In the span of a single week, Aurelius's dedication and determination had borne fruit. The katana, once an unfamiliar and daunting weapon, was becoming an extension of his very being. His progress was evident in the fluidity of his movements as he gracefully executed strikes while on the move. His dodges had become swifter, a testament to the relentless training under Nadeem's watchful eye.
Nadeem, the seasoned mentor, couldn't help but be pleased with his apprentice's rapid improvement. He knew that mastering the art of the katana was no small feat, yet Aurelius's unwavering commitment was undeniable.
With a genuine smile, Nadeem commended his pupil. "Your progress is remarkable, Aurelius. Your strikes are becoming more precise, and your agility is improving by the day."
Aurelius's eyes gleamed with pride, and he nodded in acknowledgment. He knew that every moment spent perfecting his swordsmanship brought him one step closer to realizing his true potential.
Yet, as significant as his progress in the physical realm was, the path to unlocking his dormant magic abilities proved to be an entirely different challenge.
Nadeem recognized that to awaken Aurelius's magic, a journey of introspection and control was required. He approached his apprentice one day, his expression both thoughtful and resolute.
"For the awakening of your magic," Nadeem began, "the first thing you must do is find inner calm. Close your eyes and imagine yourself standing in an empty room, a space free from distractions."
Aurelius listened intently, absorbing every word from his mentor. He followed Nadeem's instructions diligently, attempting to create the envisioned mental space.
Nadeem continued his guidance, his voice soothing and reassuring. "Imagine there is a glowing orb within your heart, a source of immense energy. This orb emits a radiant light that flows throughout your body, just like the blood coursing through your veins. Concentrate on this energy and try to direct it towards a specific part of your body—say, your fist."
Days turned into nights as Aurelius practiced this technique with unwavering determination. He delved deep into meditation, visualizing the glowing orb within him and attempting to channel its power.
However, the path to unlocking one's latent magic was a winding and challenging one. Despite his relentless efforts, the desired awakening remained elusive. Doubt and frustration threatened to creep in.
A week had passed since Aurelius had diligently trained under Nadeem's watchful eye. His dedication to the art of the katana had yielded impressive results. However, this day brought a new development that filled him with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Egnatius and Cordelia had returned to the training grounds, and the sight of their familiar faces brought a radiant smile to Aurelius's lips. Nadeem, the ever-welcoming mentor, extended his greetings and wasted no time in putting Aurelius to the test.
"Welcome back," Nadeem greeted Egnatius and Cordelia, his voice carrying an air of anticipation. He turned to Egnatius and addressed him, "Egnatius, I'd like you to spar with Aurelius today."
Egnatius took a step forward, his demeanor displaying an angelic smile that contrasted with the impending battle. However, Aurelius hesitated, his eyes wide with uncertainty.
"Wait," Aurelius began, his voice trembling with doubt, "is that even, okay? He's much stronger than me. What if he...what if he kills me?"
Cordelia, never one to mince words, let out a hearty laugh. She leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief, and teased, "Don't be a coward, cutie. He'll go easy on you."
Nadeem, however, looked disappointed at Cordelia's teasing. He admonished her with a stern tone, "Cordelia, stop trying to seduce the newbies. Now, let's get started, you two. Go stand in your designated areas, and Egnatius, remember to take it easy on him."
Aurelius, still filled with a sense of unease, voiced his concern, "Don't you need a sword, Egnatius?"
With an angelic smile that belied his true strength, Egnatius calmly declined, revealing, "I use axes in combat."
Aurelius's eyes widened in sheer disbelief. "Axes?" he gasped.
Cordelia, with her penchant for theatrics, took a seat on a nearby bench and assumed the role of commentator. She began to narrate the scene with an animated flourish, her words setting the stage for the impending clash.
"Our stage is set in a desolate, windswept arena," Cordelia announced, her voice charged with excitement, "where the air is thick with anticipation. The combatants face off at opposite ends, with the no magic newbie, Aurelius, standing tall yet slightly trembling, and the Precognition magic user, Egnatius, exuding a calm confidence that seems almost supernatural."
Nadeem, observing the exchange, couldn't help but chuckle at Cordelia's dramatic flair. With a firm command, he silenced her commentary and signaled for the duel to commence.
Aurelius and Egnatius stood ready, their weapons and wits poised for the challenge that lay ahead. In this windswept arena, where uncertainty and excitement danced in the air, the clash of weapons and the test of courage were about to unfold.
The moment the battle began, it was evident that this duel was not like any other. An abrupt flash signaled the start, as Egnatius, the axe-wielding master, surged forward with breathtaking speed. His twin axes gleamed ominously in the harsh sunlight, and an air of anticipation hung heavy around the arena.
With uncanny foresight, Egnatius predicted the trajectory of Aurelius's initial attack. In a swift and nimble sidestep, he narrowly avoided what could have been a devastating strike. Aurelius gasped in awe at Egnatius's seemingly supernatural agility.
Aurelius, undeterred by his initial miss, swiftly regained his composure. He launched into a series of rapid slashes, determined to prove himself. However, Egnatius continued to move with preternatural grace, dancing around each of Aurelius's attacks with the grace of a master.
Nadeem watched in sheer amazement as Egnatius's movements seemed to defy the laws of physics. His precognitive abilities allowed him to predict and evade each of Aurelius's strikes with ease. It was as though he could see into the future and adjust his position accordingly.
Yet, for all Egnatius's dominance in the early stages of the battle, Aurelius's resolve remained unshaken. With each missed strike, he carefully analyzed Egnatius's patterns. He recognized the one-second window of foresight upon which Egnatius relied.
With a newfound understanding, Aurelius adapted his tactics. Instead of aiming for Egnatius directly, he aimed for the space that Egnatius intended to occupy one second in the future. This shift in strategy forced Egnatius to remain in constant motion, unable to predict Aurelius's attacks with the same precision.
As time passed, Egnatius's once-calm demeanor began to waver. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he realized that Aurelius was not just a determined opponent but a clever one too.
Cordelia couldn't hide her astonishment as she witnessed Aurelius, once a mere newcomer to the world of combat, adapting so swiftly to Egnatius's relentless attacks. Despite taking damage, Aurelius was not merely enduring the storm of blows but actively analyzing Egnatius's every move.
As the battle raged on, Aurelius's relentless pursuit of Egnatius began to yield results. With impeccable timing, he managed to graze Egnatius's shoulder with a perfectly executed swing of his katana. A thin line of crimson marked the impact, and Cordelia's face registered shock at the unexpected turn of events.
Egnatius, now nursing a visible injury, clenched his teeth and intensified his assault. He unleashed a furious double-axe strike at Aurelius, his confidence in his predictive abilities unwavering. However, Aurelius, having synchronized with Egnatius's one-second foresight, moved with a grace that belied his apparent weakness, elegantly sidestepping the deadly attack.
With victory within reach, Aurelius pressed his advantage further. As Egnatius prepared for another offensive, Aurelius demonstrated a brilliant parry, blocking one axe with his katana and swiftly delivering a precise strike with the hilt of his weapon to Egnatius's injured shoulder. Egnatius grimaced in agony as a fresh wave of blood stained his attire.
But Egnatius was far from defeated. In a desperate bid to regain control, he suddenly swung the hilt of one of his axes toward Aurelius's head. Caught off guard, Aurelius was struck with brutal force, his world spinning as he crumpled to the ground.
Unconsciousness enveloped him, and as his eyes flickered open in that ethereal state between dream and reality, he found himself in a white room, his head cradled in the lap of a woman with long, glossy black hair. Her touch was gentle and soothing, and although her face remained blurred in Aurelius's vision, her presence exuded an undeniable sense of comfort.
End~Fin
See you in the next Chapter....
Quick note: 1 day on Crania = 1 week on Earth
For all the readers:
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