As Cedric attained Iron Rank 3, a newfound ease enveloped his ability to maintain compressed mana. The incremental increase in both mana and intelligence stats contributed to this enhanced control and molding of mana. Feeling invigorated, Cedric sensed his healed injuries and, recognizing the importance of maintaining his well-being, decided to retreat to his room for meditation.
The meditation held a dual purpose for Cedric – not only did it aid in the expansion of his mana pool but it also aimed to shorten the time required to form his second planet. The urgency stemmed from the knowledge that his younger brother, Alan, had achieved this milestone at the tender age of 3, long before the acquisition of the genius trait. Cedric harbored a determination to match or surpass this feat, understanding that the first two planets not only marked crucial stages in his personal growth but also augmented his training endeavors.
The meditation unfolded through the night, a silent communion between Cedric and the energy coursing through him. As dawn approached, he emerged from the meditative state, refreshed and resolute. A ritualistic sequence followed – bathing, dressing, breakfast, and then the familiar pilgrimage to the training ground.
The day's routine began with the customary weight exercises, a regimen that showcased Cedric's commitment to physical conditioning. Laps around the expansive training ground followed, each step a testament to his disciplined approach. As the sun climbed higher, the training intensity escalated.
As Cedric advanced through the stages of his training, a noticeable refinement in his mastery of the Northstar sword technique emerged. Although the full manifestation of the spiral constellation remained elusive, Cedric achieved a breakthrough – the ability to create two distinct spots within the constellation. This incremental progress marked a pivotal juncture, transforming Cedric's combat strategy.
Previously confined to defensive maneuvers, Cedric now found himself capable of a more dynamic approach. The creation of two points within the constellation allowed him not only to dodge with precision but also to counterattack. The seamless integration of offense and defense heralded a significant leap in Cedric's adaptability on the training ground.
A pivotal moment awaited Cedric as he engaged in a spar with Alan. The bout, a canvas for honing combat skills, highlighted Cedric's growing proficiency in utilizing mana. With each exchange, he demonstrated an increased finesse in controlling mana – a marked improvement in his ability to deploy it both defensively and offensively.
The ebb and flow of the spar captured the essence of Cedric's progress. His mana-infused strikes and strategic evasions showcased a heightened level of mastery. Alan, ever the diligent opponent, adapted to Cedric's evolving technique, intensifying the challenge. The duel became a symphony of martial prowess, echoing the family's legacy and the continuous pursuit of excellence.
The spar with Alan became a testament to this newfound versatility. As the brothers engaged in combat, Cedric's strikes, infused with mana, carried a refined precision. His defensive maneuvers, executed within the framework of the evolving constellation, demonstrated a synergy of skill and strategy. Alan, recognizing the shift in Cedric's approach, adapted accordingly, creating a dynamic and evolving duet between the two.
In the aftermath of the spar, Cedric, though physically exerted, felt the exhilaration of progress. The healing bath prepared by Camillia served as a rejuvenating reprieve, soothing the strains of training. Cedric, embracing the healing properties of the liquid, allowed the revitalizing essence to seep into his muscles, expediting recovery.
With the sun setting on the Northstar estate, Cedric retreated to his quarters. The night held a familiar ritual – meditation. Guided by the quietude of his room, Cedric delved into the depths of his consciousness. The second planet, a celestial goal on his martial journey, beckoned in the silent realm of meditation.
The night unfolded as a tapestry of focused introspection. Cedric harnessed the energy within him, channeling it towards the realization of his aspirations. Each breath echoed with purpose, drawing him closer to the elusive manifestation of the second planet. The intricate dance of mana, a silent choreography, unfolded beneath the moonlit canopy of Cedric's inner world.
As the night waned, Cedric emerged from his meditative state, the resonance of progress pulsating within him. The journey, a tapestry woven with incremental strides and relentless determination, continued to unfold. The Northstar sword technique, a living legacy passed through generations, found a vessel in Cedric – a Martial Saint in the making, navigating the delicate balance between tradition and personal evolution.