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Chapter 16 :Li Gags next move
Li woke up early, the pale light of dawn filtering through the curtains of his quarters. Despite the stillness of the morning, a heavy weight pressed against his chest. Faith had been distant ever since her mother's tragic passing. The once lively and spirited girl had retreated into herself, her usual radiance dimmed by grief. Li couldn't bear to see her like this.
He decided to check on her before heading to the Maelula Empire base. As he approached Faith's chambers, the quiet of the hallway made his footsteps echo unnaturally loud. He paused at her door, noticing it was slightly ajar. A cool breeze drifted through the gap, carrying with it the faint scent of lavender—Faith's favorite fragrance. Gently, he knocked.
There was a pause before the door creaked open. Faith stood there, her face pale and her eyes rimmed with redness. She looked fragile, as though a single touch might shatter her. "Hey," Li said softly, his voice laced with concern. "I came to check on you. Are you feeling okay?"
Faith hesitated, her lips trembling before she replied, "I'm fine." But her tone betrayed her, and Li saw through the mask she was trying to wear. Her once-vibrant eyes were dull, shadowed by sleepless nights and endless tears.
"May I come in?" Li asked gently.
Faith stepped aside, her silence an unspoken invitation. The room was uncharacteristically messy—books scattered on the floor, an overturned chair near the window, and an untouched tray of food sitting on the desk. The curtains were half-drawn, allowing streaks of light to cast long, uneven shadows across the room.
Li sat on the edge of her bed, watching her as she leaned against the wall, arms crossed tightly over her chest. She looked like she was trying to hold herself together, piece by fragile piece.
"I know it's hard," Li began, his voice low and soothing. "Losing someone you love…it changes you. It leaves a void that feels impossible to fill. But Faith, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you. Always."
Faith looked away, biting her lip to hold back tears. She hated feeling vulnerable, especially in front of Li. Yet, his presence was comforting, a steady anchor in the storm of her emotions.
For a while, Li talked about lighter things—shared memories, the adventures they had as children, the dreams they once spoke of. Slowly, Faith began to relax, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Though the sadness in her eyes remained, the warmth in her expression was a small victory for Li.
Before leaving, he ensured she ate something from the untouched tray. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself," he said as he stood at the door. "If you ever need anything—anything at all—just call for me."
Faith nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Li."
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Leaving Faith's chambers, Li felt a renewed sense of purpose. He couldn't afford to linger in his own emotions; the Maelula Empire awaited his leadership. The base, located on the outskirts of the kingdom, was a bustling hub of activity. Soldiers trained in the scorching sun, their movements precise and disciplined. Blacksmiths hammered away at swords and armor, while others sharpened blades or polished shields.
Li found General Karo standing on the training grounds, his sharp eyes scanning the recruits as they sparred. Karo was a man of immense discipline and stern demeanor, his presence commanding respect from all who served under him.
"Prepare the army," Li ordered. "We're going for a long run."
General Karo nodded briskly and turned to Vision, the camp's bell-ringer. The sound of the bell reverberated across the base, its deep tone summoning the soldiers from every corner. Within moments, warriors assembled in neat rows, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Li addressed them with unwavering authority. "Today's training will test your endurance. We'll run across the land—through forests, over hills, and through rivers. This is not just about physical strength; it's about willpower. In battle, when your body gives out, it is your spirit that carries you forward."
The soldiers murmured among themselves, some visibly eager, others nervous. They knew Li's training methods were unorthodox but effective. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, they set out, the ground thudding beneath the synchronized rhythm of hundreds of boots.
The journey was grueling. The soldiers ran through dense forests, where gnarled roots and low-hanging branches threatened to trip them. They scaled steep hills, their muscles burning with effort, and waded through icy rivers that numbed their limbs. The sun beat down mercilessly, and sweat poured from their brows, but no one dared to complain.
Li ran alongside them, leading by example. His presence inspired the warriors, his determination a beacon of strength. By the time they returned to the base, the moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silver glow over the exhausted army.
"Rest well," Li told them. "Tomorrow will be just as challenging."
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The following day, the soldiers gathered again, their bodies sore but their spirits determined. Li stood before them, his expression serious. "Today's task will test your senses," he announced. "You will fight with your eyes closed. In battle, you may face darkness—whether in the dead of night or in the chaos of a raid. You must learn to trust your instincts, your hearing, and your sense of touch."
The warriors exchanged uneasy glances, but they obeyed. Blindfolds were distributed, and the soldiers paired off, their hands gripping their weapons tightly. At first, the training was chaotic. Blinded and disoriented, the soldiers swung wildly, their strikes missing their targets. Some stumbled over their own feet, while others accidentally struck their partners.
"Focus!" Li shouted. "Listen to the sound of your opponent's movements. Feel the vibrations in the ground. Use everything but your eyes!"
Gradually, the soldiers began to adapt. Their movements grew more deliberate, their strikes more accurate. They learned to rely on their other senses, finding a rhythm in the darkness. By the end of the day, many had begun to master the technique, their confidence growing with each successful strike.
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On the third day, the training took an even harsher turn. The soldiers were jolted awake in the dead of night by the deafening clang of the bell. Sleepy and disoriented, they stumbled into the courtyard, their armor hastily thrown on.
"Stand straight!" General Karo barked, his voice cutting through the night like a blade. "Face forward! Hands behind your back! Focus is everything. If you cannot follow basic commands, you do not belong in this army. Weakness will not be tolerated. Failure means death."
The soldiers stood at attention, their hearts pounding. The night air was cold, but sweat dripped down their faces as Karo pushed them to their limits. They marched, drilled, and sparred under the pale light of the moon, their bodies screaming for rest.
By morning, they were exhausted, but their resolve had hardened. They knew this was more than training—it was transformation. The Maelula Empire demanded warriors who were not only strong but unbreakable.
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As the days turned into weeks, the training grew even more intense. Li introduced new challenges daily, each designed to push the soldiers beyond their perceived limits. They learned to fight in formation, to strategize under pressure, and to adapt to unexpected circumstances. Their once-diverse abilities began to coalesce into a unified strength, their bond as an army growing unbreakable.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Li stood with General Karo, surveying the training grounds. "How is the army progressing?" he asked.
"They're strong," Karo replied, his voice filled with pride. "Stronger than ever. They're ready for battle, my lord."
"Good," Li said, a determined glint in his eyes. "Prepare the men for their final test."
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The announcement sent a ripple of excitement and apprehension through the camp. Weapons were sharpened, supplies were gathered, and strategies were finalized. Li ordered Karo to take 450 warriors and set up a hidden camp near the Yellow Clan's kingdom.
"I'll join you there," Li said. "But do not strike until I arrive."
Before leaving, Li visited Princess Grace of the White Clan to bid her farewell. Grace, with her calm demeanor and sharp wit, had always been a trusted ally. "Don't tell King Vision about this," Li urged her. "I want to show him the results, not just words."
Unbeknownst to Li, King Vision had already been informed of the army's departure. The White Clan guards had reported everything, but Vision chose to remain silent. He wanted to see just how far Li could lead his warriors.