Marcellus took the book, "Water God," and nodded in acknowledgement of Edwin's instructions. The prospect of hunting a Hollow Serpent intrigued him, especially considering the potential mystic benefits that could be derived from such a creature, he had never seen one although he had consumed a heart of one.
Edwin's stern expression softened slightly, and he offered a small smile. "Good. Remember, the Church values resourcefulness and adaptability. Keep that in mind."
With those parting words, Edwin made his way out of the Hold, leaving Marcellus alone with his thoughts and the book in hand. As he settled into a chair, he couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of mysticism and the path he had chosen to follow.
The Church of Storms held many secrets, and Marcellus was determined to uncover them.
As Edwin departed, Marcellus delved into the pages of the 'Water god' style, immersing himself in the intricate techniques. Before long, the Hold's silence was interrupted by the return of Livius. He entered the room and, upon encountering Marcellus, couldn't resist his inclination.
"Why are you still here, pirate?" Livius sneered, his tone laced with condescension.
Marcellus, undisturbed by Livius's derogatory remark, closed the book momentarily and responded with unruffled composure. "I'm not a pirate, Livius," he said, recalling Edwin's 'advice'. "Edwin mentioned that I could seek your guidance if I have questions about mysticism."
Livius, finding amusement in Marcellus's response, couldn't resist a sardonic smirk. "Well, we'll see, Blackeye," he quipped, taking a seat opposite closer to the natural light that pierced the Hold.
Marcellus returned to his study of the 'Water god' style, and he soon realized that the Water god Style wasn't significantly different from what he had learned from Ayden.
Fundamentally, the Water God Style revolved around parrying, counterattacking, and a robust defensive technique in its approach to swordsmanship—skills Marcellus was already proficient in.
The primary objective was to induce the opponent to seize the initiative, and then, through meticulous analysis and anticipation, devise efficient countermeasures to neutralize the threats they presented.
While Marcellus possessed these skills, it didn't necessarily mean he was applying them effectively in combat.
Given that the Water god Style relied on reacting to an opponent's attack rather than initiating one, it also incorporated the art of provocation to steer the situation in favour of the practitioner.
Water god Style wielders did hold an advantage against practitioners of the Sword god Style, which prioritized initiating attacks, provided they were at similar skill levels. However, this advantage vanished rapidly if the Sword god Style user was vastly superior, overwhelming the Water god Stylist with the sheer speed and force of their strikes.
What Edwin had given Marcellus wasn't a conventional book on the Water god Style but rather a compilation of a swordsman's thoughts and experiences, akin to a journal. At the heart of the Water god Style lay the concept of "Flow," a fundamental counterattacking technique that served as the bedrock for more advanced forms of combat.
From the initial stages of a third-rate warrior or novice to the pinnacle of a first-rate or expert, there were no flashy techniques; instead, the focus was on effective parrying and agile footwork.
As one progressed to the level of a Water Saint, the ability to read the 'flow' of battle became paramount.
It's worth noting that achieving mastery over this concept demanded acute perception, another skill in which a Hollowed like Marcellus was already an expert.
Interestingly, even without formal training in the water god Style, many Sequence 9 Sailors naturally developed fighting techniques rooted in 'flow.' This synergy made it evident that individuals who pursued the Water god Style while aspiring to the path of a sailor possessed a distinct advantage.
Being a Hollowed grants me incredible perception on both physical and spiritual levels. I can toggle this ability on and off through my spirituality, making it effortless for me to employ the water god style. I've mastered every aspect of it, from the fundamentals like parrying to intricate footwork. In essence, I've attained the rank of an expert in the water god style. Now, what exactly is 'flow'?
If Marcellus could master flow he would be a genuine water saint!
A dreadful idea crept into his mind; he wanted to ask Martia, as she appeared to be the most skilled person he knew. However, he immediately brushed it off.
He picked up his other book and continued reading in High Valar from where he had left off the previous night. Although High Valar and Valar were similar, it wasn't as easy to finish this book as the one Edwin had given him. The sheer volume of words in High Valar amounted to tens of thousands, making it a challenging read.
On the other hand, the book on the Water God Style was a journal describing the style and its philosophy, which Marcellus found to be easily digestible. He had a natural affinity for swordsmanship, and the concepts within the journal resonated with him, making it much easier to comprehend.
Hours passed with Marcellus and Livius in quiet concentration within the Hold. The only sounds that broke the stillness were the flipping of pages and, now and then, Livius blowing gently on his scroll to encourage the ink to dry.
As they continued their dedicated focus, it was Ralf who finally interrupted their concentration. Ralf entered the room where Marcellus and Livius were studying, his presence drawing their attention, the weight of his steps declared his presence.
"Blackeye, come quickly," Ralf urged, his voice tinged with urgency. "It's the alchemical room."
Marcellus wasted no time, immediately setting aside his books and following Ralf to the alchemical room. After familiarizing himself for two days, he had a general understanding of the layout of the Hold.
As he entered, he was met with the sight of Priest Corwin inside the room. The atmosphere seemed charged with a sense of gravity, and Marcellus couldn't help but recall that Ralf was about to partake in his potion, although he wasn't entirely sure which one it was.
Marcellus observed as the man, despite his rotund frame, moved with surprising energy and enthusiasm. It wasn't a sense of urgency that animated him, but rather genuine excitement.
A spark of amusement and anticipation had ignited within the usually composed Priest Corwin.
Curiosity and anticipation infected Marcellus as he inquired, "Which potion is Ralf taking, Priest Corwin?"
The priest met his gaze with a steady, enigmatic look and replied, "It is the Sailor Sequence 9."
Marcellus nodded, Sailor Sequence 9 was the main pathway within the Church. It was known for its connection to the sea and its unique abilities. He wondered what kind of transformation or enhancement Ralf would experience after taking it.
In the dimly lit alchemical chamber, the preparations for the Sailor Sequence potion began with a sense of practised ritual. Priest Corwin, an experienced hand in the art of alchemy, moved with a measured precision that hinted at his mastery of the craft.
Tak! Tak! Tak! The secret door swung shut, sealing the room from the outside world. The soft sound echoed through the chamber, signifying the commencement of the potion-making process.
"The concoction of a Sequence potion is extremely simple, at least for Sequence 7 and below. There's no need for a special flame or any additional ritual, much less an incantation. There's no need for one to participate in it spiritually. All one needs to do is go according to the formula's steps, add the precise amounts, and mix it. That will be all," Priest Corwin's voice resonated with a wisdom borne of years of experience.
Klein, a young observer in the alchemical room, listened with rapt attention as the aged alchemist shared his knowledge, Although he had seen this process twice it did not make it any less magical to him.
"Perhaps it's a gift of the gods. Praise the Lord."Priest Corwin made a sacred gesture over his chest before unfurling a piece of aged goatskin parchment.
The parchment, yellowed with age, revealed ancient text written in ink that resembled fresh blood—a language familiar to Marcellus, the language of Valar, High Valar to be exact.
Priest Corwin began reciting the formula step by step as he prepared the potion, his movements deliberate and unhurried.
Main Ingredients:
Giant Squid's Ink: Priest Corwin produced a vial of inky blackness, a substance as deep as the ocean's abyss. The ink carried the essence of the enigmatic giant squid, a creature of the deep seas, and held within it a hint of profound mystery.
Dragonfish Bladder: A shimmering dragonfish bladder, rare and precious, exuded an iridescent glow. These creatures were known for their precise navigation in the ocean's depths, and their bladders added an otherworldly quality to the potion.
Supplementary Ingredients;
Saltwater: just water from the sea.
Chamomile Flowers: Delicately plucked from coastal cliffs, the chamomile flowers contributed a soothing tranquillity to the elixir, their sweet aroma mingling with the other components.
Brine Crystals: Harvested from hidden crevices in coastal cliffs, these salty crystals imparted a crystalline purity to the elixir, capturing the essence of the ocean's depths.
Priest Corwinl's hands moved with practised grace as he added each ingredient to the cauldron, the room filling with the fragrant scents of the sea and chamomile. Marcellus watched in silent fascination, the process of potion-making.
With all the ingredients in place, Priest Corwin glanced at the table, where a gelatinous Stellar Aqua crystal awaited its turn. This crystal, seemingly reflecting a celestial void of stars within, held the key to the potion's potency.
Priest Corwin's voice grew sombre as he performed a quick divination, and the alchemical chamber seemed to come alive with otherworldly energy. The final act was complete.
Sizzle!
"It's done, your Sailor potion," Priest Corwin declared, pointing to the opaque cup containing the finished potion.