After the decision to participate in the tournament, the master gathered Towan and Elliot the next day. "The tournament isn’t nearby. We’ll have to travel for several weeks to get there. But this won’t be just a simple trip. This journey will be an extension of your training."
"What kind of training?" Elliot asked, adjusting his backpack.
"You’ll find out when you face the challenges of the road," the master replied with an enigmatic smile.
The group set off early in the morning. The master led the way with calm steps, while Towan and Elliot followed, carrying their backpacks. "The Shadow Forest will be our first test. They say it’s full of life, but also of dangers. You’ll learn to manage your Essentia in unexpected situations," the master explained without stopping.
Towan, with a confident smile, remarked, "A few trees aren’t going to stop me."
"That is, unless you get lost among them," Elliot replied, his tone calm.
"Focus on the present. This forest has a reputation for a reason," the master interrupted, stepping into the trees.
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As they advanced, sunlight filtered faintly through the tree canopies, creating a shadowy atmosphere. The air was humid, and animal sounds echoed from all around. Each step seemed to resonate among the roots and leaves.
"Did you hear that?" Towan asked, tensing.
"Just birds," Elliot responded, adjusting his backpack. "Relax."
Hours later, they arrived at a wide, turbulent river. The slippery rocks on the shore made it clear that crossing would be a challenge.
"We’ll cross using our Essentia," the master explained. "Towan, try jumping across the rocks. Elliot, let’s see how you would handle a similar situation."
Towan focused his Essentia into his legs. "Watch and learn, Elliot!" he said confidently, before jumping to the first stone. The slippery rock almost made him fall, but he regained his balance with a quick burst of Essentia in his feet.
He moved from rock to rock, but halfway across, he lost control. Using too much Essentia, one of the stones cracked under his weight, and he fell into the water with a big splash.
"Ah, damn it!" he shouted, climbing out soaked and embarrassed.
Elliot, on the other hand, stayed still, observing the river. "Instead of relying on big jumps, I can use small bursts of Essentia to stabilize myself on each stone," he murmured to himself.
With calculated movements, Elliot advanced with precision, reaching the other side without getting wet. From the opposite shore, he gave Towan a triumphant look.
"Solid technique, but slow," the master commented. "You both have much to learn."