Chapter 8:Incoming attack

Alex's mind buzzed with excitement and newfound purpose as he closed the ancient tome. The revelation about the Art of Cosmic Shadows and the Infinity Strike had filled him with determination. He needed to master both arts to unlock the true potential of the Mars family's legacy. As he stood there, the weight of the tome in his hands, he knew that this was just the beginning of his journey.

The next morning, Alex woke up early, his thoughts focused on the training ahead. He made his way to the training grounds, where his father was already waiting, his imposing figure framed by the early morning light. The duke's expression was stern but not unkind as he greeted his son.

"Aldric, you are early today," the duke noted, his eyes scanning Alex with a mix of curiosity and pride.

"Father, I am ready to learn," Alex replied, his voice steady. "I want to master the Infinity Strike and understand the Art of Cosmic Shadows."

The duke raised an eyebrow, impressed by his son's determination. "Very well, Aldric. Today, we will begin with the basics of the Infinity Strike. Watch closely."

The duke took up his stance, the spear held firmly in his hands. Alex's eyes followed every movement, his mind absorbing the intricate details of his father's technique. The duke moved with a fluid grace, each strike precise and powerful.

"Infinity Strike is not just about power," the duke explained as he demonstrated. "It is about control, precision, and understanding the flow of energy within your body and the weapon. You must become one with the spear."

Alex watched in awe as his father moved through the forms, each strike a perfect blend of strength and finesse. The spear seemed to dance in the duke's hands, each movement a testament to years of practice and mastery.

"Your turn," the duke said, stepping back and motioning for Alex to take his place.

Alex took a deep breath and stepped forward. He mimicked his father's stance, feeling the weight of the spear in his hands. He began to move through the forms, each strike feeling awkward and unrefined compared to his father's fluid movements. But he persisted, focusing on the teachings and the feel of the weapon.

"Good," the duke said, nodding in approval. "Remember, mastery takes time. Do not rush the process. Feel the energy, and let it guide your movements."

As the days turned into weeks, Alex continued to train diligently. Each day, he felt a little more in tune with the spear, his movements becoming smoother and more precise. The teachings of the Infinity Strike began to take root within him, and he could feel the energy flowing through his body.

One evening, after an intense training session, Alex sat down in his room, the ancient tome of the Art of Cosmic Shadows open before him. He read through the passages again, his mind piecing together the connection between the two arts.

"The key lies in understanding the cosmic energy," he mused. "To truly master the Infinity Strike, I must also harness the power of the cosmos."

He closed his eyes, focusing on the energy within him. The Abyss Glaze activated, and he could see faint traces of cosmic energy around him. It was as if the universe itself was guiding him, showing him the path to mastery.

"Ding, the Art of Cosmic Shadows is being learned (50%)."

The system's notification was a reassuring presence, reminding him that he was on the right path. Alex continued to practice, his mind and body working in harmony to unlock the secrets of the Mars family's spear techniques.

One night, while Alex was deep in meditation, he felt a sudden surge of energy. It was as if the cosmos had answered his call, flooding his body with power. He opened his eyes, and the room seemed to shimmer with a faint, otherworldly glow.

"The Art of Cosmic Shadows is being learned (65%)."

Alex stood up, feeling the energy coursing through him. He picked up the spear and moved through the forms, each strike now imbued with a newfound power. The spear seemed to hum with energy, the movements fluid and effortless.

"The two arts are becoming one," he realized. "I can feel the connection. This is the true power of the Mars family's legacy."

As he continued to train, the lines between the Infinity Strike and the Art of Cosmic Shadows blurred, merging into a single, cohesive technique. The spear felt like an extension of his body, the cosmic energy guiding his every movement.

"Ding, the Art of Cosmic Shadows is being learned (80%)."

Alex knew he still had a long way to go, but the progress he had made filled him with confidence. He was on the path to mastering the Mars family's spear techniques, and with each passing day, he drew closer to unlocking their true potential.

In a secluded clearing, bathed in the ethereal glow of the setting sun, a young boy sat cross-legged. Swords of all shapes and sizes were planted in the ground around him, their blades pointing skyward, creating a formidable circle of steel. The air was thick with an aura of power and concentration as the boy meditated, his mind attuned to the silent hum of the swords.

An old man, his robes fluttering gently in the breeze, stood nearby, watching with a mix of pride and satisfaction. "Nice one, Disciple," he said, his voice carrying the weight of years and wisdom. "You are now at Aetherium Crystallization. Not many people would reach this stage at your age."

The boy opened his eyes, a calm determination shining within them. "Thank you, Master," he replied, his voice steady and confident.

The old man nodded approvingly. "Remember, Leon, your talent is a gift, but your dedication is what truly sets you apart. Continue to cultivate diligently."

Suddenly, a disembodied voice echoed through the clearing, interrupting their moment. "Young Master Leon, it seems that Mars's young master is learning the Mars' battle art."

Leon looked up, his expression shifting from serene concentration to mild curiosity. "Let him be," he said dismissively. "There is no use now. He has no chance against me. Still, I'll make my way there to test him out."

The old man raised an eyebrow but said nothing, recognizing the determination in his disciple's eyes.

Meanwhile, back at the Mars family estate, Alex was deep in thought, contemplating his next steps in mastering the Art of Cosmic Shadows. The notification from the system still echoed in his mind: "The Art of Cosmic Shadows is being learned (85%)." He knew he was close, but there was still much to learn.

As he trained, honing his skills and pushing his limits, a sudden, chilling message appeared before him.

"Your existence has been noticed by Leon. You have been warned of heaven's actions, and Leon is making his way here now."

Alex's heart skipped a beat. Leon, the prodigy who was always several steps ahead, was now aware of his progress. The urgency of his situation became crystal clear. He couldn't afford to relax, not even for a moment.

In the heart of the Mars family training grounds, Alex continued his relentless practice, each movement of his spear more precise and powerful than the last. The Infinity Strike and the Art of Cosmic Shadows were slowly merging, their combined power flowing through him like a raging river.

As he finished a particularly intense sequence, he paused, feeling the weight of the notification still pressing on his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out.

"Father," Alex called out, turning to face the duke, who was watching him closely. "How much longer until I can truly master our family's techniques?"

The duke approached, his expression serious. "Mastery is not a destination, Aldric. It is a journey. But you have made remarkable progress. Trust in your training and in yourself."

Alex nodded, his resolve hardening. "Thank you, Father. I will not let you down."

Just then, a servant hurried into the training grounds, his face pale with urgency. "Young Master, there is news. A boy named Leon is approaching our estate."

The duke's eyes narrowed. "Leon... The prodigy of the Sword Sect."

Alex's heart raced. The confrontation he had been dreading was now inevitable. But instead of fear, he felt a surge of determination. This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he was not just the lesser son of the Mars family, but a force to be reckoned with.

"Prepare the grounds," the duke ordered the servant. "And alert the elders. We will greet this visitor properly."

The servant bowed and hurried away, leaving Alex and the duke standing in the training grounds, the tension in the air palpable.

"Father," Alex said, gripping his spear tightly. "I am ready. Let him come."

The duke placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Remember, Aldric. Strength lies not just in skill, but in heart and will. Face him with everything you have learned."

The battle horns sounded