Vorthis and Morax had both finished off the entire basket of soup dumplings.
"If you ever need help with something, just say it next time."
"Helping each other out is normal between friends," Morax said.
This made Vorthis feel a bit embarrassed, scratching his head. He hadn't expected Morax to see through his little scheme so quickly.
"Uh, Morax, could you teach me some combat techniques?" Vorthis asked.
Morax looked at Vorthis.
"Generally, the combat techniques of a God are unique because each God's authority is different."
"For example, I usually use the power of the geo element as my attack method."
"There aren't any special combat techniques—it's just accumulated experience over time."
"As Gods, we are already at the peak of power in this world," Morax said.
What he was trying to express was simple: every God uses a different authority, and their combat styles evolve based on that authority.
Although he could teach Vorthis some of his own attack methods, Morax believed that doing so would stifle Vorthis's own unique fighting style.
Vorthis's authority should be developed by himself.
After hearing Morax's words, Vorthis seemed to have understood something.
So, it meant there were no useless authorities, just useless Gods?
Vorthis understood that his manifestation of authority could be powerful, but he still lacked combat experience.
Since combat experience is accumulated little by little over time, he now knew what he needed to do.
"Alright, I understand what I need to do now."
"Can you join me for some practice outside?" Vorthis asked, looking at Morax.
Morax nodded. "There's no problem."
After leaving Liyue, Morax was very familiar with the terrain around them. Under his guidance, Vorthis quickly found some Geovishaps.
Geovishaps were creatures with a solid rock-like exterior and formidable strength.
If one of these creatures were to charge into a human settlement, it would cause severe casualties.
Vorthis looked at the Geovishap; its appearance was somewhat menacing.
Just looking at it, it had the look of something not to be trifled with.
"I'll go!"
Still, Vorthis decided to step up.
He knew that if he didn't try battling and accumulating combat experience, he wouldn't grow.
Without growth, how would he survive during the future Archon War?
He certainly didn't want to end up like the God of Salt.
"Roooar!!"
Upon landing, Vorthis immediately drew the Geovishap's attention. The creature had a strong territorial instinct.
Seeing this human-like boy invade its territory, it instantly went into attack mode.
With a powerful leap, its massive body crashed toward Vorthis.
Vorthis felt as if a meteor was coming straight at him.
He quickly dodged.
The Geovishap crashed to the ground, shaking the earth.
Vorthis was gradually getting used to this battle.
He steadied himself and stared at the Geovishap.
"Bind!"
Vorthis activated his manifestation of authority, and in an instant, twelve one-meter-wide metal columns rose up and trapped the Geovishap.
"Punishing Blaze!"
Then, Vorthis launched a column of scorching fire from his hand, dozens of meters wide, toward the temporarily trapped Geovishap.
"Roooar!!!"
The Geovishap screamed in agony as its body was burned by the intense heat of the flames.
In the end, it turned to ash, along with the metal columns, which melted into pools of molten iron.
"How was that? Am I impressive or what?"
After dealing with the Geovishap, Vorthis swiftly appeared beside Morax, patted him on the shoulder, and grinned.
Morax had watched the entire battle.
He didn't want to discourage Vorthis, but battle was something that concerned his future survival. So, he needed to tell Vorthis the truth.
"Your fight was too flashy and not practical. It's only suitable for dealing with slow and clumsy creatures like the Geovishap."
"Still, not bad for your first battle," Morax said.
Ah... Is that so?
Vorthis began to reflect.
His battle style did seem to have some issues.
If he faced a different opponent, could he still land a hit with his slow moves?
Combat moves should focus on being fast, accurate, and deadly.
Attack as quickly as possible with the strongest power to defeat the enemy in one blow.
Hmm, I get it now.
"Yeah, I understand what I need to do," Vorthis said, looking at Morax.
Morax nodded.
He didn't know exactly what Vorthis had understood.
But the battle wasn't over yet.
They continued to patrol the area around the territory, with Morax accompanying Vorthis while also clearing out any potential dangers to keep his people safe.
"Morax, is that a giant white tiger over there?"
Vorthis pointed at the white tiger below.
Morax nodded.
"It's just a beast, nothing to worry about."
"Do you want to give it a try?" Morax asked.
Vorthis nodded. "I want to try out my new technique."
"Alright, let's go," Morax said.
Vorthis followed Morax's suggestion and adjusted his fighting style.
This time, he focused on a rapid and explosive attack.
In the shortest time possible, he would take down his enemy.
Flying through the sky, Vorthis remained unnoticed by the white tiger. This move was called "preemptive strike."
A brilliant fireball appeared in his hand.
It even looked somewhat like a miniature star.
Vorthis knew that this small fireball contained immense and refined power.
He called it the "Fireball Technique."
"Take this!"
Vorthis hurled the fireball at the white tiger with incredible speed, its light trailing behind it.
The white tiger saw the bright spot in the sky and immediately sensed the danger!!
With a swift slide, the white tiger turned to flee.
But unfortunately, it was slower than the fireball.
The fireball hit right beside the white tiger.
The light intensified as the fireball expanded like a star, engulfing the area within thousands of meters.
When the light faded, a spherical crater with a diameter of several thousand meters remained.
"How was that? Is it good now?"
After admiring his handiwork, Vorthis returned to Morax's side and grinned.
Morax, however, had realized that Vorthis had misunderstood something.
But, it almost made sense...
"Well, not bad, good battle technique," Morax praised.
In reality, Vorthis had no true battle technique; it was simply a burst of pure power stacked together.
That last move had consumed a tenth of Vorthis's strength.
"Don't praise me too much. What kind of combat technique was that?"
"Morax, you really don't know how to compliment people, do you!"
"Alright, let's continue clearing out monsters," Vorthis said, maintaining a clear self-awareness.
That kind of move was better saved as a last resort.
If it came to that, just throw ten fireballs, and the enemy God would be left dumbfounded.
Firepower coverage, anyone?