Chapter 47: Vampire Leaders.
The grand hall of the vampire council was heavy with silence, shadows pooling around the nine thrones that encircled the room. The meeting was tense, each leader's expression reflecting their unease. The obsidian throne at the far end, the Tenth Seat, stood cold and lifeless—until now.
Darius, the first leader, known for his power of blood solidification, broke the silence. "The Tenth Seat. It remains unlit. This... changes everything."
Lydia, the master of blood puppetry, narrowed her eyes. "If Tahir's family has indeed defied us, the balance we've kept is at risk."
Kain, whose blood regeneration made him nearly invincible, shifted in his chair. "We need to know the truth behind this. Why now?"
Selene, who wielded blood mirage, spoke softly. "The flame of the Tenth has not been lit for decades. We need to understand why it's stirring."
Thorne, with his explosive blood detonation ability, leaned forward impatiently. "We cannot afford hesitation. This is a threat we must face. The bearer must be brought before us."
Vera, with her blood poisoning ability, added, "Delaying any further could be our undoing."
Reyna's voice, calm but firm, cut through. "And if we do, what then? Do we make an enemy of him before understanding the full truth?" A few nodded in agreement, reluctant to rush into conflict.
Cassius smirked, dark amusement playing across his face. "If the bearer poses a threat, it's simple: eliminate it."
Zane's eyes, cold and calculating, met the others. "The bearer could be an ally or an adversary. We need to approach this with caution."
The tension crackled in the air as leaders took sides, some calling for immediate action while others urged restraint.
Suddenly, a flicker of light pulsed through the Tenth Seat, crimson veins spreading like cracks across its dark surface. The room tensed as the glow brightened, confirming their fears—a bearer had been born.
The King, seated on the highest throne at the room's center, raised a hand, his voice hard as granite. "Send word. Two knights will go to retrieve him. We cannot wait."
On the wind-swept mountain, the air was crisp as Tahir stood before Barta, ready for another rigorous training session. The vastness of the landscape surrounded them, a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. The towering peaks loomed like silent guardians, watching over his progress.
"Today, we'll deepen your understanding of Kengen," Barta announced, his presence commanding. "You've grasped Rou well, but now we'll add two more techniques: Ryuu and Kuu."
Tahir nodded, excitement coursing through him. He felt the pulse of energy within, eager to learn and grow stronger. Barta began, "Ryuu is about flow. It allows you to amplify your strikes by channeling your energy outward. You must learn to let go of any tension, allowing your energy to move freely through you."
Tahir focused, grounding himself. "How do I start?"
"Begin by finding your center," Barta instructed, demonstrating the stance. "Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Take a deep breath and visualize your energy as a river flowing through your body. As you exhale, release the tension."
Tahir mimicked Barta's stance, inhaling deeply. He felt the energy swirl within him, a vibrant current yearning to break free. "I can feel it," he said, his voice steady.
"Good. Now, I want you to strike," Barta commanded, his eyes locked on Tahir. "Channel that energy into your fist and let it flow as you move."
Tahir unleashed a punch, focusing on the release of energy. To his surprise, the impact felt more powerful than before, a surge of strength driving through his arm. Barta nodded in approval. "Excellent! But remember, Ryuu is about fluidity. You must combine it with your movement, letting your energy guide you."
They sparred lightly, Barta's strikes slow and measured, giving Tahir the chance to adapt. As they moved, Tahir concentrated on channeling his energy. With each parry and counter, he felt the rhythm of the flow, his energy wrapping around him like a protective barrier. The world around him faded, leaving only the connection between his body and the energy that surged within.
"Now, let's incorporate Kuu," Barta continued, pausing to assess Tahir's progress. "This technique will expand your awareness. By extending your life energy outward, you'll be able to sense your surroundings."
Tahir's brow furrowed in concentration. "How do I do that?"
"Focus on the energy flowing from your core and visualize it expanding around you," Barta explained. "It's like creating a bubble of awareness. Let it encompass your surroundings, feeling the air and the movement of the forest."
Tahir took a deep breath, channeling his energy outward. He felt it push beyond his physical form, stretching into the space around him. The rustling leaves, the distant call of a bird—everything became sharper, clearer.
"I can feel them," Tahir breathed, astonished. "It's like I can sense everything at once."
"Exactly," Barta smiled, satisfaction evident in his eyes. "Now, combine Ryuu and Kuu. Move fluidly, and let your awareness guide your actions."
With renewed focus, Tahir struck, his movements graceful and deliberate. He felt the flow of energy carrying him, guiding his strikes while his heightened senses picked up on Barta's movements before they happened. He dodged, countered, and attacked, the techniques melding together seamlessly.
"Good! But don't forget to remain balanced," Barta reminded him. "You can't let your awareness distract you from your movements."
After an intense session of Kengen training, Gelda approached, sword in hand. "Tahir! It's time to refine your blade skills," she called, a spark of enthusiasm in her eyes.
Tahir wiped the sweat from his brow, grateful for the shift in focus. "I'm ready."
Gelda took her stance, demonstrating a series of fluid strikes, the sword glinting in the sunlight. "Swordsmanship is about precision and control. You must become one with the blade, allowing it to flow with your energy."
Tahir observed carefully, noting the rhythm of her movements. "How do I begin?"
"Start with the basics. Grip the hilt firmly, but not too tight," she instructed, guiding him through the motions. "Let the sword become an extension of yourself. Feel its weight, and let it flow naturally."
Tahir took the sword, feeling its balance in his hands. He executed the first strike, a simple downward slash. Gelda nodded approvingly. "Good! Now, add your Kengen energy to it. Channel the flow into the sword as you strike."
Tahir closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the energy swell within him. He slashed downward again, this time with energy coursing through the blade. The impact felt solid, the power reverberating through his arms.
"Excellent! Now combine the techniques," Gelda encouraged. "Use your Ryuu to amplify your strikes, and let Kuu guide your awareness of your surroundings."
Tahir began to spar with Gelda, their blades clashing rhythmically. He focused on the flow of energy as he moved, striking with purpose while remaining aware of her movements. With every clash, he felt the energy channel through the sword, enhancing his strikes.
"You're getting stronger," Gelda said, her tone encouraging. "But remember, a true warrior is also adaptable. You must be able to react to any situation."
Tahir grinned, exhilarated by the training. The combination of Barta's Kengen techniques and Gelda's sword skills was refining him into a more formidable fighter. He felt the bond between them strengthening as they honed their abilities together, preparing for whatever challenges awaited him.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues across the mountain, Tahir knew he was on the path to greatness. With each lesson, he was not only learning to harness his power but also becoming a force to be reckoned with in a world filled with uncertainty.
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