"It's called the Celestial Mist Sword Dao," Rowan finally said, his voice taking on a reverential tone. "My father created it when it became clear our family's light affinity was fading."
Grim couldn't hide his interest. "A sword style that doesn't need light affinity? So I could use it with just water?"
"Yes, though having both water and light will give you advantages others lack," Rowan replied. "The style works by channeling water mana through precise movements."
"Finally, something useful," Grim thought excitedly. After years of endless drills and basic stances, he was getting a real technique.
[Pay close attention,] the voice advised. [Sword arts in this world aren't merely physical techniques but pathways for mana manipulation.]
The princess and Liana had gone completely silent on their bench, clearly just as interested in seeing a secret family technique as Grim was in learning it.
"Before I demonstrate, we should have a proper opponent," Rowan said, looking toward the palace. "Ah, perfect timing."
Grim turned to see Archmage Marcus approaching the training yard. Though older now with more streaks of gray in his hair.
"Lord Ambrose," Marcus called in greeting. "I received your message. So today's the day?"
"Indeed," Rowan nodded. "Grim's ready for the first lessons."
"And you need someone to demonstrate against," Marcus surmised with a smile. "It will be like old times."
Lianna leaned forward eagerly. "Are they going to actually fight?"
"Shh!" the princess hushed her, equally enthralled.
Marcus removed his formal outer robe, revealing a simple training outfit beneath. He selected a practice sword from the rack and moved to the center of the yard.
"Now watch carefully," Rowan instructed Grim. "The Celestial Mist Sword Dao contains seven core techniques. You'll see three techniques today."
Rowan stepped into the training area. For a moment, Rowan and Marcus just looked at eachother. Then Rowan closed his eyes.
"The foundation of all Celestial Mist techniques is based around first form: Ethereal Mist," Rowan explained.
Suddenly, Grim felt a shift in the air. His father was gathering water mana. From the moisture in the air around them. The mana concentration grew until Grim could see his sword glow a feint blue.
Then with a single, smooth motion, Rowan released the gathered mana through his sword.
A fine mist erupted from the blade, quickly spreading across the training area. Within seconds, visibility dropped dramatically. Marcus was now just a blur in the mist. Rowan could not be seen anymore.
"Holy shit," Grim whispered, impressed by what he was seeing. The technique wasn't flashy or destructive, but Grim thought of what could be done with this ability.
"Ethereal Mist creates a field of mist," Rowan's voice came from somewhere in the fog. "It forms the basis for all other techniques."
Marcus laughed from within the mist. "Still your favorite opening move, I see."
A flash of movement caught Grim's eye, followed by the sound of wood striking wood. The two men had engaged, but grim couldn't see anything.
Then Grim heard a subtle splashing sound, like someone stepping in puddles of water. The splashing moved rapidly, coming from different directions.
"Second form: Drifting Mist Step," Rowan called out.
Suddenly, Rowan appeared behind Marcus, moving with unnatural speed. The Archmage barely managed to block the strike aimed at his back.
"By channeling water mana into the muscles of your legs, you can move with enhanced speed," Rowan explained, now visible before disappearing back into the mist. "The technique leaves behind small water trails, creating misleading sounds while concealing your true position."
Marcus turned in a slow circle, sword raised defensively. "The sound comes from everywhere and nowhere," he added for Grim's benefit. "A disorienting effect that compounds the visual obscurement."
The splashing sounds continued. Marcus blocked several strikes, but it was clear he was just reacting at the last second.
"And now," Rowan's voice rose clearly, "the third form: Serenity's Fall."
The mist parted momentarily as Rowan leapt upward, his practice sword now glowing with a subtle blue light. He had channeled concentrated water mana directly into the blade. At the apex of his jump, he brought the sword down in a powerful overhead strike.
Even though Marcus blocked it, the force drove him to one knee.
"Impressive as always," Marcus said, lowering his sword to signal a pause. "Though I notice you are holding back."
"This is a demonstration, not a duel," Rowan replied as the mist began to vanish.
Unlike the boring drills he'd been praticing for years. He saw a future in sword arts.
"Can I try?" he asked.
Rowan smiled at his son. "First, let me explain the cultivation method that powers these techniques."
Grim's excitement dimmed slightly. More theory. But he supposed it was necessary.
"To cultivate efficiently for the Celestial Mist style, you must focus on gathering specific types of mana," Rowan explained. "In your case, both water and light mana. Cultivating both simultaneously will accelerate your progress."
Marcus rejoined them, wiping sweat from his brow. "The dual affinity gives you a unique advantage, young Grim. Most practitioners must choose one element to specialize in."
"How do I gather both at once?" Grim asked.
"After absorbing the mana from your surroundings, you must condense it in your mana core and refine it," Rowan continued. "But you must filter out impurities as you do. Otheriwse you can damage your body."
"Like distilling alcohol," Marcus added helpfully.
"The refined mana then flows through your body via the twelve primary mana conduits and eight mana circuit points," Rowan said. "There are over three hundred mana points throughout your body where you can choose to release this energy."
[He's describing the true fundamentals of cultivation,] the voice observed. [This knowledge is usually reserved for advanced practitioners.]
"For the Ethereal Mist technique, you'll primarily use the mana points in your sword arm and hand," Rowan demonstrated by holding up his arm, tracing invisible lines along his skin. "For Drifting Mist Step, the points in your legs and feet."
"And for Serenity's Fall?" Grim asked.
"The heart, arm, and blade points in combination," Rowan replied. "It requires precise coordination, which is why we spent so much time on those foundation exercises."
Suddenly all those tedious drills made more sense. They weren't just physical movements but preparation for specific mana channeling patterns.
"Now you may try the first technique," Rowan said, handing Grim a smaller practice sword. "Just a small amount of mana, focused and released through the blade."
Grim took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He could feel his single mana heart pulsing steadily in his core. Carefully, he drew a stream of energy from it, directing it up his arm and into the wooden practice sword.
"Concentrate on water mana first," Rowan instructed quietly. "Feel the moisture in the air responding to your call."
Grim tried to sense the water element around him. At first, there was nothing, but then—a subtle tugging sensation, as if tiny droplets were being pulled toward his blade.
"Now release it in a controlled manner," Rowan said. "Not all at once, but in a steady stream."
Grim opened his eyes and focused on his sword. With a quick, sharp motion, he tried to release the gathered mana.
A pathetic wisp of vapor emerged from the blade, barely visible before dissipating.
"Fucking embarrassing," Grim thought, face flushing with humiliation.
"A good first attempt," Rowan said encouragingly. "You managed to form and release the mana, even if the result was minimal."
"I didn't even create any real mist," Grim muttered, keenly aware of the girls watching.
"Did you expect to master in minutes what takes others years?" Marcus asked, though not unkindly. "Even your father couldn't form a proper mist on his first try."
This made Grim feel a little better about himself.
"Again," Rowan instructed. "This time, draw more deeply from your surroundings before channeling."
Grim tried once more, focusing harder on sensing the water mana around him before drawing it in. This time when he released it, a small but definite cloud of mist formed around his blade, hanging in the air for several seconds before fading.
"Much better!" Rowan looked genuinely pleased.
From their bench, the princess applauded enthusiastically while Liana tried to look unimpressed.
"I could do that with fire mana," she called out. "And it would be way more impressive."
"Yes, we've all seen how good you are at setting things on fire," Grim replied dryly, but he couldn't help feeling a surge of satisfaction. He'd actually done it—his first real technique.
"That's enough for today," Rowan decided. "You'll practice Ethereal Mist daily until you can create a substantial cloud. Only then will we move on to Drifting Mist Step."
Grim wanted to protest but knew it would be useless. His father's methodical approach to training wouldn't change, even with these new techniques.
As they were putting away the practice swords, Marcus pulled Rowan aside for a quiet conversation. Grim pretended not to listen while actually straining to hear every word.
"His progress is remarkable," Marcus was saying. "At this rate, he could master all seven techniques before he's ten."
"Perhaps," Rowan replied. "But there's no need to rush. The tournament isn't for another five years."
Tournament? This was the first Grim had heard of any tournament.
"The Empress believes he'll be ready," Marcus said. "And with the growing tensions with Colere, showcasing the Ambrose heir's abilities would send a powerful message."
"He's still a child," Rowan insisted. "Not to mention, there is no one in this kingdom who can teach him how to use our clans 4 sword arts. I can only hand him the scrolls and let him pave the way."
"A child with extraordinary potential," Marcus countered. "Just consider it."
Grim's mind was racing as he put away his practice sword. A tournament where he could showcase his abilities? Growing tensions with a neighboring nation? And most importantly, four more Celestial Mist techniques he had yet to learn?
For the first time in years, Grim felt genuinely excited about his training. The tedious foundation work was finally giving way to real, practical skills. Skills that could make him powerful in this world.
"Finally," he thought with satisfaction. "Something worth mastering."