Chapitre 76: Dignity in Practice
Under Lyrus' guidance, training halls resonated with new rhythms. Captains, once hardened by endless vigilance, now demonstrated techniques with a proud but gentle cadence. When a novice approached a seasoned fighter, they found not harsh correction but patient instruction.
Ember generals noticed a shift in the troops' morale. Confidence no longer stemmed solely from knowing they could hold the line against Serpents, but from understanding the deeper purpose behind their moves. Soldiers practiced katas at dawn, silhouettes dancing in sunrise light. Each motion symbolized a principle—honor, compassion, courage—etched into muscle memory as well as the soul.
In marketplaces, travelers paused to admire demonstrations set up by the Ember Circle to foster goodwill. Flames performed elegant sequences that showcased weapon versatility. Wings displayed acrobatic stealth, turning combat moves into breathtaking performances. Shields amazed onlookers by holding complex defensive postures that hinted at unbreakable unity. Applause rippled through crowds, bridging cultures and forging bonds through art and grace.
Allies who once pledged loyalty for mere safety now felt proud to be part of something greater. The Verdant Crane Clan reintroduced lost crane-step forms that blended seamlessly with Ember principles. The Sunlit Fox Guild's merchants adopted honorable trade practices, inspired by these martial values. Even wandering monks smiled as they observed fighters move with purpose beyond victory—seeking balance and enlightenment in their craft.
Within the council chambers, Lyrus and the generals recognized that this dignity in martial arts gave them an edge beyond might. Their warriors fought not just to defeat enemies, but to uphold values that resonated with peoples' hearts. Such respect could fracture the Serpents' attempts to demonize them. Who could fear a force that championed beauty, justice, and restraint in each action?
The Serpents remained a looming threat, their power undiminished. But while they refined poisons, the Ember Circle refined their soul. Standing on equal footing with their enemy now meant more than matching steel with steel. The Circle defined itself in ways the Serpents could not easily replicate. Each passing day, their martial arts became a beacon of what strength, guided by conscience, could achieve.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone