The Eclipsed Bloom
Chapter 68: Preparing for war

Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Preparing for war

Zara stood in front of Nyssa, who held a gleaming spear in one hand, her stance firm and her expression calm yet commanding.

"You’ve already mastered the sword," Nyssa said, her voice even. "Now it’s time to learn the spear."

She gestured to a rack nearby where a variety of spears stood—each one polished, deadly, and unique.

Zara nodded and walked toward the weapon stand. As she moved, her gaze drifted to the bustling training field nearby.

Thalia and Rose were locked in a fast-paced hand-to-hand spar, their strikes sharp and fluid. Not far from them, Clair and Lucy exchanged rapid blows with wooden staffs, their movements calculated and fierce.

Then Zara’s eyes landed on Edith.

Seated comfortably under a tree, the girl held a book with an outrageously flashy cover and a title written in bold red script. A soft giggle escaped her lips as she turned another page, cheeks pink with amusement.

Zara blinked. Of course.

Nyssa followed her gaze, narrowed her eyes, and let out a deep sigh. "Edith! I said training—not corrupting your mind!"

Edith peeked over the book, grinning mischievously. "Reading stimulates the imagination, you know~"

With a sharp thud, Nyssa slammed her spear into the ground. The training field trembled from the impact.

"AHH! Okay, okay! I’m training!" Edith yelped, jumping to her feet. Still clutching her book, she wobbled toward the weapons rack while muttering, "Cruel instructors... banning good literature..."

Nyssa pinched the bridge of her nose. "That girl..." she muttered under her breath as Edith began reading again—while walking.

Turning her attention back to Zara, her tone turned serious."Pick a spear that feels natural. One that fits you—not too long, not too heavy. Feel it, don’t just wield it."

Zara scanned the spears carefully—some were long and halberd-like, others jagged and almost primal in design. There were so many options...

Then, her gaze settled on a slim spear with a silver-tipped blade that shimmered in the light. Sleek. Balanced. It seemed to hum in her presence.

She reached out and took it in her hand. The grip felt just right.

She gave it a short spin in her palm, testing the weight. Then, stepping back, she planted the spear into the ground beside her with a solid thud.

"Wow... it’s comfortable to hold."

Nyssa observed her with a nod of approval. "Yeah. It suits you. Now come here and try swinging it."

Zara stepped forward. She adjusted her stance and raised the spear with confidence—then swung it.

Like a sword.

The spear wobbled in her hands. She lost her footing slightly.

"Eh? Why isn’t this like swinging a sword?" she mumbled, confused.

Nyssa’s face darkened with disappointment. "Zara... that’s not how you use a spear."

Before Zara could respond, Nyssa moved like lightning. With a sharp flick, she slashed the edge of her spear across Zara’s forearm.

Blood spattered to the dirt.

Zara gasped—but didn’t cry out. She stared at the red line blooming across her skin, breath steady.

Nyssa narrowed her eyes and slowly nodded. "Good. You’ve learned to control pain."

Zara watched as the wound pulsed... then gradually closed, the skin stitching itself together.

So... all that training really worked. I can control it now.

She tightened her grip on the spear as the last trace of the wound vanished.

"Now listen carefully," Nyssa said. "The spear isn’t about brute strength or sheer speed. It’s about flow. You need to treat it like it’s part of you—not something you wield, but something you move with. Watch and follow."

With fluid grace, Nyssa began moving her spear—spinning, slashing, and sweeping in a rhythmic dance that looked effortless.

Zara, a few paces behind, mirrored her movements. Awkward at first, but focused. Determined.

As Zara swung her spear, focused on mimicking Nyssa’s form, a familiar voice rang out across the training field.

"Zara! Let’s fight again!"

She paused mid-swing and turned.

Grace was sprinting toward her, clad in light training armor, a massive sword slung across her back. Her grin was as wide as ever—full of mischief and energy.

Zara sighed lightly and rubbed the side of her head, brushing her hair back as she watched Grace approach.

Grace skidded to a stop in front of her, practically bouncing in place. "Come on, come on! Just one spar—"

THWACK!

A sharp thud rang out as a fist came crashing down on the top of Grace’s head from behind.

"Go train over there. She’s learning now," came a cold, authoritative voice.

Grace winced, crouching a little from the pain as she looked back with a pout. "Oww... Mom! I just wanted a fight, not brain damage!"

Nyssa’s eyes narrowed, her brows furrowing as her fist clenched again.

Grace saw it—and bolted.

"OKAY, okay! I’m going! Don’t punch me again!"

Zara blinked, watching the whirlwind interaction in silence.

Nyssa sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose again. "That child’s going to be the death of me..."

Zara chuckled quietly, tightening her grip on the spear once more. "She really does take after you."

Nyssa’s eye twitched. "...Don’t push your luck, too."

Zara quickly turn her head away and start swinging,

Gorvana Continent – Academy, Principal’s Office

In the stone-walled office of the academy, Elric sat behind his desk, the light from the window flickering against his solemn face. Across from him stood Ishara, clad in the radiant holy armor of the Temple.

"So, you’re saying the demons are launching a full-scale invasion?" Elric asked, voice low and grim.

Ishara nodded, her posture unwavering. "Yes. We’ve already sent messages to all empires and races. As per the old alliance, they’re bound to send forces."

Elric sighed and rubbed his temples, exhaustion lining his features. With a wave of his hand, he conjured a glowing circle in the air—an enchanted communication seal.

"Natalia. Report. How is the Saints’ training going?"

A clear, composed voice responded from the glowing circle. "They’re mostly ready to face General-ranked demons. But if they face a Demon Lord... they’re not prepared yet."

Elric’s jaw tensed. "We don’t have time. Prepare them anyway. And alert all instructors—we’re going to war."

Training Grounds

Natalia stood tall on a balcony overlooking the training field. Saints in crimson academy uniforms swung swords and channeled powerful magic, blasting dummies to splinters. The air crackled with arcane energy and flying embers.

She turned toward the glowing communication circle beside her.

"But Elric..." she said, her voice tight. "They’re not ready to face Demon Lords."

A long pause followed—then Elric’s voice echoed, steely and final.

"The demons have already begun their assault. We have no choice left."

Back in the Office

Elric closed the circle, eyes heavy with responsibility. He turned to Ishara.

"How much time do we have?"

Ishara’s expression darkened. She rose from her seat, the light reflecting off her golden armor.

"Only one day," she said quietly. "They’re advancing fast... ferociously."

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