As the days turned into weeks, Towan, Elliot, Rhys, and Kade immersed themselves in their training, gradually refining their harmony with the flow of their essence. Each of them uncovered new layers of understanding—not just of their own strengths, but also of how to channel their essence more efficiently. They began to see their individuality reflected in the way their essence moved through their bodies, learning to synchronize their energy with their unique fighting styles.
Despite this progress, the group was still far from mastering one of the most advanced techniques in essence manipulation: reshaping their flow. This skill, the ability to modify the natural flow of essence within their bodies to suit different combat scenarios, was a hallmark of true mastery. Most essence warriors spend a lifetime refining one or two variations of their flow, passing down their techniques through generations as treasured legacies.
Grandmasters, however, are in a league of their own. Eryndar, their enigmatic teacher, was one such individual. He had developed not one, but three distinct flow styles over his lifetime, each a testament to his unparalleled discipline and ingenuity. What set Eryndar apart was not just his mastery of these flows but his ability to seamlessly switch between them in battle, adapting to any situation with precision and control.
For Rhys and Kade, this level of mastery remained a distant horizon. They had managed to replicate just a single kick and punch from Eryndar’s style. Even these simple movements pushed their limits, as their essence channels strained under the pressure of Eryndar's advanced techniques. Any attempt to incorporate additional movements at this stage risked serious damage to their internal flow, a stark reminder of the gulf between their current abilities and the heights Eryndar had reached.
Still, their progress was remarkable for fighters of their level. Among elite warriors, the group’s potential was beginning to shine. Yet, as their training continued, it became clear that mastering even a fraction of Eryndar’s techniques would require not only physical endurance but also unwavering dedication and a profound understanding of their own essence.
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A month had passed, and Towan, Elliot, Rhys, and Kade had reached a remarkable level of harmony with their essence. Their dedication had paid off, sharpening their fighting styles and deepening their understanding of their unique flows. Each of them moved with newfound confidence, their techniques more refined, their energy more synchronized.
It was during a routine training session that an unsettling presence disrupted their focus. A wave of corrupted energy rippled through the air, its sinister resonance unmistakable. The group paused, exchanging tense glances as the sensation grew stronger. They could feel it coming from four distinct locations, each pulsating with dark intent.
Eryndar’s expression hardened. These were not random attacks. The places where the energy emanated were all too familiar to him, aligning with the locations the master had described after investigating the ruins. The connection was clear.
“It looks like another attack…” Eryndar muttered, his tone grave as he addressed his students.
Towan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Perfect!” he exclaimed, already bouncing on his feet. “This comes in handy to test out our new fighting skills!” His eagerness was palpable, his body practically leaning forward, ready to spring into action.
“Can we go, Master Eryndar?” Kade asked, his calm demeanor betrayed by the spark of anticipation in his voice. Though less overt than Towan, he shared the same thrill at the prospect of a real fight.
“It’s a good way to improve our combat skills,” Elliot chimed in, his reasoning firm but his subtle excitement evident. He rarely spoke out of turn, but this time, his determination to convince Eryndar was clear.
“They’re probably not as strong as before,” added Rhys, his tone confident. “Remember, the master destroyed their strongest figures back in the ruins.” He glanced at the others, sharing their unspoken resolve. They all wanted this fight.
Eryndar regarded his students carefully, weighing their enthusiasm against the danger. He closed his eyes briefly, extending his senses to probe the corrupted energy at each location. The dark essence was potent but not overwhelming. A month ago, his students might have been overpowered, but now their progress was undeniable. Eryndar felt confident they could handle the challenge.
“Very well,” Eryndar finally said, his voice carrying both authority and trust. His decision was met with an immediate wave of excitement from the group. While he remained cautious, he knew this would be a valuable test for their growth—and a step closer to uncovering the mystery of these corrupted attacks.