Lessons from Frozen Night

"I knew I liked this kid," said Rondo to Hughes before walking over to Jody like a hero meeting a schoolboy, "Young noble Josiah, well met! Cleaned up some first-level clones, eh? Fine work, lad, fine work, haha."

Jody couldn't believe his luck. Meeting one of the most famous sages of his time was an honor he never expected. He felt himself excited as Rondo praised him.

"Thank you, sir," Jody said confidently, slightly bowing his head.

Rondo laughed heartily and ruffled Jody's hair. "No need to be so formal, young noble. You can call me Kold."

Jody nodded, still overwhelmed by the encounter. He couldn't believe how much his life had changed since he had entered this world.

"So, Jody," Rondo said. " Can I call you Jody? Tell me about your training. How's it been going?"

Jody straightened up, eager to impress the sage. "It's been going well, Kold. I've been working hard to hone my skills and improve my techniques."

Rondo nodded approvingly. "That's good to hear. The path of a sage is a challenging one, but it's also a rewarding one. You have to be willing to put in the effort if you want to succeed."

Just like that, Rondo and Jody instantly hit it off, maintaining a steady flow of conversation as the five of them journeyed towards the secret Trillwolf Villa, where the Young Wolf Celebration Dinner would be held in a week's time. Jody listened intently, soaking in every word of wisdom that Rondo shared with him. He deeply respected the sage and wanted to learn as much as possible from him.

"I've been training to become a mage like you and mom, and I hope to make a name for myself at the dinner so she'll be happy and train me more."

Rondo raised an eyebrow, impressed. "A mage, you say? That's quite a lofty goal for someone so young. Do you have the talent to back it up?"

Jody felt a surge of determination wash over him. "I do, sir. I've been training every day, and I won't stop until I reach the top."

Rondo nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I like your spirit, young noble. Keep that fire burning, and you'll go far in this world."

As they approached the villa, Jody's excitement grew. This was his first time attending the Young Wolf Celebration Dinner, and he couldn't wait to see what it was all about. He had heard stories of the extravagant feasts and celebrations that took place, and he was eager to be a part of it.

During the next week, Jody hunted four first-level and three second-level vicious beasts while taking battle advice and formulation tips from the four elites by his side. With their guidance, Jody was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of both energy arts and guide techniques.

Kold Rondo taught Jody some pyromancy theory and fire techniques. Pyromancers were Spiritual Masters who specialized in fire manipulation. This required comprehension of the truth of fire. But Jody felt that with the beasts he and Sylvester had been hunting, he would soon have enough fire crystals to test it out.

Levy taught him some plant-related phyllomancy techniques to be used as a spiritual master. The combat techniques she showed him utilized earth and water laws in perfect harmony, producing an entirely new force. Jody could perceive it, but he could not repeat the feat for now. But he probably spoke with Levi about her techniques the most.

Sophie's specialty was water, which she felt was unsuitable for Jody, especially considering how much he understood about pyromancy during his sessions with Rondo. Instead, she taught him some saber techniques. Jody was a fan of blades of all shapes and sizes, so he learned with glee.

Hughes simply taught him survival skills. This wasn't to say that Hughes wasn't being sincere, as many of these things could save a young sage's life. Instead, Jody felt Hughes' survival tactics were a bit primitive compared to his military training. Still, he appreciated the thought and participated actively.

Each day they traveled to a different forest area, challenging stronger beasts as Jody's confidence in his abilities grew. The experts showed him how to really maximize his spiritual energy, pushing it to its limits as he released combat techniques or arcana with every strike. His speed increased exponentially as he moved with lightning-quick movements that kept his opponents from landing an effective attack on him.

Combining his mother's swordsmanship with his father and Sophie's saber play, was helping Jody to curate his own style slowly. He intended to incorporate the pyromancy he had theorized at the first opportunity.

He learned something new daily and could apply these tactics instantly in battle. He quickly developed a sixth sense for enemies attacking from behind or trying to sneak up on him, allowing him to dodge attacks without thinking about it first. In fact, with his spiritual awareness active, he could see from every angle. But what if he didn't have his spirituality one day, or it was blocked somehow? It was better to be prepared.

Rondo also gave him pointers on his formula techniques, helping him perfect certain aspects that were giving him trouble. By the time they arrived close to the secret entrance of Trillwolf Villa, Jody had improved so much that both Rondo and Hughes were filled with pride because of their accomplishments together during this journey.

As Jody looked around at his surroundings, he noticed something strange. The sky had turned a sickly shade of green, and the air felt heavy and toxic. His senses told him that danger was close.

"Um, excuse me," Jody said, interrupting the conversation. "Does anyone else feel that?"

Hughes and Rondo exchanged a worried glance before turning to face Jody.

"What is it, young Lord Trill?" Hughes asked.

"The air…it feels strange. Like something bad is about to happen," Jody explained.

A loud screeching noise filled the air without warning, causing Jody to cover his ears. In the distance, he could see a group of vicious beasts running towards them, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light.

"We have to defend ourselves!" Hughes shouted, unsheathing his massive sword.

Rondo cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Finally, some action!"

Jody felt his heart racing excitedly as he withdrew his Baleful Glaive from his storage ring. He could feel his abilities surging within him, and his mind was clear and focused. [Pharaoh's Law] materialized on his crown as his eyes turned draconic. He spread his enhanced spiritual awareness and covered 100 meters around himself instantly. The beasts charged towards them, their teeth bared and claws extended.

Jody moved with lightning-fast reflexes, dodging the first beast's attack easily. He struck back with a swift blow of his blade, slicing through the creature's flesh. The other beasts descended upon them, but Jody was unfazed. He moved with fluid grace, his strikes precise and deadly. He could feel his energy coursing through his veins, ready to be unleashed. But it was fine, as he only needed to rely on his base strength augmented by the Baleful Glaive.

Item: Baleful Glaive

Description: An unrecorded combat glaive refined with origin alloys. Contains a potent death force.

Grade: A-grade combat

Enchantments: Corrupted Blade, Ghost Wail

A-grade combat gear could boost base stats by 40%, and this effect could stack when using an enchantment. The beasts that neared Jody didn't stand a chance. The vicious beasts were closing in fast, their claws and teeth glinting in the sickly green light. Jody took a deep breath and focused on his energy, channeling it into a powerful wave of rage force that knocked several beasts back.

Hughes and Rondo charged forward, their blades flashing as they easily cut through the beasts. Jody followed their lead, his Destructo Fist unleashing a barrage of punches that shattered bone and sent the beasts reeling. His glaive reaping their lives the next instant followed. The battle was intense and brutal, but with the expert guidance of the Frozen Night cohort, Jody could hold his own.

"It's an avian-type beast, young Joe. You have to lure it down to your level! Reveal an opening in these situations before turning the tides!" commented Rondo while fighting off the higher-level beasts in the tide.

Hearing this, Jody activated his nine astralis and jumped off of a few trees to catch a second-level Frenzy Bat in the air. His rage force surged as he exploded with the strength of 12,950 pounds of physical might, dropping into a spinning pile drive! The second-level Frenzy Bat was flattened into mush. Jody disengaged right before impact, and he was left without injury.

[Imp: Enemy Slain! Loot captured!]

[Imp: You have slain the second-level Vicious Frenzy Bat.]

[Imp: Loot - 350 death crystals, 150 rage crystals, 250 wind crystals, 500 life crystals.]

[Imp: Esoteric knowledge of aviation flows into you...]

Rondo's jaw hung briefly before he recovered, "Ahem, as I was saying. The previous strategy is of course aimed towards those without any aerial prowess. Those with aerial techniques should use the terrain to their advantage to strike the opponent off guard, hahaha, good job, good job."

Jody was momentarily speechless at how shameless this honored elder level character could be. Wouldn't he make honored elders everywhere embarrassed?

"Little brother sure is strong. That's the eighth second level vicious beast today," marveled Sophie.

Even her sister and herself weren't so strong at the young master's age.