In the vibrant morning light, Cedric, having freshly bathed and donned his training attire, entered the dining room accompanied by Camillia. The familial atmosphere enveloped the room, with Andrew, Rebecca, Eustace, and Alan already seated. A chorus of morning greetings filled the air, and congratulations on Cedric's successful formation of his first planet resonated in Rebecca's words.
As the family exchanged pleasantries, Alan noted the subtle growth in Cedric's stature, attributing it to the side effects of his breakthrough. Cedric, reflecting on his accelerated growth, conjectured that it might indeed be linked to the breaking of shackles during the breakthrough – a transformation both physical and metaphysical.
After a hearty breakfast, the male members of the family, fueled by determination, proceeded to the training ground. Andrew, casting a discerning gaze at Cedric, announced that it was time for him to delve into the intricacies of the Northstar sword technique. Emphasizing the importance of footwork, Andrew introduced the Orion Footwork, an advanced skill capable of near-instantaneous movement with a single step.
The initiation into this technique was timed strategically, awaiting Cedric's attainment of the first planet to enhance his perception of mana. Andrew prompted Cedric to sense areas with heightened mana concentration and instructed him to imbue his foot with mana before pressing it against a mass of accumulated mana. The result was explosive – Cedric felt a momentary weightlessness as his body soared, only to regain control and land gracefully.
Andrew, with a hint of pride, elucidated the mechanics behind this acceleration. The created mass of mana, manipulated with precision, propelled Cedric forward. This demonstration laid the foundation for the Orion Footwork, a technique that harnessed mana to augment speed through controlled bursts of acceleration.
The subsequent training regimen focused on refining this footwork technique. Andrew guided Cedric to manipulate the ambient mana, creating a personalized constellation pattern at his feet. The objective was clear – Cedric was to forge his own variant of the footwork by mastering the intricate dance of mana manipulation.
The training ground echoed with the sounds of Cedric's efforts, each attempt honing his control over mana and refining the constellation pattern beneath his feet. Andrew's instructions, a blend of technical guidance and encouragement, fueled Cedric's determination to craft a footwork style uniquely tailored to his strengths and instincts.
As the training unfolded, Cedric's perception of mana deepened, and the intricate dance of the constellations at his feet became an extension of his being. The family legacy, intertwined with the Northstar sword technique, now found a vessel in Cedric, eager to shape his destiny through the fusion of ancient artistry and newfound potential.
In Cedric's journey, the blending of familial bonds, mystical teachings, and the pursuit of personal mastery unfolded against the backdrop of the training ground, setting the stage for the evolution of the Northstar sword technique in the hands of the burgeoning Martial Saint.
As the training sessions progressed, Cedric delved deeper into the intricate art of controlling mana. Following his father's counsel, he endeavored to maintain a constant connection with a mass of mana, a practice aimed at enhancing his proficiency. Initially, Cedric found it demanding, requiring his full concentration. However, fueled by determination, he persisted, gradually making strides in controlling the ambient mana in his environment.
One day, after a particularly rigorous training session, Cedric reflected on his progress. He realized that maintaining a connection with the mana, while challenging, had become somewhat more manageable. With newfound insights, he shared his experiences with his father, Andrew. Cedric confessed that although he could achieve it with focused concentration, sustaining the connection throughout various activities remained a challenge.
In response, Andrew, with an approving nod, imparted a valuable lesson. "You've not yet reached the first level when you can maintain this connection effortlessly, even in moments of repose or sleep but I can see that you progressed a lot in the past 3 weeks continue like this and you'll reach the first level in no time," he explained. Understanding the significance of this benchmark, Cedric absorbed the guidance, determined to advance further on the path of mastery.
In contemplating the form of his constellation, Cedric decided on a spiral—a choice that reflected both simplicity and versatility. The spiral, he believed, offered a harmonious blend of offensive and defensive maneuvers, accommodating movements in all directions. The decision showcased Cedric's strategic thinking, aligning his chosen design with the multifaceted nature of combat.
The following day, after the customary family breakfast, Cedric eagerly approached the training grounds. With a sense of purpose, he shared his chosen design with his father. Andrew, appreciating Cedric's thoughtful decision, nodded in approval. "It's a good idea," he commended. "The spiral design not only exhibits versatility but also holds potential for a wide range of maneuvers—be it in attacking, dodging, or even strategic retreat if necessary."
This exchange highlighted the symbiotic relationship between mentor and pupil, as Cedric's evolving understanding of the Northstar sword technique found resonance in his strategic choices. The spiral, now etched in the tapestry of Cedric's training, symbolized not only a physical pattern at his feet but also a metaphorical spiral of growth and evolution on his journey as the Martial Saint of the Northstar family.