Aqua Arts

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Vorteesi Sect as Nereus, Jonny, and Triton made their way to the Forum for the day's lessons.

The anticipation was palpable; today's class promised to be exceptional. As they took their seats in the coveted front row, they couldn't help but reflect on the battle that had secured their place there.

It had been a hard-won victory, and now they would reap the benefits.

The instructor, a stern-faced mer named Instructor Hanvic, swam to the center of the room, his presence commanding attention.

"Today," Instructor Hanvic began, "we will delve into the intricacies of Aqua Arts, a crucial aspect of Sealocke combat and mastery."

The room fell silent as Instructor Hanvic continued. "Aqua Arts are techniques that harness and manipulate your affinity and sea essence, allowing Sealockes to perform extraordinary feats. These techniques are divided into five classes, each increasing in power and difficulty."

"As we are the Whirling Vorteesi sect most of our expertise lies in water and some earth Aqua Arts but for simplicity sake I will focus on the water affinity Aqua Arts as that is a universal affinity amongst the Mer race" he paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "Class I Aqua Arts are the most basic, suitable for beginners. They include techniques such as Water Bolt and Pressure Pulse. These arts are essential for building a strong foundation."

The students listened intently, absorbing every word. "Class II Aqua Arts," Instructor Hanvic continued, "are intermediate techniques that require a deeper understanding of sea essence manipulation. Techniques like Sea Construct and Aqua Arc fall into this category. These arts provide a balance between offense and defense."

Nereus glanced at Jonny and Triton, noting their eager expressions. They were clearly excited to learn more about these powerful techniques.

"Class III Aqua Arts," Instructor Hanvic said, his tone growing more serious, "are advanced techniques that demand significant skill and mastery. These include Whirlpool Prison and Aqua Oasis. Sealockes who reach this level are formidable opponents."

The atmosphere in the room grew more intense as the students imagined the power these techniques could grant them.

"Class IV Aqua Arts," the Instructor continued, "are elite techniques. Very few Sealockes can master them. Techniques such as Tsunami Surge and Leviathan's Wrath require not only exceptional skill but also a deep connection with water essence."

A murmur of awe rippled through the class. These were the techniques legends were made of.

"Finally, Class V Aqua Arts," Instructor Hanvic concluded, his voice barely above a whisper, "are the pinnacle of water manipulation. These are the techniques of myths, such as Ocean's Dominion and Sea God's Fury. Mastering these arts is a lifelong endeavor, often requiring decades of dedication."

The students were spellbound. The thought of mastering even a Class III Aqua Art was daunting, let alone a Class V one.

Instructor Hanvic then pivoted, his gaze sweeping over the eager faces. "As you know, the Inner Core Disciples Selections are fast approaching. In preparation, the first two rows of students will be granted a rare opportunity. Today, we will visit the highly restricted Aqua Arts Tower."

Excitement buzzed through the room.

Nereus, Jonny, and Triton exchanged thrilled glances, recalling the battles they fought to earn their front-row seats.

The promise of access to the Aqua Arts Tower was a dream come true.

The journey to the Aqua Arts Tower was filled with anticipation.

The tower loomed ahead, a majestic structure that seemed to touch the very surface of the sea.

The tower itself was an imposing structure, its walls adorned with intricate carvings that told the stories of legendary Vorteesi Sealockes and their feats.

Its six levels represented the pinnacle of Aqua Arts mastery, each higher level housing more powerful techniques. As they entered, the air was thick with the potent energy of countless Aqua Arts.

Upon entering, Instructor Hanvic addressed the group. "The Aqua Arts Tower is a repository of knowledge and power. Each of you will have the chance to select one Aqua Art to study. Choose wisely, as this art will become a cornerstone of your training."

The students nodded, their eyes wide with anticipation. Instructor Hanvic began guiding them through the levels, offering recommendations.

Nereus listened, his displeasure growing as he heard the instructor's suggestions.

"Ruth, you might find Whirlpool Prison on Class III to your liking," Instructor Hanvic said, nodding toward Nereus's stepsister.

He found them poorly informed, feeling that many of the recommended Aqua Arts were ill-suited to the students' abilities and styles.

Jonny and Triton, sensing Nereus's disapproval, approached him with their concerns. "Argent," Jonny began, "can you help us choose our Aqua Arts? We trust your judgment more than anyone else."

Nereus nodded, appreciating their confidence in him. "Of course. Let's start with Triton."

They moved on the first level, where Nereus carefully examined the available Aqua Arts.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned to Triton. "The Class I Aqua Art, Pressure Pulse, would be ideal for you. It's a long-range attack that can disrupt opponents from a distance. Given your fighting style, which relies on speed and agility, this will keep you safe while dealing significant damage."

Triton nodded, awe-struck by Nereus's reasoning. "I hadn't considered that. Thank you, Argent."

Next, they moved to the second level for Jonny's Aqua Art.

Nereus scanned the techniques until his eyes settled on the Class II Aqua Art, Sea Construct: Shark. "This is perfect for you, Jonny. It's a long-range Aqua Art that lets you create and control a construct of a shark made from water and sea essence. It's perfect for keeping opponents at bay and providing support in battles, especially with your newly enhanced strength and durability"

Jonny's eyes widened in admiration. "You're right, Argent. I never would have thought of that. Thank you."

With their choices made, Jonny and Triton approached the designated shelves and retrieved the scrolls containing their chosen Aqua Arts. The scrolls seemed to glow with an ethereal light, almost as if the essence of the techniques waiting to be unlocked.

Nereus watched them, a sense of pride swelling within him.

He had guided them well, helping them make practical and strategic choices. As Jonny and Triton exited the tower, Nereus remained, determined to find the perfect Aqua Art for himself.

He knew he needed to find something that wouldn't draw too much attention but would still be effective.

Nereus's thoughts turned to the future.

The power he sought would require him to conceal his true abilities for now. As such the Leviathanic Aqua Arts were his trump cards, and he would reveal them only when absolutely necessary.

For now, he would focus on honing his new Aqua Art and preparing for the selections.

As he swam through the first level, he scrutinized each Aqua Art carefully.

He finally stopped in front of a scroll titled Mantis Shrimp Blows.

The technique was deceptively simple, allowing the user to deliver rapid, powerful strikes enhanced with pressurized water and sea essence that could shatter defenses.

Nereus smiled, recognizing its potential. The simplicity and effectiveness of Mantis Shrimp Blows made it the perfect choice for him, especially since it wouldn't reveal his Leviathanic heritage.

Content with his choice, Nereus exited the tower, joining Jonny and Triton outside. They were animatedly discussing their new Aqua Arts, excitement evident on their faces.