Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 48 Nathaniel was practicing with his spear . His tall figure was steady and strong , while his movements were quick and precise . The spear in his hands seemed to have a mind of its own . At first , it moved with fierce , powerful strokes . Then , it sped up , flashing like a streak of fire as it sliced through the air , aiming straight for an unseen enemy's heart . With a sharp clang , the spear struck a tree trunk . The ancient tree shook violently , scattering leaves everywhere . Selena's heart immediately tightened . She had clearly seen how that strike was no ordinary thrust .

There was something almost magical about it , far beyond what met the eye . Beside her , Sebastian's eyes brightened as he hurried forward and exclaimed , " That's one of the Campbell family's spear techniques ! " How did Nathaniel know how to do that ? Who had taught him ? Nathaniel lifted his arm and pulled the silver spear back , then turned to look at the two of them . Still caught up in the moment , Sebastian excitedly said , " That's some impressive spear work ! But- " " The marquis gave me some pointers back then , " Nathaniel said calmly .

Sebastian finally snapped back to himself and bowed . " Greetings , Your Highness . " " " I'm not one for formalities , " Nathaniel said with a faint , unreadable smile . " Care to test your skill against mine , General Campbell ? " Sebastian hesitated . " My brother is no match for you , Your Highness . That spear technique isn't my family's . May I ask which master invented it ? " Selena asked . Nathaniel's deep gaze settled on her , a faint , knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips . " Lady Campbell , you know spear techniques as well ?

" " All the men in my family trained with spears . My father , my uncles , and my brother . Seeing so much , I've learned a thing or two myself , " she replied . " But Lena , that was clearly one of our family's spear techniques , " said Sebastian . The moves looked slow , but were actually very fast and hit with great force . That was definitely one of the Campbell family's spear techniques ! " Seb , that wasn't from our family , " Selena said . She stepped toward the ancient tree and ran her hand lightly over its trunk . The warmth still lingered .

Sebastian suddenly looked as if he had uncovered something extraordinary . He stepped forward and touched the exact spot where Nathaniel's spear had struck . His eyes went wide with shock . " W - why isn't it damaged ? " He had clearly seen that the spear had pierced deep . The old tree was so thick it would take two people linking arms to wrap around it , yet that strike had made the trunk shake violently , sending a shower of green leaves falling . If the strike hadn't been delivered with incredible 1/2 Chapter 48 +25 BONUS force , there was no way the tree would have shaken so violently .

But the tree showed no sign of damage at all ! How was that even possible ? Selena's words gave him the answer just in time . " Your Highness , your inner energy is the most powerful I've ever seen . I truly admire it . " So , Nathaniel's inner energy was behind it all . Sebastian's respect grew instantly . Even if he trained for another hundred years , he could never match that kind of strength . The Obsidian Monarch was still so young , the same age as Sebastian . How could he have mastered such incredible skill ? It was simply unbelievable .

" So , Your Highness ' spear technique just now ... " " When I was younger , I did receive some instruction from the Marquis of Whitgrave . But in my spare time , I added my own ideas and created this style myself . It does bear some resemblance to the Campbell family's spear work . " Even Selena was stunned , asking , " You created it , Your Highness ? " To invent such a powerful technique , one would need decades of practice . How could he have done it ? The Obsidian Monarch was only twenty - three , the same age as Sebastian ! Such youthful talent was truly astonishing .

" You're truly impressive , Your Highness , " she said with a slight curtsey , and she truly meant it . As Nathaniel looked at her , he had the same faint , unreadable smile on his lips . Then , his gaze shifted to Sebastian . " Care for a friendly match , General Campbell ? "