Talax stood there, his eyes wide in astonishment as he gazed upward at the incredible sight that unfolded before him. The training area stretched out from a massive stone outcrop, where wooden platforms were suspended like intricate spiderwebs, each one tethered to the rocky cliffs with sturdy ropes. These platforms were where the initiates engaged in their training and combat exercises. The platforms varied in size, and some even had multi-tiered sections, providing a dynamic and challenging environment for the trainees.

The initiates moved with a fluidity that seemed to defy gravity itself. Their movements were a symphony of speed and grace, a mesmerizing dance that left Talax utterly captivated. It was unlike anything he had ever witnessed. What struck him most was the fact that they fought with only their hands and legs, showcasing a level of mastery over their own bodies that was awe-inspiring. They flowed seamlessly from one movement to another, each motion executed with precision and purpose.

As Talax continued to watch, his amazement only deepened. Among the initiates, he spotted one agile combatant who evaded an oncoming strike with a breathtaking backflip. But what truly left him stunned was what came next. Instead of returning to the platform, the initiate remained suspended in the air, as if gravity had momentarily released its hold on him. It was as though he was levitating effortlessly, defying the laws of nature.

The atmosphere on the summit was filled with a palpable energy, a sense of dedication and discipline that hung in the air like a tangible force. The training grounds were alive with the sounds of footsteps, shouts of encouragement, and the soft whisper of wind rustling through the ropes that held the platforms aloft. Initiates pushed their limits, striving for excellence in every move they made.

Talax couldn't help but question his decision to focus on swordsmanship in a place where such extraordinary abilities were on full display. The sight of these skilled initiates left him with a sense of both wonder and trepidation. For the first time he felt completely out of his depth. Aria had repeatedly said how ill-prepared and undertrained he was, but he had never taken her too seriously.

Now, seeing the proof with his own eyes, he realized he wasn’t the big shot he had come to believe he was. Before his eyes another initiate, glistening with sweat from the vigorous exercise attempted a quick combo of punches only to be met by block after block from her opponent, instead if giving up or growing frustrated, she did a maneuver and stepped into the air, as if there was an invisible step and landed behind her opponent and delivering a decisive strike.

Talax remained transfixed by the incredible display of skills unfolding before him, the desire to learn and master such abilities burning within him. He watched every intricate move, every gravity-defying leap, and every graceful spin with avid curiosity, trying to absorb as much as he could.

However, his immersion in the spectacle was interrupted by the impatient sound of Lirielle's breath beside him. Her presence had momentarily slipped his mind in the face of such astounding feats. Turning to the gnome woman, Talax couldn't help but share his excitement. "They can really fly!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with wonder.

Lirielle, however, dismissed the notion with a scoff. "Hardly," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "But this skill is quite popular among our initiates. It's called cloud dancing, a subskill of the brawling skill. Through the use of mana, you can boost your agility and even levitate for a short time. The more you level up the subskill, the longer the effects can remain."

Talax listened intently, his fascination growing with every word. "It looks so cool! I wish I could do that!" he exclaimed with genuine longing. Lirielle's response, however, tempered his enthusiasm. "Don't feel bad," she said, a hint of sympathy in her voice. "This is an advanced class with a prerequisite of a level 50 brawling skill."

Talax's eyes widened in shock at the high level required to even consider joining such an elite class. The realization hit him that he was a long way from achieving such mastery, he was only a level 4 in his brawling skill.

Lirielle's reminder that they had more places to visit brought Talax back to the present, and he reluctantly followed her across yet another rope bridge. As they traversed the dizzying heights, they passed from summit to summit. Talax's gaze couldn't help but wander to the various structures perched on these lofty perches, ranging from imposing edifices larger than the main hall to simple huts that seemed miraculously balanced on the rocky outcrops.

Their next destination led them to the archery training grounds, nestled between two opposing rock formations. One formation featured ledges that resembled enormous steps where trainees stood poised with their bows, taking aim at the opposite rock formation. Targets had been strategically placed on the opposing cliffs, and Talax noted that the higher the ledge, the more challenging the shot. To add an extra layer of complexity, the targets swayed in the harsh mountain wind.

Talax watched with keen interest as the initiates released their arrows, their movements fluid and precise. However, he saw several shots going wide, and he realized that this particular class wasn’t advanced, and the initiates were at a similar level to his. The twang of bowstrings echoed through the crisp mountain air as arrows sailed across the gap, seeking their elusive targets. It was clear that mastering archery here required not only impeccable aim but also an uncanny ability to gauge the ever-changing wind patterns.

As he observed, a sense of appreciation for the dedication and skill of the initiates welled up within Talax. The monasteries were truly a place of training and discipline, where every skill was honed to perfection.

Talax and Lirielle moved on to their next destination, a narrow gorge that required them to traverse a rope bridge. They stood on the swaying bridge, peering down at the training below. In the gorge, a ragtag group of initiates clad in gray robes huddled together, each clutching a rusty shield. The chasm was so narrow that only one initiate could traverse it at a time. Above them, a man in blue robes stood with two assistants, shouting instructions down to the initiates.

To Talax's astonishment, the man began hurling sizable rocks at the initiates below. Each rock landed on a shield with a resounding crash, echoing through the gorge like the tolling of a bell. Concern etched across Talax's face as he turned to Lirielle and exclaimed, "That can't be safe!"

Lirielle couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction. "Of course, it isn't safe, but it's an incredibly effective method to raise the shields skill."

Talax hummed in a non-committal manner, still finding it difficult to wrap his head around the hazardous training method. As he watched, a particularly large chunk of rock struck one unfortunate initiate, shattering his shield and causing severe damage to his hand. The impact disrupted the formation the initiates had been maintaining.

Lirielle shook her head with a sigh. "That's a bad batch. Poor Onin. Let's move on."

Talax followed Lirielle, grateful to leave the perilous gorge behind and wondering what other unique and unconventional training methods the monasteries had in store.

Next, they ventured to a summit that seemed to be shrouded in an eerie and complete silence. It was a stark contrast to the noise and chaos of the training grounds they had visited earlier. Even the usually omnipresent mountain wind appeared to have died down here, leaving the air still and oppressive.

The summit was dominated by a peculiar wooden structure that occupied most of the available space. The wooden walls appeared haphazardly constructed, rising nearly four meters into the air. Talax's gaze was drawn to several dark openings within the structure, but he couldn't discern any movement or signs of initiates.

His confusion was evident, and he turned to Lirielle for an explanation. She quickly filled him in, "This is the Labyrinth of Silence, where the Short Blades skill is honed. Initiates armed with daggers are released into the labyrinth, and the last one standing is the victor."

Before he could react to this information, a body was suddenly hurled out from one of the shadowy recesses within the wooden structure. The figure, a man in tattered grey robes, landed on the ground with a painful moan, clutching at numerous wounds. Talax instinctively moved to help, but Lirielle's sharp command halted him in his tracks.

"Stop! Don't interrupt their training," she ordered firmly. "When the time comes, he will be healed. For now, he must face the consequences of his failure."

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Talax couldn't help but feel increasingly uneasy about the training methods employed in the monasteries. He looked at the diminutive gnome woman and voiced his concerns, "I must admit, your training methods are... How shall I put it... Batshit crazy!"

Lirielle simply shrugged and replied, "It is what it is."

Lirielle led the way, saying, "Now, let me take you to my favorite spot." Talax cast one last look at the moaning man in the Labyrinth of Silence before obediently following the gnome.

They continued to walk for what felt like ages, crossing numerous rope bridges and venturing up a steep trail that clung to the cliffside. The biting cold in the air became nearly unbearable, and Talax could feel ice forming over his skin. Despite his newfound ability, Temperature Resistance from his Mana Manipulation skill, the harsh cold proved to be a formidable adversary. He shivered violently, his teeth chattering, and couldn't help but ask Lirielle where they were heading. Her response was cryptic, "You will see."

As the cold seemed to seep deeper into his bones, his mind grew numb in an effort to ward off the frigid discomfort. Suddenly, Lirielle exclaimed with enthusiasm, "We're here!"

Talax blinked, his frosty eyelids cracking open as he surveyed their surroundings. The air shimmered with an almost ethereal quality, as if the ambient mana yearned to make its presence known. Ice had draped itself over every surface, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking wonderland. But what caught Talax's wide-eyed attention were the intricate sculptures carved from the ice, glistening like crystalline masterpieces.

The sculptures seemed to depict various scenes, some of serene beauty and others filled with action and drama. Talax marveled at the skill and artistry displayed in these frozen creations, awestruck by the sheer talent that had gone into crafting them. It was a sight unlike anything he had ever witnessed, and for a moment, he forgot about the bone-chilling cold, completely captivated by the ice sculptures that surrounded him.

In the center of the summit stood a towering shard of ice that seemed to reach for the sky. Its radiant blue hue bathed the surrounding area in an otherworldly light, giving the impression that they were submerged deep underwater. The ice tower appeared as though it had been meticulously crafted, with several blocks of ice arranged like seats, perfectly shaped for onlookers to observe the scene before them.

Talax's gaze fell upon a couple of monks dressed in blue robes, sitting gracefully upon these ice seats. Their eyes were closed, and their hands emitted a shimmering, ethereal glow. They seemed to be in a state of deep concentration, connected to the ice and the mana that flowed through it.

Perched on a higher, more regal seat was a woman in white robes, nearly blending into the icy surroundings. Talax might have overlooked her had it not been for the mesmerizing creations of ice that continually morphed and transformed at her command. Her movements were fluid and graceful, her hands moving with precision and grace as if conducting an orchestra of ice and magic. The frozen sculptures seemed to respond to her every whim, shifting and reshaping into an endless array of intricate forms.

"This is an outcrop of the ice ley line, the truest representation of magic!" Lirielle exclaimed with boundless excitement, her words forming puffs of frozen air that escaped her mouth with each breath. "It is a true marvel. When you connect with the ambient mana, it's as if you're becoming one with magic itself. I've never felt anything like it! That's what made me join the brothers and sisters of enlightenment. It's a true honor to be able to train here!"

Talax observed the genuine joy on her face and listened intently to her words. He, too, was drawn to the magical essence of this place. It reminded him of the dungeon, which had been steeped in trapped mana for centuries, but there was a distinct difference here. The mana felt pure, untainted by other forces, unlike the mana in the dungeon, which had felt twisted and corrupted.

Closing his eyes, Talax allowed himself to immerse in the ambient mana, feeling it course through his being. He sensed the cold, pure energy enveloping him, and for a moment, the bone-chilling cold of the summit seemed to fade into the background. When he opened his eyes again, he looked at Lirielle with determination.

"I will be coming here as often as I can!" he declared and the gnome smiled, seemingly happy to share this place. "You can of course, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Magic can't just manifest by simply willing it! Talax gave her a wicked smile and blew out a breath. An icy cloud escaped his lips once he cast his spell Frosty Breath, blending with the surroundings effortlessly. Liriellle's eyes widened in surprise, and she said, “you have ice magic?”

Talax nodded, a sense of excitement building within him, he finally had a way to train his magic!

Lirielle regarded Talax with an inscrutable look, then spoke, "It would be good for you to visit this place as often as you can, casting your spells repeatedly or simply absorbing the ice mana. It's a big opportunity for you!" Talax nodded enthusiastically, fully aware of the potential this magical haven held for his growth.

After a brief pause, Lirielle led the way, and they continued their descent down the cliffside. As they descended, the air became more humid and less cold, and Talax noticed the return of lush foliage and the sound of rustling leaves. Soon, they reached a bridge that was unlike the rope bridges of the monasteries. Lirielle motioned for him to proceed, and when Talax looked up, he realized that the dense tree canopy had blocked his view of the sky.

They crossed the bridge and entered a small grotto, where serene pools of still water emitted a faint, soothing light. Several brothers of enlightenment and a handful of initiates were immersed in the pools, either casting spells or in deep concentration. Lirielle drew closer to Talax and whispered, "This is where the water ley line passes. It doesn't have the same intensity as the ice ley line, but it's still an excellent source for training."

Talax decided not to disclose the fact that he also possessed water magic. Given all that had transpired, especially Vesperine's betrayal, he had become more guarded about revealing his abilities and secrets. Silence was becoming his ally after so many close calls and betrayals.

As they observed the brothers and initiates practicing their water magic, Lirielle tugged at Talax's sleeve, signaling it was time to leave the small grotto. They exited, leaving the others to their training. They retraced their steps, ascending the cliffside, and Lirielle spoke, "There are many places of interest in the monasteries. The high density of mana due to the ley lines has created some rather unique environments. In your spare time, you are allowed and even encouraged to go exploring. I'm sure you will find many interesting things." Talax nodded, already eager to venture out on his own, though he felt a bit apprehensive about navigating the labyrinthine rock formations and endless bridges.

Then a question surfaced in his mind, and he turned to Lirielle. "Yesterday, you mentioned that we would have to complete tasks. What did you mean by that?"

Lirielle explained as they walked through the winding paths of the monasteries. "Sometimes, there are dangerous creatures drawn by the ambient mana. We are not the only ones benefiting from the ley lines; the wild beasts also revel in the highly magical environment. Often, these creatures come too close to the monasteries, posing a threat. As part of their training, initiates are sent to dispatch these creatures. It's a practical way for them to develop their combat skills and protect the sanctity of the monasteries."

Talax nodded, understanding the necessity of such tasks in a place where mana was so abundant. He couldn't help but think that facing magical creatures would also give him a chance to improve his combat abilities and possibly test his magic.

Lirielle went on, "Additionally, sometimes the brothers and sisters require specific natural ingredients for their rituals or experiments. Instead of abandoning their contemplation or meditation, they send initiates to gather whatever they are in need of. It's a way for us to contribute to the monastery's needs while continuing our training."

Talax found this intriguing. Gathering rare or unique ingredients might be an exciting way to explore the world beyond the monasteries and learn more about the magical flora and fauna of the area. He realized that there was much more to this place than he had initially thought.

As they ascended summit after summit, Talax found himself lost in Lirielle's explanations. The fog had returned, shrouding everything in a ghostly haze. It became increasingly challenging to see beyond a mere couple of meters, and the world around them seemed to dissolve into mist. Yet, the gnome's voice was a constant presence, guiding him through the labyrinthine monasteries.

Before he realized it, they arrived at a peculiar summit that resembled a massive bowl. Enormous rocks rose like jagged teeth at the summit's edges, enclosing a central depression. From this low point, Talax could hear the distinct sounds of combat, grunts of pain, the clash of swords, and the rhythmic dance of combatants locked in battle.

Lirielle's smile grew as she gestured toward the scene below. "We are here," she announced. Talax peered down into the bowl-like arena to see a group of people engaged in intense combat. The fighters moved like dancers, their weapons glinting in the pale light that filtered through the thick fog.

Initiates sparred with fervor to the loud voice of the instructor that sounded like a whip. It was a sight to behold, the clash of steel against steel, the swift maneuvers, and the shouts of determination that filled the air. The bowl-shaped summit served as a unique training ground, and Talax couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the prospect of joining these intense battles.

Talax felt his heart race as Lirielle shouted down to the blue-robed trainer, calling him Garrick, introducing him as a new initiate. The trainer's gaze shot upward, and he responded with a brusque command that sent a jolt of anxiety coursing through Talax.

"Why the hell is he waiting there like a bloody peacock? Send the fresh meat in!" the trainer barked. Talax glanced at Lirielle, his expression a mix of confusion and apprehension. He muttered to her, "How am I supposed to go down there?" The situation had taken him by surprise, and he felt a growing sense of unease.

Lirielle let out a light chuckle, seemingly unfazed by the trainer's gruff demeanor. She pointed toward a flimsy-looking rope that dangled precariously, appearing as if it might snap at any moment. Talax's eyes widened as he stared at the thin lifeline that was meant to bear his weight. He couldn't help but think about the various rope bridges he had encountered throughout the monasteries, each one seeming more precarious than the last.

He reluctantly tore his gaze away from the rope and headed towards it, all the while muttering under his breath, "What's with ropes in this place..."