With the chosen spiral design in mind, Cedric dedicated himself to continuous mana control and shaping during his free hours. Despite the mental and physical demands, he remained diligent in both his Northstar sword technique training and weight training. The latter had intensified, with Cedric now carrying double the load compared to his initial sessions. His dedication extended to an increase in laps around the training ground, showcasing a commitment to enhancing his stamina.
The effects of his rigorous routine became evident as muscles sculpted his frame, replacing the baby fat on his face. Rebecca, observing these changes, couldn't help but express concern about him losing some of his youthful cuteness. In response, Andrew, with a discerning gaze, reassured her with words that celebrated Cedric's evolving appearance.
Rebecca's speech about the potential loss of Cedric's cuteness prompted Andrew to offer his perspective. "Rebecca, dear, Cedric is growing into a young man. His evolving appearance signifies the transformation from a boy to a warrior. It's the manifestation of his dedication and commitment to the path of a Northstar Martial Saint. Embrace this journey with pride, for he is not just losing the cuteness of a child; he is gaining the strength and aura of a formidable warrior."
These words, laden with paternal pride and an acknowledgment of Cedric's transition, resonated in the training space. Cedric, fueled by both familial encouragement and his own determination, continued to tread the path of physical and spiritual transformation. The echoes of his efforts intertwined with the whispers of the Northstar legacy, shaping Cedric into the embodiment of a warrior in the making.
Having completed the demanding weight training regimen, Cedric approached his father as part of his routine. To his surprise, Alan and Eustace were already present on a nearby platform, having seemingly concluded their own training. Andrew, with a discerning gaze, announced a shift in Cedric's training regimen.
"Today, Cedric, you'll engage in a sparring session with Alan. The focus will be on utilizing the Northstar footwork. You're free to dodge without the footwork, but you're not allowed to retaliate unless you employ the technique. This approach will accelerate the manifestation of your constellation," explained Andrew.
The sparring session unfolded on the training ground, where Alan, adopting an offensive stance, initiated the exchange. Cedric, poised and focused, assessed Alan's movements with keen observation. As the first strike came, Cedric executed a swift sidestep, evading the blow with a calculated margin. Alan, undeterred, followed up with a thrust, aiming for Cedric's midsection. Cedric, in response, utilized the Northstar footwork for a dynamic dodge, narrowly escaping the oncoming attack.
The dance of combat continued, with Alan employing a combination of thrusts and slices, each met with Cedric's strategic evasions. The young Martial Saint, determined to integrate the Northstar footwork into his combat style, found the transition challenging. However, with each attempted strike, Cedric refined his execution, inching closer to seamlessly incorporating the footwork into his repertoire.
As the sparring intensified, Alan increased the complexity of his strikes, testing Cedric's adaptability. Cedric, in turn, demonstrated a burgeoning mastery of the Northstar footwork, evading strikes with a graceful dance that mirrored the celestial patterns of his lineage. The training ground echoed with the rhythm of blades clashing and the fluid movements of the combatants.
In a decisive moment, Alan unleashed a powerful strike, utilizing approximately 30% of his strength. Cedric, recognizing the potential consequences of a direct impact, relied on the Northstar footwork with heightened precision. The intricate dance of mana beneath his feet propelled him to a position just beyond the reach of Alan's strike. The successful evasion showcased Cedric's growing proficiency in merging martial prowess with the mystical techniques passed down through generations.
The sparring session concluded with both combatants acknowledging the progress made. Alan, with a nod of approval, recognized Cedric's evolving skill set. The exchange not only enhanced Cedric's ability to integrate the Northstar footwork into practical combat but also highlighted the strategic foresight required in the intricate dance of blades.
After the intense session, Andrew, recognizing the physical toll on Cedric, instructed Camillia to prepare a revitalizing bath infused with healing fruits. The bath, concocted with fruits renowned for their rejuvenating properties, aimed to soothe Cedric's fatigued body and accelerate his recovery.
Cedric, following the bath, retired to bed, the echoes of the sparring session lingering in his muscles and the guidance of the Northstar legacy guiding his dreams. The evolution of Cedric's training, now incorporating practical combat scenarios, marked another crucial step in his journey toward mastering the Northstar sword technique and realizing the full potential of his Martial Saint trait.