After meticulously assessing the acolytes' progress over the previous two months, Emery identified only eight individuals who displayed the necessary talent and dedication for advanced training in the Dao Sword technique.
While all acolytes received instruction in the second stage of the [Dao Heart] skill and [Dao Steps], it was only these eight entrusted with the third and fourth stages of the [Dao Sword] technique, granting them access to deeper insights and more advanced techniques to refine their abilities.
As the third month began, Emery envisioned a new training regimen that would benefit all acolytes, regardless of their affinity for swords.
With a wave of his hand, Emery invoked a spell that left the assembled acolytes in awe.
Harnessing his mastery of space magic, Emery conjured forth a portal gate—a feat considered rare even among seasoned magus. Despite their usual indifference, even acolytes like Ulong and Hardy couldn't help but be drawn in by the spectacle unfolding before them.
The portal, larger than any they had seen before, stretched over ten meters wide. Peering through its shimmering surface, the acolytes caught glimpses of a breathtaking landscape on the other side. Verdant greenery, lush forests, and an unmistakable energy imbued with the vitality of nature itself.
Their wonderment was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a humanoid wooden creature emerging from the portal. Towering at the size of a grown man, its body consisted primarily of verdant wooden roots, pulsating with a magus-level aura that rivaled even their esteemed master's.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe creature turned its gaze toward them and spoke in a language they understood,
"I am Twik..."
Emery introduced Twik as his dear friend, and as the acolytes marveled at the sight of this extraordinary creature, they suddenly realized that the portal was still open, more movement was observed from within, and soon after, multiple smaller-sized plant creatures began to emerge.
"Ku … ku.. Ku.."
"Kuang.. Ku kuang,"
The training yard was soon filled with thirty young-looking plant creatures, each standing at about the shoulder height of an average acolyte. They resembled human teenagers, aged around twelve, with slightly oversized heads and pitch-dark eyes. However, instead of plant roots, their bodies were covered in stones.
These stone creatures appeared curious about their surroundings, with seven submerging their heads into the ground in their restlessness. However, their behavior quickly changed when the adult wood creature, Twik, shrieked, prompting them to stand in lines obediently.
The sight of these creatures left all the acolytes in a state of astonishment. Those with a rudimentary understanding of space magic couldn't help but speculate on the origins of these creatures. It seemed improbable that their master could summon such beings from somewhere within the confines of the academy island. So, where did the portal lead to? Such questions lingered in the minds of the curious.
Others were captivated by the striking resemblance to humans. Their humanoid features and curious behavior fueled this speculation, leading to whispered conversations among the acolytes.
Emery calmly introduced them; "These are the Chizpurs, and starting today, they will be your training buddies"
Hearing this, many of the acolytes gave confused looks, and one of them expressed their concerns, "Master… aren't they kids?"
As soon as the question left his lips, the ground beneath his feet suddenly shifted, causing the young acolyte to trip and stumble.
"Ku ku ku ku ku ku…."
The Chizpurs erupted into laughter at the sight, finding the mishap amusing. Their laughter only ceased when Twik extended one of his roots and forcefully pulled the Chizpur with darker skin, slamming him to the ground.
With a resounding thud, the discipline imposed by the adult creature sent a chill through all the acolytes, who felt the weight of the harsh consequences. At that moment, they all shared the sthought, "We are training buddies with the little ones, right… not the big one?"
Emery calmly explained that despite their young age of 5 to 6 years old, these creatures were mid to high-level magical creatures, comparable to low-to mid-stage rank 9 acolytes. He believed that these Chizpurs would provide the acolytes with much-needed sparring partners to enhance their combat experience.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmFollowing Emery's explanation, all 30 young Chizpurs began to present themselves one by one.
"Chikikoka…" "Chikakoki…" "Chokikako…" "Chekikoka…"
Their names consisted of similar four-syllable patterns, making it almost impossible to distinguish between them or remember their names.
Amidst the group of stone creatures, one stood out from the rest, exuding an energy and vigor that set him apart. This particular Chizpur was easily recognizable as the one with the darker skin tone which had been reprimanded earlier.
"Chokokoko," he announced boldly, his voice ringing out with confidence and a hint of arrogance.
Eager to test his mettle, he wasted no tin stepping forward, ready to engage in combat. In response, a senior acolyte rose from their place, equally eager to face the head to head presented by the spirited Chizpur.
As Emery had explained, each of these Chizpurs was indeed a formidable fighter. Despite their lack of agility, they compensated with exceptional sturdiness and a natural affinity for earth elements. They could manipulate the ground effortlessly, using it both defensively and offensively, and they had the ability to submerge themselves within it, masking their lack of mobility.
The sparring persisted, and to the surprise of many, despite their limited combat experience, these Chizpurs displayed superiority compared to half of the Hall 120 acolytes in one-on-
one combat scenarios.
When the session ended, Emery didn't send the Chizpurs back. Instead, he allowed them to live in Hall 120 like any other acolyte. They shared the spractice area and were even permitted to join in training sessions.
One noticeable difference was they didnt use one of the acolyte rooms, Instead, they slept on the ground, hibernating inside to absorb the mountain energy. Given the richness of the mountain energy, these Chizpurs were much more comfortable with their new living arrangements.
With this method, Emery could train both; the acolytes and the third-generation plant creatures.