Raphaello and Lancer began their cultivation training together, spending most of their time practicing in harmony. Both focused on technique, seeking to increase their Qi and develop their skills.
However, Lancer soon realized that cultivation practice was mentally challenging, requiring a great amount of concentration and mental effort. As time passed, he ended his cultivation session, unable to withstand the prolonged exertion.
Lancer chose to warm up and prepare for the next phase of training while waiting for Raphaello to complete his cultivation session. Raphaello, who was more familiar with the process, continued his practice, dedicating himself fully to improving his Qi skills.
When Raphaello finally finished his own cultivation, he noticed that Lancer was already warming up and ready for hand-to-hand combat. As they began to fight, Raphaello couldn't help but notice the notable improvement in Lancer's strength and agility. It was evident that despite his desire to become a wizard, Lancer possessed a natural talent for physical combat.
Raphaello smiled as he fought his friend, watching how he moved dexterously and threw powerful blows. Although Lancer was following his own path, training was showing that he had great potential in physical combat. Both continued to train, determined to become even stronger and achieve their goals in the village.
...
The next morning, Raphaello woke up at the shipyard after a tiring day of training. The dim light of dawn invaded the space, signaling the beginning of a new day of work and challenges.
Lancer, determined to make the most of the job opportunity offered by the boat builder, had left early, before dawn, to begin his activities at the shipyard.
Raphaello, still feeling the effects of the previous day's intensive training, did a basic stretch to wake up his muscles. He knew that although his journey was challenging, keeping his body in good shape was essential to achieving his goals.
With a sigh and determination in his eyes, Raphaello headed off to work at the blacksmith shop. He was ready to face the tasks of the day, aware that each effort brought him closer to his goals and the power he sought to conquer.
Raphaello arrived at the workshop that morning, carrying with him two tools he had brought from Vale do Carvão: a shovel and an axe. The tools were visibly worn, but still usable. As he approached, he noticed the suspicious look of Roger the blacksmith.
Roger, with a frown, couldn't help but ask:
- Where did you get these tools, Raphaello?
Raphaello, keeping his expression calm, replied:
- They belong to a friend of mine, and I would like to restore them and give them back as a gift.
Roger shook his head slowly, looking worried about what Raphaello was planning. He made a serious warning:
Be careful, Raphaello. Baron Jericho is not known for forgiving those who disobey his rules. Any suspicious action could cost him his life or put the lives of others in the village at risk.
Raphaello noticed Roger's concern, but his stance remained unshakable. He looked into the blacksmith's eyes and said confidently:
- I understand the risks, Roger, and I appreciate your concern. Please, do not worry. I am aware of what I am doing and take responsibility for my actions.
...
Five days have passed since that meeting in Roger's workshop. Raphaello was finishing his daily work when he decided to bring up a topic that intrigued him.
With a tone of curiosity, Raphaello asked Roger:
- Roger, I have felt improvements in my use of Qi. I can feel the limit of mana I can use each day increasing. But my friend Lancer, even though he practices Qi cultivation, cannot use magic at all. Why does it happen?
Roger was a little curious about Raphaello's speech. He knew that young men training Qi in Baron Jericho's territories were quite rare, and the few who stood out were quickly recruited by the baron to serve in his army.
- How long have you been training Qi?
- Just over a week.
- interesting. Follow me, I'll show you something.
Roger and Raphaello left the workshop and walked through the woods for about ten minutes. They arrived at a very spacious place where there were some trees and grass. The sun was shining it was midday and it was calm.
- This place is special to me. When I was younger, I believed this place could still become a better place. I came here to train swordsmanship and cultivate my Qi. I'm no different from your friend Lancer, I can't use magic either. But in a fight against mages, I wouldn't be at a disadvantage. There are other ways to use Qi besides magic.
Roger closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He felt Qi flowing through his body, he began to concentrate and a green aura around his body began to shape him.
The aura began to grow and expand, until it took the form of an uncontrolled, glowing green aura. She emanated powerful energy, but at the same time was soft to the touch. Roger channeled it around his body, encasing him in a cloak of protective energy.
Raphaello looked at Roger with admiration. He had never seen anything like it. Roger's aura was incredible.
- That's incredible, how did you do that?
- It is a Qi technique called 'Inner Form'. It is a way of concentrating Qi in the body, creating an aura of powerful energy.
Roger's aura is a physical manifestation of his Qi. When he concentrates, he can mold Qi into an internal form. The aura is a source of energy and power, and it can be used to enhance the user's combat abilities.
Roger can use the aura to increase his strength, speed and endurance. The aura makes you more powerful, faster and more resistant. He can also use it to create powerful attacks, such as stronger punches and kicks or faster sword strikes. However, it is important to control the use of the aura, as it drains your mana. If the mana runs out, Roger will not be able to maintain the aura for long, and he will be vulnerable to attacks.
Raphaello was fascinated by Roger's demonstration. He had never seen anything like it before. He was happy to find a way for Lancer to become strong. He knew his friend needed some way to become strong so they could join forces to defeat the baron.
Roger opened his eyes and looked at Raphaello. He saw that his friend was open-mouthed, observing the aura in awe. Roger smiled. He was happy that Raphaello was interested in his technique. But he decided to explain why this technique would not be a good option for him, but for Lancer.
- I see you liked the technique, but I must inform you that it is not appropriate for you since you can use mana to cast spells.
- Why? It's an incredible technique.
- And truth. But she is more suitable for swordsmen. Mages, like you, already have a natural advantage over swordsmen. You can cast spells, which are powerful combat arts.
Raphaello thought about it for a moment. He knew Roger was right. Mages had more advantages over swordsmen.
- I understand, said Raphaello. But I still want to learn the technique.
- No problem. I can teach you, but you need to understand that it is not the best technique for you.
Raphaello smiled, demonstrating his unwavering determination to acquire all available knowledge. For him, there were no limits when it came to learning, believing that knowledge and effort were the only factors that mattered.
Roger explained to Raphaello that wizards should focus on learning as much as possible about spells. They must learn new spells and improve their knowledge of magic. This will make them stronger and more efficient in combat.
Swordsmen, on the other hand, should focus on improving their physical strength and swordsmanship. They must train hard to become faster and stronger. This will make them more effective in hand-to-hand combat.
Roger looked at the workshop. He saw that it was getting late. He had to leave.
- Today I'm quite busy, but tomorrow I'll be available to teach you the technique. Tomorrow you will be off work, as we will not have the metal to produce weapons. It is very likely that the metal will arrive the day after tomorrow, when we will resume work.
Raphaello smiled. He was excited to learn the technique.
- So, tomorrow afternoon, we can meet here and I'll teach you the technique. You can bring the Lancer too. I will teach you both how to use Qi internally.
Roger said goodbye to Raphaello and left. Raphaello stood there, watching Roger walk away. He was excited to learn the technique and help Lancer.