The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

The real power of shadow 1, Part 35

During the day, Mer-mer trained hard at the gladiator school, but it seemed his mind wasn't there.Spartacus broke through his defenses and plunged the point of his sword into his throat.

"Where are you, kitten? , "he asked, frowning. "You've been out of sorts for a few days... If you fight like this at the Games, you'll get nowhere."

Mer-mer grunted softly, but really all he could think about was tonight, when he would continue his training with Smug, the Shadow Dragon...

Evening came at last, and Shadow-cat called Smug again. 

Mer-Mer nodded eagerly, pushing the overwhelming revelations about his destiny and the fate of the realms to the back of his mind. Right now, he needed to focus on learning whatever skills Smugg could teach him if he hoped to survive the challenges ahead.

"I'm ready," Mer-Mer said resolutely. "Teach me more ways of shadow magic."

Smugg grinned, his razor sharp teeth glinting. "Excellent. Let's begin with the basics - summoning and controlling shadow creatures."

The great dragon raised a claw and traced an intricate pattern in the air. Tendrils of inky darkness swirled from the ground, coalescing into a snarling shadow wolf. Its eyes glowed crimson as it crouched submissively before Smugg.

"The key is focus and force of will," Smugg explained. "Picture the creature you wish to summon, then pour your energy into giving it form. Start with something small and simple."

Mer-Mer furrowed his brow in concentration. He envisioned a sleek feline shape, its fur blending seamlessly with the shadows. He reached out with his mind, willing the creature to take shape.

Slowly, painstakingly, a small shadow cat formed from the darkness. It was no bigger than a kitten, its features indistinct and wispy. But it was a start.

"Well done," Smugg rumbled approvingly. "With practice, you'll be able to summon more powerful creatures, and exert greater control over them."

For hours, Mer-Mer practiced under Smugg's watchful eye. Shadow cats, birds, and snakes sprang forth from the inky darkness at his command, each one more substantial than the last. By the time they took a break, Mer-Mer was exhausted but exhilarated. He could feel the power of the shadows thrumming through his veins.

"You're a quick study," Smugg said, sounding impressed. "Few pick up the basics so readily. But summoning is only the beginning. Next, you must learn to veil yourself in shadow, to become one with the darkness..."

As the training continued, Mer-Mer lost all track of time. His world narrowed to the chill embrace of the shadows, the thrill of newfound power singing in his blood. When Smugg finally called a halt, Mer-Mer blinked as if waking from a dream.

"You've made excellent progress," the dragon said. "But don't let it go to your head. Mastery will take time and much more practice. For now, though, you have the tools you need to survive."

Shadow-Cat, who had finished her meditation, padded over to join them. "The hour grows late," she said. "We should return before we're missed."

Mer-Mer nodded, suddenly feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him...

He had less than a week until the Big Games. Whether he would be able to master the Secret of Shadow Magic and survive the Collegium was all up to him...