The enemy soldiers retreated after their leader Kael died and regrouping at a safe distance where their lead ki warrior Theron surveyed the aftermath. He noticed the disarray among his troops caused by the poison and the Kael's sacrifice. Glaring at his men he barked "Stay back! Don't rush in again without orders. That poison is still lingering. We'll wait and make a proper plan."
Theron's tactical mind took over even when his friend died as he continued, "Cut their supplies. Surround the fortress. Let's choke them out slowly while we come up with a strategy for the siege."
Back in the fortress, Aldo watched as Eldrin staggered through the gates with his steps uneven. Without hesitation, Aldo rushed towards him grabbing his arm to steady him. "Eldrin! You're hurt." Aldo said with his voice laced with concern.
Eldrin tried to wave him off. "It's nothing... just scratches." he muttered though his pale complexion and labored breathing betrayed him.
"Scratches, my foot! You've been poisoned." Aldo retorted throwing Eldrin's arm over his shoulder. He bent slightly and hoisted him onto his back. "Come on, we're going to the doctor."
The bald doctor was already waiting in the medical tent, his expression serious as he prepared an elixir. "Lay him down." he instructed Aldo, who carefully placed Eldrin on a cot.
The doctor handed a small vial to Eldrin. "Drink this. It'll neutralize the poison, be happy that you survived because its my poison." he said.
Eldrin hesitated but eventually took the elixir and downing it in one go. The doctor turned to Vesh, who was quietly observing. "You! Stop standing around like a statue. Get to work. Help treat his wounds."
Vesh nodded and stepped forward. The disciple who had been assisting the doctor spoke up "Watch carefully, Vesh. You need to understand how herbs work together. Medicine isn't just about mixing ingredients. It's about knowing their synergy."
Vesh's curiosity was piqued. While his main path had always been one of strength, the idea of mastering medicine intrigued him. After all, his current body was far from invincible and knowledge of healing could prove useful. But more importantly, he knew he needed access to the doctor's books to truly understand this world's herbs and their properties.
The disciple began applying the antiseptic to Eldrin's wounds, Vesh prepared a herbal paste. Carefully grinding the ingredients into a smooth mixture, he began placing the paste on Eldrin's injuries and securing it with clean cloth strips.
Eldrin winced slightly but managed a faint smile. "Not bad." he muttered watching Vesh work.
Once the treatment was complete, Vesh took the opportunity to ask a question that had been gnawing at him. "How does one become a ki warrior?" he asked with his tone genuinue though his eyes betrayed his deep curiosity. "Are they the strongest in this world?"
Eldrin shifted slightly on the cot to face Vesh. "To become a ki warrior, you need to feel the energy around you mm…. the nature's energy and absorb it by making it your own. It's not easy. It requires discipline and a lot of battles to refine your strength."
He paused before continuing "Ki warriors are indeed strong but we're not invincible. For example, we can't use mana."
"Why not?" Vesh pressed feigning ignorance.
Eldrin sighed propping himself up on one elbow. "It's not that we can't. It's just... impractical. To use mana, you need to train from a young age in a mana rich environment. You also need special elixirs to create mana circles within your body. It's a path that requires early commitment."
He gestured weakly. "For most, choosing one energy source is simpler. Controlling both ki and mana is... difficult. Besides, ki warriors gain their strength through combat and attainment with nature. It's a different kind of power."
Vesh listened intently though inwardly, he found Eldrin's explanation flawed. "So, is it impossible to master both?" he asked.
"It's not impossible." Eldrin admitted. "But it's very rare. Balancing two energies is incredibly demanding. In history, only a handful of people have ever mastered both and they became legends."
Vesh nodded thoughtfully. While Eldrin's words made sense, Vesh knew better. In his original form, he had wielded multiple energies including the mighty Void energy. The key was precise control and understanding the unique nature of each energy. If he could regain his full strength mastering this world's ki and mana would be child's play.
As the conversation waned, Eldrin leaned back visibly exhausted. The disciple motioned for Vesh to help clean up. While they worked, Vesh's started thinking. He needed to witness a ki warrior in action up close. That would be the first step in unraveling the mysteries of this world's power systems.
Outside the fortress, Theron paced among his soldiers with his frustration mounting. His plan to attack head-on had backfired and now his men were demoralized and weakened by the poison. He turned to an elder ki warrior, Arthan who stood calmly amidst the chaos.
"We need to strike hard and fast." Theron insisted his arrogance shining through from his earlier wisdom. "This waiting is killing our momentum."
Arthan, his face lined with age and wisdom shook his head. "Patience, Theron. Rushing in again will only lead to more losses. We need a strategy."
Theron clenched his fists. "Strategy? While we sit here, they're regrouping! We have the numbers. We should crush them now."
Arthan fixed Theron with a stern gaze. "Numbers mean nothing if your men are too weak to fight. Do not let your pride and your friend Kael's death lead us to ruin."
Theron scowled but said nothing knowing he couldn't openly defy the elder. Instead, he stalked away with muttering under his breath. Arthan watched him go his expression unreadable. He knew the boy had talent , the experience and even knowledge but lacked the wisdom to wield it properly.
Back in the fortress, Aldo stood atop the walls surveying the enemy camp in the distance. His face was grim as he turned to one of his captains. "They're preparing for a siege." he said. "We need to hold out as long as we can."
The captain nodded. "The men are ready, sir. We'll fight to the last."
Aldo's gaze hardened. "Good. Because surrender is not an option."
In the medical tent, Vesh finished his tasks and stepped outside his eyes drawn to the horizon where the enemy forces loomed. He couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. He can finally see the battle between the ki warrior's instead of just sensing them from a distance.