Stoneheart Resonance

Three weeks had slipped by since Elsid's visit, and Nico had devoted himself to archery. With the leather armor hugging his frame, he felt both protection and a hint of pride. The armor had arrived just two days ago, its weight a comforting reminder of the commitment he'd made.

Standing at the edge of the training field, Nico took aim at the target fifty yards away. The morning sun cast a warm glow over him, and he felt the familiar rush of energy pulse through his veins as he prepared for another shot. He inhaled deeply, recalling Hab's teachings about breathing—slow and steady.

"Focus," he muttered under his breath.

He drew back the bowstring with practiced fingers, feeling the tension build in his forearm but not enough to sting. His muscles worked in harmony; every day spent practicing bore fruit now.

Nico released the arrow. It sailed through the air, not as straight as he hoped but still on target—a slight graze on the outer edge of the bullseye.

"Not bad," he whispered to himself, grinning despite his disappointment. He could feel that power coursing through him now—the Stoneheart Resonance must have been taking root within his body.

The next shot felt even better. He nocked another arrow, repeating Hab's mantra in his mind: Strength follows breath; breath follows strength. With each inhalation, he harnessed that energy and released it along with the bowstring.

The arrow struck true this time, embedding itself firmly into the target's center ring. A flicker of triumph ignited within him. His heart raced as he marveled at how far he'd come in just three weeks.

Yet accuracy eluded him still—one shot high, another low—but power surged with each release. The arrows flew faster than before; their impact deeper than mere practice rounds.

He nocked yet another arrow and focused on drawing back once more. Sweat trickled down his brow as excitement filled him—the kind that electrified every fiber of his being.

"Last one for today," Nico declared to no one in particular.

With a deep breath filling his lungs again, he aimed once more. He could feel that twenty percent increase in strength coursing through him like fire—this was different from when he first started. This was real progress forged from dedication and training under Hab's watchful eye.

He released it with a sharp exhale and watched it fly through the air, barely registering anything else around him until…

Thwack!

The arrow struck the target with a satisfying thud, burying itself deep within the center. Nico's heart swelled with pride as he lowered his bow, taking a moment to admire his work. He had felt every bit of that shot—the power flowing through him, the connection between his breath and strength—it all came together beautifully.

"Alright then," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to break the spell of success. He glanced around the field, expecting Hab to emerge from the shadows with a nod of approval.

But instead, silence enveloped him. The soft rustle of leaves and distant chirps of birds were his only audience. He wiped his brow and took a step forward, eager to retrieve the arrow when a voice cut through the stillness.

"Looks like you're getting better."

Nico spun around to find Elsid leaning against a nearby tree, arms crossed, a smirk dancing on his lips. The village chief's presence carried weight; he seemed more than just an observer—he radiated confidence.

"Thanks," Nico replied, trying to hide his surprise. "I've been practicing."

"I can see that." Elsid pushed off the tree and walked closer, inspecting the target. "Your stance is solid now. Just remember to keep your elbow up on release."

Nico nodded vigorously. "Hab says I need to channel my energy better."

"Good advice," Elsid said, glancing at him. "That technique—what is it? Stoneheart Resonance? That isn't something someone like you should have, but no worries I won't tell anyone."

Nico's excitement bubbled over at hearing those words spoken aloud. "Yes! Hab has been training me in it."

"Hmm." Elsid rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Strong technique for someone your age. Just be careful with it; it takes time to master."

"I can handle it," Nico declared with an edge of determination he didn't quite feel yet.

"You may have talent," Elsid acknowledged with a nod, "but strength isn't just about how hard you hit or how fast you shoot. It's about knowing when to strike and when to hold back."

Nico swallowed hard as Elsid's gaze pinned him in place—a mixture of challenge and expectation lighting up the elder's eyes.

"What do you mean?" Nico asked, curiosity tugging at him.

Elisd stepped back slightly, tilting his head toward the woods beyond them where shadows danced between trees.

"A hunt is coming soon," he said slowly. "There are lessons that lie in waiting out there… if you're willing to learn."

Nico shifted his weight, still processing Elsid's words about the hunt. Curiosity bubbled up again, prompting him to ask, "What about you? What technique do you practice?"

"Ah, my style?" Elsid chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "It's a simple wind technique."

"Wind?" Nico's brow furrowed. "Is that… good?"

"Good enough for me," Elsid replied with a wry smile. "But don't let it fool you. I've spent decades honing it. Even so, I'm just a peak knight apprentice at best—like your grandfather."

Nico felt a flicker of disappointment but pressed on. "But… you've been training for so long! You're the village chief!"

"That doesn't change the facts." Elsid straightened up, his tone shifting to serious. "Being born with Divine Strength gives you a leg up—like being at the level of a peak 2nd-tier knight right from birth. But it comes at a price."

Nico frowned, intrigued but confused. "Divine Strength makes combat easier in many ways," Elsid continued, gesturing as he spoke. "You have power and endurance that most can only dream of, but there's a significant drawback. Your ability to use Knight Breathing Techniques is severely limited."

Nico's heart sank slightly as he considered this.

"Many believe that because you start strong, you'll keep getting stronger," Elsid said, shaking his head slowly. "But that's not how it works. The energy inside you conflicts with breathing techniques. You'll find it insanely hard to increase your strength over time."

"So… what does that mean for me?" Nico asked, feeling the weight of uncertainty settle over him.

"It means you'll have to work harder than others," Elsid explained carefully. "Your path is different from your grandfather's or mine—it's not just about building strength; it's about learning how to harness what you have without relying on traditional methods."

"But…" Nico hesitated, searching for hope amid the stark reality.

Elisd raised a hand to cut him off gently. "Listen closely: even if you can't grow stronger easily, your longevity in combat can offset some of those negatives compared to others who cultivate power normally."

"What do you mean?" Nico felt confused again.

Elisd met his gaze steadily, his expression serious now. "While cultivating through breathing techniques might reduce your lifespan by half or more for most knights, the stability from Divine Strength offers a unique advantage."

Nico pondered this revelation as silence settled between them—a silence filled with newfound understanding and heavy expectations lingering in the air around them.

Nico squared his shoulders, the weight of Elsid's words heavy on his heart.

"I get what you're saying," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "But even with Divine Strength, I'm still learning at the same pace as anyone else. My experience grows just like everyone else's."

A look of disbelief washed over Elsid's face, eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "That's… amazing," he finally managed, shaking his head slowly. "But it's also regretful. If you didn't have that burden, you could be so much more."

"What do you mean?" Nico frowned, not understanding.

"If you could cultivate your skills without the limitations of Divine Strength," Elsid explained carefully, "you might reach the legendary 8th tier knight—an achievement few have ever accomplished. You'd gain power that renders most of the benefits of your current strength useless."

Nico's stomach churned at the thought. "You think I'd be better off without it?"

Elisd's expression softened, sympathy lacing his features. "You have incredible potential, Nico. You could surpass everyone in our village if only—"

"No!" Nico interrupted, fire igniting in his chest. He took a step forward, determination flooding through him. "I refuse to give up my trait! It's the last piece of my family I have left."

Elisd hesitated, searching Nico's eyes for any sign of doubt but finding none.

"It's a part of who I am," Nico continued, his voice firm and resolute. "My mother had it; she was strong and skilled—a warrior unlike any other." The memory struck him hard—a flash of her laughter ringing through the woods as they practiced together.

"That strength connects me to her," he pressed on, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "If I give it up… what do I have left? Just a shadow?"

A silence stretched between them as Elsid absorbed Nico's words, his expression shifting to one of contemplation mixed with sorrow.

"I understand," Elsid said finally, a hint of admiration creeping into his tone despite the weighty topic at hand. "Your conviction is admirable."

Nico nodded slightly but felt uncertainty swirl in his gut alongside fierce pride; he would not back down from this truth that anchored him to everything he had lost.

Nico stood, chest heaving, his heart still racing from the confrontation with Elsid. He felt invigorated, his determination solidifying like stone beneath the sun. But the moment lingered, a fragile connection suspended between them.

Elisd studied him, the flicker of respect mingling with something else—an unspoken understanding. Finally, he cleared his throat, breaking the tension.

"It's time for you to head home," he said gently, though there was an authority in his tone that Nico couldn't ignore.

Nico blinked in surprise. "Home? Why now?"

"Your grandfather is waiting for you." Elsid pushed off the tree and gestured toward the path leading back to the village. "He wants to do your breakthrough breathing session today."

"Breakthrough?" The word hung in the air like a weight pressing down on him.

Elisd nodded, a solemnity settling over him. "Hab believes you're ready to take your first step as an official apprentice knight."

Nico's heart swelled at those words. A wave of anticipation washed over him, pushing aside any lingering doubts about his training and his heritage.

"Really?" His voice came out a mix of disbelief and eagerness.

"Yes." Elsid smiled, genuine warmth replacing his earlier seriousness. "He's proud of you; we all are."

With that affirmation ringing in his ears, Nico felt an electric thrill shoot through him. The thought of finally stepping into the role he had longed for ignited a fire deep within him.

"I'll head back right away!" Nico declared, excitement bubbling forth as he started toward home.

"Don't rush too much," Elsid cautioned with a chuckle as he watched Nico take off. "You'll want to be focused for this final session."

Nico nodded absently but could hardly contain himself; thoughts raced through his mind like arrows loosed from a bowstring—visions of training alongside Hab and embodying everything they had worked toward surged forth.

As he dashed along the familiar path, sunlight filtered through the trees overhead, dappling the ground beneath his feet in golds and greens. Each step seemed to pulse with potential—the weight of responsibility merging with boundless possibility—and as he neared home, he could almost see Hab standing there waiting for him.

A flutter of nerves danced in his stomach as anticipation mixed with anxiety; what if he stumbled? What if he didn't live up to expectations? But shaking off those doubts, he quickened his pace, determination propelling him forward toward that door—the threshold between childhood and something greater.

Nico burst through the door, breathless with excitement. Hab stood by the hearth, a familiar silhouette framed against the flickering flames. The warmth of the fire washed over Nico, but it couldn't compete with the fire igniting within him.

"Hab! I'm back!" he called out, heart racing.

Hab turned, his expression shifting from mild surprise to a knowing smile. "I see you've been busy," he said, gesturing toward Nico's leather armor. "You look like a proper apprentice knight already."

Nico beamed at the compliment, but Hab's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued.

"The herbs that Tilda needed arrived last week," Hab said. "She just finished making a remedy to aid your breakthrough."

"Really?" Nico felt his stomach flip at the news.

"Yes," Hab replied, his tone steady yet serious. "We're going to prepare for your first step into becoming an apprentice knight."

Nico nodded eagerly as Hab led him to a large wooden tub positioned in the corner of their small dwelling. Steam rose from its surface, thick and fragrant.

"Get in," Hab instructed, a hint of urgency in his voice.

With barely a moment's hesitation, Nico peeled off his armor and slid into the boiling elixir. The heat enveloped him instantly—scalding and sharp—as it licked at his skin like fire. He gasped at the sensation; it was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

"Breathe through it," Hab urged, watching closely as Nico adjusted to the intensity. "Focus on channeling that pain into energy."

As the liquid swirled around him, each muscle screamed in protest. His skin turned red beneath the surface, pulsing with heat that threatened to overwhelm him. Sweat beaded on his brow; pain clawed at every nerve ending.

"This is part of your training," Hab reminded him. "Embrace it."

Nico clenched his teeth and fought against instinctive panic, concentrating on channeling energy through every fiber of his being—the webs of strength he had worked so hard to develop under Hab's guidance.

Minutes felt like hours in that tub of agony until finally—after what felt like an eternity—the heat began to settle into something manageable. He closed his eyes and focused inwardly; he could sense power gathering within him.

"Alright!" Hab shouted suddenly. "Time to break through!"

Nico opened his eyes wide as he stared at his grandfather, urgency sparking between them.

"Channel as much energy through all your webs as you can!"

With those words ringing in his ears, Nico summoned everything—the burning sensation coiling inside him—and unleashed it into motion like a raging river bursting through a dam.

Nico's body trembled as he concentrated, channeling every ounce of energy through the intricate web of strength coursing within him. The heat of the herbal elixir clung to his skin, a searing reminder of the trials he faced. He focused on the pulsing sensation in his core, feeling it expand like a balloon about to burst.

"Now!" Hab's voice cut through the haze, firm and resolute. "Release!"

With a fierce determination, Nico pushed the energy outward. It surged through him, powerful and relentless, demanding to be unleashed. The world around him blurred as colors twisted and contorted. He felt a sudden rush, a visceral wave washing over him, ripping through every layer of fatigue.

A cry escaped his lips—a mix of agony and exhilaration—as black impurities oozed from his pores. Thick droplets formed along his arms and pooled in the tub below. They swirled like ink in water, darkening the herbal solution into something ominous yet strangely liberating.

"Keep going!" Hab shouted, eyes wide with anticipation as he watched Nico transform before him.

Nico's muscles strained against the torrent of power surging through him. Blood trickled from his nose, mixing with the dark fluid escaping from his body—a visible sign of the purification taking place. He could feel every fiber in his being unraveling and reweaving itself anew; it was excruciating yet intoxicating.

The world faded further as sensations dulled and sharpened all at once. Each pulse felt like a drumbeat echoing in his chest; it demanded acknowledgment and respect for what he was becoming.

Then came a final surge—his entire form erupted in light as if breaking free from shackles that had held him down for too long. With one last push, he felt everything inside him click into place—an undeniable breakthrough.

In an instant, it ended as abruptly as it had begun. Nico collapsed back into the tub, panting heavily. The elixir now looked murky and thick with remnants of what had been purged from him—an amalgamation of blood and darkness swirling together beneath the surface.

Weakness washed over him like a tide, pulling at every limb until even lifting his head became an arduous task. He lay there breathless and disoriented, struggling to regain focus while Hab watched over him with pride etched across his features.

"Breathe," Hab instructed gently, stepping closer to offer support as Nico's vision began to clear once more.

Nico lays in the tub, the warmth of the herbal elixir gradually fading as his body adjusted to the aftermath of the breakthrough. Hab knelt beside him, a steady hand resting on Nico's shoulder.

"Take your time, lad," Hab said, voice low and reassuring. "After each breakthrough, you'll face a period of weakness as your body acclimates to its new strength."

Nico blinked, struggling to focus. "Weakness?" His throat felt raw, words escaping like whispers.

"Indeed." Hab nodded. "This phase can be long—especially as you ascend through tiers. The greater the strength you gain, the more your body must adapt. It's nature's way of ensuring balance."

Nico grimaced at the thought but understood it was part of the journey. "How long?"

Hab hesitated for a moment before replying, "Days, sometimes weeks. You'll feel drained and sluggish as your muscles knit back together stronger than before."

With a soft grunt, Hab pulled Nico up from the tub, his grip firm yet gentle. The boy swayed slightly on his feet as he stood there, still dazed.

"Let's get you cleaned up," Hab said, guiding him toward a basin filled with cool water and cloths.

Nico managed to scrub himself clean with Hab's assistance; each movement felt heavy as if gravity bore down on him tenfold. Despite the fatigue that clung to him like a shroud, he relished this moment—his grandfather helping him through this transformative experience.

Once they finished washing away the remnants of darkness that had been purged from his body, Hab led Nico to his bed and gently lowered him onto the soft mattress.

"You did well today," Hab murmured as he tucked the blankets around Nico snugly. "Your parents would be proud of you."

A warmth blossomed in Nico's chest at those words, pushing away some of the exhaustion that threatened to engulf him completely. He smiled weakly at Hab, drawing strength from that connection.

"They'd want you to keep pushing forward," Hab continued softly, sitting by his side and resting a hand on Nico's forehead briefly—a gesture full of care and reassurance.

The flickering light from their hearth cast shadows on the walls around them as Nico closed his eyes briefly; despite feeling drained and vulnerable, he embraced that sense of pride flowing through him like an undercurrent beneath fatigue.

"Rest now," Hab said quietly after a moment's pause. "You've earned it."