Elias hopped off his horse and looked around. Old memories flooded his mind. He recognized this field as the home of the witches. The fog of the corrupted lands was gone, and it was as if the evil had yet to touch this place. A few small homes dotted the area. A stream passed through the middle of the small area. The water looked clean and clear.

Alice and Thompson got off their horses as a woman approached them. She seemed unfazed by their arrival and was ready to meet them. Her long hair was tied up in a bun and her posture was graceful.

“Welcome travelers. Hero and companions. I am the Matron and have waited for your arrival. Please come inside. My sisters will care for your horses while we discuss the future.”

“Do you have a way to help us?” asked Alice stepping forward.

“I will answer your questions inside. There is much for us to do while you are here, and this place still stands.”

“Still stands?” questioned Elias but the Matron only turned around and walked toward the nearest house. They followed her.

The trio entered the nearest house, their footsteps muffled by the woven straw mats covering the floor. The interior of the cottage was warm and inviting, adorned with colorful tapestries and shelves filled with various herbs, crystals, and mystical artifacts. The room exuded an aura of ancient wisdom and tranquility.

As they settled down on embroidered cushions, Alice couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Matron," she began, "we've heard tales of your mystical abilities, particularly the 'Sword Breath' technique. We've come seeking your guidance and power to combat the corruption that plagues our land."

The Matron nodded, her eyes filled with both sympathy and determination. "I understand the gravity of the situation, and I will help you, but it will not be an easy path. The 'Sword Breath' technique is a powerful and ancient magic, one that requires both physical and spiritual strength. Training in its ways takes time and dedication."

Thompson, always practical, inquired, "How long will it take? Our land is in grave danger, and we need to act swiftly."

The Matron regarded him with a wise gaze. "The time it takes to master the 'Sword Breath' technique varies from person to person, but I will teach you all I can. We will start with the basics and build your foundations. The true mastery of this art may come to you as you face the trials ahead."

Elias, who had been silent for most of their conversation, spoke up, "Matron, I’ve heard rumors that this place is protected from corruption, and it seems to still be active. How is that possible?"

The Matron's eyes softened as she gazed at Elias. "Our ancestors used their magic to create a protective barrier around this sanctuary, shielding it from the evil that plagues the continent. But even with our magic, we cannot extend this barrier beyond our village. Your quest to rid the land of corruption is a noble one, and we will support you in any way we can."

She turned to Alice. “It seems that you are meant to be the hero of our world. Come forward and I will see if you can indeed start on the path my ancestors paved.”

Alice, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination, took her place in front of the Matron. She knelt on the soft mat, her eyes locked with the Matron's, and the atmosphere in the room grew even more profound. The Matron raised her hand, her fingertips gently touching Alice's forehead. A surge of energy coursed through Alice's body as if the very essence of the cottage's ancient wisdom was flowing into her.

“The spirit energies that fuel the power flow easily through you. Look and latch onto that feeling. With it, you will be able to harness the power within you.” She released the continued flow of energy and looked at Alice, Thompson, and Elias in turn.

The Matron continued, "The 'Sword Breath' is not just a physical technique; it is an extension of your spirit. You must learn to feel the energy within you, the energy that flows through all living things. Once you connect with it, you can channel it through your body and into your weapon."

Alice focused on the Matron’s instructions willing the power to manifest itself once more in her body. She could feel the energy building within her, a warm, radiant force that seemed to surge from her core. It fluctuated and shivered unlike the smooth flow of power from the Matron. Behind her Thompson and Elias as waiting patiently.

The Matron smiled, recognizing the potential in Alice. "You have a strong connection to the energy, Alice. Now it is time to extend it beyond yourself and to your weapon. There is much more practice for you to go through.”

“Of course,” said Alice with a nod. Alice rose to her feet, her movements fluid and graceful. She drew her sword. Stepping forward she moved through the same techniques she had practiced with Elias for days. The Matron watched her silently and so did Elias. He watched the moves and imagined them in his mind. Each one he had practiced more times than he could count.

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Alice finished moving through another set of techniques and then paused. The Matron motioned for Elias to rise. He stood tall as she spoke. “Now that you have practiced alone I will have you practice with a changing variable. Your job now is to keep the flow to the sword steady while with Elias. It doesn’t have to be of the same strength right now but all that matters is stability. Thompson, why don’t you step out with me while they practice.”

Thompson rose as well and walked with the Matron out of the house. Elias and Alice were left alone to practice their sword techniques and Sword Breath. In the empty room, Elias and Alice faced each other, swords drawn. Their eyes locked, determination etched on their faces. The Matron's instructions were fresh in their minds, and the energy within them surged, eager to be harnessed.

Alice took a deep breath, focusing on the warm, radiant force building within her. She remembered the Matron's words: "The 'Sword Breath' is an extension of your spirit." With that thought in mind, she began to channel the energy into her sword. The blade began to shimmer with an ethereal glow, a manifestation of the power flowing through her.

Elias watched in awe as Alice's sword took on a mesmerizing, otherworldly quality. It was as if the weapon had come to life, responding to her every thought and movement. Elias had seen her potential from the beginning, but now he witnessed it firsthand. Her connection to the energy was undeniable. She felt it surging, then faltering, and she struggled to maintain its steady flow.

Elias, sensing Alice’s struggle, decided to help her. He lowered his sword and stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Alice, remember what the Matron said. It's about finding that connection within yourself. Focus on it, and the power will follow."

They resumed their sparring. The flow was still unsteady. The room echoed with the sounds of clashing blades and their synchronized breaths. Alice's movements were graceful and precise, her Sword Breath enhancing her every few strikes. Elias adjusted to her using the new power. He felt it each time their swords met. As they sparred, they lost track of time. Beads of sweat formed on their foreheads, and their bodies moved in a dance of skill and determination. It was a practice they had done for many hours along their journey, but this time was a bit different.

As Alice worked on stabilizing her power he could feel the energies swirling around the room. He tried to reach out to the power as she had done and as the Matron had explained. The feeling felt unfamiliar and strange, so he pulled back. Instead, he focused on his sword, what he did best. He anticipated Alice’s build-up of power. She resolidified her Sword Breath and struck at him with an attack more powerful than he had seen anyone deliver. The first time she did it the attack caught him off guard and she smiled. Now though he started to prepare himself and feel when she was about to attack with her full power during the spar.

He deflected the blows and the swords skidded off each other. Their sparring session continued each clash of their blades a testament to their growing mastery of the Sword Breath technique. Elias had become attuned to the rhythm of Alice's energy, and he could anticipate her most powerful strikes. As they sparred, they moved closer and closer to a harmonious dance, a blend of their skills and energies.

Alice's determination and focus were unwavering, and with Elias's guidance, her control over the Sword Breath technique improved. The ethereal glow around her sword became more stable and radiant, and with each strike, it cut through the air with precision and power.

Elias was equally impressive. His swift and precise movements allowed him to counter Alice's enhanced attacks with ease. Their connection was growing, not only as master and disciple but as friends who shared a common goal. They encouraged each other with nods and exchanged subtle smiles, even amid their intense sparring.

The intensity of their sparring continued to build, and the energy in the room seemed to thicken with each clash of their blades. It was as if the very air around them was charged with the Sword Breath. Their movements became more fluid and synchronized, as though they were two halves of a whole, their swords an extension of themselves. The room, once filled with the cacophony of clashing blades, now resonated with a harmonious rhythm, a testament to their growing mastery.

With a final, powerful strike, Alice sent Elias stumbling back. He regained his balance, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The room seemed to pulse with the remnants of energy. Elias could almost see the power in the air.

Alice smiled, her eyes shining with excitement. "I think we're getting the hang of this, Elias. The Sword Breath feels more stable and controlled now."

Elias nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. “You have done quite well. It took me a while to understand what you were doing with the Sword Breath. However, I could anticipate your strikes with much greater accuracy toward the end. Your unpredictability could be improved.”

“We will have to practice some more tomorrow. I need to be much better if I am to live up to the expectations and needs placed upon me.”

“There may be some work to do now but we have time. The witches and the Matron are here to help you learn how to wield their Sword Breath ability. It is late now. Let’s go see if they have some beds for us.”

As Elias and Alice exited the training room, they were welcomed by the cool embrace of the night. The moon hung in the sky like a silver lantern, casting an ethereal glow on the vast gardens of the Matron's estate. They followed a winding path lined with exotic, fragrant flowers until they reached a courtyard where the Matron awaited them.

"How did your training go?" she inquired with a serene smile.

Elias took a step forward and replied, "It went well, Matron. We made significant progress with the Sword Breath, and Alice's control has improved remarkably. But there's still much to learn."

Alice nodded in agreement. "Yes, there is much more to master. We appreciate your guidance and the opportunity to train here."

The Matron's smile deepened. "I'm pleased to hear of your progress. You've worked hard today, and I'm sure you must be hungry. Rooms have been prepared for you in the east wing, and Thompson is waiting there in preparation for his training tomorrow."

With gratitude in their hearts, Elias and Alice bowed to the Matron. "Thank you," Elias said, "We will head to our rooms and then join Thompson."

The Matron's eyes twinkled with kindness as she spoke, "Rest well, my young apprentices. Tomorrow, the journey of mastery continues. The secrets of the Sword Breath are within your reach."