"Beautiful technique. That was like watching a master artist at work." Noah observed with admiration. The way that Alissa fought that bear made it look effortless, as if she were merely playing with it.
Valeria nodded with obvious pride in her student's development. "Alissa has achieved what we call the flow. Few practitioners reach that level of artistic combat."
After both demonstrations concluded, a third Crimson Horn Bear appeared from the forest depths, as if the creatures were responding to the challenges from the hunting party.
Valeria turned toward Noah with an expectant gaze. "It's your turn."
Noah nodded with a grim expression, feeling the pressure of fighting something significantly above his current power level. The bears had demonstrated power and cunning that made them genuinely dangerous opponents rather than simple training exercises.
