The sun began its descent as Naino, Lin Feng, and Zatharios reached the foot of a majestic mountain. The weary travelers decided to seek respite in a nearby village and found themselves entering an inn called "The Silver Griffin." It was a quaint establishment with wooden beams and a cozy atmosphere, known for its warm hearth and delicious homemade pies.
As they entered the inn, the aroma of freshly baked bread and hearty stews filled the air. The innkeeper, a jovial woman with a warm smile, welcomed them and offered a table near the crackling fireplace. The inn was adorned with tapestries depicting ancient legends and tales of mystical creatures.
Sitting around the table, Naino laid out a weathered map of the country before them. The map displayed the sprawling cities, towns, and forests that stretched across the land. Naino pointed at three cities marked on the map: Astoria, Serendell, and Eldoria.
"All right, listen up," Naino began. "To reach the Witch Forest, we'll need to pass through these three cities. Astoria is a bustling trade hub known for its enchanting markets and skilled artisans. Serendell is a city of knowledge, housing a vast library that might hold valuable information about our quest. Lastly, Eldoria is a hidden city nestled within a dense forest, rumored to have ties to ancient magic."
Lin Feng leaned forward, studying the map intently. "Our first step will be Astoria. We can resupply there and gather any rumors or legends surrounding the Witch Forest. Additionally, we may stumble upon useful items or contacts that could aid us on our journey."
Zatharios nodded in agreement. "From Astoria, we should proceed to Serendell. Its library is renowned for its vast collection of books and scrolls. There, we can delve into the annals of history and lore, searching for any mention of the legendary treasure or the healing properties we seek."
Naino, feeling a surge of determination, chimed in, "Once we have gathered enough information, we'll head to Eldoria, then the Witch Forest. We must tread cautiously, for the forest is said to be guarded by mystical creatures and powerful enchantments."
The three companions engaged in a lively discussion, brainstorming the best approach for each city. They considered disguises, potential allies, and the skills they would need to navigate the challenges ahead. With each suggestion and idea, their plan took shape, intertwining their individual strengths to form a cohesive strategy.
As their plans solidified, mental exhaustion began to weigh heavily on them. Looking outside the windows of the inn, rain starts to pour in the streets. As the rain starts to pour, the trio looked at the events happening outside the inn. People rush to their backyards and gardens, hastily gathering clothes hanging on ropes and clotheslines. With a sense of urgency, they unclip the clothes, freeing them from their temporary resting places. Shirts, pants, and colorful garments are swiftly gathered, carried in hurried arms, or bundled up under protective covers.
Meanwhile, shopkeepers and store owners scramble to prepare for the incoming rainfall. They quickly deploy sturdy, transparent covers over their entrances, shielding their merchandise from the cascading drops. Storefronts and windows are wiped clean, ensuring maximum visibility through the glass barriers. The raindrops begin to tap lightly against these protective shields, creating a symphony of sound.
The familiar scene of umbrellas blooming as vibrant flowers appear. Pedestrians, sensing the approaching shower, open up their umbrellas, creating a colorful canopy that moves in unison along the sidewalks. The clatter of umbrellas opening echoes through the streets, accompanied by the pitter-patter of raindrops on the unfurled fabric.
Seeing the pouring rain, they decided to retire to their rooms in the inn, eager to rest and rejuvenate for the journey ahead. The innkeeper provided them with comfortable beds and assured them of a hearty breakfast to start their day.
In the crisp morning light, the world awakens to a transformed landscape. The morning air feels crisp and invigorating, carrying remnants of the rain's cleansing touch which energized Naino and the two warriors. The sky, once heavy with clouds, now showcases a breathtaking display of hues. Shades of pink, orange, and golden rays peek through the scattered remnants of gray, painting the horizon with a majestic sunrise.
Naino admired the scenery before him.
Glistening dewdrops cling to blades of grass, leaves, and petals, casting a shimmering veil over nature's canvas. The droplets catch the light, forming countless tiny prisms that sparkle and dance in the morning glow. The fresh scent of damp earth and petrichor lingers in the atmosphere, adding a sense of rejuvenation to the surroundings.
Naino, Lin Feng, and Zatharios stepped outside the inn, ready to embark on their quest. Before setting off, they made their way to the village market, gathering supplies for their journey. They stocked up on rations, potions, and essential tools, ensuring they were well-equipped for the challenges that awaited them.
With their backpacks filled and determination in their hearts, the unlikely trio set out from the village, their path stretching before them like an uncharted map. Their destinies intertwined, they marched forward, prepared to face whatever trials and revelations lay ahead on their journey to the Witch Forest.
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After gathering the necessary supplies and equipment for their journey, Naino, Lin Feng, and Zatharios set off on their adventure toward the first city. The road stretched before them, winding through rolling hills and dense forests, as they ventured deeper into the realm of possibilities.
As they traveled, Lin Feng and Zatharios began to notice Naino's physical limitations. Concerned for his well-being, they decided to address the issue before it became a hindrance to their quest.
"Naino, my friend," Lin Feng began, his voice filled with sincerity, "we've noticed that you may require some training to improve your physical strength and martial arts. The journey ahead will be perilous, and we must ensure that you can endure its challenges."
Zatharios nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Naino. We believe that with proper training, you can unlock the hidden potential within yourself and become a valuable asset on our quest."
Naino stood there in utter shock and disbelief, his mind reeling from the unexpected words that had just escaped the lips of these two warriors. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined hearing such a statement from the two individuals before him. A flood of thoughts rushed through his mind, his consciousness swirling with a whirlwind of possibilities.
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One particular memory emerged from the depths of his thoughts, Captain Zhou's righteous words echoing in his ears. "If an opportunity arises, train to become powerful enough to ROB ALL PEOPLE in the entire continent."(Captain Zhou did not say this :D) Those words, once dismissed by him, now assumed an eerie significance in his heart.
Naino's gaze instinctively shifted towards the heavens above, seeking solace or answers. And there, as if summoned by his troubled thoughts, Captain Zhou's image materialized among the billowing clouds, an ethereal presence with a reassuring thumbs-up gesture. The symbolism was not lost on Naino, for it seemed as if the heavens themselves were offering guidance and encouragement in this bewildering moment.
Naino's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'm willing to learn, to become stronger. Please, teach me."
Zatharios and Lin Feng exchanged approving nods, acknowledging the fortune that had brought them to this point. They contemplated the twists of fate that had led them to consider Naino, a mortal, as a student.
Nonetheless, they could use this opportunity to relax their mind and get out of the blood-stained world of Heavenly Star Continent.
Observing Naino, lost in his gaze towards the heavens, with a tear trickling down his cheek, both Zatharios and Lin Feng sighed, a mixture of disappointment and intrigue clouding their thoughts. Sometimes this person will look at the sky with a smile on his face like what he is doing right now, and sometimes he will cry in a corner and lament.
"A crazy person," the both of them thought.
"Is this what the so-called love can do?" The Demon God Zatharios pondered to himself. Ever since he was born, the future of their clan depended on his shoulder. Zatharios had chosen a path of disciplined detachment from worldly affairs. He dedicated himself unwaveringly to the pursuit of martial arts, relentlessly honing his skills to ascend to the summit of his potential. The demands of his duty had left little room for indulging in matters of the heart.
He sighed again then went to Naino's side.
From then on, Naino's training began, guided by the enigmatic duo.
Intrigued by the idea of improving his strength, Naino willingly embraced the training regimen suggested by his companions. Each day, they would find a suitable location to engage in various physical exercises and drills.
Under the guidance of Lin Feng and Zatharios, Naino's training took on a unique and sometimes bizarre nature. They would have him lift heavy boulders, testing his endurance and building his muscles.
"All right, Naino," Lin Feng instructed, positioning himself beside a massive boulder. "To lift this boulder, you need to engage your entire body. Plant your feet firmly on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Breathe in deeply, allowing your core to stabilize. Now, as you exhale, drive your legs and push against the ground, channeling that force into your arms."
Naino followed the instructions, feeling the strain in his muscles as he put his newfound knowledge into practice. With a grunt of effort, he managed to lift the boulder off the ground, his muscles trembling with the exertion.
Zatharios observed, his voice calm and encouraging. "Good, Naino. Now, focus on maintaining your balance. Feel the weight of the boulder in your hands, and slowly move it to the desired location. Control is key. Your strength is not just about lifting, but also about handling the weight with precision."
They continued with their training, moving from one exercise to another. Naino found himself swimming against strong currents, the water pushing against him with relentless force.
Zatharios swam alongside him, providing guidance. "Naino, let the water be your teacher. Feel the resistance as you push against it. Use your arms and legs in unison, creating a steady rhythm. Imagine yourself cutting through the currents, becoming one with the water."
Naino's muscles burned as he fought against the powerful current, but he persisted, pushing himself beyond his previous limits. Slowly, stroke by stroke, he began to make progress, his body adapting to the challenging environment.
They even engaged in intense sparring sessions, where Naino learned self-defense techniques and honed his reflexes.
"Remember, Naino, it's not just about throwing punches and kicks. Martial arts is a dance, a symphony of movements," Lin Feng advised, his voice echoing with wisdom. "Stay grounded, yet fluid. Let your body flow naturally, responding to your opponent's actions with precision and grace."
Naino shut his eyes to envision his next set of motions, his right foot stepped on the ground, then he raised his left leg behind his body and pointed his foot at the sky. He then, did a graceful spin while moving in front of a huge tree. The tree is sturdy and 5 meters in diameter.
While rotating with one leg on the ground and the other on the sky, he punched the huge tree. The huge tree shook but not a single crack showed on the surface of the tree.
Lin Feng, shocked at the actions of Naino, stared at him with his mouth wide open. "What did you do?"
"Ballet"
Exasperated by Naino's stupid answer, Lin Feng sighed and facepalmed in frustration.
"I know it's Ballet. Why did you dance?" said Lin Feng.
"Didn't you say that I should dance?" Naino replied in confusion.
"Yeah, that's what you mentioned," Zatharios added calmly then asked. "Anyway, what kind of martial art is that Ballet?"
Lin Feng was exasperated. How could he not understand a simple instruction? he thought. He calmed himself and then replied to Zatharios with a squinted eyes (-_-) and serious expression. "A dance"
"Okay," Zatharios replied with a single word.
Lin Feng looking defeated, stared at Naino then calmly said. "That's not what I meant. Think of martial art like a dance. The movement must be connected to each other, creating harmony between attacking and movement. This is the basic knowledge in martial arts."
He added. "Since you mentioned that you've been taught by someone in the village. Show me what he taught."
In the middle of a clear area in the forest, Naino grabbed his sword and started to move here and there. The sword is given to him by Captain Zhou for his protection. Showing the stance and basic moves taught to him by Captain Zhou, he sliced the wind as if fighting someone. Though his moves are rather crude, they can be considered quite good for a person who learned swordsmanship in a short time.
"Weak" Lin Feng stated.
"Eh? But I can break rocks," said Naino with a confused look. He went to a nearby rock and smashed it with his sword. "See?"
Lin Feng sighed. "Why are you using swords to smash rocks? It's not even a great sword," disappointed, he said to Naino "I'm not talking about your physical strength since you only started to train two weeks ago but your moves. Specifically, your footwork."
"Footwork?" said Naino while scratching his head.
"Yes. Your footwork is so crude that even 10 years old can defeat you in a fight. Which means that we will be focusing on your footwork for now." Lin Feng said.
Naino wanted to retort about being defeated by a 10-year-old but they are basically his teachers so he just needs to follow their instructions to get stronger. "Please guide me," he said.
Lin Feng nodded with a confident smile "All right." then explain the importance of footwork. "In a real battle, you will be moving around a lot, which means that the stance you displayed earlier won't be as effective if you don't synchronize your feet with your moves. Not only is footwork important for increasing the effectiveness of your moves, it's main function is to move around freely on the battlefield and also avoid your opponents' attacks. Today, I will be teaching you one of my sect's basic footwork, the Three Shadow Steps..."
After that, Naino trained his footwork daily before reaching the first city, Astoria.
The city of merchants and artisans.
End of Chapter 8
Lesson of the day: "Heh.. footwork... feet...yummy... Who said I like feet? Y'all are disgusting." by DaoMaster