Xenos observed his four disciples with a calm but firm expression. "Now," he began, his voice carrying authority, "I will teach you the foundational stances and techniques for your chosen weapons. These basics will be the core of your growth as fighters."
He turned his attention to Misaki first. "Let's start with you."
Misaki nodded, stepping forward eagerly.
Xenos stood before her, his posture relaxed but deliberate. "Misaki, the foundation of fist fighting begins with your stance. Position your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly forward. Distribute your weight evenly and stay light on the balls of your feet for mobility."
Misaki adjusted her stance, and Xenos nodded. "Good. Now, bend your knees slightly and keep your balance. Raise your fists to protect your chin, with your elbows tucked in close. Keep your chin slightly down and your eyes focused on your opponent's movements."
Once her posture was set, Xenos demonstrated the first technique. "The jab," he said, snapping his lead hand forward in a quick, precise motion. "It's a fast, straight punch. Extend your arm fully but retract it immediately. Use it to test your opponent and keep them guessing."
He stepped back and gestured for Misaki to try. Her first attempts were tentative but grew sharper with each repetition.
"Good. Now the cross," Xenos continued, stepping into the movement. "This is a powerful punch from your rear hand. Rotate your hips and pivot on your back foot as you deliver it. The power comes from your entire body, not just your arm."
Misaki practiced, her punches becoming more fluid and precise.
"Next is the hook," Xenos said, demonstrating the arcing motion. "Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Pivot on your lead foot and aim for the side of your opponent's head or ribs. The power comes from the twist of your hips and shoulders."
Misaki mimicked the motion, her movements gaining confidence.
"Finally, the uppercut," Xenos instructed, crouching slightly. "Drop your shoulder, bend your knees, and drive the punch upward using your legs and core. It's most effective at close range."
As Misaki practiced, Xenos nodded in approval. "Remember, Misaki, techniques are nothing without footwork. Stay light, keep moving, and always maintain your balance. A stationary fighter is an easy target."
Misaki's eyes shone with determination as she continued her drills.
Xenos then turned to Kori, who stood with her katana in hand. He stepped beside her, assessing her grip and posture. "Kori, for the katana, your stance is crucial. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Your lead foot should point forward, and your back foot angled slightly. Turn your body slightly sideways to make yourself a smaller target."
He adjusted her hands on the katana. "Hold the blade firmly but not stiffly. Your lead hand grips near the hilt, and your rear hand supports at the pommel. The blade should angle slightly toward your opponent, ready to strike."
Xenos unsheathed his own katana with a fluid motion. "The first technique is the draw slash, or Iaijutsu. Begin with the blade sheathed. Unsheathe it in a single, swift motion, cutting horizontally or diagonally. This is a quick, decisive move for close engagements."
Kori followed his example, practicing the draw slash until her movements were smoother.
"Now, the overhead strike," Xenos continued, raising the katana above his head. "Bring it down with precision and control, either vertically or diagonally. Engage your core and let the blade follow through cleanly."
Kori repeated the movement, her strikes growing stronger and more precise.
"Defense is just as important," Xenos said, shifting into a defensive posture. "To parry, use the flat of your blade to deflect your opponent's strike. Immediately counter with a slash of your own. Timing and quick reflexes are key."
Kori practiced parries and counters, her movements becoming sharper under his guidance.
"Finally, integrate movement into your strikes," Xenos instructed. "Step diagonally as you deliver a slash. This allows you to evade your opponent's attack while positioning yourself to strike their exposed side. Always maintain your balance and be ready to retreat or press forward."
Kori's confidence grew as she repeated the techniques, her form becoming more fluid and natural.
Xenos smiled, satisfied with her progress. "The katana demands precision and discipline, Kori. A single, well-placed strike can end a fight. Master these basics, and you will wield it as an extension of yourself."
Kori bowed slightly in acknowledgment, her determination as sharp as her blade.
Xenos approached Valdir, who stood holding the spear with a mix of eagerness and uncertainty.
"Valdir," Xenos began, his tone steady, "the spear is a weapon of precision and control. It's as much about strategy as it is about technique." He gestured for Valdir to stand properly. "Position your feet shoulder-width apart. Your lead foot should match the hand near the spearhead, and your back foot should angle slightly for balance."
He stepped closer, correcting Valdir's grip. "Your leading hand grips near the spearhead for control, while your rear hand stays near the base to provide leverage. Keep the spear angled diagonally, with the tip aimed at your opponent's upper chest or throat."
Xenos took the spear from Valdir and demonstrated a clean, deliberate thrust. "This is your primary attack—the thrust. Extend your arms smoothly, driving the spearhead forward with your body weight. Your strength lies in keeping the movement sharp and retracting immediately to regain your stance."
Valdir mimicked the motion, his first attempts clumsy but improving under Xenos's guidance.
"Good," Xenos said. "Now, let's work on a sweep. This is for disrupting your opponent's footing. Target their legs with a low, wide arc. Rotate your hips as you swing, and keep your movements fluid to maintain balance. A stumble from your opponent can decide the fight."
Xenos demonstrated, the spear slicing through the air in a precise arc, before returning it to Valdir for practice.
"Next, the overhead strike." Xenos raised the spear high, his stance firm. "Bring it down with force in a stabbing or slashing motion. It's most effective for breaking through defenses or delivering a powerful blow to an exposed opponent."
Valdir followed suit, the spear's tip coming down in controlled but powerful strikes.
"And finally, the feint," Xenos said, stepping back to observe. "Pretend to thrust straight, but at the last moment, change the angle to catch your opponent off guard. A skilled feint can create critical openings in even the toughest defenses."
Valdir practiced each technique with growing confidence, and Xenos nodded approvingly. "Remember, Valdir, the spear is a weapon of reach and adaptability. Your strength lies in controlling the distance and striking decisively. A skilled spearman can dominate with precision and strategy."
Xenos then turned to Maximo, who stood gripping the longsword with a posture that betrayed his nervousness.
"Maximo," Xenos began, "the longsword demands balance and fluidity. It's not a weapon you can wield stiffly. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your lead foot should be slightly forward, your knees bent, and your body relaxed. You must always be ready to move."
He stepped closer, gently adjusting Maximo's grip on the hilt. "Grip the sword firmly with both hands. Your leading hand goes near the crossguard for control, and your rear hand grips the pommel for leverage. Keep the blade angled toward your opponent, always prepared to attack or defend."
Xenos demonstrated the first technique with a fluid motion. "This is the Zornhau, the Wrath Strike. It's a descending diagonal slash from the shoulder. Rotate your hips and engage your core to power the strike. It's meant to attack while deflecting an incoming blow."
Maximo followed his master's movements, his strikes gradually becoming more confident.
"Good," Xenos said. "Now, let's work on the thrust. Extend the longsword in a straight line, using your rear foot to push forward. Keep the tip steady and aim for vital areas. Remember, a clean thrust should be swift—strike and retract to avoid leaving yourself open."
He demonstrated again, then shifted into a defensive stance. "Parries are critical to survival. Use the blade to deflect your opponent's attacks. A proper parry doesn't just defend; it sets up your counterstrike. Flow from one movement to the next without hesitation."
Xenos then demonstrated half-swording, gripping the blade halfway down with one hand. "This technique is for close quarters or heavily armored opponents. By gripping the blade, you gain better control for short, precise strikes or thrusts. It may seem unconventional, but it's highly effective."
Maximo practiced diligently, his form improving with each attempt. Xenos watched, arms crossed, his expression approving.
"The longsword is a weapon of adaptability," Xenos said finally. "It can be used with power, finesse, or both, depending on the situation. Master its versatility, Maximo, and it will be your greatest ally in any battle."
Maximo nodded, determination etched on his face as he resumed his drills.
Xenos finished his explanations with a nod of approval, watching as Valdir and Maximo began practicing their respective techniques.
He took a step back, observing each of his disciples as they trained.
The crisp sound of Misaki's punches, Kori's deliberate sword strikes, Valdir's sweeping spear movements, and Maximo's flowing swordplay filled the air.
After an intense hour of weapon training, Xenos observed his disciples, their faces slick with sweat, their postures drooping with exhaustion. He raised his hand, signaling them to stop.
"That's enough for today," Xenos said, his voice calm but firm. "You've had a long and grueling day—from cultivation to physical training, the Tower of Nightmare, the Tower of Battle, and now weapon training. Rest now. Wake up early tomorrow, and we'll continue the same routine."
His disciples, despite their fatigue, responded in unison, "Yes, Master."
Xenos nodded in approval, watching as they went back to their quarters to freshen up and rest.
The next morning, as the sun painted the sky with soft hues of gold and pink, Xenos sat alone in deep thought. His expression was one of quiet intensity, as though piecing together a complex puzzle.
Aerum approached, her presence breaking his reverie. "What are you thinking about so deeply?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Xenos looked up and smiled faintly. "A mystery that needs solving," he replied enigmatically.
Aerum tilted her head, her confusion evident. "What kind of mystery?"
He waved off her question lightly. "Never mind. It's nothing to worry about." Leaning back, he added, "I need to head to Earth for some work. It'll take a few days here, but with the time difference, that's about one or two months. While I'm gone, can you oversee the disciples' training?"
Aerum blinked, startled. "Me? Oversee their training? I don't know how to teach them anything."
Xenos chuckled softly. "Don't worry about teaching. I've already set their foundation. Just make sure they stick to the routine from yesterday. They won't complain—they're disciplined enough."
Aerum crossed her arms, considering his words. "Alright, I can manage that. But while you're on Earth, can you do something for me?"
"Of course," Xenos said, leaning forward slightly. "What do you need?"
Aerum smiled faintly. "I brought a few clothes, but they won't last. Can you bring all the clothes I might need while you're at it?"
"Clothes. Got it," Xenos replied with a nod. "Anything else?"
"Food," Aerum added with a pointed look. "Vegetables, meat, supplies for at least four years. we can't exactly starve, can I?"
Xenos blinked, startled. "Ah, right. I didn't think about that..."
With a snap of his fingers, a house materialized nearby, its design simple yet elegant. "This should cover everything," Xenos said. "The house is stocked with vegetables, meat, and all the ingredients you'll need to cook. There's a fully equipped kitchen inside, so you'll have plenty to eat."
Aerum inspected the house, her expression neutral, but she nodded in approval. "And the clothes?" she reminded him.
"I'll bring them from Earth," Xenos assured her.
Satisfied, Aerum stepped aside as Xenos stood and waited for his disciples to gather.
Once they assembled, he explained his temporary departure and gave them clear instructions to follow their training schedule under Aerum's supervision.
With everything settled, Xenos with a flash of light, he disappeared, returning to Earth.
As Xenos returned to Earth, his mind churned with unanswered questions and mysteries. Hovering mid-air, he felt the subtle ripples of space laws being used.
"Hmm..." he murmured, narrowing his eyes. "Four pavilions... Each hidden within sub-dimensions connected to Earth.
I can only able sense due to the activation of their formations to send people here, their concealment is almost perfect.
Without this spatial disturbance, I wouldn't have known about the sub-dimensions."
His thoughts deepened, his brow furrowing. "A paragon-level formation... To create and hide a subdimension on this scale is no small feat. But it's not just that."
"The Thirteen Constellations are involved too. Why are they here? Did that old geezer set all this in motion, or is there another force at play?"
Xenos looked toward the distant horizon where the sky kissed the ocean, his gaze piercing as though he could see far beyond the physical realm.
"The Thirteen Constellation... They played a crucial role in helping Aerum craft the Fate Dragon. Yet, I've felt no one fully inheriting their legacy.
Should I leave it as it is? No... If their presence is so prominent now, it must be a signal that their power is ready to be claimed."
He crossed his arms, his robes billowing gently in the sea breeze. "Of the Thirteen, twelve should already have their inheritors, if my senses are right.
I'll confirm it when we rescue the twelve souls.
That leaves one—the final inheritance.
Someone fated with the Thirteenth Constellation needs to claim it, and I must find them."
His thoughts shifted to the sub-dimensions.
"The Four Pavilions... The Thirteen Constellations... And the five individuals who've received the greatest providence from the world itself.
All of it feels like pieces of a puzzle waiting to be assembled.
If I can place them together, perhaps it will unlock the truth."
With a resolute nod, he murmured, "First, I'll visit the inheritance hidden in the depths of the ocean.
From there, I'll search for the one destined for the Thirteenth Constellation."
Without hesitation, Xenos vanished.
In an instant, he reappeared directly above the inheritance site—a mystical ground located deep beneath the ocean's surface.
The waters shimmered with an otherworldly light, and the energy emanating from below was ancient and powerful.
As Xenos hovered above the waves, his eyes narrowed, sensing the layers of protective formations guarding the inheritance.