The General and Arden squared off on the mat, each exuding a palpable aura of mastery. Arden moved with practiced fluidity, seamlessly blending the Pangamot techniques of Filipino martial arts into his strikes. His hands weaved in circular motions, parrying imaginary weapons while his feet shifted with deliberate precision, creating angles that kept him a step ahead. Each feint transitioned into an unexpected strike, a hallmark of the Pangamot style, combining both offense and defense in a single motion. Despite his age, the General met each attack with veteran precision, his blocks and counters flowing seamlessly, a testament to decades of battlefield experience.

As Arden increased the complexity of his Pangamot-inspired moves, incorporating wrist locks and rapid disarms, the General mirrored his intensity. His counters reflected a deep understanding of the style, using fluid redirections and strikes aimed to exploit Arden's openings. At one point, the General’s fist shot forward like a cannon, and Arden barely dodged it, the air rippling with the force of the near-miss.

“Not bad, sir,” Arden remarked, his voice steady despite the heat of the match. He shifted his stance into a more aggressive form. “But let’s see how you handle this.”

The sparring erupted into a dazzling display of Pangamot mastery. Arden’s hands blurred as he unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one targeting a critical point, while his movements flowed like water, almost supernatural in their speed and adaptability. The General countered with equal finesse, using his forearms to block and redirect, occasionally stepping inside Arden's range to deliver precise, bone-jarring strikes. Each clash sent shockwaves through the training grounds, the sound of their strikes echoing like thunder.

Nearby, the bodyguards who had been stationed to oversee the session couldn’t help but watch in amazement. Their initial stoic expressions gave way to awe as they witnessed the sheer skill and power on display. One of them muttered under his breath, “It’s like watching legends come to life.” Another nodded silently, unable to take his eyes off the fight. The intensity of the sparring session left even these seasoned professionals awestruck.

Leigh, seated on the sidelines to catch her breath, watched the exchange with rapt attention. Her chest still heaved from her earlier drills, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away. The sight of her grandfather’s relentless determination and Arden’s almost effortless skill sparked something deep within her.

As the bracelet on Arden’s wrist began to glow faintly again, Leigh felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through her. It was as if the world around her slowed, every detail sharpening into focus. She gasped softly, clutching her chest as a warm light emanated from within her.

“Leigh?” Arden called, noticing the shift. The General glanced her way, momentarily distracted by the glow radiating from his granddaughter.

Before either could act, Leigh stood abruptly, her hands trembling. Her breathing steadied as the light around her intensified. In that moment, she felt a breakthrough, a sudden clarity she couldn’t fully explain. The energy coursing through her settled, leaving her standing taller, her presence radiating a quiet power.

Arden’s eyes widened as he stepped closer, his voice filled with awe. “You… you’ve broken through to the Middle Stage of Agos.”

The General, still catching his breath from the sparring, approached Leigh. His pride was evident as he placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. “Remarkable. And unexpected. Are you alright?”

Leigh nodded, a determined smile breaking through her astonishment. “I… I feel stronger. Clearer. Like I’m finally beginning to understand this power.”

Arden exchanged a glance with the General. “This changes everything. Leigh’s progress is accelerating faster than we anticipated.”

The General nodded, his expression serious. “Then we must adjust the training. From this point forward, we focus on refining her control.”

Leigh’s gaze shifted between them; her confidence reignited. “I’m ready. Let’s keep going.”

Arden held up a hand, halting the session. “Wait. We can’t continue like this,” he said, his voice firm but calm. Both the General and Leigh turned to him, puzzled.

“What do you mean?” the General asked, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple.

Arden’s expression was serious as he looked between them. “Leigh’s breakthrough to the Middle Stage of Agos is remarkable, but it’s incomplete. For her to truly unlock the gates of Agos and stabilize her power, we need to initiate the purging process.”

The General’s brows furrowed deeply. “The purging process?” he repeated, his tone skeptical. “You mean… the same process I underwent months ago? You expect Leigh to endure that?”

Leigh glanced between them; confusion evident in her eyes. “What are you two talking about? What’s this purging process?”

Arden exhaled slowly, as if weighing his words. “The gates of Agos can only open fully if the body’s toxins are expelled. It’s an intense process, but necessary for a complete breakthrough. The body must… purge itself, and that requires… being in the most natural state possible.” He hesitated before continuing. “That means stripping down completely. The toxins leave through the skin as the energy flows unrestricted.”

Leigh’s cheeks flushed. “Wait, what? Naked?” she blurted, her voice rising slightly.

The General’s eyes narrowed, his protective instincts kicking in. “Arden, are you absolutely certain this is necessary? I remember how grueling it was, and Leigh is…”

“She’s strong,” Arden interrupted gently but firmly. “And yes, I’m certain. If we don’t do this, her progress could plateau, or worse, destabilize. The purging is essential for her growth and safety.”

Leigh’s initial embarrassment gave way to determination. She straightened her posture, her gaze unwavering. “If this is what it takes, I’ll do it. I trust you, Arden.”

The General’s jaw tightened, but he eventually nodded. “Very well. But understand this, Arden: if anything goes wrong, it’s on you.”

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Arden met his gaze without flinching. “Nothing will go wrong. I’ll guide her through every step.” Leigh took a deep breath. “Alright. Let’s get this over with.”

The group moved to the mansion’s gym, an expansive and private space equipped with everything needed for intense training and recovery. Leigh stood at the center of the room, her earlier determination steadying her nerves despite the strangeness of the situation. Arden, ever respectful, tied a blindfold securely over his eyes to preserve Leigh’s modesty, ensuring his focus remained entirely on the purging process.

Leigh undressed to her lower underwear; her cheeks slightly flushed but her determination unwavering. She moved to the center of the room and squatted in preparation, her focus steady despite the awkwardness of the moment.

Arden, his blindfold securely tied, stepped forward, ensuring his actions remained respectful. He placed his palms lightly on Leigh’s shoulders, his voice calm and reassuring. “Are you ready?”

Leigh nodded, though she couldn’t quite bring herself to speak. Her grandfather, standing off to the side with arms crossed, gave her a solemn nod of encouragement. “You can do this, Leigh. Stay strong.”

The room seemed to still as Arden began channeling energy through her, his focus unwavering despite the enormity of the task. The glow of the bracelet on his wrist intensified, illuminating the space in a soft but steady light.

Leigh’s breathing deepened as the purging began. At first, it was a warmth spreading through her body, but it quickly escalated into an intense heat, as if her very cells were being cleansed. Beads of sweat formed on her skin, dark and viscous, carrying the toxins that had built up within her. The air grew heavy with the scent of purification, a strange mix of metallic tang and earthiness.

The General watched in a mix of awe and concern. His instincts screamed to intervene, to shield his granddaughter from the visible strain, but he trusted Arden’s expertise. Still, his fists clenched tightly at his sides as he observed the dramatic process.

Leigh’s body trembled as waves of energy coursed through her. Her vision swam with flickering lights and images, memories and emotions rising to the surface and then dissolving into clarity. Her legs buckled slightly, but Arden’s steady hands kept her upright.

“Stay with me, Leigh,” Arden said, his voice cutting through the haze. “The worst is almost over.”

With one final surge, the toxins seemed to pour out of her, leaving her skin glowing faintly. The oppressive weight in the room lifted, replaced by a sense of renewal. The air grew heavy with a foul, acrid odor as the toxins burned off, a mix of metallic and sulfuric scents that made the General instinctively wrinkle his nose. Leigh’s breathing steadied, and she stood taller, her presence exuding a newfound strength and serenity despite the lingering smell.

Arden removed his hands and stepped back, pulling off the blindfold. “It’s done,” he said softly, a small smile of relief crossing his face.

The General approached; his pride evident as he placed a soft dressing gown over Leigh’s shoulders to cover her. “How do you feel?”

Leigh looked at her hands, flexing her fingers as if testing her strength. “I feel… incredible. Like I’ve been holding back my entire life, and now I finally understand what I’m capable of.”

Arden nodded. “You’ve fully opened the gates of Agos. From here, your growth will accelerate, but you’ll need to train hard to master it.”

The General gave Arden a curt nod. “You did well, Arden. But now, the real work begins.” Leigh smiled, her determination reigniting. “Then let’s get started.”

Arden held up a hand, signaling for their attention. “Before we proceed further, I need to explain the next step. Now that Leigh has fully opened the Gates of Agos, it’s time to focus on the Lunok Realm, also known as the Foundation Realm.” The General raised an eyebrow. “Foundation Realm?”

The Lunok Realm (Foundation Realm) represents the critical stage of creating stability and a strong connection to the earth. Its beginning stage, Grounding, focuses on stabilizing the body and aligning energy with the environment.

Grounding Explained: To achieve Grounding, training emphasizes exercises that reinforce physical and energetic stability. This involves techniques such as:

Stance Training: Practicing wide, rooted stances (e.g., horse stance or lunges) to build strength in the legs and establish a connection to the ground.

Breathwork: Controlled breathing synchronized with slow, deliberate movements to enhance energy flow and create a deeper sense of balance.

Connection to Nature: Spending time barefoot on natural surfaces like soil or grass, allowing the body to sync with the earth's natural energy.

Meditative Visualization: Focusing on visualizing roots extending from the feet into the ground, symbolizing stability and energy absorption.

These practices combine to form a stable base for the energy systems, preparing the body for more advanced stages of Lunok Realm progression.

The middle stage of the Lunok Realm, called Rooting, is where a strong foundation is established, providing resilience and adaptability.

Rooting Explained: In this stage, the body and energy system are fortified to withstand external pressures and maintain balance in dynamic situations. This involves:

Dynamic Stance Training: Practicing transitions between stances (e.g., moving from a horse stance to a forward stance) to build strength and adaptability in motion.

Weighted Resistance Exercises: Incorporating weights or resistance bands to enhance the body’s endurance and ability to handle increasing energy loads.

Energy Flow Refinement: Focusing on smooth and continuous energy circulation throughout the body, preventing blockages and enhancing resilience.

Environmental Adaptation: Training in various terrains—sand, rocks, or uneven ground—to develop physical and energetic adaptability.

Stress Tolerance Drills: Controlled exposure to simulated combat or high-pressure scenarios to train mental focus and physical responses under stress.

The middle stage emphasizes resilience against disruptions and builds adaptability, ensuring the individual can maintain strength and energy flow in both calm and chaotic situations.

The Lunok Realm (Foundation Realm) peak stage, Anchoring, would be:

Anchoring Explained: In the Anchoring stage, the individual becomes deeply rooted, embodying unparalleled strength and balance. This stage signifies the complete integration of energy and physical resilience. Key practices include:

Root Energy Mastery: Mastering the visualization of energy as deep roots, extending infinitely into the earth, anchoring both body and spirit. This creates an unshakeable center of gravity.

Immovable Stance Training: Practicing stances under external pressure (e.g., resisting pushes or strikes) to simulate maintaining balance in chaotic conditions.

Advanced Energy Projection: Learning to anchor the energy flow not just within oneself but also to external objects or allies, enhancing stability during collaborative efforts.

Meditative Stillness: Long sessions of stillness training to refine the ability to remain unshaken mentally and physically, even under great duress.

Dynamic Challenges: Combining movement with extreme precision and control, like leaping onto unstable platforms or balancing during combat, to solidify adaptability and groundedness.

The Anchoring stage embodies the essence of true mastery within the Lunok Realm, enabling the individual to remain balanced and resolute regardless of the external forces at play.

“Training for the Lunok Realm involves cultivating balance, endurance, and focus,” Arden explained. “You’ll need to push your physical limits while also maintaining complete control over your energy. It’s a combination of intense physical and spiritual discipline.”

The General crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “And I assume you’ll be guiding us both through this process?”

“Correct,” Arden replied, his tone steady. “The Lunok Realm is demanding, but it’s essential. Leigh’s breakthrough was impressive, but now we have to ensure her energy doesn’t spiral out of control. And General, you’ll benefit from fortifying your own foundation as well.”

Leigh exchanged a glance with her grandfather before nodding resolutely. “Alright. I’m ready to face whatever comes next.”

The General smirked. “Then let’s see if the Foundation Realm is as grueling as it sounds.” Arden smiled faintly; his confidence unwavering. “You’ll see soon.”