Bloodline of Shadow

Chapter 14: Secrets and Surprises

The training room at the villa buzzed with tension as Ethan stood across from Xanthos. The vast space, with its high ceilings and ancient symbols etched into the floor, seemed almost alive, crackling with latent energy. Ethan had expected an intense day of activities but felt a mix of frustration and anticipation instead. Xanthos, noticing Ethan's impatience, offered a knowing smile.

"Young master, before diving into anything advanced, you must first master the basics," Xanthos began. "Each of these techniques has its roots in ancient arts. Perfecting them will allow you to develop your own unique style in time."

Xanthos raised his hand, and a shadowy mist began to form around it. "This is called Shadow Swipe," he said. Suddenly, with a swift, sweeping motion, Xanthos cut through the air, and the mist followed his hand like a dark blade. The air seemed to split, and Ethan felt a rush of wind blow past him. "It's a quick, slicing move. Effective for disorienting your enemies and creating openings in close combat."

Ethan's eyes widened, impressed by the sharpness and speed of the attack. "Can I try?" he asked.

"Of course," Xanthos replied. "But be mindful of your control. Too much force, and you'll lose balance."

Ethan focused, summoning his energy, and mimicked the sweeping motion. A shadow trailed his hand, but it was faint and dissipated quickly. He stumbled slightly. "Damn," he muttered under his breath.

Xanthos chuckled. "Patience, Ethan. It takes time."

Next, Xanthos clenched his fist, and a faint red aura began to emanate from it. "This is Blood Burst," he explained, releasing a quick burst of energy. A ripple of crimson power shot forward, striking a target dummy across the room. It wasn't a devastating blow, but the dummy seemed to wither as if weakened from within. "This technique channels a burst of your blood energy. It doesn't cause immediate devastation but weakens your opponent over time. A slow but effective drain."

Ethan could see the potential in wearing down an enemy without expending too much energy. "So, it's like a venom," he observed. "You use it to tire them out."

"Exactly," Xanthos confirmed. "Subtle, yet powerful."

Moving on, Xanthos raised his hands, and his fingernails elongated into claws that glowed with a dim, eerie light. "This is Night Claw," he said, slashing through the air. His claws left glowing trails, and the cuts seemed to shimmer before fading. "A precise, more damaging attack. These claws can cut through most defenses with ease."

Ethan watched closely, noticing the precision in Xanthos's movements. "So it's about finesse, not just strength," Ethan mused, trying to understand the technique's underlying strategy.

"Precisely," Xanthos said with a nod. "Power is nothing without control."

With a subtle gesture, Xanthos summoned a swirling mist around his body, his form becoming blurry and hard to see. "This is Gloomy Veil," he explained, his voice seeming to come from all directions. "An ability to cloak yourself in shadows, providing temporary concealment. Perfect for evasion or setting up an ambush."

Ethan squinted, trying to track Xanthos's movement. "It's like becoming a living shadow," he thought aloud. He could see how this could be useful against multiple foes or in tricky terrains.

Suddenly, Xanthos vanished and reappeared behind him. "Always be aware of your surroundings," Xanthos said, startling Ethan.

"Alright, what's next?" Ethan asked, a bit more enthusiastic now.

Xanthos bared his fangs, which began to glow with a dark, crimson hue. "This is Vampire Fang," he said. "By focusing your energy into your fangs, you deliver a bite that does more than wound. It can drain a small amount of blood, restoring your vitality." He mimicked the biting motion on the air, the power radiating from his jaws evident.