Under the dim lantern light of their kitchen, Elrian moved to assist with dinner preparations. His hands, which were more used to the grip of a sword now, awkwardly grasped the vegetables. Each slice was uneven, some too thick and others too thin. His hands occasionally fumbled, nearly dropping ingredients a few times. The rhythmic chop of Lysandra's knife in the background made his own clumsy attempts even more apparent.
Arlan, taking note of his son's struggles, said with a chuckle, "Seems your sword hand needs to find its touch in the kitchen too."
Elrian grinned sheepishly, "It's harder than it looks."
Once the table was set, the family gathered. As they ate, the topic naturally gravitated towards the afternoon's sparring session.
Lysandra, taking a thoughtful sip of her soup, began, "You've started to adapt to different fighting styles. I noticed you began predicting some of your father's movements by the end. That's a promising sign."
Arlan nodded in agreement, "True, but you need to work on your stance. You're leaving your left side exposed too often. Remember, in a real fight, such mistakes can be fatal."
Lysandra continued, "Your defensive footwork improved from the morning, but you still need to work on your offensive moves. It's about balance. You can't just wait for the opponent to make a move."
Elrian, absorbing their feedback, responded, "I noticed that every time I tried to go on the offensive, Dad's counters were swift. It felt like I was always one step behind."
"That's experience," Arlan said with a smirk. "But you'll get there. You showed determination and adaptability today. Both crucial traits for a swordsman."
Lysandra added, "And remember, Elrian, sparring isn't just about winning or landing a strike. It's about learning, adapting, and understanding both your strengths and weaknesses."
Dinner continued with more light-hearted banter and memories from Lysandra and Arlan's younger days. Elrian listened intently, not just as a son hearing about his parent's adventures, but also as a budding swordsman hungry for knowledge and experience.
As they were finishing up the last morsels of dinner, Lysandra set her spoon down and exchanged a knowing glance with Arlan. "Elrian," she began, "now that you've had some foundational training, it's time for you to experience real combat situations."
Arlan took over, his voice steady, "Tomorrow, we'll take you to the surrounding forest. You'll get to apply what you've learned by hunting and fighting against the monsters that lurk there."
Elrian's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of fear apparent. The forest was known for its dangers, and even experienced villagers treaded carefully when venturing deep within.
Sensing his apprehension, Lysandra gently added, "Remember, we'll be right there with you. The idea is to get you accustomed to unpredictable situations, not to thrust you into danger."
Arlan nodded, "Yes, the forest can be dangerous, but that's exactly why it's the perfect training ground. The unpredictability of the creatures will teach you to think on your feet, to adapt, and to react instinctively."
Elrian hesitated, "But I've only been training for such a short time. Am I really ready?"
Lysandra leaned across the table and took his hand, her grip firm yet reassuring. "Elrian, being ready isn't just about skill, it's about mindset. You've shown great adaptability and determination in your training. But, you'll also need to face your fears, and what better way than with us by your side?"
Arlan added, "Facing real challenges will accelerate your learning. And remember, no legendary swordsman became great by only training within the safety of four walls."
The room was silent for a moment, the weight of the upcoming challenge palpable. But then, with a newfound resolve, Elrian nodded, "Alright. I'll do it. I trust both of you."
Lysandra smiled, proud of her son's courage. "That's the spirit. Get a good night's sleep, tomorrow will be a big day."
With that, the family wrapped up their night, the anticipation of the next day's adventure hanging in the air.
Retreating to the tranquility of his room, Elrian sat cross-legged, taking a deep breath and beginning his cultivation process. The environment around him seemed to disappear as he closed his eyes and focused inward. His heart rate slowed, and the rhythmic cadence of his breathing became the sole sound in the room.
He began by recalling the core tenets of the "Elemental Nexus Qi Gathering" technique. Centering his mind, he envisioned the Wind Elemental Qi, the very element he had an affinity with, surrounding him. He imagined it as a gentle breeze, slowly converging and coalescing around him, eager to be harnessed.
The initial stages were always about acclimation. He had to familiarize himself with the sensation of the wind qi, feeling its ebb and flow. The rhythmic dance of the elemental wind around him was like a serenade, and he focused on synchronizing his breaths with its rhythm.
As time passed, the qi began responding to his call, gathering and swirling around him. He imagined it as a myriad of tiny luminescent threads, weaving and intertwining, getting absorbed into his body through every pore. He could feel the coolness of the wind, its gentle caress, and the way it invigorated his cells.
While it was a passive process, it required immense concentration. Any stray thought could disrupt the flow and harmony of the qi. He had to remain rooted in the present, attuned to the subtle shifts and changes of the elemental wind.
An hour slipped by, then two. Elrian could feel his internal reservoir expanding, accommodating the influx of the wind qi. This cultivation session felt different; perhaps it was the anticipation of tomorrow's challenges, or maybe the culmination of his recent training. Regardless, he felt a profound connection with the elemental wind tonight.
The connection was deepening, each breath drawing in more qi, fortifying his foundation. Memories of his sparring sessions, his lessons, and his parents' words played in the back of his mind. They served as a reminder of why he was doing this, reinforcing his determination.
However, as the clock neared 10 pm, a wave of exhaustion began to sweep over him. Cultivation was mentally taxing, and the deeper the connection, the more energy it consumed. Recognizing the signs, Elrian slowly began to retract from the cultivation state. He visualized the elemental wind dispersing, returning to its natural state, while the qi he had absorbed settled within him.
Drawing a long, deep breath, Elrian opened his eyes, returning to the present. The room felt different – the stillness pronounced, the atmosphere charged. He could feel the gains from the session, a subtle increase in his internal energy.
Stretching his limbs, Elrian glanced at the clock. It was just a few minutes past 10 pm. He had managed to stick to his plan, giving himself ample time to rest. Ensuring he was well-rested was paramount for tomorrow's expedition.
With those thoughts in mind, he laid down on his bed, the day's experiences slowly fading away as he drifted into a deep, rejuvenating sleep.