章 15: Training (2)

Seraphina's training with Elder Nyra intensified as the days went by. With the Grand Sect Tournament drawing nearer, there was no time to waste. Elder Nyra pushed Seraphina to her limits, testing her physical and mental fortitude in grueling training sessions.

One morning, as the first rays of sunlight bathed the training grounds, Elder Nyra called Seraphina to a training area hidden within the forest. It was a secluded space surrounded by ancient trees, their branches intertwining like protective arms.

"Today, we will focus on honing your reflexes and instincts," Elder Nyra said, her voice firm and unwavering. "In close combat, split-second decisions can decide on victory or defeat. You must learn to rely on your instincts and react without hesitation."

With a nod of understanding, Seraphina took her stance, ready to begin the intense training. Elder Nyra lunged forward with blinding speed, her fist aimed at Seraphina's abdomen. Instinctively, Seraphina twisted her body and sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the blow.

But the training did not stop there. Elder Nyra launched a flurry of attacks, each faster and more unpredictable than the last. Seraphina had to rely on her instincts and quick thinking to defend herself. She blocked, dodged, and countered, her movements becoming more fluid and precise with each passing moment.

The training session continued for hours, with Seraphina and Elder Nyra engaged in a dance of combat. Sweat glistened on Seraphina's brow, her heart pounding as she pushed herself beyond her limits. Despite the fatigue, she refused to give in, her determination fueling her every move.

As the sun reached its zenith, Seraphina and Elder Nyra finally reached a conclusion. Breathing heavily, Seraphina looked at her mentor with exhaustion and triumph. She knew this intense training was essential to prepare her for the Grand Sect Tournament.

"Elder Nyra, I..." Seraphina started to speak, but her words were interrupted by Elder Nyra's raised hand.

"No need to say anything, Seraphina," Elder Nyra said, a small smile gracing her lips. "Your progress speaks for itself. You have a natural talent for close-quarter combat, and your instincts are sharper than I expected."

"But," Elder Nyra continued, her expression serious once more, "do not let your guard down. The Grand Sect Tournament is a battlefield where even the most trusted allies can become rivals. Stay vigilant and never reveal your true strength unless necessary."

Seraphina nodded, taking Elder Nyra's words to heart. She understood the importance of keeping her abilities concealed until the right moment. The tournament was not just a showcase of power but a test of wit and strategy. This tournament was hosted every five years to show each other their best talents and the opportunity for many smaller forces to climb up the ladder.

From that day on, Seraphina's training with Elder Nyra intensified even further. They delved into more advanced combat-sealing techniques, refining Seraphina's ability to use ancient sealing.

Elder Nyra also imparted her knowledge of battlefield tactics and strategies, preparing Seraphina for the unpredictable nature of the tournament. She also taught Nyra two of her seals.

Namely "Ancient Seal: Ethereal Chains and Ancient Seal: Blossoming Moon's Veil."

The Ethereal Chain Seal creates incorporeal chains out of pure energy that binds the target's movements, restricting their ability to fight or escape. The chains can be manipulated by the user and become stronger when the target's resistance weakens.

Blossoming Moon's Veil is an elegant sealing art that conceals the presence and aura of the user, rendering them virtually invisible to other cultivators and even spiritual beings of the same stage. It is especially useful for stealthy missions or avoiding unwanted attention.

Additionally, she asked Elder Lysandra to help her create gravity seals for further training. Elder Lysandra was the mentor of Elara and was very well-versed in spatial seals. Seraphina put those seals on and increased the gravitational forces on her body by two. She will gradually increase the multiplication factor of these seals as she reaches higher stages.

In addition to her combat training, Seraphina continued her experiments with emotional absorption in secret. She sought to perfect her ability to affect surrounding emotions with her sealing techniques, maximizing their effectiveness in combat.

As the weeks passed, Seraphina's progress became evident to the other disciples of the Rosevine Coven. Her skills in close-quarter combat were unmatched among the younger generation, and her use of sealing techniques was met with awe and admiration.

The date for the Grand Sect Tournament drew near, and the Rosevine Coven decided to hold a small internal tournament to select their representatives. This serves as a platform for the disciples to showcase their skills, and the winners will represent the Coven in the prestigious event.

Three tournaments are going for accepted disciples, core disciples, and heirs.

The average cultivation stage for those are Essence Attainment Late Stage to Core Creation Early Stage for accepted disciples. Core Creation Late Stage to Core Harmonization Early Stage for core disciples and Core Harmonization Late Stage to Spirit Manifestation Stage for heirs.

Seraphina is thrilled about the opportunity to participate. It is her chance to demonstrate the results of her intense training and cultivation. She feels a surge of confidence, knowing that her unique abilities and hard work have positioned her as a strong contender.

The rules are simple: each participant will engage in a series of one-on-one matches, and the victor will advance to the next round. The tournament will culminate in a final showdown to determine the ultimate winner. She needed to be in the top five of the accepted disciple's area to be able to attend the Grand Sect Tournament. This will be held in two weeks, and she needs to prepare for it.

During the next two weeks, Seraphina places her gravity seals under the guidance of Elder Lysandra. With the added weight from the gravity seals, her body becomes resilient and more agile. She learns to adapt to the increased resistance, which will be a significant advantage during close-quarter combat in the tournament.

After the morning training session, Seraphina takes a short break to eat a nutritious breakfast. She focuses on maintaining a balanced diet, fueling her body with the energy it needs to perform at its peak. As she eats, she reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the potential opponents she might face in the tournament.

With her breakfast finished, Seraphina heads to the library of the Coven. There, she spends hours studying cultivation manuals. She seeks to expand her knowledge of various martial techniques and tactics used by different sects and clans. Understanding different fighting techniques will give her a strategic advantage in the upcoming matches.

As the day progresses, Seraphina engages in friendly sparring sessions with her companions, Elara, Lyra, and Emma. They provide challenging practice partners, helping her test her skills and gain more battle experience. Seraphina values their feedback and learns from each encounter, making adjustments to her techniques over and over again.

In the late afternoon, she takes a break from physical training to meditate and cultivate her Qi. Seraphina enters a serene state of mind, allowing her to replenish her energy and strengthen her connection to her inner powers using the absorbed emotions she gathered throughout the day. During meditation, she also visualizes the strategies and tactics she plans to employ in the tournament.

The days leading up to the small internal tournament are intense, but Seraphina embraces the challenges with a determined spirit. The small tournament within the Coven will be a stepping stone towards her greater ambition of revealing the full potential of her cultivation abilities and living life however she wants in Aetheria.