After mastering the Resounding Touch, Ragna felt a thrill he had never known. His strikes flowed, his flame obeyed, and for the first time, his mind and body moved in harmony. Yet Sir Aldren's gaze remained stern, hinting that the journey had only begun.
"Ragna," Aldren said one morning as the sun crested the horizon, "today we begin the Third Lower String: Towering Barrier."
Ragna's brow furrowed. "Barrier… is it defensive?"
Aldren nodded. "Yes. Unlike Blazing Strike or Resounding Touch, this string focuses on defense. The Lower Strings contain only one defensive technique—the Towering Barrier. Its advanced form exists in the Upper Strings, but you are not yet ready for that. The Lower version, however, is essential for any fighter. A blade without defense is doomed to fail against a skilled opponent."
He drew his sword, flames crawling along the edge, hotter than before, brighter, more intense.
"The Towering Barrier demands insight," Aldren explained. "You must anticipate your opponent's attacks. Not react to them, but sense them before they strike. Then, with swift activation, spin your blade coated in hard flame to deflect incoming blows. The motion is short, efficient, and extremely effective. Less time, less energy, maximum protection."
Ragna's hands itched on the hilt. "So… it's all about prediction and speed?"
"Yes," Aldren replied. "The sword and flame move as one. The fire hardens the blade, and the spin absorbs impact. Your mind must remain calm. Hesitation, doubt, or distraction will break the barrier before it forms."
Ragna nodded, determination blazing in his eyes." I can do this"
Aldren raised his blade. "Watch carefully."
With a fluid motion, he spun the sword in a perfect circle. Flames thickened, curling outward like a living wall. Aldren moved sideways as an imagined attack struck toward him. The blade intercepted it seamlessly, sparks erupting as if two forces collided. The motion lasted only a heartbeat, yet the barrier absorbed everything.
Ragna's jaw dropped. The sheer precision and power were breathtaking.
In awe" this is ridiculous, yet it is amazing "
"Your turn," Aldren said.
Ragna squared his stance, hands gripping the hilt tightly. He closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, focusing on the rhythm of his breathing and the flow of the flame along the blade. Then he spun.
The motion was clumsy at first. The flames wavered, his sword shuddered, and the imaginary strike pierced the perimeter of his barrier. Aldren shook his head.
"Predict. Anticipate. Move without hesitation. The flame will reinforce your sword, but only if your mind is steady."
Ragna inhaled deeply and tried again. This time, the motion was smoother, more confident. The blade spun faster. The flames hardened. When Aldren simulated the strike again, Ragna's barrier met it perfectly—absorption, not resistance. The impact was intense but fully contained. Sparks danced across the ground, but the sword remained steady in his hands.
Aldren's lips curved slightly. "Better. You have understood the principle. The Towering Barrier is less taxing than other Lower Strings, but it demands foresight and instantaneous activation. Practice this until your body and mind move as one. Only then will the defense become instinctual."
Ragna exhaled, sweat dripping down his brow, muscles burning—but he smiled. "I will master it, sir."
Aldren's eyes glimmered with approval. "Good. Remember, Ragna, a blade that cannot defend is no blade at all. The Towering Barrier will save your life when raw power cannot."
"I'll keep that in mind ... I was always wondering when I'll be learning something defensive" he said with a smile
Walks a few meters from Ragna before stoping and gazing back" compared to your mate, Ragna, you're almost a knight. At this rate, you'll soon cross the fifth lower string which is mandatory to be a knight. At your age, I was still training in the knights yard learning basic swordsmanship... Your advancement makes my current achievements look inferior, however, am still glad I go to teach a prodigy like yourself" he smiles.
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As Ragna practiced through the morning, spinning and activating the flame barrier repeatedly, he realized the skill was not just defense—it was control, discipline, and understanding the flow of combat itself.
For the first time, he felt the fire within him align not only with offense, but with protection, foresight, and strategy.
And as the sun climbed higher over Manachy, Ragna knew that with each string he mastered, the path to his true purpose—and to the people he had yet to find—grew clearer and closer.
He stops, looked at the training ground where he stood alone. He could feel the wind , the heat if the sun, everything felt refreshing. Exhilarating.
"So this is training and progress. Back when I was training in the knights yard, I thought I was good for nothing. I wonder ... If I were to face Ronan now, will he be a good matchup " he chuckles" I don't think so, I'll still come out on top ... I just know that" took his stance and continued practicing his technique.
"Today is almost over, tomorrow, I must do better".