Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 136 The Path of the Knight - Training

Halfway through the banquet, when the noise was at its peak, people realized that the most boisterous and boisterous Duke of Storm's End, Robert Baratheon, had already quietly left the table with several graceful and smiling ladies, and had disappeared without a trace.

Euron and Brienne, who should have been the main characters at the banquet, also left the banquet hall and went to the beach.

Moonlight poured down like mercury onto the tranquil beaches of Tasmania, the soft white sand rustling underfoot, accompanied by the gentle sound of the waves, creating a perfect training ground.

Euron and Brienne stood facing each other, their training swords gleaming faintly in the cool moonlight.

Brienne took a deep breath, gripped her sword hilt tightly, and assumed a standard knight's starting stance. Her swordsmanship immediately displayed its distinctive characteristics: wide, sweeping strokes, and a solid foundation.

Each strike was powerful and heavy, accompanied by a whistling sound, demonstrating her astonishing strength far beyond that of her peers; her defensive stance was also extremely steady and orthodox, with the sword always able to block in time in front of vital points, showing that she had received quite systematic training, emphasizing the integration of offense and defense, like a slowly moving but unshakeable tower shield.

However, her flaws are equally apparent. Her excessive pursuit of power and precision results in disjointed transitions between moves, lacking flexibility and agility. Especially against opponents like Euron, she struggles to respond to swift attacks and adapt her tactics. After a horizontal slash, her ribs are briefly exposed; after a powerful upward block, her lower body lacks timely follow-up protection.

Her fighting style is more like executing a pre-set program than engaging in a dynamic game of strategy with her opponent.

After their swords made contact, Euron activated his skill: Power Test Iv1—Brenne's personal attributes were then displayed before Euron.

Brienne Tuss (273AC)

Strength: 15 (10)

Agility: 6 (10)

Stamina: 10 (10)

Spirit: 8 (10)

Command: 6 (10)

Charisma: 3 (10)

At the age of eight, her strength has reached 15 points. No wonder even the Hound, Jaime, and Loras Tyrell will not be her match in the future.

Euron did not confront her with force. His response fully demonstrated his experience and talent. His footwork was light, like a cheetah circling a giant tree, always managing to avoid Brienne's strongest attacks head-on.

He rarely parries hard; instead, he uses precise deflection and traction, gently guiding Brienne's powerful strikes with the spine of his sword, causing her to waste her energy.

Euron's victory stemmed from his exceptional observation and timing. After patiently maneuvering for several rounds, he astutely spotted the fleeting opening in Brienne's center after her final, powerful vertical slash. Euron's body instantly shifted from stillness to motion; without any unnecessary movements, his blunt sword pierced straight through like lightning, the tip stopping precisely an inch in front of Brienne's breastplate—a flawless demonstration of a single, decisive blow.

Brienne stared at the tip of the sword before her chest, momentarily stunned, then lowered her hand with a mixture of resentment and resignation. The frustration of defeat was quickly replaced by a burning desire to become stronger in her azure eyes.

At the same time, Euron clearly heard the system notification in his mind—for this guiding victory, he gained [Defeated Brienne, gained 30 points].

After the contest, a gentle sea breeze caressed their slightly warm skin. Brienne was slightly out of breath, but her eyes were fixed on Euron, filled with a longing for guidance.

Euron planted his blunt sword in the sand, his tone calm yet cutting to the chase: "Your strength and basic defense are already very good, Brienne. You are as solid as rock. But to become a truly top-tier warrior, and not just a fortified fortress, you need to hone more."

Euron stepped forward and pointed out specifically, "The most important thing is your footwork." He drew several lines in the sand with his foot and said, "Your strength is rooted in the earth, but your feet seem nailed to the spot. Great power needs to be supported and unleashed through agile footwork. From tomorrow on, don't just swing your sword at wooden stakes. You need to practice quick movements, sudden stops, and changes of direction on the beach, on pebbly ground, and in smooth halls. Make your footwork as light and agile as a cheetah, yet as grounded and powerful as a battering ram. Remember, it is your footwork that carries your sword into battle, not the other way around."

"Secondly, pay attention to rhythm and feints," Euron continued. He demonstrated a simple thrust, then flicked his wrist with lightning speed, the sword tip instantly slicing in another direction. "Your attack intent is too obvious; every swing is delivered with full force, leaving no room for follow-up moves. It's like constantly shouting out your target; the enemy can easily predict your next move. You need to learn to incorporate feints, combining speed and slowness. A seemingly full-force slash can be a feint; the real killing blow is hidden in the subsequent light and swift thrust. Let your swordplay have breath and a heartbeat, making it unpredictable for the enemy."

"Finally, it's about observation and anticipation." He pointed to his eyes. "You're too focused on executing the standard movements in your mind," but you're not truly using your eyes to "read" your opponent. The slightest twitch of my shoulder, the slightest shift in my center of gravity, could indicate the direction of the next attack. You need to learn to catch these subtle signals, to anticipate your opponent's intentions before they even make a move, instead of scrambling to block when their sword is right in front of you. This isn't talent; it's an instinct that can be cultivated through countless practice sessions."

Euron concluded, "Strength is your shield and your hammer, that's good, keep it up. But now, you need to start equipping yourself with more dexterous wrists, faster legs, and eyes that can see through your enemies. When you combine these three with your strength, few will be able to defeat you easily."

Brienne listened intently, her blue eyes gleaming with understanding, as if every word Euron spoke had opened a new door for her. She nodded vigorously, imprinting these invaluable instructions deep into her mind.

"Thank you for your patient guidance!"

"It's a tradition. Like the Sword of the Morning - Arthur Dayne, like Ser Oswell Heaney and Ser Geralt Hightower, like Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, they all guided me in this way without reservation when I asked them for advice."

In the future, perhaps you will also pass on your experience to the next person who is worthy of your guidance.

Am I the one who deserves his guidance?

Brienne replied happily, "Yes, I definitely will!"

"It's still early, let's practice a few more times. Pay attention to your body movements."

"Yes, sir."

Behind a towering reef far from the beach, two tall figures stood like silent guardians, their gazes never leaving the two young people sparring on the beach.

"What a pity," Earl Selwyn Tass's voice was low, with a hint of barely perceptible regret. "Euron Greyjoy is already engaged, otherwise—given his strength and status in the Iron Islands, he would be a rare marriage prospect." His gaze was complex, admiring Euron's talent while secretly weighing his daughter's future.

Beside him, Coach Goodwin crossed his arms, and the veteran's assessment was more direct and professional: "That Iron Islands kid, Ki—"

His foundation was unbelievably solid, his swordsmanship cunning and ruthless, and even more remarkable was his unique insight. Every word he uttered in his guidance of Brienne was spot-on, the kind of wisdom that could only be gained through true life-or-death battles.

The two were talking at odds, each going off on their own.

A brief but clear laugh echoed from the beach, a result of Brienne's skillful parry. Earl Selwyn's expression softened, a hint of relief and感慨 crossing his perpetually serious face: "It's been a long time—since I've seen Brienne laugh and talk so naturally with someone, with such an expression."

Goodwin turned to his lord and old friend, a resolute look on his rugged face. "My lord," he said, "I may have had my doubts before. But today, looking into the light in that child's eyes—I think Miss Brienne might truly be able to forge that path no one else has yet trod." He paused, his tone becoming incredibly serious. "I intend to begin teaching her more than just foot combat swordsmanship starting tomorrow."

I will impart all my knowledge to her, teaching her horsemanship, how to handle a lance, how to charge and fight on horseback—everything a true knight should know.

Count Selwyn did not answer immediately. He simply watched his daughter's figure, wielding her sword in the moonlight, for a long time before nodding heavily. The sea breeze brought new hope and a determination to change.