Aidan's gaze returned to the system interface. He still had 1,600 credits left, from all the quests he has completed. "Hmm, let's get something I can actually use for now," he said, his fingers gliding over the holographic screen.
He navigated back to the Weapon Arts section, this time filtering for arts within his current proficiency range. His criteria were clear: the art had to be effective, practical, and compatible with his current skill set.
The system presented several options, each with its own unique style and focus:
- "Flickering Shadow Steps": A movement art that allowed for rapid repositioning and evasive maneuvers.
- "Blazing Fang Strike": A straightforward offensive art designed for overwhelming power in close combat.
- "Iron Flow Blade": A defensive art that emphasized parrying and counterattacks.
Aidan considered each option carefully. His recent experiences had taught him the importance of being adaptable in battle. While raw power was important, the ability to evade and outmaneuver opponents was equally critical, especially when facing multiple enemies or stronger foes.
All this arts required him to achieve 100% mastery in Beginner Sword Manual which makes it suitable for him to learn.
After some deliberation, he selected "Flickering Shadow Steps". The art wasn't purely offensive, but it complemented his style and would allow him to outmaneuver opponents while setting up decisive strikes.
[Confirm Purchase: Flickering Shadow Steps – Black Rank?]
[Cost: 1,200 Credits]
Aidan took a deep breath and confirmed the purchase. leaving him with 400 credits. A surge of energy coursed through him as the system transferred the knowledge directly into his mind. The process was less overwhelming than when he had acquired the Eclipsing Blade Form, but it was no less impressive.
The art's techniques unfolded in his mind like a vivid dream. He could see himself darting across the battlefield, his movements a blur as afterimages danced around him. The precision and fluidity required were daunting, but Aidan couldn't help but feel exhilarated.
"If I master this technique completely," he thought, "and combine it with the Intermediate Sword Manual, my strength will multiply by leaps and bounds. And with the Eclipsing Blade Form on top of that..."
The possibilities were endless, and the thought of his future strength filled him with excitement. But Aidan knew better than to get ahead of himself. 'Great power required relentless effort.'
---
Determined to make the most of his new art, Aidan set a strict training schedule. The next morning, he woke up at 5 a.m. sharp, the faint glow of dawn barely peeking through his window. After a quick stretch, he headed to the small training room adjacent to his living quarters.
The room was modest but well-equipped, with wooden dummies, weighted training swords, and a smooth floor ideal for practicing footwork.
"Alright," Aidan muttered, gripping his practice sword. "Let's get started."
From 5 to 7 a.m., he focused entirely on the Intermediate Sword Manual. The manual's techniques demanded precision and fluidity, pushing him to refine every movement. Sweat dripped down his face as he repeated the drills, each swing of the sword bringing him closer to mastery.
After a quick shower and breakfast, Aidan attended his classes, which lasted until 4 p.m. Though the lectures were important, his mind often drifted to his training. By the time the final bell rang, he was already itching to return to the training room.
At 4:30 p.m., he began practicing Flickering Shadow Steps. The art was unlike anything he had learned before. It required him to focus not just on speed but also on timing and balance. Each step had to be deliberate, each movement calculated.
At first, his attempts were clumsy. He stumbled over his own feet, and the afterimages he tried to create were faint and inconsistent. But Aidan was nothing if not determined.
This goes on till 9 pm. After which he continues his work on Beast Evolution research paper before going to sleep.
---
While Aidan pushed himself, Hope was not idle. The small Wolf pup watched his master with keen eyes, seemingly inspired by Aidan's relentless effort.
Hope began practicing his own techniques, using the wooden dummies in the corner of the room. His small frame moved with surprising agility as he executed the two skills he had learned so far. The wooden dummies had lot of scratch marks signifying Hope's efforts. One had to know that this wooden dummies were made to withstand attacks from a Red Rank cultivator or from an Awakened beast.
Aidan glanced over and smiled. "Good job, Hope. Keep it up!"
Hope barked in response, his tail wagging as he returned to his training. The bond between the two grew stronger with each passing day, their shared determination fueling their progress.
---
Hours turned into days as Aidan and Hope followed their rigorous training regimen. By the end of the first week, Aidan had achieved 10% mastery of the Intermediate Sword Manual, a milestone that filled him with pride.
His progress with Flickering Shadow Steps was lot faster because of his understanding in sword making it 35%. The art's techniques became smoother with each practice session, and he began to notice subtle improvements in his speed and agility.
However, the training was not without its challenges. The physical toll was immense, and there were days when Aidan's muscles ached so badly that he could barely move. But he pushed through the pain, driven by the knowledge that every drop of sweat brought him closer to his goals.
Hope, too, faced his own struggles. His attacks often drained his energy, leaving him exhausted after prolonged practice. But like Aidan, he refused to give up.
Together, they rested, their bond stronger than ever and their resolve unshaken. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but Aidan and Hope were ready to face them head-on.
[Host Attributes Overview:]
- Rank: Black Rank
- Strength: 13
- Agility: 15
- Intelligence: 12
- Vitality: 10
- Mana: 25
- Soul Capacity: 10
- Charm: 7
[Technique: Beginner Sword Manual (Proficiency: 100%), Intermediate Sword Manual (Proficiency: 10%), Flickering Shadow Steps (Proficiency: 35%)]
[Beast Attributes Overview]
- Level: 13
- Name: Hope
- Rank: Peak Feral Stage
- Species: Wolf
- Potential: Ascended Stage
- Attribute: None (Potential Paths Available)
- Technique: Fang Strike, Wolf Dash
- Loyalty: High (Bond Established)
Hope is already very close to the breakthrough, Additionally he has received 5 thunder orbs from his monthly exam rewards.
Tomorrow, He has to submit his reports on the thesis for which he assisting Professor Marlon with. The due date for submission is near