With a swiftness that outmatched his previous performance in the Battle of Fates, Daniel charged toward the Old Man, his fists clenched tightly. He swung it with ferocity, but the Old Man easily caught it using only his palm. Dissipating the energy like a cloud.
"Fifteen times the power with no cultivation. Looks like by their standards, he is a Golden Child," the Old Man concluded, studying Daniel with keen interest. Still, he remained focused on the task, overcoming a Heart's Demon had always been a difficult endeavor.
Daniel growled as he spun on his heel, aiming to deliver a powerful kick. But the Old Man sidestepped effortlessly, letting Daniel's leg pass by harmlessly.
Undeterred, Daniel used his momentum to shove his foot into the Old Man's stomach.
"Hmm?" The Old Man was surprised. 'Looks like he has a natural talent for body techniques and a high Battle IQ. I'll have to look into adjusting his training a little.'
In Daniel's eyes, the battle against the Old Man faded. He was back at the village facing against the beasts on the outskirts of the village, and the haze of fire and smoke assaulted his senses. The traumatic memories of that night made him feel the ball of Hatred, Rage, and Sorrow more vividly, causing him to channel all of it into his punches.
The Old Man observed as Daniel's movements became faster and more powerful. Daniel began to throw elbows, and knees, using his entire body as a weapon. The Old Man dodged, parried, and blocked each blow, but Daniel continued to adapt and change his rhythm to keep the Old Man off balance.
"Phenomenal, he's adapting so quickly," the Old Man mused, impressed by Daniel's ability to channel the corrupted power of his Heart's Demon into the aspect of battle.
"No matter what, I will always need to make progress. I will overcome everything that comes my way! There is no room to ponder the past, which is unchangeable. I can only reflect on myself and make sure that what has come to pass does not repeat again from my mistakes!" Daniel's thoughts slowly became coherent as he fought, building a principle that would be ingrained into his very soul.
As his thoughts spilled forward, he quickly gave up power for speed, throwing blows at the same spot with the precision of a chainsaw cutting through a tree. His vision was no longer filled with the burning village; instead, he saw the Old Man as a familiar face.
Daniel backed away, taking a deep breath that saturated his brain with abundant energy, reaching his special state of mind unintentionally, but miraculously. Everything moved in slow motion, and the colors burst with intensity.
He moved with lightning speed, throwing a light jab followed by a powerful uppercut that landed on the Old Man's chin, causing his head to whip back slightly.
Daniel felt his heart suddenly steel, as he took a couple of steps back. He no longer felt out of control, or threatened by his Heart's Demon. "Thank you. I can truly say I am no longer alone, Teacher," he spoke with suppressed emotions at the realization that without this Old Man who was just a stranger a few days ago, he wouldn't have been able to cope with the trauma.
The Old Man's eyes twinkled with unspilt tears. "Very good, my boy. You have overcome your heart's demon, which has never been accomplished in such a short time with such an astounding gravity at play." Just thinking about what could have happened were this Heart's Demon be left unchecked sent shivers down his spine.
Daniel raised his head, smiling from the depths of his heart. "Now let's head back. I'm sure Enfred is probably pulling out the little bit of hair he has left."
Space warped around them as they disappeared from the clouds and reappeared in the room. They saw a distressed Enfred pacing back and forth with two tufts of hair clenched in his fists.
"Don't distress any longer, my son. Young Daniel has overcome his heart's demon," the Old Man spoke with a hint of pride as he padded Daniel's back and smiled.
Enfred's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Daniel. He saw the newfound conviction in the young boy's eyes, a will that felt scorching and sharp.
Enfred was astounded by the development. Overcoming a Heart's Demon is no easy feat, Especially at such a young age.
"I knew I hadn't chosen wrongly!" Enfred exclaimed in relief, hugging Daniel tightly.
With his face smushed against Enfred's metal armor, Daniel retorted, "You didn't choose me, Amendola did!" Although he spoke such words, his heart was definitely warm from the concern and relief expressed on his behalf.
"You focus too much on the small things, Young One. Come, let us make haste. You are supposed to be on stage soon."
Daniel nodded before heading out the door. Enfred and the Old Man trailed right behind him.