One month had passed since I began my training with Elara. The progress I had made exceeded even her expectations. I had embraced the elements, delved into the mysteries of Aetherial energy, and acquired a level of skill in hand-to-hand combat that left me feeling stronger and more confident.
As I continued to train, I was unaware of my mentor's thoughts. Elara observed my progress with a mixture of amusement and expectation. It seemed that I was a fast learner, a prodigy in the making, and the thought brought a smile to her lips. She couldn't help but wonder how the Ignis Aetherial Academy would react when they witnessed the extent of my potential.
While I focused on the last segment of my combat training, Elara contemplated the future that lay ahead. She was excited to see my growth and was willing to invest everything in my development.
As I concluded my final series of punches and kicks, sweat dripping from my brow, Elara decided it was time to reveal a secret, one that was typically reserved for her family alone. It was a combat art, a formidable technique that she believed I needed to possess as a trump card. She approached me with a serious yet determined expression, her eyes locking with mine.
"Aiden," she began, "you've shown exceptional progress in your training, and it's time for you to learn a combat art. This technique is not one that is typically taught to outsiders, but I believe you have the potential to master it. It's a trump card, a powerful skill to have in your arsenal, but remember, it should be used sparingly and only when the situation demands it."
My curiosity was piqued, and I nodded in agreement, eager to learn whatever Elara had to offer. The path of Aetherial mastery was one that required me to push my limits and explore the depths of my abilities.
Elara's words hung in the air, unveiling the formidable combat art known as Celestial Dragon Breathing. It was a fire-element technique consisting of four distinct forms, each more powerful and destructive than the last. Her explanations were both thrilling and daunting, and I listened with rapt attention, my eyes wide with awe and curiosity.
"Form 1," Elara began, "allows you to breathe in Aetherial energy, compress it, and gather your fire element energy from your sphere. With this, you can unleash a destructive beam of condensed fire, a formidable force to be reckoned with."
The concept was staggering. The power to create a focused beam of fire with a mere breath seemed like something out of a legend.
"Form 2," she continued, "takes it to the next level. You draw in compressed Aetherial energy and your fire element, creating a highly volatile sphere in your hand. Once thrown, it's akin to a small bomb, capable of obliterating a city."
My eyes widened further at the description. The destructive potential of such an ability was astounding.
"Form 3," Elara went on, "involves compressing the energy into your feet, giving you an explosive boost in agility. It's a skill that can be crucial in close combat."
And then came Form 4, the most awe-inspiring of them all. "The fourth form," she explained with a smile, "allows you to embody the energy you compress. Your every gesture, every sway of your body movements, becomes a destructive force. A single step is enough to obliterate any living beings and set fire to your surroundings within a one-mile radius."
Elara's laughter punctuated her explanation, a sign of both her amusement and her understanding of the power she was revealing. She wanted to ensure that I comprehended the gravity of this skill.
"Of course," she added, "the one-mile radius is your current limit. Don't let the potential of this skill make you overconfident. Only when you're strong enough can you hope to achieve feats on the scale of the art's creator."
As I absorbed the information, I was left in a state of wonder and trepidation. The Celestial Dragon Breathing was not just a skill; it was a force of destruction and power, a testament to the awe-inspiring capabilities of an Aetherial Master.
I was both eager and cautious, understanding that the path to mastering this combat art was a long and arduous one. With Elara as my guide and mentor, I was ready to embark on this new journey, to unlock the secrets of Celestial Dragon Breathing, and to reach new heights in my pursuit of Aetherial mastery.