Chapter 19 : Vetior's new technique

As DAVID ventured into the dwarven kingdom, Vetior and Korin embarked on their journey to the diplomatic meeting with the Vraerian empire. Despite Vetior's legendary level and Korin's incredible speed, they chose to take their time during the journey. This deliberate pace allowed them to identify potential targets for Vetior to practice his newly acquired combat methods.

Stopping at various villages along the way, Vetior and Korin engaged in solving local issues, be it confronting thieves or handling beast tides. While Vetior had a theoretical understanding of the enhanced combat methods, putting them into practice was an entirely different challenge. These real-world encounters served as valuable opportunities for him to refine his skills and adapt the techniques to practical situations.

Each village they visited benefited from their intervention, and Vetior's mastery of the combat methods gradually evolved through practical application.

As Vetior and Korin continued their journey towards the diplomatic meeting, their path led them to a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and dense forests. The air was filled with the soothing sounds of nature, and the villagers went about their daily routines.

Upon entering the village, Vetior and Korin immediately noticed a sense of unease among the inhabitants. Whispers of distress lingered in the air, and worried expressions adorned the faces of the villagers. The duo approached a group gathered near the village square, seeking information.

Vetior, with his legendary stature, addressed the concerned villagers, "Greetings. We are travelers passing through your village. What troubles this peaceful place?"

The villagers exchanged glances before an elderly woman stepped forward, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and concern. "Oh, esteemed travelers, we are indeed facing a predicament. A pack of ferocious beasts has been encroaching upon our village, causing havoc and instilling fear among our people."

Korin, with his keen perception, detected a hint of fear in the villagers' voices. Vetior nodded thoughtfully, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Fear not, for we are here to help. Point us to the location where these beasts have been causing trouble, and we shall ensure your safety."

The villagers, relieved by the travelers' willingness to assist, guided Vetior and Korin towards the outskirts of the village. As they approached the designated area, signs of the recent attacks became evident. Trampled vegetation and scattered debris hinted at the ferocity of the beasts that had disrupted the tranquil village life.

As Vetior and Korin ventured further into the outskirts of the village, Vetior activated his aura vision, a golden glow enveloping his eyes. The transition from the normal world to the ethereal dance of energies was now at his command, a skill he had mastered in recent days. Though the use of aura for this vision was minimal, the experience was still peculiar for Vetior, who had been accustomed to seeing the world conventionally.

Moving ahead with Korin, Vetior noticed a disturbance in the aura ahead. The rhythmic pulsations and disruptions indicated the presence of approaching beasts. Vetior signaled Korin to slow down, raising his hand in preparation.

"Be ready, Korin. I sense their approach," Vetior whispered, anticipation lacing his words.

Korin nodded, his speed senses heightened. The duo proceeded cautiously, relying on Vetior's aura vision to navigate the concealed movements of the beasts. Tension filled the air as they entered an area where the aura disturbances intensified.

Suddenly, a group of snarling and predatory wolves emerged from the thick underbrush. Their matted fur and unnaturally intense eyes were revealed to Vetior through his aura vision, exposing the aggressive energies emanating from the creatures and confirming their hostile intent.

In response to the emerging threat, Korin swiftly ascended to the skies, his nimble speed enabling a graceful ascent. Hovering above the battlefield, he maintained a vigilant watch, scanning for any additional problems that might arise. This method ensured that Vetior could gain practical experience with relatively small danger.

Meanwhile, Vetior faced the approaching pack of wolves on the ground. The air around his hands and feet began to shimmer with a crimson hue, a manifestation of the intense heat he summoned. With determination in his eyes, Vetior dashed towards the pack, hot air billowing from his legs, propelling him forward with astonishing speed.

Reaching the midst of the wolves, the red air around his fists transformed into a radiant orange plasma. The ferocity of his aura intensified, creating an aura-based inferno around his fists. Vetior unleashed a series of powerful strikes, his fists burning and searing through the wolves' fur and flesh.

Caught off guard by Vetior's sudden assault, the wolves yelped and scattered in disarray. Their attempts to counterattack were met with Vetior's relentless onslaught. The bright orange plasma extended from Vetior's fists in swirling arcs, leaving a trail of scorched fur and defeated foes.

From his aerial vantage point, Korin observed the skirmish unfold. His keen eyes allowed him to anticipate the movements of the wolves and provide strategic guidance to Vetior. The duo maintained seamless coordination, ensuring that the wolves were met with a formidable combination of speed and controlled, fiery aggression.

As the battle raged on, Vetior's aura-infused fists became a beacon of fiery prowess against the wolves. The villagers, initially fearful, now witnessed the grandmaster's awe-inspiring display of combat mastery. The orange plasma, testament to Vetior's newfound combat methods, illuminated the once-uneasy village with a captivating dance of light and shadow.

As the last of the wolves succumbed to Vetior's blazing assault, the villagers fell into a hushed silence. Vetior, his hands still emanating the residual warmth of the plasma, turned towards Korin in the sky, acknowledging the silent communication that had transpired between them during the battle. The villagers, now in awe of the duo's prowess, gathered to express their gratitude.

With a humble nod, Vetior addressed the villagers, "You are safe now. These creatures won't trouble you any longer. Carry on with your lives in peace." With those words, he and Korin resumed their journey towards the diplomatic meeting.

As Vetior and Korin resumed their journey towards the diplomatic meeting, beyond the villager's sight, Vetior sighed with disappointment, his hands and feet were slightly burned—a consequence of his lack of complete control over the immensely powerful technique that DAVID had given him.

The wolf pack they had just faced was something that Vetior could have easily dispatched with a powerful breath of aura. However, even restraining his strength to the strength of a wild animal, the technique had taken a small toll on him. Vetior theorized that if he were to use the technique at its full strength, he could most likely defeat both of the empire's legendary creatures. However, the damage done to him in the process could potentially cripple him.