The Ascendant Mortal: Beyond Divine Boundaries

As Dharam departed to attend to other duties, Aamir stepped into the Library of Combat, his heart racing with anticipation. The arched entrance welcomed him into a vast chamber filled with shelves reaching toward the glowing orbs that floated above. The air smelled of parchment and history, and the quiet hum of energy resonated through the room, amplifying the library's sense of purpose.

Walking in, Aamir's attention was drawn to statues lining the path—each depicting legendary warriors from Aryavrata, their postures immortalizing their most iconic techniques. One held a massive hammer, another wielded twin swords, and a third seemed to command the wind itself. Each statue seemed to watch over the new generation of students, urging them to strive for greatness.

An elderly librarian with sharp, calculating eyes approached him briskly. She wore a robe adorned with faint, shimmering glyphs, and her gaze seemed to pierce through Aamir's nervous excitement.

"New student?" she asked, her voice carrying an authority earned from years of experience.

"Yes," Aamir said, bowing slightly in respect. "I need the Dragon Blade manual."

The librarian's features softened slightly. "A wise choice. Come with me."

She guided him through the labyrinth of shelves, each section bearing ornate markings that indicated its rank. As they passed the Rank 1 section, Aamir noticed titles like Foundations of Blade Mastery and The Art of Centered Breathing. These were the basics, fundamental and universal. But as they entered the Rank 2 section, the titles grew more specialized—Thunderous Steps: Advanced Momentum Techniques, Blazing Wind Slash, and others that hinted at unique, refined strategies.

Stopping at a gilded shelf, the librarian carefully pulled a sleek, black-bound manual from its place. Handing it to Aamir, she said, "The Dragon Blade is unlike most Adreno Arts. It requires instinct as much as discipline. As you grow, so will this technique. Respect it, and it will serve you well."

Aamir accepted the manual, its cover surprisingly warm to the touch. He thanked her sincerely but hesitated, remembering Khushi's overwhelming speed during their sparring match.

"Do you have techniques that focus on speed?" he asked.

The librarian arched an eyebrow before nodding. "Follow me."

She led him deeper into the Rank 2 section, stopping in front of a shelf filled with manuals that exuded a sharp, vibrant energy. "Here are techniques tailored for agility and speed. Browse carefully—your sword style will determine which works best for you."

With that, she departed, leaving Aamir to explore. He scanned titles like Lightning Stride and Phantom Step, but his eyes lingered on one particular book: Garuda's Glide. The description intrigued him: "Mimicking the mythical bird Garuda, this footwork emphasizes swift, aerial-like movements and strategic repositioning."

Aamir picked it up, flipping through its pages, which detailed techniques designed to make the user seem as if they were gliding above the battlefield, effortlessly evading and countering attacks. He knew instinctively that this was what he needed.

With both manuals in hand, Aamir exited the library, where Dharam awaited him, leaning casually against a pillar.

"Good," Dharam said, his eyes gleaming as he noticed the books. "You've made your choices. Now comes the hard part—mastery."

Aamir nodded, gripping the manuals tightly. "I'm ready."

Dharam chuckled, motioning for him to follow. "We'll see. Let's start by testing that determination of yours."

They walked toward the training grounds as Aamir's thoughts raced. With the Dragon Blade and Garuda's Glide, he felt closer than ever to realizing his potential. But as he prepared for the trials ahead, he reminded himself of Khushi's words: raw strength wasn't enough. Mastery of both control and technique would define his path.

As Aamir and Dharam reached the training grounds, the air was filled with the sounds of clashing weapons and shouts of exertion. Other students, engaged in intense practice, moved with precision and focus, their techniques reflecting years of discipline. The atmosphere was charged with determination, and Aamir felt his own resolve harden.

Dharam gestured to an open area, its surface etched with ancient runes that glowed faintly. "This is where we'll begin," he said. "The Dragon Blade and Garuda's Glide are not ordinary techniques. They demand not just practice but a deep connection with your body and mind. Show me what you've got."

Aamir nodded, setting the manuals aside on a stone pedestal. He unsheathed his training sword, feeling its familiar weight in his hand. Dharam stepped back, crossing his arms as he observed.

"Start with the basics of the Dragon Blade," Dharam instructed. "It's a technique designed for adaptability and precision, combining swift, powerful strikes with fluid movements. Visualize the blade as an extension of yourself."

Aamir took a deep breath, recalling the first stance illustrated in the manual. He positioned his feet firmly, the tip of his blade angled slightly downward. The technique's initial movements were deceptively simple—a fluid sequence of diagonal slashes meant to harness momentum.

He began slowly, each strike deliberate. As he moved, he felt the technique begin to flow, his body adjusting instinctively to the rhythm. The Dragon Blade was not just about strength but timing—an art of finding openings and exploiting them with calculated precision.

Dharam nodded approvingly. "Good. Now integrate speed. Use the principles of Garuda's Glide. Imagine yourself as light as air, your movements unrestricted."

Aamir shifted his stance, focusing on his footwork. He visualized the mythical bird, Garuda, soaring effortlessly through the sky. With each step, he aimed to mimic that grace, pivoting and repositioning with newfound agility. The runes on the ground responded to his energy, faintly illuminating with each shift in movement.

Dharam suddenly drew a wooden staff from his side and advanced on Aamir. "Adapt," he commanded, striking toward him without warning.

Caught off guard, Aamir barely managed to sidestep the strike. Dharam pressed forward, his attacks swift and unrelenting. Aamir's mind raced as he combined the techniques. His strikes became more fluid, his movements more agile. He began to anticipate Dharam's attacks, repositioning himself strategically and countering with precise slashes.

"Better," Dharam said, his voice steady despite the rapid exchange. "But you're hesitating. Trust your instincts, Aamir. The Dragon Blade thrives on intuition."

Aamir gritted his teeth, focusing entirely on the battle. He pushed himself harder, each movement blending the precision of the Dragon Blade with the swiftness of Garuda's Glide. His strikes became sharper, his evasion smoother. For a brief moment, he felt as if he were truly gliding across the battlefield.

Dharam finally stepped back, lowering his staff. "That's enough for now."

Aamir was breathing heavily, sweat dripping down his face, but his eyes shone with determination.

"You've got potential," Dharam said, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "But this is just the beginning. Mastery doesn't come overnight. You'll need to train relentlessly, refining these techniques until they become second nature."

"I understand," Aamir said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "I'll keep pushing forward."

Dharam clapped him on the shoulder. "Good. Rest for now. Tomorrow, we'll focus on combining these techniques under more challenging conditions. For now, take some time to reflect on today's practice. Let the techniques settle in your mind."

As Aamir left the training grounds, the weight of the manuals in his arms felt lighter. He knew the road ahead would be grueling, but he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him. The echoes of Dharam's words stayed with him: trust your instincts.

That night, as he studied the Dragon Blade and Garuda's Glide in his dormitory, Aamir made a silent vow. He wouldn't just master these techniques—he would surpass them. He would forge his own path, one step closer to his ultimate goal.