glittering with anticipation.

A formal challenge then," Xùyán announced, his voice carrying clearly across the training ground. "Lord Ambrose against myself, to demonstrate whether his understanding of our methods extends beyond mere observation."

Murmurs rippled through the assembled fox spirits. A formal challenge carried significant weight—it wasn’t simply a training exercise, but a test of capability and character that would be discussed throughout the court.

"Xùyán," Commander Liú said carefully, "perhaps such formality isn’t necessary—"

"On the contrary," Xùyán interrupted smoothly. "Lord Ambrose has expressed interest in our combat methods. What better way to test his comprehension than practical application?"

Grim understood the trap being set. Refusing would suggest cowardice or lack of confidence, while accepting would put him at severe disadvantage against an opponent who possessed magical abilities he couldn’t match.

"I accept," he said simply.

"Excellent," Xùyán replied with obvious satisfaction. "Standard rules—combat continues until one participant yields or is rendered unable to continue."

"And weapons?" Grim asked.

"Whatever you prefer," Xùyán said dismissively. "Though I should mention that I typically fight without such accessories."

"Oh, hand to hand combat. With your smaller body maybe it hurts to carry such a large weapon? I can why you don’t use something that would only become a part of yourself."

Veins started to pop out of Xùyán forehead. "Oh no, I just dont need a weapon to defeat you."