14 The Lugh-Style Martial Arts

I've finally finished learning everything about smithing after two years. Gildor was impressed by how quickly I absorbed the knowledge. Unfortunately, this time span has brought me closer to my first hurdle as a Dragon. The starting Tribulation is fast approaching, I need to ramp up my physical training. I should also focus more on meditation, I've heard from Dad that it seems to help other Dragons with their own Tribulations.

Maybe I should start practicing my Martial Arts, since it would be good to get this body used to the movements. I guess I could finally name the damn thing while I'm at it. A lot of styles are named after the progenitor, so why not Lugh-Style? Well, that sounds a bit, off? Maybe my last name? Verites-Style? Let's try a whole name, something like: Lugh-Style Transcendental Arts. I'll shorten it to just L.S.T.A., that way I don't need to take a breath after saying it.

Anyways, this style of martial arts encompasses pretty much everything: From punches, kicks, and throws to joint-locks, pressure points, and counters. I developed it in The Void while learning all the various techniques of Earth. It includes weapon arts as well which means I know how to use just about any weapon properly. Swords, spears, axes, and bows as well, all within my grasp are lethal. Not to brag, though, just thought it would be pertinent information.

I also added in meditation techniques, so it's not all about the combat. I don't think I was a big proponent of 'spiritual health' during my first life, but having died once, I don't think it's a bad choice in lifestyle. I guess it'll serve me well, considering the Tribulations are a form of both physical and spiritual torture. The pain of the event should be lessened with my efforts now. I still hope that I triumph over it, otherwise my new life would be rather short-lived.

I think I've made a decision: I'm leaving the castle after my Tribulation. I've spent too long living in luxury, I can feel myself getting attached to this place. My parents will have to understand that I feel the need to journey. But first, I think I'll have to create an heir for Mom, which means Dad has some work to do. Heh, I'm going to enjoy seeing his face after a week. Even if a Dragon has near-infinite vitality, after a week of non-stop sex, he should be down for the count.

Wait...no, even if I did that, there's no guarantee that it would result in conception. Elven fertility is low, I have to find a way to increase it. I could try forcing Aura into her unfertilized eggs, that might help. I'll do that first, since there's no way to be certain without trying. Mom should still be in the Throne Room, so I'll try there.

There it is, and she's still up doing her duties as Queen. She seems to be excited about something, maybe she finally got that crown? Well, even if she did, I'm not going to be the one to wear it. I'd better get to the experiment before her daily work is over. Aura Vision, do your thing.

Alright, I'm looking over her state. Seems she's still chipping away at her vitality, but now that I'm actually looking in detail, Elves' Auras don't seem to cover their bodies evenly. It's thick on the joints and brain, but it almost disappears around their pelvic region. So that's the cause of their low fertility, while it also explains their increased intelligence and flexibility. Their bodies aren't supplying much Vital Force to their reproductive organs, which leads to limited fertility. Well, that solves one mystery, I'm not going to help anyone besides my mother, but now I know.

Time to start trickling Aura into her, and hope for the best. It's hard to get the Aura to stay in one place, since the body naturally circulates it without any input from the mind. That's why Aura Mages are some of the most powerful warriors, they can consciously control a portion of their Vital Force. But, I'm mainly trying to get that one place full of Aura, so that the organs there can function at their peak. Sure, it will eventually need refilling, but it's simple enough to recharge and the charging should last a good while.

(3rd POV)

Allisia felt a strange warmth slowly enter her body. It wasn't a completely new feeling, she had felt it once before. The warmth this time was more gentle, and concentrated in her abdomen. She was becoming more and more comfortable as time went on. At the same time the warmth increased in strength and she knew the 'Incident' was going to happen again. She decided that the matter of the now found Fairy Crown wasn't as important as getting back to her room along with finding her husband.

"Cancel the upcoming appointments for today." Allisia shouts at the nearby aide.

(Lugh POV)

Alright, she's leaving, better give her a huge dose of Aura. And there, now we should see some action after this. I'm hoping conception happens the first time so I don't have to waste any more time on this. I guess I should concentrate on training for the rest of the day, since Dad's going to be busy. Perhaps I should visit the Dwarves as well, maybe make my 'First' weapon. Bastards wouldn't even let me forge anything until I finished their lessons and then got Gildor's approval. I'm going to try and get it today so I can stun them into silence with my godly smithing skill.

Although, they may not be as impressed with me if I act like a show-off. I should scrap that charade, maybe take up a more childish and amazed look. Hmm, I suppose a youthful approach would be more natural coming from a 7 year old. But if I think back, I remember being distinctly more mature in my speech and mannerisms when around the Dwarves. They'd definitely be shocked by my immature actions so I can discard that idea.

Well, let's go see them anyways and stupefy the crowd.