The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains as Liam awoke, feeling surprisingly well-rested considering the events of the previous night. His injuries still ached, but Mira's skilled bandaging had alleviated much of the pain.
Glancing over at his Steelhide Boar Jacket, which was draped over a nearby chair, he was relieved to see that the damage seemed to be mostly superficial. A few scratches and dents, but nothing that couldn't be fixed.
Taking a deep breath, Liam got out of bed and started to prepare himself for the day ahead. He knew that he had more challenges to face and that he had to keep moving forward.
He quickly dressed and thanked Mira for her kindness before setting off back to The Slumbering Drake.
As he walked through the awakening city, the streets slowly filled with people, and the magical creatures and spirits from the previous day reemerged. Their presence brought a sense of wonder and distraction from his lingering pain.
Upon arriving at the inn, Liam found Rolf behind the counter, wiping down glasses with a worn cloth. The innkeeper looked up as Liam approached and his expression turned to one of concern when he noticed the bandages.
"Goodness, lad! What happened to you?" Rolf asked, his voice filled with worry.
Liam recounted his encounter with the wolf-like beastman and his subsequent delivery to Mira, careful not to reveal his newly discovered ability to harness the power of moonlight. Rolf listened attentively, his brow furrowed in concern.
"You're lucky to be alive, Liam," Rolf said, shaking his head. "But I'm glad you managed to deliver the medicine to Mira. She's a good woman and has helped many in this city. You did well."
Despite the praise, Liam couldn't help but feel uneasy. He couldn't forget the beastman, and the thought of other sinister forces lurking in the city's shadows weighed heavily on his mind.
Rolf couldn't help but notice that Liam's injuries were causing him more discomfort than he initially let on. The innkeeper, ever the paternal figure, decided it was time for intervention.
"Liam, I think you should go to the House of Healing to get those wounds checked out properly," Rolf advised with a concerned tone. "I know you're eager to get back to work, but your health is more important."
Liam hesitated, unwilling to miss a day of work, but Rolf was insistent. "Don't worry about Gavric," he reassured Liam. "I'm sure he'll understand. And if not, I'll have a word with him. Your well-being comes first."
Grateful for Rolf's support, Liam acquiesced and made his way to the House of Healing, a well-known establishment located in a quieter part of the city. Its reputation for skilled healers and potent medicines was widely acknowledged, and people from all walks of life sought treatment within its hallowed halls.
Upon entering, Liam was greeted by the soothing scent of herbs and the soft murmurs of healers tending to their patients. He approached the reception desk, where a gentle-eyed woman with a serene smile took his information and guided him to a small, private room.
To Liam's surprise, the healer who entered the room was none other than Cerys, the water-wielding woman he had met in the park a few days prior. "Well, fancy meeting you here," she said warmly yet with clear concern.
After examining Liam's injuries and asking a few questions about the incident, she began to work her magic.
Cerys, with her affinity for water, possessed the ability to manipulate and control the element in ways that few others could. She was well-known in the city for her exceptional healing skills, utilizing her water-based powers to aid those in need. With Liam injured, she knew it was her chance to help him once more.
Sitting Liam down on a comfortable chair, Cerys asked him to relax and let her work her magic. She began by closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths, focusing her thoughts on the water element that flowed through the world around her.
As Cerys reached out with her powers, water began to gather from the nearby fountain, forming a small, shimmering sphere in the air. She infused the sphere with her healing energy, allowing it to glow with a soft, soothing blue light.
Cerys moved the sphere of healing water over Liam's injured body, letting the water gently touch his wounds. As the water made contact, Liam could feel a cooling sensation wash over him, followed by a tingling warmth that seemed to radiate from within his body. He could sense the pain gradually dissipating, replaced by a comforting feeling of relief.
The healing waters worked to mend Liam's injuries from the inside out, knitting torn muscle fibers back together and repairing damaged tissue. As the water flowed over his body, Liam's wounds began to close and his bruises faded, leaving behind only healthy, rejuvenated skin.
Once the healing process was complete, Cerys allowed the sphere of water to disperse, the remaining droplets returning to the fountain from which they had been drawn. She opened her eyes and studied Liam's now healed body, a small smile of satisfaction on her lips.
"There you go, Liam," she said softly. "The healing waters have done their work, and you should be feeling much better now. Just remember to take care of yourself and try not to get into any more trouble, alright?"
Before Liam left the House of Healing, Cerys suggested they spend some time going over a few techniques to help him recover more quickly and maintain his overall health. Given the dangers he had already encountered and the potential challenges he could face in the future, Liam gratefully accepted her offer.
Cerys led Liam to a peaceful garden within the House of Healing's grounds, where the atmosphere was calm and serene. They sat on a wooden bench surrounded by lush plants and the gentle sounds of trickling water from a nearby fountain.
"First, let's focus on your breathing," Cerys began, demonstrating a slow, rhythmic pattern of inhales and exhales. "By controlling your breath and maintaining a steady pace, you can help your body relax and facilitate the healing process."
Liam mimicked Cerys' breathing, quickly finding the pattern calming and centering.
"Next, I'll teach you a simple meditation technique," she continued. "This will help you become more aware of your body and its needs, and it may also improve your ability to control your powers."
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Under Cerys' guidance, Liam closed his eyes and focused on his breath. As he breathed in, he imagined a warm, healing light entering his body, filling him with vitality and strength. With each exhale, he envisioned any pain or discomfort leaving his body, replaced by a renewed sense of well-being.
Cerys encouraged Liam to practice this meditation daily, explaining that regular practice would help strengthen his connection to his body and improve his recovery abilities.
Finally, Cerys showed Liam some gentle stretching exercises to help maintain his flexibility and prevent injuries. "It's essential to take care of your body, especially since you'll be using your powers more often," she advised.
As they completed their session, Liam thanked Cerys for her invaluable guidance.
The battle with the wolfman had left Liam's newly acquired armor in a rather battered state. Though grateful for the protection it had provided him, Liam knew he needed to get it repaired. With a renewed sense of appreciation for armor, he made his way back to Zelkor's leather shop, hoping that the friendly lizard-man could help him once more.
As he entered the shop, the familiar scent of leather and oils greeted him. Zelkor was busy at his workbench, skillfully crafting another piece of armor. Upon noticing Liam, the lizard-man raised his scaly head and smiled.
"Ah, Liam! Good to see you again. How can I help you today?" Zelkor asked, his voice warm and welcoming.
Liam explained the incident with the wolfman and showed Zelkor the damage his Steelhide Boar Jacket had sustained. Zelkor carefully inspected the armor, noting the cuts and gashes that marred its surface.
"Not to worry," Zelkor assured him. "I can repair this for you. It may take a little time, but it'll be as good as new once I'm done."
With that, Zelkor set to work on the armor, expertly patching the damaged areas with new pieces of leather, ensuring that they seamlessly blended in with the existing material. He reinforced the more vulnerable sections with extra layers, making the armor even more resilient against future threats.
Liam recalled Rolf mentioning a local academy, a place where individuals with magical abilities could hone their skills and learn from experienced teachers. Intrigued by the possibility of improving his own abilities, Liam decided to visit the academy while waiting for Zelkor to finish repairing his armor.
As he approached the academy, Liam marveled at its grand architecture. The tall, imposing building stood proudly, its stone walls etched with intricate symbols and runes. It was evident that this place was steeped in magical history and knowledge.
Liam entered the academy grounds and found himself in a lively courtyard, filled with students of various races and ages, all practicing their respective magical arts. Some students manipulated the elements, while others focused on honing their physical abilities or crafting intricate illusions. The air buzzed with energy, and Liam couldn't help but feel inspired by the scene before him.
He wandered through the courtyard, watching as students practiced under the watchful eyes of their teachers. He came across a group of students training their speed and agility, led by a seasoned instructor who offered guidance and encouragement. Liam was particularly interested in this class, as he hoped to improve his own speed and stamina.
Liam's attention is drawn to a duel starting to take place in the center of the courtyard.
At one end of the ring stands the first student, a lithe and agile figure with a confident posture. His electric-blue eyes match the streaks of color in his otherwise dark hair, a visual indication of his affinity for lightning. He wears a form-fitting outfit that allows for unhindered movement, the colors chosen to represent his chosen element. A faint, crackling aura surrounds him, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
Opposite him, the second student presents a contrasting image. He is a tall, muscular young man with a calm and focused demeanor. His short, sandy-blonde hair frames a strong, determined face. His armor is minimal, strategically placed to protect vital areas without hindering his movement. A well-crafted sword rests in his hand, its polished blade gleaming in the sunlight. The confident way he holds his weapon suggests years of dedicated practice and skill.
As the referee gives the signal to begin, the onlookers hush, their attention drawn to the combatants. With a mutual nod of respect, the two students step into the ring, each sizing up their opponent and preparing to engage in an exciting display of skill and power.
His opponent, on the other hand, is a burly swordsman who seems to possess incredible physical prowess. His movements are swift and powerful, each of his strikes causing the very ground beneath him to shudder. His muscles bulge as he swings his massive sword with incredible speed and precision, skillfully parrying the attacks of the lightning-wielding student.
Liam watches in awe as the two students exchange blows, their incredible powers and techniques on full display. It becomes apparent to him that the academy is not only a place where young individuals hone their innate abilities but also a place where they can learn to use them in practical ways, such as combat and self-defense.
As the duel comes to an end, with the lightning-wielding student being narrowly bested by the physically-enhanced swordsman, Liam can't help but feel a spark of inspiration. He begins to wonder if he, too, could one day stand among these students and showcase his own unique abilities.
As Liam watches the duel unfold, he notices the stark contrast in the fighting styles of the two students. The young man with control over lightning does not use a weapon, instead relying solely on his magical abilities. With grace and fluidity, he moves around the courtyard, his hands and fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air as he unleashes streams of lightning toward his opponent. He is nimble and quick, dodging the swordsman's powerful strikes with a finesse that seems almost dance-like.
The lightning wielding student also showcases an impressive defensive repertoire, using his control over electricity to create magnetic fields that deflect the swordsman's blade or forming protective barriers made of crackling energy. Despite not wielding a physical weapon, the lightning student demonstrates that he is no less formidable than his adversary.
The swordsman, on the other hand, relies on his immense physical strength and his deft mastery of the sword. His attacks are precise and lethal, the weight and force behind each swing enough to crush bones and cleave through solid rock. Despite the relentless barrage of lightning and energy directed at him, the swordsman maintains a calm and focused demeanor, his eyes locked on his opponent as he expertly maneuvers his blade.
His defense is just as impressive as his offense, skillfully using his sword to parry and deflect the lightning student's magical assaults. The swordsman appears to possess a deep understanding of the sword's angles and edges, using them to redirect or absorb the energy from the lightning student's attacks.
The intense back-and-forth between the two combatants continues, with neither one gaining a clear advantage over the other.
In the final moments of the duel, the lightning student focuses his energy, preparing to unleash a devastating attack. He lifts his hands above his head, drawing in the raw power of electricity from the air around him. With a sudden, sharp movement, he thrusts his hands forward, launching a concentrated bolt of lightning towards the swordsman.
The air crackles with energy, the hair on Liam's arms standing on end as the intense bolt streaks across the battlefield. The swordsman, however, remains calm and poised, his eyes never leaving his opponent. As the bolt of lightning races towards him, the swordsman raises his sword, angling it just so to meet the incoming attack.
With a loud crash and a bright flash, the lightning bolt connects with the sword's blade. The electricity courses through the metal, only to be harmlessly dispersed as the swordsman's expert control and precise angling guide the energy away from his body. In the split second of disorientation that follows, the swordsman seizes his opportunity.
Using his enhanced physical abilities, the swordsman lunges forward with incredible speed, closing the distance between him and the lightning student in the blink of an eye. Caught off guard by the sudden movement, the lightning student has no time to react as the swordsman lands a swift, decisive blow, ending the duel in his favor.
Liam watches in awe, taking note of the impressive skills displayed by both combatants, and the importance of quick thinking and adaptability in the heat of battle.
As the duel concludes, Liam makes a silent promise to himself. He vows to dedicate his time and effort to honing his abilities and expanding his knowledge. With determination burning in his chest, Liam imagines a future where he can protect his newfound friends, like Elara and her family, from the dangers that lurk within the shadows of the city.