Chapter 97: The Calm Before the Storm
Scene: The South Nation, just before dawn. The sky is painted with hues of pink and orange as the sun begins to rise. The heroes, having rested after their long journey, are scattered across the nation, each in their own home. But even in this brief respite, they feel a restless energy—a need to continue honing their skills for the battles to come.
Narrator: A new day breaks over the South Nation, but the tension in the air is palpable. The heroes have returned from their training in Mula, stronger and more determined than ever. Yet, as they await Zarek's return, the need to refine their abilities remains strong. Commander Elara, driven by her own resolve, awakens early with a plan in mind.
Commander Elara, her newly shortened hair a symbol of her renewed determination, wakes before the sun fully rises. She dresses quickly, her mind focused on one goal: to ensure that the heroes and warriors of the South Nation are as prepared as possible for the impending battle. Without hesitation, she makes her way to the castle to speak with King Alden.
The castle is quiet in the early morning, with only a few guards and servants moving about. Elara strides through the halls with purpose, her footsteps echoing softly on the stone floors. She finds King Alden in the council chamber, reviewing maps and battle plans.
Elara: (respectfully) Your Majesty, I have a request.
King Alden looks up from his work, his eyes meeting Elara's with a mix of curiosity and concern.
King Alden: (calmly) Commander Elara, what brings you here so early? What is it you need?
Elara: (resolutely) Your Majesty, I believe we should resume our training. The heroes and warriors need to stay sharp, especially with Zarek's return looming. I request permission to gather everyone at the castle's training grounds for one-on-one sparring matches. It will help us assess each fighter's abilities and ensure we're ready for anything.
King Alden considers her request for a moment, his brow furrowing as he weighs the importance of preparation against the need for rest. But he knows Elara is right—their enemies won't wait for them to be ready.
King Alden: (nodding) I agree, Elara. The more prepared we are, the better. You have my permission. Gather the heroes and warriors, and resume the training.
Elara bows respectfully before leaving the chamber. She moves quickly, her mind focused on the task at hand. She sends out word to the heroes and warriors, calling them to the castle's training grounds for an intense session of sparring.
Narrator: With King Alden's blessing, Commander Elara sets the plan into motion. The heroes and warriors of the South Nation are summoned once more to the castle's training grounds, ready to sharpen their skills and push their limits.
The heroes, still wearing their training outfits from the Village of Mula, arrive at the castle's training grounds. The air is filled with a sense of anticipation as they prepare for the one-on-one matches. The training grounds, a large open space surrounded by stone walls, are perfect for the intense battles that are about to unfold.
Eren: (eagerly) I was hoping we'd get some more training in. We need to be ready for whatever Zarek throws at us.
Rylan: (nodding) I agree. This is the perfect way to test our new abilities.
Aria: (smiling) I'm always up for a good fight. Let's see how far we've come.
Asher: (calmly) This will be a good chance to see how we match up against each other.
Commander Elara steps forward, her presence commanding as she addresses the gathered heroes and warriors.
Elara: (confidently) Today, we'll be sparring one-on-one. This will give us a chance to assess each other's abilities and prepare for the battles ahead. Remember, this is not just about winning—it's about learning and growing stronger together.
The heroes and warriors nod in understanding, their expressions serious as they prepare for the matches. Elara surveys the group, her eyes settling on Lumea, one of the South Nation's fiercest warriors and a fellow user of Beast Mana.
Elara: (calmly) Lumea, you and I will go first.
Lumea, a tall and muscular woman with a fierce demeanor, steps forward, her eyes glinting with anticipation. She nods in agreement, ready to test her skills against the commander.
Lumea: (grinning) I've been looking forward to this, Commander. Let's see who's stronger.
The heroes and warriors step back, forming a circle around the two combatants. The tension in the air is thick as Elara and Lumea face off in the center of the training grounds. The sparring match is about to begin.
Narrator: The first match is set. Commander Elara and Lumea, both users of Beast Mana, will face off in a test of strength, skill, and resolve. The battle will push them to their limits, revealing the true power of the Beast Mana they wield.
The match begins with a burst of movement as Lumea throws the first punch. Elara reacts quickly, countering with a swift kick that forces Lumea to step back. The two women exchange blows, their movements quick and precise, each strike and counterstrike a testament to their skill in hand-to-hand combat.
Lumea: (grinning) You're quick, Commander. But let's see how you handle this!
Lumea increases the intensity of her attacks, her fists moving with incredible speed. Elara matches her, her kicks landing with precision and force. The battle is evenly matched, with neither warrior gaining a clear advantage.
Elara: (determined) You're strong, Lumea, but this is just the beginning.
As the fight continues, both Elara and Lumea enter the stance required to activate their Beast Mana. Their auras shift, becoming more primal and intense. Their teeth grow sharper, their nails elongating into claws as the power of the Beast Mana flows through them.
Narrator: The battle reaches a new level of intensity as both combatants tap into their Beast Mana. Their movements become more animalistic, their instincts heightened as they unleash the full force of their power.
The two women clash again, their attacks more ferocious than before. They move with the speed and power of beasts, their senses sharpened by the primal energy coursing through them. Each strike is met with a counter, each movement fluid and instinctual.
Lumea: (shouting) Let's end this, Commander!
Both Elara and Lumea activate the ability "Tiger Claw," their hands transforming into sharp, glowing claws of mana. They leap at each other, their claws slashing through the air in a blur of motion. The impact of their clash sends shockwaves through the training grounds, but neither warrior gives an inch.
The battle continues for several more minutes, both women refusing to back down. Their claws meet in mid-air, the force of their strikes sending them both skidding backward. When the dust settles, it's clear that the match has ended in a tie.
Elara: (breathing heavily) You fought well, Lumea. It seems we're evenly matched.
Lumea: (grinning) I wouldn't have it any other way, Commander. That was a hell of a fight.
The heroes and warriors watching the match break into applause, amazed by the display of power and skill. The match between Elara and Lumea has shown them the true might of Beast Mana and the strength that comes from pushing oneself to the limit.
Narrator: The match ends in a draw, but the lesson is clear—Beast Mana is a force to be reckoned with. The heroes and warriors of the South Nation have witnessed the power of two of their strongest fighters, and they know that they must continue to hone their skills if they are to stand against Zarek.
As the applause dies down, King Alden, accompanied by one of his escorts, quietly leaves the training grounds. He has another mission to complete—one that could tip the scales in their favor. His destination: the village of Elaria, where a mysterious figure resides, one who could help lead their army to victory.
The king and his escort make their way to Elaria, their pace steady but urgent. The king's mind is filled with thoughts of the upcoming battle and the importance of the figure they are about to meet—a retired Knight Commander known for his unmatched skill in battle and his strategic genius.
King Alden: (thinking) If anyone can help us lead our forces against Zarek, it's him. We need his experience, his strength. I only hope he's willing to come out of retirement for this.
The chapter ends with King Alden and his escort traveling through the countryside, the village of Elaria growing closer with each passing moment. The future of the South Nation may very well depend on the success of their mission.