Somewhere in a mountain forest, the rusting of leaves can be heard, like that of a swift breeze.
Tall grass sways and parts as if something is running between them in fields in between the trees.
At some moment a sharp noise can be heard twice.
Schwang!
Schwang!
At the sound of the noise, all of a sudden birds that were roosting in two trees take flight, squawking in surprise as the two trees start to fall. Then all of a sudden at halfway to the ground the trees break apart into logs with a two inch gap in between each cut as the pieces fall to the ground with a rumbling sound of that like a rockslide as dust is kicked up by the falling timber.
As the dust settles three figures can be seen. One is a woman with red hair tied up in a ponytail leaning against a tree. Another figure is a fox stretching as if it had done some waiting or lots of running. Lastly, a slender figure, roughly a meter in height stood in front of the other two figures, an axe in hand as their shoulder length hair fluttered in the wind, in front of them, the two trees that just fell.
It has been roughly over a year now since Zarue had started their more intense training. Being a little over twelve meant they would have to go to the 'Academy' soon for their training as it was put. During this time not only has Zarue been focused on Ki Core training in meditation with Vetiol, they have also been doing very intense physical training with Regen. Due to the training, they were now able to use Ki Sense to its highest potential, use Ki Filtering on a whim and use it to its max effectiveness constantly. Along the way Zarue was able to implement quicker thinking and Ki setting to use their Ki Manipulation technique in miniscule time windows in case of danger.
Zarue's eyes shone brightly with joy, at the felled trees. They had done only one stroke with the axe and cut the two trees down with ease. Of course, they were holding back immensely on the Ki Manipulation. They were sure that with how they could use Ki Sense, that the whole forest could be brought down with one swing, though the drain on their body would be unknown. Though taking an introspective look on how their Ki was, taking these two massive trees was like exerting the strength to squish a tiny ant. After taking a deep breath Zarue faced their mom.
Regen was standing there smiling from ear to ear. "Well done Zarue! I figured you would do at least two. Though I am concerned about how much you are holding back." Regen stated with a soft tone, gently patting Zarue's head.
"Hmph, if that puts me in the lower ranks, so be it. I would prefer to make friends who just wish to be close to me for who I am, not for my power. Better to be poor in stature and rich in life, than rich in stature and poor in life." Zarue looked at their mom with a small appreciative smile. All their mom wanted was the best for them, and they could appreciate that.
Impressed by Zarue's words, Regen embraced them in a big hug. "So you are going to keep your word and stick up for yourself along with friends and family. Making sure you will not lose those you care about? That is good to hear. Very good, do not lose yourself when you go to that place. No matter what happens or who tries to mess with you or those you hold close and dear. You got that?" Regen asked seriously.
Zarue smiled softly. "Seriously mom? You have seen how hard I have trained to get stronger, the same goes for Relrem as well. We will do our best to keep our promise. Right Relrem?"
"Yes Young Master." Relrem nodded in agreement.
Regen nodded, "Good, you seem, also somewhat distracted Zarue. What is troubling you?" Regen asked as she stood up and started to collect the wood in her ring that Zarue made for her and Vetiol a while ago now.
"The day for 'Self Decision' is coming soon, and once that happens I have to leave immediately for the orientation at the 'Academy'. It makes me fairly nervous mom. Is there a wrong decision?" Zarue looked at Regen worriedly. Causing Regen to smile softly and wrap Zarue around the shoulders with an arm as they walked.
"No, Zarue, there is no wrong decision. Your heart will tell you how you wish to be, it may be confusing at first because of how you have lived your life at first. However in the end, you will be happy, because it will be what you want." Regen said affirmatively.
"Oh that reminds me! How much of the iron wood tree do you still have?" Regen asked with a smile as she took the axe from Zarue's hand.
Frowning playfully as Regen took her axe back. "Pretty much all of it, besides using it for physical training for when I first started it, I have not touched it since. Why do you ask mom?" Zarue looked at their mom expectantly.
"I want you to create your first Ki Weapon. Most of the times these will change over the years, but your first one will set you on your way in guiding you to your Ki Weapon training and stances your body will exceed at. Yes you are a summoner, but you do not want to just rely on your friends, now do you?" Regen stated and asked matter of factly.
Nodding, Zarue looked at their mom before sitting down in front of a tree. Sitting cross legged on the ground, Zarue pulled out three iron wood tree logs from the ring on their hand. After focusing for a bit, the three logs lifted in the air and circled above Zarue's hand. As if in orbit of an invisible object.
-Ping
Young Master is ready to create their Ki Weapon! Fantastic! Your heart and Formed Ki Core will help shape this weapon that will be by your side always. Well, aside from your summons of course. Shall we begin?
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Release: Mon/Wed/Fri
Hey there reader! Thanks for reading this latest chapter! I would appreciate it if you could leave a review on this chapter or on the novel page. Maybe even a power stone if you so choose! These things will help me know how the audience (you) are enjoying my writing and where I need to improve!
Also a heads up! Still deciding on when to create a discord server so it would be easier to talk to me with ideas or writing issues that you may see that I do not!