Leon recalled a lesson from El-Cid not long ago.0

—The first strike is the most important.0

In the chained secret technique of four strikes, the first blow was the anchor of everything, the pivot that set all else in motion. In the deep application technique of Alkaid, Piercing Moon, “to pierce” meant exactly that: to drive through.0

—In martial arts, the word ‘pierce’ is used in many ways. To pierce through an enemy’s guard, to pierce through his movements, to pierce one step ahead. It applies across offense, suppression, and foresight alike.0

So, in this chained technique, what did “pierce” truly mean? Leon had been taught that thoroughly.0

Alkaid was the only thrust within the Grand Chariot. When enough willpower was added to a thrust focused into a single point, it became the technique best suited to break through walls. Leon had asked a follow-up question, and El-Cid’s answer had been something quite absurd.0

—What wall, you ask? Space itself.0

At first, Leon thought it was a joke. However, after relentless practice, he realized it wasn’t. Though that didn’t make it any easier to accomplish.0

It was...0