After parting ways with Auriene, Lucian wandered through the bustling streets of Eldralis, his senses overwhelmed by the sheer scale and energy of the city. Merchants called out to passing crowds, their stalls adorned with colorful fabrics, gleaming trinkets, and exotic foods. The chatter of people, the clatter of hooves on cobblestones, and the distant toll of a bell melded into a symphony of life that filled the air.
Spotting a modest inn tucked between two larger establishments, Lucian made his way inside. The warm glow of lanterns bathed the space, and the rich aroma of roasted meat wafted through the air. Behind the counter stood a kindly middle aged man with a round face and a welcoming smile.
"Good evening, young man," the innkeeper greeted. "Looking for a place to stay?"
Lucian nodded. "How much per night?"
"Five silver," the innkeeper replied. "Includes breakfast in the morning."
Lucian reached into his pouch, pulling out the silver coins from the reward Auriene had given him. "That'll do," he said, sliding the coins across the counter.
The innkeeper handed him a key. "Room three, second floor. Enjoy your stay."
The room was simple yet cozy, with a single bed, a small table, and a window overlooking the street. After a quick shower to wash away the grime of travel, Lucian felt refreshed. His light brown hair, still damp, framed his face as he stood before the mirror, his violet eyes catching the faint light of the setting sun.
Noticing his tattered clothing, he decided it was time to invest in something new. With a confident stride, he left the inn and set off into the city, his bag securely slung over his shoulder.
Lucian's destination was a shop he had noticed earlier, its elegant sign reading Fabrics of Eldralis. As he entered, the faint jingle of a bell announced his arrival. The shop was filled with rows of clothing in vibrant hues and luxurious textures. A tall woman approached him, her presence commanding immediate attention.
The woman was strikingly beautiful, with a statuesque frame that exuded grace. She had long, dark hair styled in soft waves that cascaded over her shoulders, and her skin was smooth and flawless, almost luminous in the soft light of the shop. Her red dress clung to her slender figure, accentuating her curves, and the deep crimson hue complemented her bold red lipstick. She had sharp cheekbones, an elegantly pointed chin, and piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through him.
"Welcome to Fabrics of Eldralis," she said warmly, her voice smooth and inviting. "I'm Morwenna Weaver. What can I help you find today, handsome young man?"
Lucian's expression remained neutral, though he appreciated the compliment. "I need durable clothes for the academy entrance exams. Something practical but sturdy."
Morwenna studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Follow me. I think I have just the thing."
She led him to a section of the store where a black and red jacket hung on display. The jacket's light material was reinforced with subtle armor at the shoulders and chest, and its design featured a holster on the back perfect for a weapon.
"Black and red, practical and stylish," Morwenna said, lifting the jacket with a flourish. "What do you think?"
Lucian examined it, impressed. "It's not bad. I like the design."
"How much?" he asked, his tone casual.
"Four gold," she replied with a charming smile.
Lucian's brow furrowed. "Don't joke with me. This is worth two gold at most. Are you trying to rob me?"
Morwenna's smile faltered briefly before she regained her composure. "You drive a hard bargain, young man. How about this? As an apology, I'll sell it to you for two gold today only."
Lucian smirked, satisfied. "Deal."
After paying for the jacket, he also purchased a pair of durable black boots before returning to the inn. Once in his room, he donned his new attire, the jacket fitting snugly over his lean frame. The black and red combination suited him, the colors enhancing his striking violet eyes.
With the academy exams looming, Lucian felt a need to train. He asked around the marketplace for directions to a public training facility, following the bustling streets until he reached its gates. The facility was a sprawling complex with several training grounds. At the entrance, a clerk with delicate elven features greeted him.
"Welcome to Eldralis Training Grounds," she said, her voice melodic. "Do you have a guild card?"
Lucian handed over his card. As she inspected it, he noticed her long, pointed ears and shimmering silver hair. "You're an elf," he blurted, his curiosity piqued.
The clerk smiled gently. "Indeed. My name is Leah Floar. First time seeing one of my kind?"
Lucian nodded. "In Maywood Forest, the elves were… territorial."
"That sounds about right," Leah replied with a knowing smile. "Would you like a private room or a public one?"
"Public," Lucian said. "Private's too expensive."
Leah directed him to the public training area. Inside, Lucian found a quiet corner and pulled out the golden book. Turning to a new page, he began reading about the Tiger Claw technique.
Sitting cross-legged, Lucian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing his Qi to flow steadily. The instructions were clear, but the execution was anything but simple.
"The Tiger Claw requires precision," Lucian muttered to himself, recalling the book's words. "The Qi must be condensed into the hands and then manipulated into a claw-like form."
He raised his hands, channeling his Qi. A faint golden light began to swirl around his palms, but the energy dissipated before it could take shape.
"Too unstable," he muttered, shaking his head. He adjusted his breathing, focusing on the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Hours passed as he repeated the process, each attempt pushing him closer to exhaustion. Beads of sweat rolled down his face, and his arms trembled under the strain.
"Focus," he whispered, clenching his jaw. "Control the flow, guide it, don't force it."
This time, he visualized the claw in his mind: sharp, defined, and larger than his hand. The Qi responded, swirling into a coherent shape. Slowly, a golden, semi-transparent claw formed, hovering above his hand. It pulsed with raw energy, glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Yes," Lucian said, his voice filled with determination. But as he tried to move, the construct wavered, its energy destabilizing. It shattered with a faint burst, leaving his palms stinging.
Undeterred, Lucian continued. By the fourth hour, he succeeded in forming a slightly unstable Tiger Claw. Although it wasn't perfect Lucian thought to himself "It will do" The construct glowed brightly, its edges sharp and menacing. Exhausted but exhilarated, Lucian directed it toward a test dummy.
"TIGER CLAW!" he yelled, unleashing the technique with a powerful strike. The construct collided with the dummy, obliterating it in an explosion of splinters and sending a shockwave rippling across the room.
Other trainees stopped and stared, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. Lucian dropped to one knee, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "That… took more out of me than I thought," he muttered.
As Lucian rested against the wall, a new presence filled the room. He sensed the Qi before he saw its owner: a blonde-haired boy about his age, clad in a jacket trimmed with fur resembling a lion's mane. The boy's amber eyes glinted with curiosity and confidence as he scanned the room.
"A noble in the public room?" Lucian thought, raising an eyebrow. The blonde boy's gaze landed on him, and a smirk spread across his face.
Without warning, the noble charged, his voice ringing out. "Claws of Maahes!"
Lucian barely had time to react. The boy's martial technique struck with the force of a tempest, shattering Lucian's reinforced spear in a single blow. Instinctively, Lucian activated Cloud Steps, dashing away in a blur of movement. He landed several feet away, his stance steady as he assessed his opponent.
The noble boy straightened, his expression unbothered. "Sorry for the intrusion," he said, his tone casual. "But I want to spar with you."
As he spoke, crimson Qi flared around him, the pressure unmistakably that of a Qi Refining Realm Stage 2 cultivator. Lucian responded in kind, his faint golden Qi swirling around him, clashing with the noble's energy.
The two stood poised, their eyes locked in a tense standoff. The air crackled with anticipation, the promise of a fierce battle hanging heavy in the room.