Lucien slowly lowered his sword.
The air around him was quiet.
Something felt different.
His body moved lightly. His breathing was steady. Even the sound of the wind felt clearer than before.
So this is Stage Two, Lucien murmured.
Master White watched him silently. Then he spoke.
Now that you can use Flowing Edge, it is time to teach you Stage 3 Phantom Step.
Lucien looked at him.
I am ready to learn whenever you are ready to teach me.
Master White nodded.
You are quick to learn. If you learn all the stages of this technique, you will be unstoppable. For the past four years I trained you hard to increase your stamina, speed, and endurance. You endured everything I threw at you. Even carrying rocks up the mountain. I am proud of you, Lucien. Training you and your father put a smile on my face.
Master White laughed.
But do not think I will ever go easy on you. This time you will work yourself even harder.
Lucien answered firmly.
As long as I get stronger, I will not give up.
---
Lucien stood in front of Master White, waiting for the next instruction.
Master White picked up a stick and drew several marks on the ground. One in front of Lucien. One behind him. One to his left. One to his right. Then four more at diagonal angles.
Soon, eight positions surrounded Lucien.
Lucien looked down.
Footwork training
Master White shook his head.
No. This is movement training. Stage Three is not about speed alone. It is about unpredictability.
You must move between these points randomly. Do not follow a pattern. Do not stop moving. While stepping, you must also swing your sword.
Lucien nodded and stepped forward.
He moved to the front mark and swung his sword. Then he stepped left and swung again. His movements were smooth but predictable.
Too slow. Your body is thinking before moving.
Lucien increased his speed. He stepped right, then back, then forward again. His footwork became faster, but he repeated the same pattern.
If the enemy understands your pattern, you are already dead.
Lucien stopped for a moment.
Do not stop. Stopping breaks the flow.
Lucien continued. Sweat formed on his forehead. He stepped diagonally, then backward, then right. He swung continuously.
At first his steps were heavy.
His balance shifted.
His attacks slowed.
After some time his steps became lighter.
Direction changed faster.
Attacks flowed with movement.
Master White threw a small stone toward Lucien's leg. Lucien reacted late and stumbled.
You must move without hesitation. Your feet must follow instinct.
Lucien clenched his teeth and continued. He stopped thinking. His body began reacting on its own. Leaves around him were cut apart as he moved.
Good. Your movement is no longer fixed.
After hours of training, Lucien's steps became light and sudden.
This continued for one week until Lucien mastered it.
That is enough for now. I will teach you Shadow Movement.
Lucien thought to himself. Learning this will be hard. I wonder what Shadow Movement is like.
---
Shadow Movement training began. Master White moved, and Lucien followed. At first he was slow. Later he reacted instantly. Eventually he moved before Master White finished his step.
After a week, he mastered it.
---
Speed Burst Training followed. Stones were placed far apart. Lucien burst between them. His movement became explosive. His body blurred.
After intense training, he mastered it.
---
Afterimage Drill came last. Master White attacked continuously. Lucien dodged, repositioned, and countered. A faint blur remained behind him.
That is your afterimage, Master White said.
After another week, Phantom Step took shape.
---
Now I will show you.
Master White moved.
Lucien could not track him. Afterimages overlapped. Master White appeared behind him.
This is Phantom Step. You disappear from your enemy's understanding.
Lucien nodded.
I still have a long way to go.
Then begin.
Lucien trained nonstop until the next day.
---
The next day, Master White and Lucien stood facing each other.
Today I want to see how far you have improved.
Master White made the first move. He attacked calmly, as if Lucien were no threat. Lucien blocked.
Master White attacked continuously. Lucien looked for distance. If he kept defending, he would never counter.
When Master White struck again, Lucien remembered the training.
I will use what you taught me.
Lucien parried and countered. He did not use force, but his blade became sharper. His swings were smooth and silent.
Master White smiled.
He is using his sword like I taught him. Smooth and silent. That makes it dangerous.
Master White dodged. Lucien continued attacking. Master White blocked.
I never thought you would push me back this quickly. I will use fifty percent of my power now.
Master White swung toward Lucien's head. Lucien blocked and twisted his sword, forcing Master White's blade downward. Lucien attempted a follow up strike.
Master White threw a heavy punch.
Lucien blocked the punch. Master White swung again. Lucien jumped back and blocked.
Lucien stood still for a moment.
Master White rushed forward.
Silent Blade Second Form.
Lucien swung. The air from his blade created a wind attack. He repeated it five times. Master White blocked each one.
Lucien rushed forward and used Flowing Edge. His attacks chained continuously. Each strike flowed into the next.
Master White blocked them all.
You have made me proud.
I am not done yet.
Lucien attempted Phantom Step. Master White attacked immediately.
Do you think your enemy will wait when you have a blind spot
Lucien dodged and countered. His movement created afterimage like illusions.
Master White struck with force and ended the exchange. Lucien was sent flying into a house.
Lucien stood up.
I am not giving up yet.
Yes. Even if your sword is broken, your enemy will not stop.
Master White attacked again. Lucien blocked, but his sword cracked.
Another strike.
Lucien's sword shattered.
Lucien dropped the broken sword.
Suddenly he disappeared.
Master White thought Lucien was just fast, but he could not sense him.
Phantom Step awakened.