Chapter 36: Startling Discovery

Chapter 36: Startling Discovery

Eli Mason stormed with anger, but Zane Sterling remained unfazed, wearing an indifferent expression.

Zane tilted his head, nonchalantly cleaning his ear with a pinky finger, exhibiting an air of calm defiance.

After venting his frustration, Eli noticed Zane's unperturbed demeanor and began to calm down, sensing there was more to this than met the eye.

"You're not an idiot or an egomaniac. You wouldn't do something this reckless without a good reason," Eli stated after regaining his composure.

Zane, seeing Eli's quick return to rationality, put on a pitiful expression and exclaimed in a mock lament, "Oh, the injustice! I wanted to explain, but you didn't give me a chance!"

"You complain now, but you didn't let me say a word!" he continued, feigning exaggerated sorrow.

The fake whining and exaggerated tone were so transparent that Eli nearly lost his patience.

"Cut the act and explain," Eli demanded sternly. "If your fanboys saw you now, they'd be disillusioned. The cool, aloof Zane Sterling would be shattered," Eli added with a bit of mockery.

Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Zane dropped the act. He lazily walked over to the bundle, picked up a book, and handed it to Eli with a mysterious smile.

"Take a look inside," Zane said, his tone hinting at something intriguing.

Eli, still skeptical, opened the book and saw the title "Blinking Sword Manual" inscribed on the first page.

"Is this really it?" Eli said, surprised.

"Keep going," Zane said, tossing more books to Eli.

Eli flipped through the books, each one bearing the same title. He was astounded.

"Don't tell me... all these books are Blinking Sword Manuals?" Eli stuttered, pointing at the heap of books.

"Indeed, you've guessed correctly," Zane replied, shrugging.

Eli couldn't believe it. "How can there be nearly a hundred copies of the same manual?" he questioned.

Zane shrugged again. "I found them in a corner of the library. I was just as shocked as you are."

Eli, still in disbelief, started laughing at the absurdity of the situation. "This is insane!"

Seeing Eli's rare display of emotion, Zane couldn't help but laugh too. "Your face right now is priceless."

After a while, Eli calmed down and asked, "Did you count how many there are?"

"Seventy-four," Zane answered promptly. "I counted multiple times to be sure. We can't afford to lose even one."

Eli nodded, flipping through one of the manuals. The pages were yellowed with age, and the text seemed ancient and mysterious.

As Eli continued to examine the books, his mind raced with possibilities. The sheer number of identical manuals suggested there was something unique about the Blinking Sword Technique. Why would there be so many copies? What secrets did it hold?

Eli and Zane spent the next few hours carefully studying the manuals. They quickly realized that although each book bore the same title, the contents varied slightly. Some contained detailed illustrations of stances and movements, while others focused on the philosophy behind the technique.

The more they delved into the manuals, the more intrigued they became. It was clear that the Blinking Sword Technique was not just another sword manual. It held layers of complexity and depth that could potentially revolutionize their training.

"There's more to this than meets the eye," Eli remarked, his excitement growing. "We need to decipher these variations and piece together the full technique."

Zane nodded in agreement. "This could be our breakthrough."

As the sun set, casting long shadows over their secret hideout, Eli and Zane packed up the manuals and prepared to return. They knew that they had stumbled upon something extraordinary. The road ahead would be challenging, but the potential rewards were worth the risk.

Eli returned to Godhand Valley with renewed determination. He had a plan. Over the coming days, he and Zane would systematically analyze the manuals, cross-referencing the differences to uncover the complete Blinking Sword Technique.

Back in his room, Eli began organizing the manuals, categorizing them based on their contents. He set up a makeshift study area, ensuring that he could work on deciphering the technique without interruptions. This endeavor required utmost secrecy and focus.

Late into the night, Eli pored over the ancient texts, his mind absorbing the intricate details of each variation. His understanding of the Blinking Sword Technique deepened with every page he turned. The more he learned, the more he realized the potential power of this enigmatic sword art.

By dawn, Eli had already made significant progress. He had compiled notes, sketched diagrams, and formulated theories about the technique's underlying principles. The Blinking Sword Technique, as it turned out, was a masterful blend of agility, precision, and deception. It was designed to outmaneuver opponents, striking with blinding speed and unpredictability.

With every new discovery, Eli's excitement grew. This was more than just a sword technique; it was a path to unrivaled skill and dominance. He could see the potential for integrating this technique with his existing training, creating a unique and formidable fighting style.

As the first light of day filtered through his window, Eli knew that he was on the verge of a major breakthrough. The Blinking Sword Technique held the key to his future. With it, he could not only meet Doctor Mo's expectations but surpass them.

Eli and Zane continued their clandestine meetings, refining their understanding of the technique. They trained tirelessly, pushing each other to new heights. The Blinking Sword Technique was unlike anything they had encountered, demanding precision and finesse.

Eli felt a sense of exhilaration he hadn't experienced in years. The Blinking Sword Technique was his ticket to freedom, power, and respect. He was no longer just a pawn in Doctor Mo's schemes. He was carving out his destiny, one stroke at a time.

And so, under the cover of secrecy, Eli and Zane embarked on a journey of discovery and mastery. The Blinking Sword Technique was their beacon, guiding them toward a future filled with promise and potential. They were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united by their shared ambition and unbreakable bond.

Eli Mason was determined to unlock the full potential of the Blinking Sword Technique. He was ready to rise above his circumstances and seize control of his destiny. With each passing day, his resolve grew stronger, his skills sharper.

The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Eli Mason was on the path to greatness, and nothing would stand in his way.