Chapter 15: The Seventh Elder's Training and a Mission
This morning, Eric trained his body again, running around the secret training room to build up his stamina. Sweat poured down his face, but his eyes remained focused and determined. Every step he took felt lighter, but still far from enough to match the strength of his father, Duke Alaric.
Ever since his meeting with the Seventh Elder a few days ago, Eric knew that this training would be different. In the silence, only Eric's heavy breathing and the sound of running footsteps could be heard. The atmosphere of the room was still mysterious, with various ancient symbols carved on the walls, as if watching Eric's every move.
"One step closer," he muttered to himself, determined to master more techniques, strengthen his body, and perfect his inner strength. Day by day, meditation and physical training became an inseparable part of his routine.
After a few laps of running, Eric paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. His eyes looked to the center of the room, where the Seventh Elder always gave his training instructions. With calm steps, the Seventh Elder approached him, wearing an old robe that signified age and wisdom.
"Eric," the Seventh Elder's voice was soft yet powerful, "your power has grown rapidly. But remember, the greater your power, the greater the responsibility you will bear."
Eric lowered his head, listening to every word that came out of the Seventh Elder's lips. "I understand, Elder."
The Seventh Elder looked at him deeply, as if assessing how far Eric had come. "Strength is not just about physicality or internal energy, Eric. True strength comes from the depths of the heart, and the serenity of the soul. Only by mastering both will you be able to withstand all temptations of the outside world."
Eric nodded, accustomed to the wise advice given by the Seventh Elder. However, this time there was something different in his words. "Is there a special technique I should learn, Elder?"
The Seventh Elder smiled faintly, "There is, Eric. An esoteric technique that is very rarely known by the current generation. This technique can help you reach your greatest potential, but it comes with great risk."
Eric looked at him intently. "What is that technique?"
The Seventh Elder took a piece of paper from within his robes and handed it to Eric. The paper was covered with ancient symbols that Eric had never seen before. "This is the 'Meditation in the Void' technique. It teaches you to feel the energy of the universe and to connect yourself to the greater world. However, if you are not careful, this technique can drain your strength and cause you to lose control."
Eric looked at the writing carefully, digesting every hidden meaning. "I am ready, Elder. I will do it."
The Seventh Elder looked at him with confidence. "I'm sure you can do it. But remember, Eric, this journey isn't just about physical or mental strength. It's about who you are, and what you want to achieve with that strength."
Eric nodded, feeling even more motivated to move forward. "I will keep that in mind, Elder."
The Seventh Elder gave one final lesson before ending the morning meeting. "Now, do this exercise every day. Practice until you feel the energy of the universe flowing through your body. Don't rush. True power comes in time."
Eric stood up straight, ready to accept the challenge ahead. "Thank you, Elder. I will train hard."
Before the Seventh Elder disappeared into the shadows of the room, he added one sentence that left a deep impression on Eric. "Remember, with every great power comes a greater test. When the time comes, you must be ready to face it."
With those words ringing in his ears, Eric focused his mind back on the training he had to go through. Sweat dripped down his forehead again, but this time he felt stronger. His eyes stared ahead, determined. He knew the road ahead was long, and many challenges awaited him. But, this time he was not afraid.
With steady steps, he continued his training, focusing on the meditation in the void given by the Seventh Elder, and preparing himself for the great mission ahead.
After he met with the Seventh Elder, Eric resumed his training. With a stronger determination, he underwent meditation training in the void that the Seventh Elder had given him. The training room felt increasingly quiet, only the sound of his breathing could be heard clearly. Every breath he exhaled felt deeper as if merging with the air around him. He tried to open his mind and feel the flowing energy of the universe.
However, the first time he tried the meditation, it was not as easy as he had imagined. Every time he closed his eyes, images of the great power he possessed and the intrigues of his family appeared. These thoughts almost disturbed his concentration, but Eric persisted. He remembered the words of the Seventh Elder: "True strength comes from the depths of the heart, and the calmness of the soul."
In that silence, he felt something different. The energy in his body began to flow smoothly, stronger than before. It was a deeper flow of energy, like there was an outside force connecting him to the universe, to a world bigger than himself. He felt a peace he had never felt before, as if the world was full of energy that could be used to protect the people he cared about.
However, even though the energy flowed smoothly, Eric still felt something was missing. It felt like he had not fully mastered this technique. Time after time he spent practicing, training himself to be able to stabilize the flow of energy in his body and use that power for good.
After practicing for a few hours, his body felt exhausted. Sweat poured down his face, but there was a sense of satisfaction that came afterward. Eric opened his eyes, and for the first time, he felt that the energy was there, flowing through his body. He felt a little stronger, even though he knew that the journey to mastering it was still long.
Amid exhaustion, Eric thought about the mission that the Seventh Elder would give him. It was a mission that could not be taken lightly, and Eric felt the sense of responsibility growing as time went by.
Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside the training room. Eric turned his gaze, and as the door opened, a servant of the Everia family entered with a letter. "From Duke Alaric," the servant said respectfully.
Eric received the letter and carefully opened it. Inside the letter, several instructions suggest that Eric meet Duke Alaric immediately to discuss important matters concerning the family. There was something urgent that had to be resolved immediately. It was unclear what was meant, but the letter gave the impression that the situation was quite serious.
"This can't be delayed," Eric thought to himself. Before leaving, he glanced once more at the quiet training room. In his heart, he felt that this training he had done was only the first step. A greater challenge awaited him out there.
With steady steps, Eric walked out of the training room. As the door closed behind him, a new sense of determination grew within him. The mission he was about to face was not just for himself but for his family and the future of the Everia family.
As evening approached, Eric returned to the main room of the secret training area. After a long meditation and hard physical training, his body felt stronger, but his mind was still filled with questions. What would be the next step? How could he go further and stronger than before?
The Seventh Elder stood at the end of the room, quietly observing Eric. His figure exuded an aura of wisdom and calm that was hard to describe, like the ocean that never stirs even when a storm approaches. Eric approached him, waiting for further instructions.
"Your training today was quite good," said the Seventh Elder, his voice soft but authoritative. "However, true strength does not come from a trained body and mind alone. You need a clear goal to channel all of that."
Eric nodded. "I understand that. But how do I find that purpose?"
The Seventh Elder smiled faintly, then held up an old-looking scroll. The scroll contained a map—old, worn, with ancient symbols that were barely legible.
"Under the ruins of Lumina lies something our family has long forgotten," the Seventh Elder said as he handed the scroll to Eric. "The Sword of Everia, a legendary artifact once held by the first Patriarch. However, the sword is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of our family's honor and legacy. To obtain it, you must pass a series of trials, both physical and spiritual."
Eric stared at the scroll seriously, trying to understand the significance of this mission. "Does the sword exist?" he asked in a curious tone.
The Seventh Elder nodded slowly. "Yes. And only those who possess the true Everia family crest—the ancient crest—can find it. I believe you are the right person for that."
Eric felt a heavy sense of responsibility, but he also knew this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. This mission would not only strengthen him but also prove that he was the true heir to the Everia family.
"How much time do I have?" Eric asked, his eyes full of determination.
"You can start at any time, but the longer you delay, the greater the risk. The world out there will not stop moving. And there is a possibility that those who have bad intentions towards this family are also looking for the sword."
Eric clenched his fists. He knew that this step was the beginning of something big. "Okay. I'll prepare myself as soon as possible and go."
The Seventh Elder smiled with satisfaction. "Remember, Eric. On this journey, you will not only be tested by your strength, but also by your heart. Stay true to your purpose, and never forget who you are."
With renewed determination, Eric left the room, carrying the scroll of maps and a new spirit within him. The night sky outside was already dark, but for him, the path to power and truth had only just begun.
End of Chapter 15.