In this trance, Elrian felt a presence beside him—Serpwingra. Together, they observed the snake's movements, the way it lunged, retreated, and struck with deadly precision. The snake wasn't just using its physical body; it harnessed the wind around it, amplifying its strikes and dodges. Its every move was a dance between physical prowess and elemental mastery.
Suddenly, the vision shifted. The snake transformed into a sword, its blade shimmering with the brilliance of the wind. As the sword moved, it cut through the air with unparalleled speed, leaving behind a trail of swirling wind. The blade itself seemed alive, resonating with the wind's rhythm, becoming sharper and faster with every swing.
As the vision faded and Elrian returned to the present, he felt a profound connection to the wind, as if he'd tapped into a hidden reservoir of knowledge. He looked at Serpwingra, who appeared equally awestruck.
"We... we saw it, didn't we?" Elrian gasped, trying to articulate the profound experience.
Serpwingra nodded, its form shimmering slightly, "Yes, it was like... an ancient memory, a dance of wind and blade. The way the snake moved, the way the wind flowed around it—it gave us a glimpse of a new technique, a fusion of elemental wind with the sword."
Elrian took a deep breath, excitement bubbling within him. "It's like the universe showed us a path, a way to harness the wind's essence in our swordplay. We could feel the potential, the power, even if we don't fully understand it yet."
Serpwingra swirled around Elrian, its form reflecting the vibrant energy they'd just experienced. "It's a gift, a revelation. Now, it's up to us to refine it, to understand and master this new technique."
Elrian nodded determinedly, his gaze fixed on his sword, which now seemed to possess a new aura. "Together, we'll unlock this mystery and harness the true potential of the wind."
The forest became Elrian's dojo as he began his practice, the stillness of nature serving as the perfect backdrop for his intense focus. Birds fluttered from the treetops, curious about the young cultivator who was repeating a singular sword motion, a straight lunge, over and over again.
Every thrust of the blade was accompanied by a subtle manipulation of wind qi. Elrian could feel the gusts of wind aiding his movement, yet he struggled to perfectly synchronize the sword with the elemental force. Sometimes the wind pushed too hard, making his strike overly aggressive, while other times it was too gentle, and the sword lacked the necessary force behind the attack.
Serpwingra, watching keenly, offered guidance. "Remember the vision, Elrian. The sword and the wind were one. Don't force the wind, but rather invite it. Let it become an extension of your intent."
Elrian closed his eyes, recalling the trance-like state where the snake transformed into a sword, harnessing the wind with every movement. He inhaled deeply, attempting to synchronize his breathing with the ebb and flow of the wind around him.
With renewed focus, Elrian lunged forward again. This time, the sword seemed to sing as it moved, the wind wrapping around it, amplifying its speed and sharpness. Each thrust felt more natural, more harmonized. The wind didn't just aid the blade; it was a part of it.
After an hour, sweat dripped from Elrian's brow, his muscles ached, but his eyes sparkled with determination. "It's still not perfect," he admitted, looking at Serpwingra. "But even this small mastery... It's incredible."
Serpwingra nodded in agreement, its form pulsating with wind energy. "Indeed, mastering even 5% of this technique has already enhanced your strength considerably. Imagine the power when you fully unlock its potential."
Elrian smiled, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. "This is just the beginning. With time and practice, I'll perfect this technique. With the wind by my side, I'll be unstoppable."
As Elrian withdrew his blade from another practice lunge, he noticed an unusual depletion of his qi pool. The technique, while effective, was far from efficient. Serpwingra, sensing Elrian's realization, coiled around him, sharing his contemplation.
"Every breakthrough has its cost," Serpwingra mused, its voice a gentle whisper in Elrian's mind. "Harnessing the wind in such a way, even in its nascent form, requires a significant amount of qi. The wind is not just an ally, but a force that demands respect and energy."
Elrian nodded, understanding the gravity of what Serpwingra was saying. "The raw power and speed it grants are unmatched by any of my other techniques. However, such power always comes with a price. The amount of qi it consumes means I can't use it recklessly."
Serpwingra replied, "Yes, think of it as a trump card, a secret weapon to be used when the situation demands it, not a standard move in your arsenal."
Elrian's hand absently traced the length of his blade, the cool metal reflecting the dappled sunlight. "Every great technique deserves a name, something that captures its essence."
"Indeed," Serpwingra chimed in. "Something simple yet evocative. It should reflect its nature, its connection with the wind, and the swift and precise movement of the sword."
Elrian's eyes narrowed in thought. "The name should hint at its wind element, its swift action, and the lethal precision it delivers. Yet, it shouldn't be too ostentatious. The move is powerful, but it's the subtlety and surprise that make it truly effective."
Moments turned into minutes as Elrian grappled with words, weighing them for their worthiness. Finally, a word whispered in the wind seemed to resonate with him. "Galestrike," he murmured, the word rolling off his tongue, filled with promise and mystery.
Serpwingra seemed to shimmer with agreement. "Galestrike. A single word, yet it holds within it the ferocity of a gale and the precision of a strike. Modest, yet potent. It encapsulates the essence of the technique."
Elrian nodded with satisfaction. "Galestrike it is. A move to be used sparingly, but when it's unleashed, it'll be with the might of a storm."