Chapter 7: The First Step

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Diego approaching me until she spoke. "Lloyd, are you okay? You seem lost in thought."

I looked up, startled, and met her gaze. "Oh, sorry, Diego . I was just reading this book about the Celestial Harmony. It's incredible. The author talks about achieving mastery over the stars and using that power to protect the world."

Diego's eyes sparkled with interest. "The Celestial Harmony? I've heard of it. It's a powerful technique, but also incredibly difficult to master. Are you thinking about learning it?"

I nodded eagerly. "Yes, I am. I want to do whatever I can to help protect the world from evil. And if the Celestial Harmony can give me that power, then I want to try."

Diego smiled at me, a glint of pride in her eyes. "I think that's a noble goal, Lloyd. But remember, mastering the Celestial Harmony is not easy. It takes years of training and practice. Are you ready for that?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. "Yes, I am. I know it won't be easy, but I'm willing to put in the work. I want to be able to protect the people I care about, and the world itself."

As I continued reading the book about the Celestial Harmony, I came across a section that outlined the seven levels of mastery. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as I read through each one.

I read through the section on the levels of mastery in awe. The Celestial Harmony had more levels than I had initially thought, and each one seemed more challenging than the last.

"The first level is just the beginning," I thought to myself. "If I want to achieve mastery over the stars and use that power to protect the world, I need to be willing to put in the work."

I reread the section on the levels of mastery, taking note of the different skills and abilities that martial artists could achieve. From Novice to Nexus, each level brought new challenges and opportunities for growth.

"I have a long way to go," I thought, feeling both excited and intimidated by the journey ahead. "But I'm ready to take the first step and become a Novice. I'll work my way up from there, no matter how long it takes."

Excited to learn more about martial arts and the different techniques that I could incorporate into my Celestial Harmony training, I asked Diego to give me a ride to Marven.

Diego gave me a nod and said, "Sure, I can take you to Marven's place. But first, let's grab some food. You can't train on an empty stomach."

I chuckled, realizing just how hungry I was. "You're right. Let's go get something to eat."

We walked to a nearby food stall and ordered some grilled meat skewers and rice balls. As we waited for our food, I turned to Diego and asked, "So, what do you think of team? Are having fun?"

I smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I'm having a lot of fun. It's been great getting to know everyone and going on missions together. And it's always nice to have someone to train with."

Diego grinned, feeling the same way. "Definitely. I feel like we make a good team. Everyone brings something different to the table."

I nodded in agreement. "That's what makes us strong. We all have our own unique skills and abilities, but we work together towards a common goal."

Our food arrived, and we began to eat, savoring the delicious flavors. As we ate, Diego looked at Me with a sly grin. "So, Lloyd, I have an important question for you. Is there a girl in our group that you're interested in?"

Lloyd's eyes widened in surprise. "What? No, Diego, why would you even ask that?"

Diego laughed. "Oh, no reason. I was just wondering if you were looking for someone to share your grilled meat skewers and rice balls with."

"Ha! Very funny, Diego. But to answer your question seriously, no, there's no one special in my life right now."

Diego nodded understandingly. "That's okay, Lloyd. You have plenty of time for that. Right now, you should focus on your training and becoming the best martial artist you can be. Who knows, maybe your skills will impress someone in the future."

After finishing our meal, I turned to Diego and said, "Thanks for coming with me, Diego. It's good to have a friend like you."

Diego smiled. "Of course, Lloyd. I'm always happy to hang out with you. You're a fun kid you're better than Red hair rascal."

Diego and I stepped out of the food stall and made our way to Marven's office. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over forest. As we walked, Diego asked me, "So, what do you hope to achieve with the Celestial Harmony, Lloyd? Do you have a specific goal in mind?"

"You know i lost my parents when i was very young I was alone in this world with no one to turn to.I was an out cast rejected by the society,I was rock bottom But I didn't want to give up. I knew that I had to keep going, no matter how hard it was."

Diego nodded in understanding. "That's really admirable, Lloyd. It takes a lot of courage and determination to keep going when you're at rock bottom."

I smiled weakly, feeling grateful for Diego's support. "Thanks, Diego. It hasn't been easy, but I've learned to rely on myself and to never give up, no matter how hard things get."

Diego gave me an encouraging smile. "That's the spirit, Lloyd. You're a fighter in every sense of the word. And you have us, your friends, to support you along the way."

"We have arrived at Marven's office",As I enter the office, I'm struck by the peaceful and calming atmosphere. The wooden walls are adorned with various martial arts weapons, including swords vaahnd staffs, giving the space a traditional and authentic feel. The office is illuminated by soft, ewarm lighting that creates a cozy and inviting ambiance.

In the center of the room, there's a large wooden desk with a few papers and books neatly arranged on it. Behind the desk is a comfortable leather chair where Marven sits when she's working.

There are a few chairs in front of the desk where visitors can sit. The chairs are made of wood with soft cushions, making them comfortable to sit on for long periods of time. There's also a small coffee table where Marven keeps a few magazines and books for her visitors to read while they wait.

In the corners of the room, there are a few potted plants, adding a touch of greenery to the space. The windows offer a breathtaking view of the forest, with the sunlight streaming in and casting a warm glow on everything.

"Welcome back, Lloyd," Marven said warmly. "It's good to see you again."

"It's been going well, thank you for asking. "

"Is there any thing I can help you with."Marven said while blowing his cigarettes.

"Actually i want to ask you some thing"

"What is it that you want."

"I want you to tell me who else uses martial arts other than me and carter." I asked with a confident voice.

"Well in our group there is only 3 people who use martial art techniques not including you and carter,But why do you want to know."Marven replied, looking slightly puzzled by my question.

"I'm just curious," I said with a shrug. "I want to learn more about the different styles and techniques that people use."

Marven nodded, understanding my curiosity. "Well, besides you and Carter, there's also Maya. She practices a technique called dance of the flower wind. And then there's Jake, who trains the Iron Body create his unique style."

"Interesting," I said, nodding in acknowledgement. "I'd love to learn from them and see their techniques in action."

Marven smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm sure they would be happy to show you."

As I left Marven's office, Diego was waiting for me outside. She smiled when she saw me, and I knew that she must have been waiting for quite some time.

"Hey, Diego," I said, walking up to her. "Sorry for making you wait."

Diego waved her hand dismissively. "No worries, Lloyd. I didn't mind waiting. So, what did Marven say? Did you learn anything interesting?"

I nodded, feeling excited to share what I had learned. "Yeah, actually. There are a couple of other people in our group who use martial arts. Maya practices a technique called the dance of the flower wind, and Jake has his own unique style that he calls the Iron Body. It's pretty cool."

Diego and I walked towards the training grounds where Maya was practicing her martial arts technique. As we approached, I could see her moving gracefully, her movements like a dance that flowed with the wind.

"Wow,She's incredible."While my eyes fixed on Maya's movements.

Maya moved with incredible grace and precision, her movements flowing like a gentle breeze. She wielded a pair of dual blades, which she wielded expertly, as if they were extensions of her own body. As she spun and twirled, the blades glinted in the sunlight, their sharp edges catching the light.

I watched in awe as she executed a series of complex maneuvers, her blades flashing through the air with deadly precision. Her technique was fluid and effortless, as if she was dancing rather than fighting. I could see how her technique was inspired by the wind, each movement like a gust of air that carried her forward.

"It's amazing," I replied, still marveling at her movements. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Let's go talk to her," Diego said, motioning towards Maya.

"Sure," I replied, following him towards the training grounds.

As we approached Maya, Diego greeted her warmly. "Hey, Maya. Nice moves. What technique are you practicing?"

Maya smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Thanks, Diego. I'm practicing the dance of the flower wind. It's a technique I developed myself, inspired by the grace and fluidity of the wind."

Diego nodded, his eyes fixed on Maya's movements. "Impressive. I've never seen anything like it. Would you mind showing us some more?"

Maya smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Diego. I can't show you any more right now. I have to get going soon. But maybe we can train together another time?"

"Aww, come on, Maya. You can't leave us hanging like that. I was just about to challenge you to a duel."

Maya laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Nice try, Diego. But I have to go. Maybe next time."

Diego shrugged, still grinning. "Okay, okay. I'll let you off the hook this time. But don't think you can avoid me forever."

Maya smiled, waving goodbye as she walked away. Diego and I watched her go, still feeling amazed by her skill and technique.

Diego turned to me and noticed that I was still in shock from witnessing Maya's incredible martial arts technique.

"Hey, you okay there, Lloyd?" Diego asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You looked like you were hit with cupid's arrow or something."

"Very funny, Diego. I was just impressed by Maya's skill, that's all."

Diego raised an eyebrow skeptically, not fully believing my response. "Uh-huh, sure, Lloyd. I think I know what's really going on here. You're smitten, aren't you?"

Diego chuckled, still not convinced. "Uh-huh, sure. Well, whatever you say, Lloyd. Just remember, if you need any help wooing Maya, I'm here for you."

I rolled my eyes, feeling a mixture of annoyance and amusement at Diego's teasing. "Thanks, but I don't think I'll need your help. And I'm not trying to woo Maya. I just want to learn from her and improve my own martial arts skills."

I shook my head, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "No, I'm not. I was just impressed by her martial arts technique, that's all."

I shook my head, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "No, I'm not. I was just impressed by her martial arts technique, that's all." after this lloyd said his gooing back to home

"I'm heading back home now," I said, feeling a bit flustered from Diego's teasing. "See you tomorrow, Diego."

"Sure thing, Lloyd," Diego replied, still grinning. "Don't forget to practice your martial arts moves before you go to bed tonight."

I nodded, smiling despite myself. "I won't. Thanks for the reminder."