Facing the Master and Secrets of Nocturna

Lysandra's Pov

From the first day I started training Cassian, I knew he had a long way to go. With no combat experience initially, he was a total disaster. But with each session, I noticed small flashes of improvement. Today, after two intense weeks, it was time to test everything he had learned.

"Alright, Cassian," I said, adjusting my training gloves as I watched him take his stance in the center of the gym. "It's time for a real fight. Let's see how much you've improved."

Cassian stood in the center of the gym, adopting the basic stance I had taught him. I positioned myself in front of him and attacked.

I threw the first punch, a quick jab that he clumsily blocked. He struggled to maintain balance after the impact. I spun and delivered a low kick, forcing him to jump back. Before he could land, I was already upon him with a series of rapid, precise strikes.

Each of my movements was fluid, precise, a natural extension of my body. Cassian, on the other hand, was struggling to keep up. He blocked one of my strikes and tried to counter with a hook, but I easily dodged it and responded with an elbow to his ribs that left him breathless.

"Come on, Cassian, is that all you've got?" I taunted, knowing he needed that extra push to improve.

As the fight continued, I noticed something interesting. Cassian was starting to adapt. His movements became more precise, his reactions quicker. I threw a straight punch towards his face, but this time, instead of clumsily blocking it, he ducked and rolled to the side, avoiding the strike completely. As he got up, he seized the moment and threw a punch towards my stomach. I didn't block it in time and took a step back, surprised.

"That was better," I admitted, rubbing my abdomen. "But you still have a long way to go."

I changed tactics, lunging at him with a combination of punches and kicks that forced him to retreat. He blocked a right hook, deflected a high kick, and ducked to avoid a sweep. Each time he managed to dodge or block one of my attacks, I saw a spark of confidence in his eyes.

I decided to test him with a quick change of direction, throwing an elbow aimed at his head. Instinctively, he raised his arm and blocked the blow with his forearm. Without giving him time to react, he launched a low kick that connected with my calf, making me stagger.

"Well done!" I exclaimed, quickly regaining my balance. "But let's see how you handle this."

I unleashed a flurry of punches, constantly changing direction and pace. I seemed like a whirlwind of fists and kicks. I focused on observing his movements, looking for any signs of weakness. He blocked a punch with his left forearm and dodged a high kick by twisting his body to the side. Before he could launch his own attack, I was already on the move again, throwing a straight punch to his torso. He blocked it with both hands, feeling the force of the impact shake him.

Sweat ran down his forehead and his muscles were tense, but he didn't give up. Every time I launched an attack, he responded with a defense or a counterattack, adapting to my rhythm. He was far from perfect, but he was improving noticeably.

Finally, I stepped back, raising a hand to stop the fight. Both of us were panting, the gym silent except for our labored breaths.

"That was... impressive," I admitted, surprised by his progress. "You've come a long way in these two weeks."

"Thank you... Lysandra," he said, trying to catch his breath. "I still... have a lot to learn."

"Yes, but if you keep this up, who knows how far you'll go," I said, patting him on the shoulder. "See you tomorrow, Cassian. And rest, you've earned it."

As I walked away, a mix of pride and anticipation washed over me. Cassian was showing an adaptability and determination that I had rarely seen in a rookie. With time and practice, he could become a formidable fighter. I couldn't help but feel excited about how strong he could become.

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Selene:

It had been three weeks since that brief conversation with Cassian, but Selene still pondered his answers in the entrance exam. Sitting at her desk, she reviewed the exams with a pensive expression. Among all the answers, one in particular caught her attention: Cassian's unusual reference to Nocturna Island.

Cassian had written that Nocturna was inhabited by shadow creatures. It was a surprising and uncommon answer. Selene had no prior knowledge about Nocturna or the shadow creatures he mentioned. Information about that island was scarce and shrouded in mystery among scholars. How could Cassian, a mere peasant from Terravita, know something so specific and dark about that place?

She remembered the only conversation she had with Cassian during the entrance exam day. He hadn't mentioned anything about Nocturna or shadow creatures at that time. However, the comment on his entrance exam demonstrated a detailed knowledge and confidence that didn't align with his supposed memory loss.

If Cassian had suffered memory loss a month before the entrance exam, how could he possess such specific knowledge about Nocturna and those creatures? Was he lying about his memory loss?

Cassian's words echoed in her mind. Where did this knowledge come from? Could it be possible that Cassian had access to information she was unaware of? Or was it merely empty information mentioned to finish the exam quickly?

Determined to unravel the mystery, Selene began to investigate on her own. She consulted old tomes and records but found little to corroborate Cassian's story. However, the consistency and certainty in his words couldn't be ignored.

There was something more to Cassian. Something that made him stand out not just for his intelligence but for his arcane knowledge. Selene made a mental note to observe him more closely, to be alert to any other clues about his mysterious past.

With every page she turned and every piece of information she noted, one thing was clear: Cassian was not simply a common student. There was much more behind his eyes, something that Selene was determined to uncover.

Moreover, as Selene continued her task, a fleeting thought crossed her mind. "What if he's not from this world?" The idea seemed absurd, almost comical, but there was something about the seriousness with which Cassian sometimes spoke that made her doubt. It was as if Cassian knew more than he let on, as if he were leading a double life, or perhaps, as if he truly were from another place.

Despite her rational and scientific background, Selene couldn't help but feel a pang of intrigue. What could make someone think that way?

If not so, how could all this information about Nocturna and shadow creatures be explained?

Functioning of Shadow Creatures

Shadow creatures are physical manifestations of people's fears and nightmares. It is believed they feed on negative energy and the fear of those who encounter them. They vary in shape and size, often appearing as dark, nebulous entities taking humanoid, animalistic, or abstract forms based on the fears they represent. They prefer dark habitats such as deep caves, dense forests, or abandoned ruins, emerging when they sense intense emotions like fear or despair.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Intangibility: They can pass through solid objects and evade physical attacks.

Fear Manipulation: They intensify the fears of their victims, weakening their willpower and resistance.

Camouflage and Concealment: Expert at hiding in darkness.

Regeneration: They quickly heal minor wounds in dark environments.

Physical Manifestation: Sometimes they take tangible forms to attack directly.

Weaknesses:

Vulnerability to Light: Bright light weakens them and can temporarily dissipate them.

Positive Emotions: Love, courage, and hope neutralize their influence.

Lack of Substance: They lack a solid physical form and vulnerability.

Dependence on Negative Emotions: Their strength is linked to negative emotions they perceive in their environment.

Description of Nocturna

Nocturna is one of the nine floating islands of Elaria, known for its nocturnal and somber atmosphere. Enshrouded in perpetual darkness due to dense black clouds covering its sky, this island is dominated by dense forests of twisted trees and dark leaves that form a natural labyrinth. Dark lakes and rivers faintly reflect moonlight and starlight, adding to the sense of mystery and isolation.

Nocturna harbors a variety of creatures adapted to darkness and unique conditions. It is rumored that shadow creatures, which feed on fears and nightmares, lurk in its darkest corners. Additionally, the island is home to other magical and dangerous creatures that find refuge in its shadowy forests.

The cold and humid climate, with persistent mists among trees and mountains, creates an atmosphere charged with the unknown. Nocturna is protected by ancient enchantments and magical barriers that deter intruders, along with guardian creatures actively defending the island.

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All this information was simply mind-boggling; for centuries, research into Nocturna barely scratched the surface of its mystery, and now Cassian emerges with such precise details in a simple exam response.

Selene knew she couldn't ignore Cassian or his seemingly impossible claims. It was time to face the unexpected and uncover the truth behind the mysterious words of this intriguing student named Cassian Nightshade.