MARD Chapter 22 Training

In the World Marble, Mei was practicing her footwork, following Wu Ying’s sharp instructions, while Wu Xiao sat cross-legged nearby, grumbling but cultivating as her sister had ordered. Wu Lan, ever calm, observed the others with a composed gaze.

A short distance away, Issei sat shirtless in the grass, legs crossed in meditation. The red scales of the Boosted Gear gleamed on his left arm, pulsing faintly with rhythmic light. The red aura intensified with every passing Boost, a low, hum echoing from deep within the gauntlet.

“Boost!”

The sound vibrated through the air every ten seconds, followed by a flash of red energy that surged into Issei’s body. His muscles tensed, veins standing out along his arms and neck as his breath came slow and controlled. Sweat ran down his temples, dripping into the grass below.

Before him, Ddraig’s massive form loomed like a small mountain. The dragon’s eyes glowed emerald, unblinking as he watched his partner. His wings folded neatly against his back, tail curling lazily behind him.

“Steady, partner,” Ddraig rumbled, his deep voice reverberating across the meadow. “Focus your mind. Control the flow, do not let go.”

Issei nodded silently, his jaw tightening. The pressure inside him was immense. Each Boost amplified his strength, power coursing through every fiber of his being like molten lightning.

“Boost!”

The fifth pulse struck, and Issei’s control began to waver. His breathing grew heavier, shoulders trembling as his aura flickered violently. Crimson energy crackled around him like fire, scorching the ground beneath his legs.

“Ddraig…!” He grunted through clenched teeth.

The dragon’s eyes narrowed. “Hold it there, Issei. Don’t push further.”

“But—”

“Now,” Ddraig growled, the weight of his voice commanding obedience.

Issei exhaled sharply, slamming his gauntlet into the ground. The humming ceased, the red light fading as the energy dispersed in waves. He hunched forward, gasping for air, his skin glistening with sweat.

“Reset!”

“Damn…” He muttered between breaths, wiping his forehead. “That’s… five Boosts. I can’t go higher than that. Not yet.”

Ddraig lowered his massive head, studying him closely. His gaze was calculating, almost troubled. “Strange,” The dragon murmured. “Your stamina and aura are more than enough. By all logic, you should be capable of reaching seven, perhaps even ten Boosts by now.”

Issei glanced up, his breathing still ragged. “Then why can’t I?”

The dragon’s eyes glowed brighter, and for a moment, he seemed deep in thought. “It must be your cultivation.”

“My… cultivation?”

Ddraig nodded slowly. “Yes. This new path you’ve taken, cultivating your body and qi, it’s given you power that your human frame was never meant to handle. Every Stage you advance expands your strength, but it also resets your foundation. You must relearn how to contain and channel the power of the Boosted Gear each time you ascend.”

Issei frowned, trying to process it. “So… you’re saying my own growth is holding me back?”

“In a sense.” Ddraig’s voice rumbled low, thoughtful. “Your body keeps evolving faster than your connection to the Gear can stabilize. In the past, my hosts—like Albion’s too, I imagine, would slowly adapt through repetition, pushing their limits bit by bit. But you…” He exhaled a faint plume of smoke. “You grow differently. Too quickly, perhaps. Each Stage resets the equilibrium.”

Issei clenched his fist, looking down at the crimson scales of the Boosted Gear. “So basically… I need to train for control even harder.”

A small, approving rumble echoed from the dragon’s chest. “Exactly. You must temper your foundation before seeking higher power. Otherwise, your body will burn itself from the inside out.”

Issei groaned, falling backward onto the grass, staring up at the perpetual golden sky. “So no shortcuts, huh?”

Ddraig’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “There never are. But I expect no less from you, partner.”

Nearby, Wu Ying paused her sparring lesson to glance over at him. “Issei! Don’t slack off already!”

He raised an arm lazily, waving her off. “I’m not slacking, I’m recovering!”

Wu Xiao giggled from her meditation spot. “Big Bro looks like a dying fish!”

Issei groaned louder. “Ungrateful little gremlins…”

Ddraig’s deep laugh rolled through the meadow, shaking the air. “If they’re teasing you, it means they still believe in you.”

Issei smirked faintly at that, closing his eyes. ‘Yeah… I guess that’s true.’

The dragon’s laughter faded, replaced by a calm rumble. “Rest for now, partner. We have work yet to do before facing that mayor.”

—------------------------------------------------

Later that same afternoon, Issei and Wu Ying stood once again in the open clearing, this time facing each other in preparation.

Wu Lan sat nearby beneath the shade of a tree, arms crossed as she observed with quiet curiosity. Mei and Wu Xiao were a few meters away; Mei sat with Luna and a few of the smaller animals, while Wu Xiao munched on a stick of dried fruit, clearly not paying attention.

Ddraig was right next to the,, eyes glowing faintly.

“Alright,” Issei said, exhaling slowly as crimson light began to pulse along his arm. The Boosted Gear materialized with a metallic clang, its scarlet jewel burning brightly. “Let’s try this again.”

Wu Ying nodded, tightening her gloves. “Fine by me. I’m ready.” Her tone was confident, but her eyes betrayed a hint of unease; she still remembered the last time—the surge of power so intense that her body had refused to move afterward.

“Boost!”

Issei inhaled sharply as energy poured through him, the red aura surrounding his body flickering brighter. A low hum followed—steady, rhythmic, alive. He turned to Wu Ying, his expression softening. “You ready?”

She cracked her knuckles and gave a sharp nod. “Do it.”

Issei raised his gauntlet, palm glowing red. Threads of light shot from the Boosted Gear’s jewel, swirling through the air like ribbons. 

“Transfer!”

An orb of energy then hit and wrapped around Wu Ying’s body, sinking into her skin. She gasped softly as the power surged through her, her aura flaring brilliant emerald.

The grass around her flattened, the wind kicking up as her qi swelled. For a moment, the sheer intensity of it stole her breath.

“Issei… I can feel it,” She said through gritted teeth. “I feel so… strong. So much stronger than before.”

“Good,” he said, voice tense as he held the channel steady. “That’s one Boost transferred. Here comes the second.”

After twenty seconds and two Boosts, Issei concentrated and pushed more energy into her.

“Transfer!”

The glow brightened, pulsing violently as a second surge entered her body. Wu Ying clenched her fists, forcing herself to remain steady. Her aura doubled, forming faint ripples of pressure in the air.

For Wu Ying it was getting difficult to breathe, but her body felt amazing as the power radiated out of every pour. After a few minutes the power left her system and Wu Ying centered herself for the third transfer.

But as Issei power increased by three Boosts and prepared to transfer for the third time, Ddraig’s voice rumbled deeply. “Careful. Her aura’s reaching its threshold. Any more, and you’ll risk rupturing her body.”

“I know,” Issei grunted, sweat beading on his forehead. Still, he guided the third wave across the gap between them. The instant it connected, Wu Ying’s aura burst outward in a brilliant green flare, her body trembling as she struggled to contain it.

“Enough!” Ddraig with careful observation commanded that this will be the final Transfer.

Wu Ying staggered but caught herself, breathing heavily, her eyes wide as she flexed her hands. “Three Boosts…” She murmured, her voice filled with awe. “That’s… all I can take.”

Issei nodded, watching her aura flicker and stabilize. “Yeah. You’ve gotten better, though. Last time, you couldn’t move after two.”

Ddraig’s booming laughter echoed softly. “Indeed. Progress, even if small, is still progress.” His tone shifted slightly, more serious. “However, the Transfer isn’t perfect. Only about half the power made it across the third time.”

Wu Lan tilted her head from her seat beneath the tree. “Half?”

“Yes,” Ddraig said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “The energy bleeds away during the exchange. A flaw in the Transfer’s synchronization. Of the three Boosts given, only about fifty percent of their true power reached her.”

Wu Ying frowned. “So… I’m only getting half of what he gets?”

“Correct,” the dragon confirmed. “But that’s for the best. If Issei were to channel his full power into your body unrestrained…” His emerald gaze flicked to her. “…you would likely explode.”

The silence that followed was immediate and heavy.

Wu Xiao blinked, lowering her snack. “Explode? Like—boom?”

Wu Ying’s face twitched. “…Thank you for the vivid image, Ddraig.”

The dragon chuckled, a low rumble that shook the ground. “You’re welcome.”

Issei, still sitting cross-legged, gave a sheepish grin. “Guess it’s a good thing I didn’t try for four, huh?”

Wu Ying exhaled, shaking out her hands as her aura finally dimmed. “Yeah… let’s not test that theory.”

Mei, who had been watching from the sidelines with wide eyes, tilted her head. “So… that’s the second ability of the Boosted Gear?”

Issei smiled at her. “That’s part of it.”

Wu Lan stood, brushing off her robes as she looked between them. “Good work. It’s progress. But we’ll need more than just strength if we’re to face a mayor at the Sixth Stage.”

Wu Ying smirked, flexing her fingers as faint sparks of green qi danced between them. “Then let’s make sure we’re ready.”

—-----------------------------------

After a few hours later

Near the edge of the meadow, Mei stood opposite Wu Lan, both women facing each other in a loose sparring stance. Mei’s expression was tense but determined, while Wu Lan, calm and composed as ever, adjusted her sleeves.

“All right,” Wu Lan said softly, her voice steady as the breeze. “This time, since Wu Ying is recovering from the train with Issei, we will be focusing on control. While I’m not as skilled a fighter as Wu Ying, I do know a bit. So my advice is that you shouldn’t only rely purely on power. Every strike should be guided, not thrown. Understand?”

Mei nodded, inhaling deeply. “I’ll try.”

“Good. Come at me.”

Mei hesitated for half a second before charging forward. Her steps were light—too light for someone with her level of strength. The moment her fist swung, the air cracked, the sheer pressure kicking up dust from the ground.

Wu Lan’s eyes widened slightly. ‘Still too strong!’

She sidestepped, barely avoiding the blow as the wind of Mei’s punch whipped past her robes. The grass where the fist had struck bent outward in a visible circle, the air shimmering faintly from the force.

“Ah—!” Mei gasped, spinning in surprise at her own power. “Sorry! I didn’t mean—”

“No need to apologize,” Wu Lan said quickly, her tone calm but firm as she regained her footing. “That’s the power you need to learn to harness. If you keep holding back, it will only hurt you—or someone else—when you truly fight.”

Mei bit her lip, nodding. ‘She’s right. But it’s so hard… it feels like my body moves on its own.’

“Again,” Wu Lan said, sliding her feet back into position. “But this time—think. Feel the flow before you move.”

Mei steadied her breathing and approached once more, her brows furrowed in concentration. This time, she slowed her strike, trying to pull back the energy, to shape it instead of letting it explode. Her hand trembled with effort, the strength inside her fighting against her will.

Wu Lan blocked the blow with her forearm—and to her relief, it didn’t knock her back this time, only made her step slide slightly.

“Better,” Wu Lan said with a small nod. “Now, again.”

Mei exhaled, sweat beading on her forehead as she tried again, and again, learning to control the overwhelming energy inside her. Each attempt came a little smoother, the shockwaves a little smaller. But it was clear how difficult it was for her—like trying to dam a raging river with her bare hands.

Meanwhile, not far from them, Wu Xiao sat cross-legged near a patch of wildflowers, surrounded by a ring of animals. Luna, the silver wolf, lay beside her like a silent guardian, while smaller critters—foxes, rabbits, even a curious monkey—watched her intently.

Wu Xiao groaned softly, puffing her cheeks. “Ugh, cultivating is soooo boring. Why can’t I just fight something instead?”

Luna let out a low growl, not of warning but of mild disapproval, as if telling her to stop complaining.

Wu Xiao sighed, staring down at her hands. “Fine, fine. I’ll do it properly this time…” She closed her eyes, crossing her fingers as she focused inward. Her breathing slowed, her aura settling into a steady rhythm.

Minutes passed, and then—something shifted.

A faint pulse of energy rippled around her, rustling the grass. Luna’s ears perked up, and the animals backed away slightly as Wu Xiao’s small frame was surrounded by a faint glow of light-blue qi.

Her eyes snapped open, wide and sparkling. “Huh? Wait—did I just—”

The air shimmered, her aura expanding briefly before snapping back into her body with a soft hum.

Luna barked once, a proud sound.

Wu Xiao leapt to her feet, pumping her fists triumphantly. “I did it! I broke through! I’m a Second Stage Fighter now!”

From across the field, Mei paused mid-punch, startled by the shout. Wu Lan turned slightly, her expression softening into a small smile.

“Well,” She murmured, “it seems someone finally decided to take cultivation seriously.”

Wu Ying, who was resting nearby, smirked. “About time that little gremlin caught up.”

Issei, watching from under a tree as he cooled off from his earlier training, chuckled to himself. “Nice job, Xiao.”

Wu Xiao ran toward them, her face glowing with excitement, Luna trotting proudly behind her. “Did you all see?! I did it all by myself! Even Luna’s proud of me!”

Ddraig’s deep, booming laughter rolled across the meadow, shaking the air. “Hah! Not bad, little one! Keep that up, and perhaps you’ll stop whining about how boring cultivation is.”

Wu Xiao pouted at the teasing but couldn’t stop smiling. “Heehee! Now I’m strong too!”

Mei smiled softly at the sight. ‘Everyone’s growing stronger…’ She thought, determination flickering behind her eyes. ‘Then I can’t fall behind either.’

And as the eternal sun shone overhead, the team continued their training—each member taking one more step toward the inevitable confrontation waiting beyond the Marble’s golden sky.

—----------------------------------------

The sun in the World Marble never set, but as the hours stretched on, the light mellowed into a soft golden glow that painted the meadow in hues of honey and amber. The long day of training was finally over, and fatigue clung to everyone like a warm blanket.

A simple wooden table stood outside their small house, surrounded by stools and tree logs they’d dragged over to serve as seats. The scent of simmering stew drifted from the open window, mingling with the smell of roasted herbs and freshly baked bread.

Issei leaned back in his chair, stretching his sore shoulders. “Man… what a day,” He groaned, running a hand through his hair. His muscles still ached from the strain of the Boosts, but there was satisfaction in the exhaustion.

Across from him sat Wu Ying, who looked far too composed for someone who’d been training all day. She was sharpening her blade with practiced motions, the metallic rasp blending with the gentle hum of the breeze.

“You did well,” She said without looking up. “Even if you still can’t control the fifth Boost properly.”

Issei smirked. “You’re one to talk. You nearly passed out again after three Boosts.”

Wu Ying paused mid-swipe, shooting him a glare sharp enough to cut stone. “That was part of the test.”

“Sure it was,” He teased, grinning.

Her glare deepened, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips before she looked away. “Anyway, enough about training. Tomorrow’s the real test.”

Her tone shifted, serious now. “We go after the mayor. Straight to his mansion before he sends more people. Hit hard and hit fast.”

Issei nodded, resting his elbows on the table. “Yeah. We’ll need to ask around first thing in the morning to figure out where exactly he lives. It's kind of hard to fight a guy if we can’t find his front door.”

Wu Ying’s lips curved into a small, confident smile. “Leave that to me. I’ll get the directions.”

“I’ll come with you,” Issei said automatically.

“No,” She countered immediately, eyes narrowing. “You’ll draw too much attention. You’re the one they’re after.”

He raised his hands in surrender. “Fair point. Guess I’ll just wait outside until you come back.”

From the open window came the rhythmic sound of chopping and the faint clatter of cookware. Wu Lan stood over a pot, stirring carefully as steam rose and filled the air with the comforting aroma of spiced broth. Beside her was Mei, her hair tied back with a strip of ribbon, sleeves rolled up as she nervously handled a knife.

“Careful, not too thin,” Wu Lan said gently. “We don’t want the vegetables to turn to mush.”

Mei nodded seriously, cutting slower. “Got it. Like this?”

Wu Lan leaned closer, inspecting the slice. “Better. You’re learning fast.”

Mei smiled shyly. “You don’t have to let me help if it’s a bother. I just… wanted to do something useful.”

Wu Lan shook her head, smiling faintly as she stirred the pot again. “It’s not a bother. I enjoy cooking for everyone—it’s my way of taking care of you all. But,” she added, glancing sideways at Mei, “I won’t stop you if you want to learn.”

Mei’s eyes brightened, her chest warming at the kindness in her voice. “Then I’ll learn! I’ll make something even you’ll like one day.”

Wu Lan chuckled softly. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Outside, Wu Xiao was sprawled across Luna’s back, yawning. The silver wolf tolerated her weight with a quiet huff, while a few of the smaller critters perched nearby, watching curiously as the young girl waved her hands.

“Luna, we are going to fight tomorrow,” Wu Xiao said dreamily, half to herself and half to Luna. “I hope my sisters let me kick someone too.”

Luna’s ear flicked back, as if sighing in exasperation.

When the smell of food finally drifted fully across the meadow, Issei’s stomach growled audibly. “Oh, thank God. I was about to start eating the grass.”

Wu Ying snorted. “Try that, and I’ll make sure you never forget it.”

Moments later, Wu Lan and Mei emerged from the house carrying trays of steaming bowls and fresh bread. The two set the dishes across the table with quiet satisfaction, and Mei couldn’t help but glance nervously toward Issei, hoping he’d like it.

“Dinner’s ready,” Wu Lan announced.

“Finally!” Issei cheered, grabbing his bowl. “You have no idea how hungry I am.”

Wu Xiao bounded over, taking her seat with Luna lying close beside her. “Food time! I earned this with my cultivation!”

Wu Ying rolled her eyes but sat as well, her posture as straight as ever even when eating.

As they began to eat, the sounds of laughter, clinking bowls, and chatter filled the air. The stew was rich and hearty, the bread warm and soft. Even Ddraig, watching, exhaled contentedly, the ground rumbling faintly beneath him.

For a little while, all worries about tomorrow faded away. They were simply a strange, mismatched family—sharing food, teasing one another, and enjoying a rare moment of peace inside their little world.

Issei leaned back after his third helping, patting his stomach. “Man, Wu Lan, you’ve got magic hands. This was amazing.”

Wu Lan smiled faintly. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Mei lowered her gaze, hiding her pleased smile. “I helped a little too…” she said softly.

Issei blinked, then grinned. “Then that explains why it tasted even better!”

Mei’s face went red instantly, her hands flying to her cheeks as she stammered, “W-what? N-no, it’s not—”

The others laughed, and even Wu Ying’s lips curved into a rare smirk.

—--------------------------------------------

The mayor’s mansion of Meihua Crossing

The tall mansion glistened with gold-trimmed edges, while lanterns cast flickering shadows across the red carpets and polished floors. At the heart of the grand hall, a heavy silence reigned—broken only by the sound of a hand slamming against the armrest of an ornate chair.

CRACK!

The echo rippled through the hall, and every person standing before the mayor flinched.

The mayor of Meihua Crossing, Shuren, was a tall, broad-shouldered man with striking blue hair streaked with silver and a neatly trimmed beard. His sharp eyes gleamed with both intelligence and cruelty, the kind of gaze that could freeze a man where he stood. He leaned forward, his fingers drumming against the carved wood as he glared down at the people kneeling before him.

His son, Yao, trembled slightly under that gaze. His once-proud posture was gone, replaced by stiff nervousness. Behind him stood several subordinates—guards, servants, and a few low-ranking cultivators—all kneeling with their heads bowed low.

“So,” Yao Shuren said, his voice low but heavy with restrained fury, “you’re telling me… you still haven’t found the boy?”

One of the guards swallowed hard, his forehead pressed to the floor. “N-no, sir. We’ve searched the inns, the markets, the outer gates… there’s been no sign of anyone matching the description. It’s as if they vanished.”

“Vanished?” Shuren’s tone dripped with disbelief. “A brown-haired boy carrying a Spirit Weapon and he just vanishes?”

No one dared to answer. The only sound was the faint creak of his chair as he rose to his feet. His qi flared subtly, a heavy wave of pressure that made even the candles flicker.

Yao, gathering his courage, lifted his head slightly. “Father, w-we did everything we could. The gates have been under watch since the incident. No one fitting his description has left Meihua Crossing. He must still be here, somewhere.”

Shuren turned his glare to his son, his expression unreadable but his voice cold. “And yet, despite that, you still haven’t found him.”

Yao opened his mouth, but the words died when his father’s aura pressed down harder.

“Failures,” Shuren spat, the word ringing across the chamber like a hammer. “All of you. A single boy humiliated our family, crippled your uncle, and made the mayor’s household a laughingstock. And you—” He pointed at Yao, his finger trembling with rage. “—you’ve let him disappear under your nose!”

The young master clenched his fists, his pride burning, but he dared not speak back. “Forgive me, Father. I—”

“Forgiveness?” Shuren’s laugh was hollow and sharp. “Do you think forgiveness will restore my reputation? Do you think it will heal your uncle’s wounds?!”

He slammed his hand against the table again, this time hard enough to splinter the wood. The guards tensed, but no one moved.

Shuren took a long, deliberate breath, straightening his robes before speaking again in a low, calculated tone. “If none of you can find him… then I will.”

The words made several heads lift in alarm.

“Father, that’s—” Yao began, but Shuren’s glare silenced him instantly.

“This boy carries a Spirit Weapon,” Shuren continued, pacing slowly across the hall. “And from what I’ve been told, it’s no ordinary tool. Spirit Weapons are powerful… something that chooses its wielder.” He stopped and turned, his blue eyes gleaming with greed. “That kind of power should belong to someone worthy. Someone with authority. Someone like me.”

His lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.

“The boy is still within this city. No one leaves Meihua Crossing without my permission.” His gaze swept over the trembling guards. “Seal every exit, increase patrols, and watch the skies if you must. Search every home, every alley, every shadow.”

He paused, his voice lowering into a growl. “Bring him to me dead or alive.But I must have that treasure.”

Yao, though still shaken, tried to sound confident. “We’ll find him, Father. I swear it. We won’t fail again.”

Shuren’s eyes lingered on his son for a long, tense moment before he finally turned away. “See that you don’t.”

The guards hurried out, eager to escape the oppressive air of the hall. Only Yao and his father remained.

Shuren’s expression softened slightly as he looked out the grand window toward the distant streets of the city below. “A Spirit Weapon…” he murmured, almost to himself. “If it truly exists, then this boy’s power could rival even the sects. To think such a treasure appeared in my city…”

Yao bowed his head, eyes burning with the same greedy light. “It will be ours, Father. I promise.”

Shuren smiled faintly, the expression cold and calculating. “Yes. It will.”

Done, tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes.