ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 180: FORMLESS SWORDPLAY

In the stillness of the night, Kaelen stood alone on the cliff’s edge, his gaze cast downward at the forest of Veilwood stretched below like a sea of shadowed green. His grip tightened around the hilt of the Blade of Eternity, and he adjusted his stance, sinking into a battle posture. The cliff’s silence was all-encompassing, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind as it swept across the trees and brushed against him in gentle waves.

Kaelen’s focus was absolute, his mind and body in harmony as he channeled his remaining mana into a calm, concentrated aura around himself. With each steady breath, he felt the faint, tantalizing edges of something profound – a connection to his sword dimension that had remained elusive until now.

His senses heightened, Kaelen felt a spark of inspiration, a flicker of insight that illuminated his mind like a beacon. His movements flowed, instinctive and fluid, as he shifted through a sequence of sword forms. Yet unlike before, there was no set pattern, no predetermined steps. His blade moved not with practiced rhythm but as if guided by intuition alone. There was an openness, a freedom in his movements that he had never felt before.

His blade sliced through the air, carving strokes that were both graceful and deadly, yet left no trace. He was formless, adapting, changing, anticipating without consciously knowing. This was it—Formless Swordplay. The very skill that had lingered just beyond his reach, the missing key he needed to delve deeper into his sword dimension.

A thrill coursed through him as he executed the final motion, ending the formless sequence with a sweeping arc that resonated with power. The air seemed to vibrate with energy, as though acknowledging his achievement. Kaelen stood there, breathing heavily, his body and soul immersed in the afterglow of his breakthrough. He had done it. He had finally unlocked the Formless Swordplay, the technique that would allow him to truly master his connection to the sword dimension.

But just as he let out a breath of relief, a notification flashed across his vision, breaking the tranquility:

[Alert: Mana level critical]

"What?"

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His system’s voice echoed in his mind, and he felt the sudden, chilling void where his mana reserves once were. A wave of fatigue washed over him, his muscles feeling suddenly heavier, his senses dulled.

’Don’t tell me the Formless swordplay consumes so much mana?’

He staggered back a step, gripping the Blade of Eternity tightly to keep his balance, his vision swimming briefly as he tried to process the warning. He hadn’t realized how much mana he had poured into the Formless Swordplay, or how much of his energy it had consumed. It was a powerful, taxing skill—more so than anything he had tried before.

But even with the strain, Kaelen felt a surge of exhilaration rise within him. He had done it. He had unlocked the next step on his path, found the missing piece that he had been searching for all this time. A tired smile crept onto his face, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes as he looked down at his sword, feeling the faint pulse of energy within it.

"I did it," he whispered to himself, a sense of fulfillment settling over him despite his exhaustion.

With effort, Kaelen lowered himself to sit on the edge of the cliff, breathing deeply to replenish himself. The cool night air filled his lungs, and he looked up at the stars that twinkled above, feeling a quiet gratitude for this moment. In his hands, the Blade of Eternity rested peacefully, the light in its metal now faint but unwavering, mirroring the determination in Kaelen’s heart.

Tonight, he had unlocked not just a technique but a part of himself he had only begun to understand. And though he had a long journey ahead, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, a conviction that he would walk this path to its end, wherever it led.

...

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the secluded temple atop the hill, the structure veiled in tranquility and ancient reverence. Kaelen, along with his companions, stood silently in a line, feeling the weight of the moment. The Vice Chancellor had guided them here to meet the Chancellor of the Academy, an elusive figure rarely seen, even by the most distinguished students and faculty.

’I can’t believe we get to see the Chancellor himself before we set off to Valoria kingdom’ Kaelen thought in anticipation and solemnity.

And just then, the air was thick with anticipation as the Chancellor, an aged man draped in simple, yet distinguished robes, suddenly and magically manifested right in front of them. His presence was commanding, yet serene, radiating a depth of understanding that was almost palpable. His eyes swept over the students before him, taking in each of their faces with a calm but intense gaze, as though he could peer directly into their spirits.

Without even giving a hint of what he is about to do, a faint smile suddenly appeared on his face as he began to speak, his voice rich and resonant. "Mana and magic," he said, his tone measured and thoughtful, "are but two threads in the great tapestry of existence. The power you wield, the spells you cast, they are echoes of a far greater force. To truly master magic, you must understand that mana is not simply energy but is, in fact, a reflection of one’s soul—a manifestation of intent, harmony, and will."

The students listened intently, each word drawing them further into his profound theory. Even the Mysterious Swordsman, known for his stoic demeanor, looked captivated, his eyes gleaming with awe as he absorbed the Chancellor’s wisdom. This was beyond any lecture or lesson they had received; it was a glimpse into the very heart of magic itself.

"Magic," the Chancellor continued, his voice softening but growing in intensity, "is the art of aligning oneself with the natural flow of the world, of bending reality with reverence, not domination. Power that is taken will corrupt, but power that is understood and respected will elevate."

The complexity of his teachings hung in the air, sinking deeply into each of them. Kaelen could feel the gravity of the Chancellor’s words reverberate through him, as if each concept was both new and somehow known, reaching the edges of understanding he had only brushed against in meditation.

The Chancellor’s gaze turned warm as he continued, his tone shifting to one of encouragement. "You all stand at the threshold of a path that few can tread. This battle convention is not merely a test of strength or skill. It is an opportunity for each of you to discover who you are beyond your limits, to break free of expectations—even your own."

There was a brief silence as his words settled in, each student feeling the weight of his encouragement pressing upon their hearts, transforming into something fierce and invigorating.

"Go forth and fight as one, not only for glory or for honor, but for yourselves," he urged, his voice growing with intensity. "Seek the edge of what you know, and then go beyond. Become the architects of your fate."

The solemn energy shifted, igniting a fire in each of them. Kaelen felt his fists clench, his chest swelling with renewed purpose. He glanced to his companions, seeing the same resolve reflected in their faces. Lila’s eyes were bright with fierce determination, the Mysterious Swordsman’s calm exterior betrayed only by the slight clenching of his jaw, and even the normally cool and detached Guinevere seemed touched by the Chancellor’s words.

They all felt it—the shared intensity, the surging drive to push beyond what they thought possible. This wasn’t just another event or trial. This would be their defining moment, a chance to carve their names into the legacy of the Academy.

With a last, quiet nod, the Chancellor stepped back, watching them with a small, satisfied smile. "May your path be illuminated, and your strength be without end," he concluded softly.

As they bowed in respect and turned to leave, their hearts brimmed with a powerful, silent promise—to honor his words, to push their limits, and to rise as the warriors they were meant to be.

As the others began their descent from the temple, the Vice Chancellor paused at the threshold, waiting for Kaelen to join them. But a commanding voice echoed softly through the chamber, halting him.

"Kaelen," the Chancellor called, his tone gentle but unmistakably firm, "stay."

Although the vice chancellor was stunned by this, he still immediately nodded, motioning for the others to follow as he led them down the stone path, leaving Kaelen alone with the Chancellor. Though curiosity flickered in Kaelen’s mind, he stayed rooted, his eyes meeting the Chancellor’s with both respect and slight confusion.

’I wonder what the chancellor called me for?’

The Chancellor regarded him quietly, an unreadable expression in his wise eyes, before speaking. "I called you aside not merely for words of wisdom but for something much deeper—for your safety, Kaelen, and for that of the Blade of Eternity."

Kaelen’s brow furrowed. The warning sounded familiar to him to him, given the Academy’s protection and the threat of the Dragonyx family still lying in the dark like last time, yet he couldn’t ignore the gravity in the Chancellor’s words.

"In the Valoria Kingdom, there are those who wield formidable power," the Chancellor continued, his voice low and deliberate. "Some of these people have eyes that can see beyond what most perceive. They will recognize the true nature of the Blade of Eternity—and the power it holds."

A slight chill crept up Kaelen’s spine as he thought of the convention and the risks that might lie in the kingdom. But he trusted the Chancellor’s judgment and his guidance.

"Fear not," the Chancellor reassured, "for I will shield you and your blade as best I can." The Chancellor then lifted his hands, a shimmer of soft, golden light flowing around him, gathering into his palm as he moved toward Kaelen. With a swift motion, he ran his hand along the Blade of Eternity’s length, murmuring words that hummed with ancient power. The light infused into the blade, which faded, its dazzling edge and runes dulling to an unremarkable, plain appearance, like an old, unused training sword.

"Now, to any other eyes, it will look as though this is no more than a simple blade, stripped of magic. However," he paused, looking Kaelen directly in the eyes, "you must be cautious when you wield it. Avoid techniques that reveal the sword’s true nature. Use only what is necessary."

Kaelen nodded firmly, a quiet sense of understanding dawning within him. "I understand, Chancellor," he replied. The thrill of wielding the blade paled against the potential danger, and he felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

The Chancellor placed a steady hand on his shoulder. "This isn’t just about you, Kaelen. The Blade of Eternity has a history beyond your comprehension, and there are those who would do anything to claim it. So wield it carefully. And trust yourself—only you can unlock the path the blade has in store."

With a final nod, Kaelen rose, feeling the silent strength in the Chancellor’s gaze. With his sword now disguised, he turned, a newfound resolve gripping him.