As Cyan observed the dark matter coating his body, he realized that the energy he had absorbed not only elevated his cultivation level but also cleansed his body of impurities.
Feeling a sense of urgency to cleanse himself before addressing the questions of his companions, Cyan excused himself from the training ground and made his way to wash off the dark matter. He knew that his appearance must have startled his teammates and that they were eagerly awaiting his explanation.
Upon his return, Cyan was met with concerned expressions from his companions, including Ethan. As they questioned him about what had transpired, Cyan admitted that he was just as perplexed as they were. He recounted his experience of meditating and suddenly sensing the influx of energy, emphasizing that he had no prior knowledge or control over it.
Niall, worried for his brother's well-being, inquired if Cyan was okay, explaining the instructor's warning about a potential explosion. Cyan reassured him and the others, explaining that although he had briefly felt overwhelmed, he understood that the energy's intention was not to harm him.
Ethan, who had been silent until now, took the opportunity to shed some light on the matter. He revealed that the phenomenon Cyan had experienced was known as grace. It occurred when the will of the world bestows blessings upon an individual. While the exact reasons for this occurrence were uncertain, Ethan explained that one possible explanation was when a person's actions brought positive impact and improved the lives of others in the world.
As Ethan spoke, Cyan delved into deep thought. He recalled the significant contributions he had made to the Federation recently, such as introducing a new cultivation pathway and developing a cure for the shadow veil. These accomplishments had undoubtedly affected the lives of many and brought hope and progress to the nation.
Ethan continued to elucidate the concept of grace, explaining that those blessed with it would have smoother future cultivation practices and good luck. Cyan contemplated this revelation, noting that while he already had the assistance of the tower in his cultivation, the addition of grace would further enhance his progress, and having luck is always a good thing.
What brought Cyan the most happiness, however, was the realization that the karmic burdens he bore with the people of the moon world no longer hindered him. His soul had healed and become stronger, aligning with the Expert level despite being an Adept in cultivation. Moreover, his body was now free from impurities, enabling him to absorb elemental energy at a faster rate than before.
With a newfound sense of purpose and gratitude for the blessings he had received, Cyan was determined to make the most of the grace bestowed upon him. He understood that this was an opportunity to continue making a positive impact and to strive for even greater achievements in the future.
Before parting ways, Ethan assured Cyan that he would keep his secret, understanding his aversion to being in the spotlight. Cyan expressed his gratitude for Ethan's consideration and thanked him sincerely.
With his reassurance of his well being, his companions return to their respective training. They can't afford to slow down or else their boss will leave them behind. They are happy for Cyan on his breakthrough but they also consider him their goal.
After the others had left, Cyan decided to use his soul power to inspect the tower from outside. He hesitated to enter it directly, unsure if there were any monitoring devices or hidden mechanisms within the room. It was better to exercise caution than to risk compromising his safety.
As Cyan observed the tower, he found that it had remained unchanged, maintaining its familiar structure. However, his gaze was drawn to the medicinal garden within, filled with rare and extinct plants. It had been a long time since Cyan had indulged in the art of potion-making, and the thought of accessing the tower once the training camp was over excited him.
As Cyan and his companions continued their rigorous training, they found themselves easily traversing up and down the mountain with the weights on their bodies. What was once a Herculean task had now become almost effortless, a testament to the transformation their bodies had undergone. Cyan, in particular, felt the strength and power coursing through his veins, solidifying his newfound status as an Adept.
Watching the exceptional progress of his trainees, Ethan couldn't help but be impressed. He recognized the immense potential within each of them, marveling at their rapid growth over the course of nearly a year. These young individuals, especially Cyan, stood out as anomalies, possessing extraordinary abilities that surpassed their current limitations.
Reflecting on their abilities, Ethan couldn't help but imagine the potential these individuals would possess if they were provided with the proper resources and opportunities. In any family or organization, they would be considered as exceptional talents worth investing in and nurturing. The realization hit him that the Federation was teeming with untapped potential, with countless undiscovered gems awaiting recognition and cultivation.
As Ethan addressed the group, he explained the importance of combat training and the significance of mastering the manipulation and control of the essence within their elemental cores. He emphasized that, no matter how advanced their techniques may be, without the ability to effectively utilize their essence in combat, their skills would be rendered ineffective.
Ethan used the example of a thunder elementalist to illustrate his point. At the novice stage, control over the elements is limited, restricting the thunder elementalist to summoning small sparks of electricity and generating minor electric shocks. Their power and control over thunder are relatively weak. However, as they progress to become an Adept, their control over thunder improves, allowing them to summon larger sparks and small lightning bolts. Their attacks become more intense, capable of delivering mild electric shocks to opponents. Adept thunder elementalists can also create small electrical barriers for their protection.
Moving on to the Expert level, thunder elementalists refine their skills even further. They can summon substantial lightning bolts and channel lightning through their bodies, enhancing their physical attacks with electrified strikes. Expert thunder elementalists possess the ability to create electrified storms, generating thunderclaps and manifesting electrical energy to strike multiple targets simultaneously. The intensity and power of their attacks make them formidable opponents.
At the pinnacle of their cultivation, the Grandmaster level, thunder elementalists exhibit extraordinary control and power over thunder. They can summon massive lightning bolts, capable of causing significant destruction. Their ability to manipulate electrical energy in various forms allows them to create devastating thunderstorms, electrify entire areas, and unleash lightning-based attacks with precision and deadly accuracy.
Understanding the progression and capabilities of a thunder elementalist serves as an example of the importance of control and mastery over their elemental essence. With such control, they can unleash their full potential in combat, becoming powerful and skilled fighters.
Energized by Ethan's guidance, the group followed him to the area where the practice weapons were kept. These practice weapons were designed not to cause harm but to provide a realistic feel during training.
Ethan advised them to try different weapons for at least a week to determine which one felt most comfortable and suited their individual styles. He emphasized the importance of treating their chosen weapon with utmost care, as it would become an extension of themselves in combat.
Taking a training sword himself, Ethan demonstrated his expertise and commanded the group to assume combat positions. As they faced him, they immediately sensed a shift in his aura. It was as if they had stepped into a lion's den, while Ethan exuded the predatory presence of a seasoned predator.
With a single word from Ethan, "Attack," the group launched their coordinated assault. However, they soon realized the daunting challenge before them as Ethan effortlessly parried their attacks and counteracted their every move with fluidity and precision. Their combined efforts seemed futile against his superior skill and overwhelming aura.
Lying on the ground, their arms trembling from the force of Ethan's attacks, the group felt both physically drained and mentally humbled. Ethan's display of skill and dominance was a harsh yet necessary lesson, a stark reminder of the gap in their abilities.
Undeterred by their exhaustion, Ethan commanded them to rise and continue. Though fatigued, they understood the importance of pushing past their limits and persisting in the face of adversity.
Gritting their teeth, the group rose to their feet, fueled by determination and a renewed focus. They were ready to learn from Ethan's expertise, to absorb his teachings and improve their combat abilities. The intensity of the training, though grueling, would forge them into skilled warriors capable of defending themselves and others.