The Night of the Half-Moon
Kayah's progress has been steady over the past year. He was now recognized as a Semi-Crescent Moon, a testament to his growing strength and accumulated force. Yet, despite his power, Kayah felt his techniques lagging. It was a frustration he couldn't afford to ignore.
The Head Instructor gathered the initiates, his presence as commanding as ever. "You have all spent a year accumulating force," he began. "Now, it's time to harness that power into practical strength. Today, I will teach you the Night of the Half-Moon."
The instructor demonstrated the technique, moving with a fluid grace that belied his strength. As he executed the movements, a silver light emanated from his hands, slicing through the air with a beautiful yet deadly precision. "This intermediate-level technique comprises eight movements. It creates a silver light and slicing sound when executed perfectly. You have two years to master it."
Kayah watched intently, committing every detail to memory. The path ahead was clear—mastery of the Night of the Half-Moon would be his next milestone. As the days turned into months, Kayah and Neil practiced tirelessly. They became proficient, their movements synchronized, and their force channelled with increasing precision.
Two months into their training, Kayah found himself surrounded by peers who had also grown stronger. Among them was Rai, a sharp-minded initiate who had become one of Kayah's trusted allies. Rai's strategic insights were invaluable, and Kayah felt his small group growing more formidable by the day.
Despite his progress, Kayah was annoyed by the lack of new quests from the screen. The system's silence was unsettling. As he pondered this, the screen suddenly appeared.
New Quest Found
Attract Meera to your side
Reward: Moon Drifting Steps
Kayah's heart raced with excitement. He remembered Meera from his past life. Daughter of Ror Gaza, she was a formidable warrior who eventually married his uncle Malachai. She had only reached the Full Moon, but her strength and influence were significant.
That evening, Kayah meticulously washed and dressed, examining his reflection. He was tall, with silver eyes and black hair that framed his handsome face. Dressed in his black and silver robe, he knew he was the embodiment of every woman's dream in the empire.
He began to wander near Meera, striking up casual conversations and exchanging glances. Her beauty was undeniable, her strength evident in the way she carried herself. Over the next few days, their interactions grew more frequent and meaningful.
Then, as Kayah exchanged a lingering glance with Meera, the screen popped up:
Quest Completed
Reward Transferred To Inventory
Without Meera saying a word, Kayah knew she had fallen for him. The screen flashed again:
Hidden Requirement Met
"Hidden Requirement?" Kayah whispered.
Additional Reward: Lunar Blade Arts
Kayah's heart pounded. The Lunar Blade Arts were legendary, a forgotten art destined to be discovered by Malachai in eleven years. And now, it was his to master.
New Quest Found
Perfectly Master Lunar Blade Arts in 2 Years
Reward: Heavenly Lunar Sword
Determined, Kayah rushed to the sole training ground recently provided for individual practice. It was a secluded space, perfect for the rigorous training he was about to undertake. The Lunar Blade Arts comprised ten forms, each more complex and powerful than the last. For two years, Kayah isolated himself, dedicating every moment to mastering these forms with absolute precision.
The training was gruelling, his body was pushed to its limits. Yet, Kayah persevered, driven by the knowledge of what mastering the Lunar Blade Arts would mean for his future. Each movement became second nature, his force channelled with an accuracy that surpassed even his expectations.
Finally, after two years, Kayah emerged from the training chamber. His body felt different—more powerful, more in tune with the force that flowed through him. He had achieved mastery, his movements now a perfect blend of grace and lethal precision.
The Head Instructor awaited him, a mixture of surprise and approval in his eyes. "You are the last to emerge," he said. "Your dedication is commendable. It is now time to learn a new technique."
Quest Completed
Rewards Transferred To Inventory
Kayah felt a surge of satisfaction as he sensed the rewards transferring to his inventory. The Heavenly Lunar Sword was now within his grasp, a testament to his hard work and determination.
The Head Instructor addressed the gathered initiates. "Today, you will begin learning the Crescent Moon Dance. This technique is crucial for your progression to Full Moon status. It requires not only physical prowess but also a deep understanding of the force you wield."
As the instructor demonstrated the Crescent Moon Dance, Kayah watched with keen interest. The movements were intricate, a complex interplay of offence and defence that required impeccable timing and control.
Kayah's mind raced with possibilities. With the Lunar Blade Arts now mastered and the Heavenly Lunar Sword within reach, he was ready to take on this new challenge. His confidence was bolstered by the knowledge that he had already changed the future in significant ways. Meera was now an ally, and his small group, including Neil and Rai, was growing stronger by the day.
The path ahead was still fraught with challenges, but Kayah felt more prepared than ever. As he began to practice the Crescent Moon Dance, he knew that every step and every movement brought him closer to his ultimate goal: securing the future of the Dark Empire and ensuring that the darkness and light could coexist in harmony.
With renewed determination, Kayah threw himself into the training, his mind focused, and his heart set on the path ahead. The stakes were higher than ever, but he was ready to face whatever came his way, armed with the knowledge and power he had painstakingly earned.