Chapter 85 - Success

In the vortex of this fiercely heartwarming battle, Elrian's Gale Shield radiated a luminous aura, swirling winds composing a symphony of protection around him. Serpwingra's voice, like subtle wind chimes, echoed with timeless advice, orchestrating strategies of both offense and defense. Elrian, though, his soul ablaze with a resolve as strong as the fiercest gale, chose to silence the wise serpent, his every fiber itching to prove his mettle alone in this trial of fire and wind.

Arlan and Lyssandra, the seasoned warriors, were quick to evolve, their every step, every breath resonating with the rhythm of the raging battle. Elrian felt the pulsating pressure, a dance between the verge of conquest and the edge of defeat, yet his essence remained unscathed, the dance continuing in a symphony of unwavering spirit.

The swirling winds carried the weight of the ongoing battle, a combat interweaved with subtle emotions and silent affirmations. Each clash of blades, each resonating echo told tales of a young soul proving his worth in the arena of life.

As the sands of time slipped away, the once lively dance of experience and conviction now turned into a slow waltz. Arlan and Lyssandra, their energies depleting, movements becoming a shadow of their initial fervor, were nearing the limits of their Qi. Elrian, however, like an unwavering mountain amidst a storm, his resolve radiant, and his eyes alight with the fire of determination, still stood enveloped in the whispers of the Gale Shield.

Serpwingra's invisible presence intertwined with the raging winds, whispering secrets and guiding Elrian to manipulate the winds to amplify his swordplay, every stroke imbued with the essence of the gales, turning them into harmonious dance of attack and defense.

This silent battlefield bore witness to this passionate dance, where the melodies of experienced whispers and youthful fervor intermingled, creating a symphony of silent spirits and echoing resolves. Elrian's body, a testament to his untapped reservoirs of energy, and his spirit, unshaken and robust, faced his parents, his eyes speaking volumes of unspoken promises and unbroken will, making the heartwarming battle not just a display of skills and resilience, but also a harmonious dance of mutual respect and unspoken love.

Arlan and Lyssandra, their breaths coming in labored pants, gazed upon their son, a mélange of amazement and mild disbelief shimmering in their eyes. Despite his tender age, Elrian stood before them, embodying an incredible spectacle of vigor and composed serenity, his energy seemingly untouched despite the intense battle that had just unfolded.

Through tired eyes, Arlan inquired, his voice a gentle whisper yet laden with palpable amazement, "Elrian, how...? Fighting against both of us, and yet your vitality seems to barely wane, your Qi is almost as lively as when we began. Can you enlighten us, son?"

Elrian, his eyes mirroring the serene skies, began explaining, "Maybe it's because of my Qi pool, Papa, Mama. My pool has expanded, perhaps significantly more than you might think. It's now 50cm across and 50cm deep. This immense reservoir allows me to harness more Qi and sustain it longer even when engaged in a strenuous battle like we just had."

As the words cascaded from Elrian, the parents exchanged a look of utter astonishment, their minds whirling to comprehend how a child, their child, could possess a Qi pool of such magnitude. It was a marvel, even for experienced cultivators in the village.

Lyssandra, her voice tender, questioned further, "But even with a large Qi pool, sustaining against both of us should drain you considerably. Your energy and Qi usage seemed remarkably efficient, almost as if you had some sort of aid."

In a delicate balance of truth and secrecy, Elrian responded, "My wind affinity, Mama. I've been practicing. It aids me in moving effortlessly, and in doing so, conserves my Qi. The winds guide and amplify my actions, reducing the expenditure of my own energy."

Unbeknownst to them, Elrian chose not to unveil the secret of his life elemental Qi, a mysterious yet potent power that surged within him, nourishing and expanding his Qi pool exponentially and granting him a concealed edge in his cultivating journey. His innocent eyes hid well the secret, as the parents, basking in both astonishment and pride, embraced their son, unaware of the veiled potency of life that spiraled silently within him.

Arlan and Lyssandra settled into a more serene state, albeit the surprise and concern still delicately perched upon their faces. Lyssandra, tracing back the memories of their spar, thought about those moments where her strikes, fast and precise, seemed to somehow be deflected or slowed before reaching Elrian. It was subtle yet noticeable for the experienced cultivator's eyes.

Tentatively, she spoke, "Elrian, there were instances during our spar when it felt like an invisible force buffered our strikes, sheltering you from potential hits. What was that? It seemed like a...shield of some kind."

Elrian, choosing his words carefully to preserve the secret of the Elemental Pearl and Serpwingra, explained, "That was the Gale Shield, Mama. When I reached the Qi Sensor stage with my wind affinity, I gained a few abilities. The Gale Shield uses the wind to create a protective barrier around me. I've practiced it a bit and managed to utilize it better during our spar."

His explanation was met with an approving nod from Arlan, who added with a voice laced with warmth and a trace of warning, "That's an impressive skill, son. But always remember, reliance on a single ability can also be a vulnerability in battle. Variability and adaptability in combat are vital."

While his parents continued to discuss the importance of varied skills and tactical adaptability in battles, Elrian's mind wandered briefly to the concealed secret that rested within him - Serpwingra and the Elemental Pearl. The spirit, who had silently observed the spar from the depth of Elrian's being, had remained undetected by his parents, its existence a mystery to all but Elrian.

In the flickering lights of the dining space, the family continued to converse, moving on to other topics, yet the events of the day and the incredible revelation of Elrian's capabilities lingered heavily in the air, crafting a subtle, yet profound shift in the undercurrents of their collective destiny. Little did they know that the secrets Elrian harboured would one day weave into tales of extraordinary adventures and mystical journeys, entwining their fates into threads of unimaginable futures.