A New Morning, A mistery, A new Team

 "2,890… 2,891… 2,892… 2,893… 2,894… 2,895… 2,896… 2,897… 2,898… 2,899… Ahhhh! 3,000!"

*Thud!* - Kizaer's body collapsed as he gasped for oxygen.

Bandolen silently observed Kizaer completing all the exercises and training he had been mentored in since he was very young. 'Time passes too quickly…' A thought crossed Bandolen's mind, but before any memories could plunge him into the past, he quickly suppressed the feeling and approached Kizaer, helping him sit cross-legged.

"Kizaer, never forget: never practice Flow Synchronization techniques that the School might provide." Bandolen instructed the boy. "Flow synchronization is only one part of cultivation. While others synchronize and transform one part of their bodies at a time, we synchronize the transformation of all parts of our bodies simultaneously."

"We practice Simultaneous Synchronization, and because of that, the speed of your Flow Synchronization compared to your peers will always be noticeably slower. However, unlike them, the foundation of your cultivation and your body will always be much stronger, capable of retaining and mobilizing more Flow than the others." Kizaer listened to his grandfather's words while sitting with closed eyes, practicing the secret techniques his grandfather had taught him. Since Bandolen hadn't revealed the name of those Flow Synchronization techniques, Kizaer simply referred to them as "Family Techniques" when he was in a good mood. If he was feeling grumpy, he called it "The Old Shameless Man's Torture and Suffering Techniques."

Of course, Kizaer always took great care never to utter the derogatory nickname he had invented for the old man's technique. He knew that if Bandolen discovered the unkind moniker, something very, very bad might happen to him.

====

While people individually practice each of the 5 stages of Flow Cultivation—namely Skin, Blood, Bones, Muscles, and Core—in that order, the technique Bandolen has been teaching Kizaer aims to work on all 5 stages simultaneously.

Certainly, anyone could cultivate all stages simultaneously, but three factors discouraged people from becoming practitioners of Simultaneous Synchronization in the present day:

First: Having an Appropriate Technique; Attempting Simultaneous Synchronization without knowing how to properly mobilize Flow within one's own body could lead to an imbalance between internal and external Flow. This might result in the rupture of various body parts or incorrect development across stages, potentially causing severe injuries and permanent disability.

Second: Physical Effort; Simultaneous Synchronization of all 5 Stages would directly require five times the physical effort compared to Individual Synchronization. Like Individual Synchronization, Simultaneous Synchronization would demand practitioners to expose their bodies to extreme situations and excruciating training every day.

Third: Peaceful Times; The countries of Waven, Arom, and Mikar still maintain the non-aggression pact established over 300 years ago. People are living in times of peace, and almost no one is willing to perpetuate an excruciating cultivation methodology like Simultaneous Synchronization.

Not everyone cultivates to become strong. The mainly reason people choose the path of cultivation is to primary increase their longevity.

According to what Bandolen taught Kizaer, individuals who follow the path of Individual Synchronization tend to have imbalanced foundations.

If the use of resources, techniques, and training individually influences each stage, it would mean that the person who is practicing Individual Synchronization must use the same amount of herbs, pills, and any other resources, meditation time, training, and physical effort during all other stages equally in all stages.

If the person didn't repeat the same amount of resources used throughout the 5 stages of Individual Synchronization, it would be like constructing a building using wood for part of the foundation, concrete for the roof, bamboo for the walls, and plaster for the pillars, or even worse.

Each stage of cultivation would be directly influenced by the resources and efforts applied by the cultivator, significantly increasing the chances that the entire foundation of the individual's cultivation being built in disharmony.

At more advanced levels of cultivation, these individuals always have the lowest combat capability and resistance among their peers, and are even unable to mobilize enough Flow to perform some mystical combat techniques.

The initial goal of the 5 Stages of Flow Cultivation is to transform the body to become one with the Flow. This would allow easier absorption and storage of larger quantities of Flow, which would strengthen the body, combat techniques, and mystical techniques. It would also enable other incredible abilities, such as energizing treasures, flying through the skies, and diving into oceans without needing oxygen, for example.

If we were to divide the 5 Stages of Flow cultivation in terms of percentage of Flow Synchronization, it would look something like this:

Skin Stage – Synchronization Rate: 20%

Level 1: 5%

Level 2: 5%

Level 3: 10%

Blood Stage – Synchronization Rate: 20%

Level 1: 5%

Level 2: 5%

Level 3: 10%

Bone Stage – Synchronization Rate: 20%

Level 1: 5%

Level 2: 5%

Level 3: 10%

Muscle Stage – Synchronization Rate: 20%

Level 1: 10%

Level 2: 10%

Core Stage – Synchronization Rate: 20%

Level 1: 10%

Level 2: 10% 

This distribution reflects the gradual progress and transformation of the body with the Flow during the cultivation journey.

"Sir, yes sir," Kizaer quickly responded to his grandfather's words.

Bandolen merely nodded and said, "Very well, for today, we conclude the morning part of your training. Go prepare for your class." Kizaer stood up and headed for a shower, while his grandfather remained in the training room.

Bandolen placed one hand over his face, massaging his temples, and sighed, "Helena…" A single word escaped his lips, and it was more than enough for a sense of sorrow to fill his thoughts.

====

A few hours later

====

"Alright, we're done for now. You're all free for your break," said the Flow Cultivation class professor. "Those who wish to stay in the room to clarify any doubts about the breathing technique you're training, feel free to do so." Some students stood up to leave, while a small group remained.

Before the departing students could exit the room, the professor added, "Don't forget. Tomorrow, we'll be conducting tests to determine your level of Flow Synchronization."

Some students felt excited, others indifferent, and some fearful. The class's reactions were varied, as expected from young, thoughtful minds. After all, they would soon have a clearer idea of their own progress, and a certain anxiety filled their thoughts—except, of course, for those from families and clans with resources to acquire this information beforehand.

-----

Kizaer was walking aimlessly through the central courtyard, his gaze was distant and clearly troubled.

Amidst his reverie, Kizaer felt two light taps on his shoulder and heard an innocent, melodious voice ask, "What's wrong, bedwetter? You're unusually quiet today."

Kizaer turned around, still lost in thought, and faced Ciona. Even though he wasn't entirely focused on his friend, he absentmindedly replied, "It's my grandfather."

Ciona furrowed her brow, puzzled by his statement, and inquired, "Granp Bandolen? What's going on with him?" Perhaps Ciona was the only person in town who referred to Bandolen so casually without facing any repercussions.

"During the early hours of training today, he didn't yell at me once, and I almost landed a hit on him when we were fighting." Kizaer's gaze remained distant. "And… after finishing the exercises and practicing the family technique at home, he simply dismissed me to take a shower."

"I was a bit worried, so I stayed silent during and after the training. When I left the room, I headed to my quarters, trying not to make any noise to avoid disturbing my grandfather. But that's when I heard him whisper." Kizaer summarized the day's events.

"A whisper? That's strange. I've never seen Granp Bandolen muttering or whispering things before." Ciona was as confused as Kizaer at that moment.

Kizaer continued calmly, "Yes, he whispered a name: Helena…"

Ciona tilted her head, even more bewildered. Kizaer was equally puzzled; after all, 'Helena' wasn't a familiar name to either of them.

====

A few hours later in the Martial Pavilion

====

After some basic instructions on posture and correct application of force during strikes, Professor Marcus paired up the students from classes A-1, A-2, and A-3.

Kizaer and Ciona naturally formed a pair since they were accustomed to training in combat together, and Ciona knew how to handle—or at least avoid—some of Kizaer's combat triggers. Even though an occasional reflex action surfaced during their sparring, Ciona managed to raise her defenses or leap away to avoid the full force of his attacks.

Professor Lin, following Professor Marcus's instructions, kept a close watch as the two fought. Professor Lin still feared a repeat of the previous day's incident, so his attention was entirely focused on that pair.

Professor Lin noticed that Ciona was adept at evading or defending against Kizaer's extreme attacks. She didn't seem frustrated when they landed, nor did she show discomfort when his punches or kicks connected.

Kizaer, on the other hand, barely evaded Ciona's strikes, as her chances for counterattacks were quite limited, so he was having an easy time. However, unlike Ciona, Kizaer's blows sometimes came dangerously close to their target, always directed at pressure points or vital areas. A perfectly executed strike, and Ciona's life would be in serious danger.

Internally, Professor Lin was terrified and mused, 'These two are certainly used to training together, but there's a fundamental difference in their combat styles: Ciona fights to defeat her enemies in battle. Kizaer's movements… *sigh* Kizaer doesn't fight to win; he fights to kill, even if it's an unconscious act. Unfortunately, it seems this assassin-like combat style is deeply ingrained.'

'As Director Ling said, "that's the old violent man's doing." The most we can do is help Kizaer align his will and thoughts with the intentions behind his strikes, minimizing the subconscious reflex responses—or at least suppressing them enough for Kizaer to choose when to execute these combat techniques and when don't.'

After some time, Professor Marcus gave the command for all sparring to stop, and the students quickly organized themselves to listen to his instructions. "Very well, students who will be participating in the intensive basic combat course have 30 minutes for your break. The rest of you are dismissed for today."

Before any student could breathe a sigh of relief, Professor Marcus continued, "However, before you leave, we'll be conducting a lottery." He smirked. "No need to raise your hands to ask questions," Professor Marcus quickly added when he noticed some students already making the motion to raise their hands.

"Let me clarify: Our Free Feather Martial Arts School is known for fostering unity and building a sense of camaraderie and interdependence among its members, regardless of their backgrounds."

"There's a tradition in our school, as well as in only three other Martial Arts Schools in the city, of forming teams. These teams will remain intact until the end of your first Martial Stage, which means for the next 5 years, each of you will be connected to three other individuals."

"This team of 4 people must maintain unity, cooperation, and mutual effort so that everyone can progress during these years. There will be no swapping of team members due to 'personality incompatibility.' Consider this your first lesson: Learn to coexist with people different from yourselves."

The students exchanged surprised glances. After all, some of them had their own friends and companions, and they expected those familiar faces to be part of their team as well.

Moreover, the thought of having to coexist with an unfamiliar person for 5 years wasn't particularly pleasant to hear, especially if that team member had a difficult personality or wasn't cooperative.

"If any of you get injured and can't complete the mission your team chose from the Mission Department or the mission assigned by a teacher and/or supervisor, you can only proceed with the mission after ensuring your teammate's well-being."

Professor Marcus paused briefly, scanning the students present before continuing. "Remember that your team will always be under observation and constant evaluation. So, if anyone deliberately decides to negatively impact the team due to personal differences, superficial affinities, or any other unjustifiable acts, rest assured you'll be removed from your team and expelled from this institution immediately."

Pointing toward the Administrative Department, Professor Marcus added, "Of course, team members can openly file complaints against other members, but only if they have the support of two other members. If all three members raise the same type of complaint, a supervisor will assess your case carefully, ensuring it's not an internal mutiny unfairly seeking someone's exclusion."

With a smile on his face, Professor Marcus continued, "Of course, if you're lying, there will be repercussions too: You won't be expelled, but you'll be deprived of receiving school resources. You won't be able to undertake any missions to earn credit points, and you'll have to wait until next year when new students arrive. Then, perhaps, you'll be eligible for a new lottery, and you can find a new team." Professor Marcus nodded affirmatively. "So, I encourage you to file false complaints against your team members. Who knows, a whole year of punishment might help correct some character issues. Hahahaha." Professor Marcus let out a malicious laugh.

Silence hung over the assembled students. A year of punishment—no resources, no opportunity to accumulate credits, and no ability to undertake the necessary missions for First Martial Stage graduation—would be akin to sitting idle at home for an entire year.

If the students were to skip classes throughout the entire year, it would result in them losing their spot, preventing them from studying in the following year. In other words, the penalized students would have to maintain regular attendance at school, whether they like it or not.

This news particularly affected some students who were already whispering among themselves, planning how to quickly get rid of unwanted team members in order to form a new team where everyone they knew could be together.

After a few seconds of silence pervading the room, Professor Marcus's voice grew more serious, almost dropping an octave as he warned, "Keep this in mind: The team consists of 4 people, but it must function as a single organism. Don't even think about self-sacrifice or unnecessary acts of heroism during missions. Your teammates' lives matter as much as your own, and vice versa."

"When one of you adopts the mindset of sacrificing for the team during missions, you also subconsciously embrace the notion that other team members have the duty and responsibility to be equally willing to sacrifice themselves for the group. In the long run, this type of mentality can lead to an irreparable rupture in mutual trust among you."

Professor Marcus took a deep breath before energetically declaring, "Therefore: Advance together, retreat together, plan together, fight together, live alongside each other, learn, share, cooperate, improve, and only then will you be considered veterans of the Free Feathers Martial Arts School. You'll receive the indigo-blue martial uniform, symbolizing your maturity and advancement to the school's Second Martial Stage."

The students present felt a surge of adrenaline as they absorbed Professor Marcus's spirited and inspiring words. They would officially begin their First Martial Stage at the Free Feathers Martial Arts School once the teams were assigned.

Professor Marcus gestured, and several supervisors approached, carrying three tablets displaying team numbers and three bags containing student names. These tools respectively represented classes A-1, A-2, and A-3.

Professor Marcus, Professor Lin, and Professor Xun signalled for their respective classes to approach and stand side by side with the others in an orderly manner.

Professor Lin exchanged a few words with the two supervisors assisting him before turning to the students and saying, "Very well, let's begin the drawing of numbers and teams." His voice carried an air of authority. "As soon as you hear your names and the respective team to which you belong, collect the information medal from one of the supervisors and report to the Administrative Department to record your team number, class, and team members."

With that, Professor Lin reached into the bag to retrieve the first name. Suddenly, his body tensed imperceptibly, and the movements of his hand within the bag halted.

Without letting the students notice, Professor Lin made a swift and discreet motion toward the pagoda, where several offices were located, including that of Venerable Director Ling.

Professor Lin had just received a voice transmission from the director himself, with specific instructions. "Professor Lin, I want you to…"