Chapter 119
Fusssh!
"Are you alright, master?"
"I'm fine, just stay where you are."
Buuuk – buuuk – buuuk!
"Erietta?"
"Don't move yet. Let me fix it."
Usssh – usssh!
"Take a slow breath. This will only take a moment.
You lost that leg because of my slash, so it's only fair that I return it."
Erietta lowered her body to tend to the wound she had just received, her movements swift and precise, and in less than a second, every trace of Theo's slash vanished without leaving the slightest mark.
A new layer of skin emerged, covering all wounds as if the incident had never happened, leaving her body whole without any lingering marks of battle.
The atmosphere on the battlefield shifted instantly, from tense and electrified to silent and heavy, where every breeze and drifting speck of dust seemed to wait for the next move.
Theo Vkytor continued watching with focus, observing subtle shifts in her posture, realizing that this battle was not merely about strength but also about the energy capable of restoring and rearranging everything in an instant.
Erietta stepped forward slowly, cautiously yet confidently, approaching Theo.
Every movement felt light but charged with energy, sweeping through the space between them in a nearly soundless rhythm.
As she reached Theo, Erietta's hand moved with astonishing speed, channeling energy capable of healing instantly.
Theo's left leg, which had been severed by Erietta's earlier slash, was restored—perfectly, even placed back slightly more neatly than before.
The motion occurred in less than a second, leaving the battlefield filled with an almost magical sensation, where power and precision intertwined flawlessly, as if the two of them danced at the very edge of human capability.
Theo looked at his restored leg with calm eyes, recognizing the awareness and ability of his opponent, who combined strength, speed, and energy control into a single motion.
Every passing second affirmed that this duel was not merely physical combat but a stage to display mastery over internal energy and deep understanding of the opponent's rhythm.
The surroundings responded to the movement with a silence full of meaning, dust swirling gently and light shining through the trees, reflecting an aura that felt steadier yet no less tense.
"You've improved far more than before, Erietta.
Your potential is beginning to open, little by little, and that's not something easily achieved in a single duel.
Your Core Control, your slashing patterns, even your courage to push yourself beyond normal limits—all of it shows how much you've grown."
Whoaaah!
"But listen carefully. One failed attack is not an excuse to let your guard down.
You paused. You were startled. And that's the deadliest opening."
Fiuuuuh!
"If you have time to daydream, then you've already handed victory to someone else.
In a real battlefield, the winner is the one who makes use of every second, every shift, no matter how small.
Remember that, and you will never fall behind again."
Theo remained seated calmly on the ground, his body maintaining perfect balance while his eyes rested lightly on Erietta, who was slowly steadying her breathing and choosing to continue standing.
A faint smile formed on his lips, an expression showing satisfaction at the progress he had just witnessed.
Every movement Erietta made marked the opening of potential within her, abilities that were gradually emerging and demanded consistency so they would not fade with time.
Theo observed closely, evaluating every small shift, every pattern of energy, and every change in rhythm that showed his disciple was starting to grasp the essence of true energy control.
Yet behind his smile lay a sharp focus invisible to the untrained eye.
Theo judged that although her potential was beginning to surface, precision and vigilance still had to remain a priority.
A small mistake in a powerful attack could bring severe consequences, and even the slightest lapse could be exploited by a swift opponent.
His experience taught that the battlefield was a place where strength alone did not determine the outcome, but the ability to read situations, use openings, and act at the right moment.
Every second mattered, every movement had to be calculated, and the energy flowing through the body was not merely a tool but a means to dominate and maintain control over the situation.
In that silence, Theo continued observing, realizing that true learning came not only from victory and defeat but from understanding rhythm, intensity, and consistency in managing internal energy.
His eyes tracked subtle shifts that could influence future battles, while his body remained steady, affirming that self-mastery was the foundation of every strength he possessed.
Every passing moment became a reminder that Erietta's abilities were only the beginning of a long journey, where complete control over herself and the battlefield would determine who truly ruled the fight.
"Sorry. I was truly careless earlier.
I shouldn't have shown such negligence in front of you, especially after you warned me so many times."
Sssshh!
"I'll fix that flaw immediately.
From now on, I'll follow every suggestion you give.
I won't repeat it again."
Erietta sat to Theo's left with calm steps, adjusting her position so her body stayed balanced on the hard ground.
Every movement felt controlled, showing full awareness of the energy around her and the rhythm forged in the previous battle.
A slight nod marked her acknowledgement of her earlier mistake—a mistake born from carelessness that should never have appeared before her Master.
After a brief pause, she strengthened her resolve to correct every flaw, absorbing every lesson and advice given by the teacher who sat beside her, ensuring that even bitter experiences would become the foundation of her future growth.
The energy around them remained heavy even though the battle had ended, the remnants of previous attacks and movements still clinging to the air and soil.
Erietta adjusted her breathing, focusing her mind so every piece of advice from Theo could be absorbed completely.
Realizing that mastery over internal energy and bodily rhythm was not merely a technical skill made her even more serious, emphasizing that precision, vigilance, and discipline were essential parts of every step forward.
Theo, seated to her left, remained the point of focus—a figure whose eyes judged every small movement, giving invisible guidance whose weight greatly influenced Erietta's learning.
'Truly unbelievable.
Just yesterday she conquered all opposition in the Realm of Delight at the mid-eighth episode.
And now, at the end of episode eight, she has devoured everything related to that realm.'
Fhuuuh!
'I don't know whether to laugh… or feel like I'm being left behind by my own disciple.'
Theo looked at a small yellow book he swiftly took from his right pocket, the book nearly palm-sized, light yet carrying meaning in his grasp.
The pen in his left hand moved in rhythm with his thoughts, writing detailed notes about Erietta Bathee's development.
Every recorded word marked deep observation—an analysis that examined not just physical prowess or energy but also mindset and the opponent's mastery of internal aspects that had long been hidden.
The book became a silent witness to the leap in potential just revealed, each page reinforcing that experience, discipline, and training had shaped the foundation for the strength now beginning to peak.
To be continued…