The canopy overhead cast dappled patterns of sunlight and shade as Elrian made his way through the dense underbrush, his steps muffled by the leaf litter below. The forest was alive with the gentle hum of insects, the distant calls of birds, and the whispers of leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. But amidst this symphony of nature, Elrian's senses were honed onto something more specific: the presence of qi-rich creatures.
As he moved deeper into the forest, the density of the trees grew, making the light fall in even fainter patches. Soon, a slight movement caught his eye. It was subtle, a mere rustle of leaves high in the trees. Raising his gaze, he spotted it—a bluish rat, its size more befitting a small dog than the vermin he was familiar with. It perched effortlessly on a branch, its sleek fur shimmering with a hue that suggested a link to the water element.
Choosing to remain hidden, Elrian took cover behind a thick trunk, eyes trained on the creature. The rat seemed unaware of his presence, and he wanted to keep it that way. This was a prime opportunity to observe a qi-infused creature in its natural environment, which could provide valuable insights for future confrontations.
The rat's snout twitched, its whiskers quivering as it sniffed the air. Elrian noticed droplets of water forming on its fur, then rolling off, only to be absorbed back into its body. It was a continuous cycle, as if the creature was one with the water it generated.
Serpwingra's voice resonated in Elrian's mind, "This is a Waterborne Rat. They have an affinity for the water element. Not particularly strong, but they possess unique abilities related to their element. Observe its movements; the fluidity mirrors the very element it's attuned to."
Elrian nodded internally, continuing his observation. The rat moved with an elegance and grace that defied its rodent nature. Its limbs flowed seamlessly from one position to another, each movement reminiscent of a stream coursing through a landscape. Every now and then, it would release a burst of water from its mouth, using it to clean its fur or even play, forming small orbs that floated around it before being reabsorbed.
It was fascinating. The way the rat manipulated water, it was as if the element was an extension of itself. The creature seemed to be in a state of constant hydration, and Elrian wondered if this played a role in its vitality and strength.
Minutes felt like hours as Elrian lost himself in the study of the creature. While it was not the most formidable opponent he could face in the forest, the Waterborne Rat served as a stark reminder that every creature, regardless of its size or perceived threat, had unique abilities that could surprise and challenge any opponent.
Elrian watched the Waterborne Rat intently, mentally cataloging its habits and movements. With every droplet it produced, with every fluid motion, he sought to understand the creature better. After a few minutes of observation, Elrian began formulating a strategy to engage it.
First, he considered the environment. The rat was perched high on a branch, and the trees around provided it with both cover and an advantage in height. If he were to engage head-on, the rat could easily use the branches to its benefit, attacking from angles difficult for Elrian to defend. Thus, he needed to level the playing field.
Using his newly-acquired aerial movement ability, Elrian planned to rapidly ascend a nearby tree. This would not only close the distance but also eliminate the rat's height advantage. The rapid ascent would be a surprise move, ideally catching the Waterborne Rat off guard. But he had to ensure that he had a clear path to retreat or dodge, given the rat's water manipulation skills.
Next, Elrian considered the water affinity of the rat. From his observations, it seemed the rat could produce and manipulate water but didn't show any signs of utilizing it offensively from a distance, except for its playful water orbs. These orbs, while seemingly harmless in the rat's play, could potentially be used as a weapon. Elrian decided to use his Gale Shield defensively, especially if the rat tried to launch or manipulate water at him. The wind from the shield would dissipate the water attacks, rendering them ineffective.
Lastly, Elrian recognized the importance of landing a decisive blow early in the fight. Given the rat's fluid and rapid movements, a prolonged battle would be to its advantage. Therefore, he decided to combine his swordplay with a burst of wind, hoping to use the speed and sharpness augmentation from his new technique to strike the rat swiftly.
With his plan in place, Elrian took a deep breath, channeling his qi and readying himself for the confrontation ahead. He knew that while planning was essential, adaptation during battle was just as crucial. But he felt confident in his strategy and was eager to test his skills against the Waterborne Rat.
As Elrian executed his plan, every movement seemed to flow seamlessly. Using his aerial movement ability, he rapidly closed the distance, ascending the nearby tree with grace and speed. The Waterborne Rat, momentarily surprised, shifted its focus onto Elrian, its beady eyes narrowing in anticipation.
Without hesitation, Elrian launched his Galestrike, channeling a burst of wind qi into his sword, making it whistle as it sliced through the air, aiming straight for the rat. But just as the blade was about to make contact, the rat, with astounding reflexes, summoned a watery layer around its body. Along with that, it executed a twisty motion, its body rotating in a peculiar way that seemed to dissipate Elrian's qi, negating the force of his strike. The water layer acted as a cushion, rendering Elrian's Galestrike ineffective.