A year had passed since they first stepped into the forest, and in that time, Ashura had grown both in skill and spirit. His once clumsy movements were now fluid and graceful, honed by countless hours of practice. He had mastered the basics of Cosmic Aura to a reasonable degree and even adopted a unique fighting style from the Nova Clan's library Spirit Flow. It was a defensive style, one that made him seem like water in motion, redirecting attacks without resistance and using his opponent's momentum against them.
Valerie walked ahead of him as they made their way out of the dense forest, sunlight filtering through the canopy. Ashura kept pace, his steps light and controlled, as if the earth itself guided his movements. The faint sound of flowing water and rustling leaves felt familiar like an old friend bidding him farewell.
Valerie glanced back, noticing his calm expression. "You're not nervous, are you?"
Ashura shook his head. "No. Just... curious. It's been a year since I've seen the outside world."
She smirked. "Terraverde is a bit more chaotic than the forest. Keep your senses sharp. The city is home to a lot of colorful characters and some not so friendly."
He gave a nod, his clear black eyes focused ahead. As they crested the hill, the sprawling city of Terraverde came into view an amalgamation of stone and greenery, with winding streets weaving through clusters of towering buildings covered in vibrant vines. In the distance, banners flapped in the breeze, announcing the upcoming tournament.
Valerie took a deep breath. "Smell that? The city always has this lively energy. It's almost addicting."
Ashura smiled faintly. "It's... loud. But exciting."
Before they could take another step, a deep growl rumbled from the treeline behind them. Valerie's instincts flared, and she spun around, daggers already in her hands. Ashura didn't move, simply shifting his stance to Spirit Flow.
A large, jet-black wolf stalked out from the shadows, golden eyes fixed on Ashura. Its fur bristled, and its fangs gleamed with a predatory glint.
Valerie lowered her weapons slightly, eyes narrowing. "A Shadowfang Alpha... must've followed our scent from the cave."
Ashura stepped forward, his expression calm. "Let me handle it."
She hesitated but eventually nodded. "Fine. Show me what you've learned."
The wolf snarled and lunged, its speed a blur. Ashura didn't flinch, allowing his body to sway with the wolf's momentum. As its massive paw swiped down, he spun to the side, brushing against its flank and guiding its force into the ground.
The beast tumbled but quickly recovered, snarling with frustration. Ashura's hands glowed faintly with Cosmic Aura as he flowed around its next lunge, redirecting a bite with a gentle push to its jaw, causing the wolf to stumble to the side.
Valerie watched with a critical eye.
'His control is much better... but this wolf won't fall for the same trick twice.'
The Shadowfang Alpha circled, learning from its failed attacks. It lowered its stance, fur shimmering with a dark aura. Ashura remained in Spirit Flow, watching its muscles tense. The moment it pounced, he twisted low, sweeping his hand upward to send a pulse of Cosmic Aura through the ground, unbalancing the wolf mid-air.
With a fluid motion, Ashura ducked under the falling beast and delivered a precise strike to the wolf's ribs, sending it sprawling. The wolf staggered, its breath labored, but pride and defiance still burned in its eyes.
Ashura exhaled, his aura shimmering around him. "Yield. You've lost."
The wolf growled lowly, but as Ashura stepped closer, his aura shifted less hostile, more commanding. The beast lowered its head, acknowledging defeat before slowly limping back into the shadows.
Valerie let out a low whistle. "Not bad. You didn't go for the kill."
Ashura wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. "Didn't feel necessary. It was just defending its territory."
She gave him a faint smile, tucking her daggers away. "You've grown, Ashura. But don't get cocky there's a lot of fighters out there stronger than a Shadowfang Alpha."
Ashura nodded. "I'll be ready."
With the wolf gone and the path clear, they continued toward Terraverde, the hum of the city growing louder with every step. Ashura couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The city awaited a chance to test his strength, his training, and his resolve.
And as they walked, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the path silent witnesses to the dawn of a new chapter in Ashura's journey.
To be Continued