Elder Calyx sighed, the weight of the village's situation heavy on his shoulders. "There is, sadly, not much preparation we can make against such an adversary as Seraphine. We have few Qi sensors among us, and our resources are limited."
He paused, looking at each of the villagers in the room, gauging their reactions. "However, we are not alone in this world. There are other nearby villages, and though I have my reservations, I believe it's worth reaching out to them for aid."
Doren frowned, "Elder, do you think they will come to our aid? The tales of Seraphine's power are known far and wide. Which village would risk their own safety to assist us?"
Calyx nodded solemnly. "You're right, Doren. The tales of her strength have indeed spread. Yet, there's an old saying: 'In unity, there's strength.' While it's true that some villages may be reluctant to aid us due to the looming threat of Seraphine, it's also possible that they too fear they might be next on her list. Helping us could be a strategic move on their part, as standing together might give us a better chance against her."
Selene added, "Not to mention, some village leaders owe favors to Elder Calyx. If there was ever a time to call them in, it would be now."
Elder Calyx smiled weakly at Selene's remark. "True, there are some old bonds and favors to consider. I'll send messengers to the surrounding villages immediately, calling for their aid. Even if just a few decide to stand with us, it will bolster our defenses."
Lyssandra asked, "But what if they refuse? What if we are truly on our own?"
Elder Calyx's gaze hardened, determination shining in his eyes. "Then we stand firm. We give it our all. This village has faced numerous challenges in the past, and every time, we've come out stronger. Seraphine may be powerful, but she will soon learn that the spirit of this village isn't easily broken."
The room echoed with murmurs of agreement, the villagers unified in their resolve to protect their home. The meeting ended with a newfound determination, everyone preparing themselves for the challenges ahead.
As the group dispersed from Elder Calyx's home, Elrian approached his parents with a determined look in his eyes. "Mother, Father, I've made up my mind. I need to go out and hunt more Qi creatures. It's not just for the cores but to sharpen my skills and hone my combat instincts. I need to be at my best for what's coming."
Arlan looked at his son, his pride evident. "I understand your sentiments, Elrian. Your mother and I have seen the progress you've made. But remember, training doesn't only mean physical exertion. You also need to strategize and mentally prepare."
Lyssandra, ever the protective mother, stepped closer to Elrian, placing a hand on his cheek. "Promise me you'll be careful. And come back before it gets too late. Tomorrow might be the most challenging day of our lives. We need you to be at your best."
Elrian nodded, wrapping his arms around his mother for a brief moment. "I promise, Mother. I won't push myself too hard. I just feel... I need to do this. I have this urge to train, to be better."
Arlan placed a firm hand on Elrian's shoulder. "Just remember, son, it's not only about strength. Your mind is your greatest weapon. Strategy, timing, patience—these are as essential as any sword technique."
"I understand, Father. I'll be mindful of that," Elrian responded, determination burning in his eyes.
Lyssandra gave him a small smile, her eyes glistening with tears of pride and concern. "Come home early, alright? We'll prepare a hearty meal for you."
Elrian nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude and love for his parents. "I will. I promise."
And with that, Elrian set out, his heart set on honing his skills and gathering as much strength and experience as he could before the imminent confrontation with Seraphine.
Elrian walked through the forest, his senses heightened as he tried to seek out Qi creatures. But his mind was racing with a different thought, so he finally voiced it to Serpwingra. "Serpwingra, I've been wondering... how can I train more effectively? What's the most efficient way to improve my abilities quickly?"
There was a pause, longer than usual, before Serpwingra's voice resonated in his mind, laced with hesitation. "Elrian, in all my existence and knowledge, there's one method that stands out the most for rapid growth: life and death battles."
Elrian halted, a confused expression forming on his face. "But... I thought I was in life and death battles yesterday. If I made any wrong move, wouldn't I have been killed?"
Serpwingra responded, its voice calm and steady, "True, there was danger. But consider this: when you faced those creatures, your chances of survival, even if things went wrong, were still around 90%. In your last battle, when your Qi was low, your chance of surviving was perhaps slightly lower but still above 89%. That's because you had the means and ability to escape. A real life and death battle is when your odds of surviving are as low as 20%. In such battles, every move, every decision you make, matters significantly."
A shiver ran down Elrian's spine. The thought was intimidating, even terrifying. But as images of his parents and the village flashed before his eyes, his resolve hardened. "I understand. And even though it's scary to think about, if it means protecting the village and my parents, I'm willing to go through hell."
Serpwingra's voice softened, "I admire your courage, Elrian. Remember, it's not about seeking danger recklessly. It's about confronting challenges that truly push your limits. With the right mindset, you can overcome any obstacle."
Elrian nodded, drawing a deep breath, ready to face whatever came next.