A week had passed since the brutal confrontation in the coral field.
And as of now the entire Vorteesi sect was abuzz with anticipation for the rapidly approaching Inner Core Disciples Selection.
Everywhere, sect members were making preparations: hanging vibrant banners, setting up elaborate pavilions, and meticulously organizing the training grounds.
The excitement was palpable and unmistakable as a festive atmosphere infused with a sense of urgency and purpose.
During this time, Nereus, Jonny, and Triton were deeply immersed in their solitary cultivation. Despite having recently broken through to the Reef Master level, Nereus remained dedicated to stabilizing his cultivation foundation.
He spent countless hours practicing the Mantis Shrimp Blows Aqua Art, perfecting the rapid, forceful strikes that mimicked the devastating power of the mantis shrimp. Each session left him more confident in his abilities, yet he knew there was always room for improvement.
When he wasn't cultivating alone, Nereus was overseeing the training of Jonny and Triton. Under his guidance, their progress was astounding.
Triton, now at the peak of the Wave Adept rank, demonstrated a newfound prowess in his combat skills.
Jonny, on the other hand, had successfully manifested a shark construct, following the instructions of his Class I Aqua Art, Sea Construct: Shark. The ethereal creature now often swam alongside Jonny, a testament to his growing mastery.
Despite Triton's impressive advancement, Nereus had deliberately refrained from giving him a cultivation manual.
He could sense Triton's eagerness for further instruction, but Nereus believed Triton needed a deeper understanding of sea essence and water control before progressing to more advanced techniques. Triton's time would come, but Nereus was determined to ensure his foundation was unshakable first.
While Nereus focused on his training, the sect's leadership was also hard at work.
Kano, the Vorteesi sect leader, was overseeing the final preparations for the Inner Core Disciples Selection. His cold, handsome features betrayed little emotion, but his keen eyes missed nothing. The upcoming selection was a significant event, and Kano wanted to ensure everything was flawless.
As he sat in the grand meeting hall, his daughter by his side, Kano listened to the reports of various officials. His dark blue eyes usually flickered with disinterest were bright and alertly paying attention.
"The preparations for the Inner Core Disciples Selection are proceeding smoothly," one official reported.
"Excellent, have preparations been completed for the congratulatory banquet afterwards as well?" Kano asked with a raised brow.
"Uh well, you see, um..." the old and nervous court official broke out into stuttering before replying quickly with, "I'll get right on that sir"
Kano dismissed the official with a roll of his eyes as more officials readily gave their status reports under his critiquing gaze. The upcoming selection was a significant event, and Kano wanted to ensure everything was flawless.
During this time his thoughts often drifted to Argent. He was curious about this rising star from the outer sect, whose recent accomplishments had stirred quite a buzz.
Despite his daughter's differing perspective on the young Mer there was something about him that kept his attention. He felt that no matter the reason the selection would reveal Nereus's true capabilities, and Kano was eager to see how he would perform.
Meanwhile, Brutus Nyx was pushing the treacherous twins to the brink of exhaustion.
His training methods were brutal, bordering on abusive. Every mistake was met with harsh punishment, every success barely acknowledged. Brutus's thoughts were consumed with ensuring Argent's failure.
The prospect of Nereus advancing to the Inner Core was intolerable to him, and he would stop at nothing to prevent it.
In the dark, dank training chamber of the Nyx residence, Brutus watched with a scowl as Ruth and Rave struggled through their drills. "Pathetic!" he barked, his voice echoing off the walls. "Is this all you can muster? And you think you can defeat Argent?"
Ruth winced as she was struck by a wave of Brutus's anger. "We're trying, Father," she panted.
Brutus's expression darkened. "Failure is not an option. Do whatever it takes, but make sure he doesn't succeed. Do you understand?"
Both twins nodded weakly, their bodies aching but their resolve hardening. They couldn't afford to fail again.
As the week progressed, Nereus continued his relentless training regimen. He watched with pride as Jonny and Triton improved under his tutelage with their respective combat skills becoming increasingly refined.
One afternoon at the training grounds, a breakthrough occurred.
Jonny, his face flushed with exertion, managed to manifest a flicker of swordlike sharp sea essence during a sparring session. The brief arc of sea essence danced along his form, eliciting gasps from Triton and a satisfied nod from Nereus.
"Impressive, Jonny," Nereus remarked, pride evident in his voice. "But you must refrain from revealing too many of your trump cards and actual cultivation for now. It would lead to too many questions, and we need to keep our cards close to our chest."
Jonny nodded, understanding the gravity of Nereus's words. "I understand, Nereus. I'll keep it under wraps."
Triton, watching the exchange, couldn't help but feel inspired. All three of them had strengthened over the past week, but Triton was determined to further prove his worth.
As the day drew to a close, the trio made their way home, the weight of the upcoming selection heavy on their minds. The excitement and tension in the air were almost tangible, but Nereus felt a sense of calm determination.
He knew they were ready.
The following morning, the sect would witness the beginning festivities for the Inner Core Disciples Selections.
It was an event that would determine the future of many young Sealockes, including Nereus, Jonny, and Triton. They had trained hard, pushing themselves to their limits, and now the moment of truth was upon them.
As Nereus lay down to sleep, he took a deep breath, before closing his eyes, letting the calm of the ocean lull him to sleep. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter, and he was ready to seize it.