Chapter 33: Training
Atticus was seated comfortably inside the training room, his presence serene and focused. The room itself seemed to transform around him, each direction representing a different element.
In front of him, a fiery expanse of lava sprawled, its molten glow casting an ethereal light. To his left, a river flowed with crystalline water, its constant movement a testament to its fluidity.
On his right, an earthy terrain stretched, rich and textured, connecting him to the grounded essence of the world. And behind him, a seemingly weightless expanse filled with gusts of wind enveloped him.
In a state of deep meditation, Atticus was attuned to each of these elemental realms. He immersed himself in their essence, focusing on each one in harmony. This practice was part of his meticulously crafted training routine, a method he had designed to push the boundaries of his own abilities.
Atticus understood that his bloodline was intricately tied to his rank. The higher his rank, the more potent his bloodline abilities would be. However, he also needed to work on the speed and skill with which he could use these powers.
After a while, Atticus stood up ready for the next phase of his training.
'Let's do fire first'
He channeled his concentration toward the fire element. Within his upturned palm, a small flame flickered into existence, casting dancing shadows across his features. With his mind as his guide, he manipulated the flame, shaping it into various forms and sizes.
His concentration unwavering, he guided the fire around his body, tracing a path from his left palm, up his neck, and down to his right hand. A faint smile played on his lips.
"It seems what I've learned is true," he mused quietly. "As long as my will is in control, the fire won't harm me."
With the awakening of his bloodline abilities, Atticus had discovered an extraordinary boon – a substantial resistance against the natural elements. Yet, it was resistance not complete immunity.
The searing touch of fire would still inflict pain upon him. Moreover, the elemental manifestations conjured by others could still affect him, as they carried the wills of their creators.
Also this resistance against the natural elements only applied to elements of volatility – the likes of lightning, fire, and ice. If he controlled a massive rock, its weight and impact would still bear the potential to harm him, a stark reminder of the limits of his newfound powers.
After a while he moved his focus on to the water element. He focused and a bead of water formed on his hand. He changed the shape changing its form while he guided it over his body.
Then he moved to earth, Atticus extended his senses to the terrain around him. With a touch, he manipulated the earth.
Finally, Atticus turned his attention to the air element. He formed mini tornados and moved it around on him palm. After a few hours of training each elements in turn, he stood up.
"It's time for the next stage." he muttered.
With a deliberate step onto the earthen terrain, Atticus felt an immediate connection. As he concentrated, a subtle shift occurred, as if the ground itself acknowledged his command.
Slowly at first, the earth beneath him began to stir. It rumbled gently, creating slight undulations that mirrored his intentions. Atticus was orchestrating this phenomenon, his control over the element growing more pronounced with every passing moment.
He felt as though he was melding with the terrain, becoming an extension of the earth's power.
As he became more accustomed to the sensation, he decided to try the fire element next.
Atticus tried using the fire element for short bursts of speed. He made flames appear at his feet and used them to push off like bursts, but he made the bursts too strong and ended up falling face first on the ground.
"Oops, need smaller bursts," he muttered while standing up.
He rose swiftly, inhaling deeply as he concentrated on harnessing the fire element within his legs once more. With controlled precision, he conjured shorter bursts of fiery energy that propelled him skyward.
After a few attempts, he managed to get used to it. Then he elevate the heels of his feet, shifting his weight onto his toes. Employing the fiery propulsion once again, he surged forward with newfound speed.
He executed a series of swift lateral dashes before coming to a halt, gradually mastering his control. After a while he was able to familiarize himself with it.
Then he then focused on air.
As he manipulated the air, a subtle shimmer enveloped his form. As he moved, he instinctively adjusted the density and flow of the surrounding atmosphere, creating an almost imperceptible cushion of air that minimized resistance against his movements.
With each step he took, the air friction technique propelled him forward with uncanny swiftness. He effortlessly sliced through the resistance that would hinder others, allowing him to reach speeds that bordered on the extraordinary.
The sensation was exhilarating, akin to gliding through an invisible current that carried him forward with an almost magical efficiency.
As Atticus sprinted, his feet barely touched the ground before he propelled himself into another stride. The wind whispered in his ears, accompanying him on his lightning-fast journey.
Yet, despite the breakneck speed, his control was masterful, allowing him to maneuver with precision and grace.
"It seems controlling the air is easier for me" he muttered. Controlling the other elements was harder than air.
Shifting his focus to the element of water, during his research he had discovered that water was versatile.
In its early stages, it was primarily employed for minor healing purposes, with its more formidable combat applications unlocked at higher mastery levels. But, even the simplest healing tasks wasn't easy.
'For the time being, I can only alleviate my fatigue,' Atticus thought to himself.
He closed his eyes and focused his attention on the water molecules within his body and the surrounding environment. He drew upon the latent energy of water, coaxing it to flow through his veins in a revitalizing surge.
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