Following the unexpected surge of dark energy in the previous session, Lyra adjusted their training to focus on the active measures Soul Wardens employed to combat Gorok's influence.
The passive detection was only half the battle; the true challenge lay in confronting and nullifying the encroaching darkness.
"Today," Lyra announced, her light form radiating a determined energy,
"you will learn to project protective wards and techniques to dispel spiritual corruption. Recruit Zephyr, your affinity for the Radiant Flow makes you particularly suited for creating barriers of pure light. Recruit Einar, your connection to the Void can be used to… unravel, to nullify the unnatural energies of Gorok."
She began with Zephyr, demonstrating intricate gestures that caused shimmering shields of brilliant orange light to materialize around training constructs.
"The Radiant Flow is a powerful force of creation and life. By focusing your intent, you can weave it into wards that can deflect corrupted energies and even disrupt the influence of the Nullsworn. However,"
she cautioned, "these wards must be constantly maintained, as the darkness will relentlessly seek any weakness."
Lyra then guided Zephyr through a series of exercises, teaching him to channel his energetic aura into focused beams of light that could push back against simulated corrupted energies.
Zephyr, despite his initial lack of seriousness, displayed a natural talent for this, his innate vibrancy manifesting as potent defensive and offensive capabilities.
"Not bad, Recruit," Lyra conceded, a hint of genuine approval in her tone as Zephyr managed to hold back a surge of simulated dark energy with a shimmering orange barrier.
"With practice, you will learn to make these wards more resilient and your projections more precise."
Next, she turned her attention to Einar.
"Einar, your path is different. The Void is not a force of creation in the same way as the Radiant Flow. Your strength lies in its ability to negate, to unravel. You must learn to channel the Void to disrupt the corrupting energies at their source."
She projected a training construct that was heavily saturated with dark red energy, its form writhing and unstable.
"Your task is not to shield against this, but to touch it with the Void and… unravel its unnatural cohesion."
Einar closed his eyes, reaching deep within for that familiar stillness. He focused his intent, visualizing the dark energy surrounding the construct as tangled threads.
He then cautiously extended a tendril of the Void, guiding it towards the corrupted energy.
The moment the Void touched the darkness, a visible reaction occurred. The dark red energy flickered violently, its sharp edges softening, its chaotic movements becoming less frantic.
It was as if the Void was subtly disrupting its unnatural structure, causing it to unravel from within.
"Careful," Lyra warned, observing intently.
"The Void is a potent force. Too much, too quickly, and you risk destabilizing the underlying spiritual energy entirely."
Einar carefully modulated the flow of Void energy, focusing on subtly disrupting the corruption without causing complete annihilation.
It was a delicate dance of absence against unnatural presence. Slowly, painstakingly, the dark red energy began to dissipate, its hold on the construct weakening until the construct itself returned to its neutral state.
"Impressive, newcomer," Lyra admitted, a rare hint of surprise in her luminous eyes.
"Your control is developing faster than I anticipated. You possess a natural understanding of the Void's… unmaking. This will be invaluable against Gorok's forces."
She then instructed them on combining their techniques, showing how Zephyr's Radiant Flow wards could create openings for Einar's Void energy to target the source of corruption.
They practiced coordinating their efforts against increasingly challenging simulated threats, learning to work together despite the fundamental differences in their powers.
As the training session concluded, Lyra regarded them both with a more appraising gaze.
"You have both shown potential. Remember the importance of these techniques. The ability to protect and to nullify will be crucial in the battles to come. Gorok's shadows are lengthening, and the echoes of its hunger grow stronger. Be prepared."