Floki stood before Pai Mei, the grandmaster’s aura swirling like a storm barely contained. Every breath weighed heavy, the energy pressing against his spirit well like a relentless tide.
Pai Mei circled him, his steps slow and deliberate, like a predator observing prey. “The Path of Death doesn’t teach itself,” he said, his voice calm and sharp. “It consumes those who try to wield it recklessly.”
Floki’s grin widened, his War Glaive catching a faint glow from the dim light of the chamber. “Good thing I thrive on chaos.”
Pai Mei halted, his gaze piercing through Floki’s bravado. “You think chaos is strength? Chaos without mastery is destruction. Prove you can withstand it.”
The relic in Floki’s pouch pulsed faintly, its energy syncing with the oppressive weight of Pai Mei’s aura.
[Objective: Begin Advanced Training. Survive Pai Mei’s Dance of Shadows.]
The chamber dimmed as Pai Mei raised a hand, shadows swirling inward like a vortex. Glowing runes flared to life beneath Floki’s feet, forming an intricate array that pulsed with his heartbeat.
“This array will test your resolve,” Pai Mei said, his tone like steel. “The shadows are alive here. Command them, or they will consume you.”
Floki planted his War Glaive firmly on the ground, his grin not faltering. “Time to see who leads the dance.”
The runes flashed brighter, and tendrils of shadow energy erupted from the array. They moved like whips, their strikes erratic yet precise. Floki activated Eclipse Shroud, the dense veil of shadows wrapping around him, muting his presence.
The tendrils struck at him, but the shroud absorbed the blows, rippling as though alive. Floki darted forward, slicing through one tendril with the sharp edge of his glaive.
Pai Mei’s voice cut through the air, calm yet commanding. “Good. But defense isn’t enough. Death doesn’t respect the passive.”
The tendrils shifted, merging into humanoid figures wielding shadow blades. They moved in harmony, their attacks relentless and coordinated.
Floki summoned Phantom Step, his afterimages confusing the shadowy foes as he weaved through their strikes. His War Glaive spun in wide arcs, cutting through one figure before turning to engage another.
The system chimed softly in Floki’s mind.
[Combat Efficiency: 85%. Progress in Eclipse Shroud Integration Noted.]
Floki’s grin sharpened as he summoned Shadow Clones, their forms materializing on either side of him. The clones mirrored his movements perfectly, their strikes forcing the shadows into disarray.
The shadow figures faltered under the coordinated assault, their forms dissolving one by one into wisps of darkness. Floki’s movements grew smoother, his connection to the shadows becoming more instinctive.
The relic pulsed again, amplifying his control over the shadows as he struck down the final foe. Pai Mei stepped forward, dispersing the lingering energy with a wave of his hand.
“You’ve shown improvement,” Pai Mei said, his tone neutral but firm. “But instinct without discipline is a child’s game. To wield death, you must master it.”
Floki straightened, his War Glaive resting lightly on his shoulder. “Then teach me mastery. I’m not here to play games.”
Pai Mei’s gaze didn’t waver, but a flicker of approval flashed in his eyes. “Very well,” he said, gesturing toward the center of the chamber. “But first, face the Blade of Spirits.”
…At the center of the room, a jagged black blade hovered above a pedestal, its aura radiating cold, oppressive energy. The air around it seemed alive, vibrating faintly as Floki approached.
“This blade is more than a weapon,” Pai Mei said, his voice steady. “It reveals your flaws and devours your strength. Only those who master its hunger may continue.”
Floki stepped closerafter setting his War Glaivedown,the energy from the black blade pressing against him like a tidal wave. His hand hovered over the hilt, his grin faltering for just a moment.
“Afraid?” Pai Mei asked, his tone edged with challenge.
Floki’s grin returned, sharper than before. “I don’t do fear,” he said, gripping the blade firmly.
A surge of icy energy shot through him, sinking into his spirit well like claws. The system chimed, its tone urgent.
[Warning: External Energy Drain Detected. Countermeasures Recommended.]
Floki activated Eclipse Shroud, the shadows around him thickening into a dense cocoon. The energy surged again, but Floki resisted, his shadow energy flaring in defiance.
Pai Mei’s expression remained calm as he observed. “The blade is testing you,” he said. “It does not submit to the weak.”
Floki clenched his teeth, his grip tightening as he raised the blade. Its weight was immense, far greater than it appeared. The shadows writhed around him, drawn to the blade’s raw power.
The system chimed again.
[Blade of Spirits Synchronicity Achieved. Path of Death Integration at 50%.]
Floki lowered the blade, his breathing steady but strained. “This thing’s got a nasty bite,” he muttered, his grin returning.
Pai Mei’s lips twitched into what could have been a smile. “You’ve taken the first step,” he said. “But the blade’s power is not yet yours.”
“Not yet,” Floki replied, his tone casual but determined. “But I’m good at taking what I want.”
Pai Mei’s gaze hardened, his voice sharp. “Confidence without understanding is hollow. Progress is not mastery. Remember that.”
Floki tilted his head, his grin unwavering. “Then let’s keep progressing. I’m not stopping here.”
Pai Mei gestured for Floki to follow, his presence commanding as he led him deeper into the chamber. “Let us see how far you’re willing to go.”
Later that night, Floki sat cross-legged in the chamber, the Blade of Spirits resting across his knees. The relic pulsed beside him, its glow syncing with the blade’s aura as Floki delved deeper into its power.
The shadows around him thickened, their movements slow and deliberate. The air grew colder, pressing against Floki’s spirit well like a relentless tide.
The system chimed softly.
[Relic Synchronicity at 55%. Death Energy Integration Progressing.]
Floki closed his eyes, focusing on the energy coursing through him. The shadows shifted in response, moving with an almost sentient precision.
“This isn’t just power,” Floki murmured, his tone low. “It’s alive.”
The system chimed again.
[Technique Modified: Death-Infused Eclipse Shroud. Effect: Concealment Aura Enhanced with Energy Drain.]
Floki opened his eyes, his grin sharp and dangerous. “Now we’re getting somewhere.”
The shadows writhed violently, their movements growing erratic as the chamber’s air thickened with tension. The system chimed once more, its tone urgent.
[Warning: Unknown Energy Source Detected. Hostile Presence Approaching.]
A low growl echoed through the darkness, the sound vibrating through the chamber like thunder. Pai Mei’s voice echoed in Floki’s mind, steady but cold. “The abyss stirs. Prove yourself, or it will consume you.”
Floki rose to his feet, the Blade of Spirits glowing faintly as the shadows surged around him. His grin widened, sharper than ever, as he stepped forward. “Good,” he said softly. “I wasn’t planning to rest anyway.”
