My clone and I wake up a bit earlier than everyone else, the first thing we must do is train some skills. Cell Harvest! Regenerative Growth! I make my way over to the pit and toss the pieces in. This should be good enough to build another body soon. I can probably sneak out with this one and see what the world is like. Dipping my mind at the mass of parts, it looks like it takes a little bit for them to wake up; they're in some kind of slumber for now.
After much contemplation over the night, I decided to approach Master Shikan and ask for more advanced training, explaining that the clone will help him keep up with the other students. "Master Shikan, could you teach me how to control my footing better? I feel like I'm lacking some kind of movement skill." After a couple moments of compilation Master Shikan says. "Ah, yes footwork I was meaning to bring that up with you. You seem to have the bare minimum martial arts basics down; the way you transition with your footwork is like a newborn fungus." "Something like the Fungal Flutter, Fungus Flow, and Spore Sprint might be suited for you. However I feel like the way you move already might be closer to the Silent Lotus Dance. Too bad Master K'oija isn't here or you could learn the Glimmering Glide, which highlights your species natural characteristics."
It was clear that he had a deep understanding of martial arts and recognized my potential and limitations. Master Shikan begins his instructions on how to perform the dance. "It is renowned for its graceful and stealthy movements, making the practitioner appear like a lotus floating on a calm pond, both elegant and elusive. This technique focuses on fluidity, precision, and silent execution, allowing the martial artist to move with incredible agility and evade opponents with remarkable finesse. While performing the Silent Lotus Dance, controlled and silent breathing is crucial. The practitioner synchronizes their breath with their movements to maintain focus and enhance the dance's meditative quality. The waist plays a vital role in initiating many movements. A supple waist allows for smooth transitions, spins, and turns without sacrificing balance. The arms are kept close to the body, gracefully sweeping through the air. They remain flexible and ready to block or counterattack when necessary. This footwork comes in nine steps The first step is Lotus Stance: The technique begins with the practitioner assuming a balanced Lotus Stance, where the feet are placed close together. The weight is evenly distributed on the balls of the feet. This stance provides stability and agility for the subsequent movements. Next is the Petal Shift: The martial artist initiates the dance with a subtle shift of weight to one leg, lifting the other foot gently off the ground. The toes of the raised foot lightly touch the ground as if testing the water's surface. From there Water Ripples: As the weight shifts, the practitioner glides forward with a sliding step, allowing the raised foot to follow smoothly. The sensation is like creating gentle ripples in a pond with each step. It is vital to keep movements close to the ground and avoid any audible footfall. When you master this you move on to Petals in the Wind: The Silent Lotus Dance incorporates intricate patterns of circles and spirals, allowing the practitioner to change direction seamlessly. Small, controlled twirls may be employed to navigate around obstacles or opponents, all while maintaining the lightness of movement.
The next alternative move is Elusive Shadow: The dance involves transitions between the Petal Shift and Water Ripples, allowing the martial artist to swiftly move forward, backward, and laterally. The practitioner's body remains low, and the focus is on shifting weight smoothly to maintain balance. With that said, Calm Pond Glide: To add an element of surprise and misdirection, the practitioner may combine lateral slides with forward or backward movements, emulating the still surface of a calm pond disrupted only by the lotus' subtle presence. From there we take it to Blossom's Reach: Transitions often include a subtle lowering of the center of gravity, akin to the lotus blossoming from the water. This helps the practitioner evade high strikes or sweeps while maintaining a steady pace. And once you feel it you understand Lotus Embrace: At times, the practitioner may adopt a defensive Lotus Embrace, folding into a low crouch to evade attacks or perform low sweeps. This maneuver is quick and graceful, emphasizing evasion rather than direct confrontation and to round out the technique you must perform Moonlit Retreat: To disengage from a confrontation or create distance, the martial artist performs a gentle, backward gliding motion while maintaining the same fluid and graceful footwork. I'll demonstrate for you now" As Master Shikan is saying all of this he demonstrates his master level of control over the footwork.
As I begin to emulate his movements with myself and my clone I begin to feel my martial arts come together. I try to incorporate each step with the forms of the Fungal Martial Arts, and to my surprise.
[Low-tier Fungal Martial Arts has reached level 4]
It leveled up just from doing some basic footwork of the Silent Lotus Dance. I can't believe how much I'm improving. The training continued with a poised high guard, signifying the commencement of the Fungal Martial Arts. As the movements unfolded, I expertly transitioned into a forward lunge, accompanied by a powerful and precisely aimed strike. This transition symbolized not just a change in stance but a shift in the essence of the dance itself.
Following this initial strike, I deftly shifted into a low guard position, creating a strong defensive posture that projected an aura of resilience. For the subsequent steps, the focus shifted to a seamless combination of midlevel strikes and defensive blocks, demonstrating the dance's versatility in both offensive and defensive applications. Each step and form seemed to enhance the connection between my body and the art of combat.
The sixth step introduced a mesmerizing spinning move that not only showcased my improved fluidity but also reflected your ability to adapt to different scenarios with grace and precision. The transition from attack to defense to agility was evident in this transformative step.
As the dance continued to unfold, it led to a high block, emphasizing the importance of protection and creating an intricate dance of self-preservation. This portion of the dance highlighted the art's inherent flow and precision, underscoring the need for perfect timing and technique.
The culmination of the Silent Lotus Dance transitioning into a final form, characterized by a flurry of swift, high kicks. This phase of the dance felt like a crescendo, harmoniously blending balance, readiness, and poise. Each kick was a testament to my unwavering commitment to the art, and it concluded with a series of decisive strikes that left a profound impression.
The day goes by and I notice the same level of commotion as yesterday. It seems all they do everyday is training in this dojo, some with wooden weapons others with bare hands.
[Skill Acquired Lesser Silent Lotus Dance]
With a full day's worth of practice it finally appears. The skill I was waiting for. The system sure does know when you learn a new skill.