Finn walked to the practice field where he found Lythana waiting. The dark elf's piercing violet eyes locked onto him as he approached.
"Alright," Finn said, beginning to circle her with his gauntlets already on. He put a little spiritual power into his gauntlets, hardening them. "I will only be making two combination attacks after I parry your attacks. I will not be using any intent. You will get the first move this round, and I the next, and we will keep switching off."
Lythana's eyes narrowed as she listened. "You chose me. I didn't choose you. Since you chose me, I am in charge. Do I make myself clear?"
Lythana hesitated for a moment before asking, "If I best you in a spar where you don't handicap yourself, can I be in charge?"
Finn thought about it, then nodded. "Yes." He kept his response simple.
Lythana wasted no time and launched her first attack. She moved swiftly, her daggers flashing in the light. Finn parried her strikes with his gauntlets, deflecting the blows and countering with precise, controlled movements. His strikes were strong but measured, designed to test her defenses without overwhelming her.
The masters walked around, giving advice and pointers. One master paused by Finn and Lythana, observing their sparring. "Watch your footwork," the master advised Lythana. "You need to stay balanced and ready to pivot."
Finn nodded, recognizing the wisdom in the advice. He focused on maintaining his stance, ensuring his movements were fluid and efficient. Lythana, to her credit, quickly adapted, adjusting her stance and improving her balance.
As they trained, another master approached with a belt, offering it to Finn. "This will create a pressure field from levels 1 to 10," the master explained. "Normally, it costs 10 merit points for daily use, but today it's free. All students are being offered a belt."
Finn put on the belt and set it to level 10. Instantly, his movements became extremely constricted. At level 8, it was still a significant challenge. He turned to Lythana and said, "You should use it. Set it to level 2. The restraint will probably be good, but I'll handicap myself even more."
Lythana followed his advice, adjusting the belt to level 2. She immediately felt the resistance but adapted quickly. Now, with Finn heavily handicapped, she was actually able to land hits on him.
The hours passed in a blur of motion and sweat. Each round followed the same pattern: Lythana would attack first, Finn would parry and counter with two combination attacks, then they would switch roles. Finn noted her progress with each exchange. She was quick and determined, and her attacks grew more precise and powerful.
They took a brief break after 8 hours, both panting and drenched in sweat. They both returned to their respective rooms to order a meal and eating before returning in an hour.
Finn glanced at Lythana, noting the fierce determination in her eyes. She met his gaze, unyielding and resolute. They didn't speak, but the silent acknowledgment of each other's efforts was clear.
After their rest, they resumed their sparring. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the training field. The intensity of their training didn't wane; if anything, it increased. Finn pushed Lythana harder, and she responded with equal fervor. Each clash of their weapons echoed across the field, drawing the attention of the masters.
The belts added a new layer of challenge. Finn struggled with the higher resistance, his movements slower and more deliberate. He focused on maintaining his technique despite the constraints, knowing that this added difficulty would ultimately make him stronger. Lythana, too, pushed herself to adapt to the increased resistance, her movements becoming more efficient as she fought against the pressure.
The masters continued to offer advice, correcting their forms and encouraging them to push their boundaries. Finn could feel his body growing stronger with each passing hour. The training was brutal, but it was forging him into a better fighter.
Lythana, too, was showing remarkable improvement. Her movements became more fluid, her attacks more precise. She adapted quickly to Finn's counters, learning from her mistakes and adjusting her tactics. Finn could see the determination in her eyes, a burning desire to improve and prove herself.
As the sun began to set, signaling the end of their second eight-hour session, both of them were exhausted. They had pushed each other to their limits and beyond. Finn's respect for Lythana had grown significantly; she was a fierce and relentless fighter, and he knew she would continue to push him just as hard in the days to come.
Finally, they took a seven-hour rest period, their bodies aching and bruised, but their spirits unbroken. Finn lay down, feeling the weight of the day's training settle over him. Despite the pain, there was a sense of accomplishment. They had endured, they had fought, and they had grown stronger.
As Finn drifted off to sleep, his thoughts lingered on the upcoming goblin fight. It would be a life-and-death battle, a true test of their training and resolve. He knew he had to be ready, and with Lythana as his sparring partner, he felt more prepared than ever.
The training had not only honed his skills but had also given him a deeper understanding of his own limits and potential. He was beginning to realize that the path to becoming a formidable cultivator was as much about mental fortitude as it was about physical prowess.
Lythana, too, lay down, her mind replaying the day's events. She had chosen Finn for a reason, and he was proving to be an excellent partner. His relentless drive and focus were qualities she admired, and she was determined to match his intensity. The bond forged through their mutual struggle was becoming a source of strength for both of them.
They both laid in their medicinal baths; both forgoing their talismans to be 100% for the life and death battle. The baths worked their magic, soothing their aching muscles and mending their bruises. The cold embrace of the water was a stark contrast to the heat of the day's exertions, a welcome relief that allowed them to relax and recover.
As the cold water seeped into his wounds, Finn felt the familiar process of healing and strengthening. He knew that the next day would bring new challenges, but he was ready. The life-and-death battle with the goblins loomed ahead, and he would face it with unyielding determination. With Lythana as his partner, he felt a newfound sense of camaraderie and resolve. Together, they would push their limits and become stronger than ever.
The next day would bring new challenges, but for now, they rested, knowing that each day brought them closer to their ultimate goal. The journey was long and arduous, but neither of them would back down. They were cultivators, and their resolve was as unyielding as the mountains.
Finn closed his eyes, the fatigue pulling him into a deep sleep. Tomorrow, they would spar again, pushing each other to new heights. The goblin fight loomed ahead, but with every drop of sweat and every bruise, they were becoming stronger, preparing themselves for the trials that lay ahead.