Sheathing her sword, Lisa rubbed the towel on her face once again to drain the sweat that has been emitting from her.
She was training with her katana for three hours. Because of this, her arm felt numb for a few minutes. She lost her count on how many swings did she already passed. Lisa has been working hard, trying to eliminate all of the concerns she has for obtaining more strength. But she can't help but feel uneasy about it.
(If I can't bring out the true power of our family's pride, then how I am supposed to protect him?)
Noticing this feeling, she eventually walked down the stream until she finds her way to the lodging.
Gazing around, he saw Huck running around while Veldrey is throwing rocks at him.
(Huck is doing his best too, huh. That is pretty nice. I wonder how Aran is doing right now? I should also check on him just in case that guy tortures him with his pieces of training.)
Ignoring the two, Lisa walked across the forest while passing through the large stones engraved in the grass.
Meanwhile, under the large oak tree, Aran is once again practicing his deep mechanics while undergoing perceptiveness. William is moving forward with his right arm ready to swing and hit Aran. However, as he gets closer to him, he suddenly performed the Eclipse Counter to land another blow to William's body.
This caused him to backfire with his own attack but he managed to land safely into the ground without losing any balance.
"Good! Now then, let's try another one! But this time, I'm going to be moving sidewards, I want you to perform the Eclipse Counter while I am moving randomly." William instructed him as soon as he stepped back.
"Yes!" Aran responded.
Closing his eyes once again, he determined the number of light energy particles around a small area.
The void seems to be completely quiet, indicating that Aran reaches the second level of perceptiveness wherein his concentration is more emphasized and sharp than the usual dive. With this in color, William dashed promptly in front and then he moved on the left side and moved again on the right side.
Preparing to hit with his legs, Aran made a sidestep and he managed to grab William's leg before it can land on his face. As he grasped the sleeves of the clothing, using his body, Aran casually threw William on the other side of the tree, taking body damage while hitting the dirt.
Satisfied with the result, he stood up and pat his clothes in order to get the dust out of his suit.
"Right, so can I learn the first sword technique now?" Aran asked as he opened his eyes.
"Of course, I just had to try your capabilities once again. Listen, the first sword technique that I am going to show you is actually a lethal skill. Jzerein made this strike his first sword technique because it is the most influential and common part of his art. The fact that he is moving swiftly means that his attack and slash should be fast as well in order to silently kill the enemy. Do you remember the weakness that I have told you?" William asked him as he approaches the large stone.
"Well... It is that, I need to avoid fighting too much at a point-blank range, is that right?" Aran answered with a slight doubt on his face.
"That's right, you need to avoid fighting at a much closer range than usual. You need to be at least six to ten feet away from the enemy if you want to assess them properly. Being presented on their own field of view is not that bad but if you are really close to them, it is going to be considered difficult to perform his arts." Willaim replied.
"I think I get that but if I'm not going to close my distance, how am I going to strike them?"
"Of course you are still going to hit them. But the point is, you're not trying to engage in a fight, you're trying to determine an instant kill move that will end your opponent's life. Though I'm guessing that you are not yet ready for that kind of ability, right?" William asked.
"Killing someone would be a bit dark, indeed. I want to be able to fight head-on if my opponent is a human or a friend. If possible, I want to learn any other techniques without the influence of Jzerein. In that way, there would be no problem for me to hesitate." Aran voiced out his demand.
William already foresaw that this would happen. The young boy is not a trained assassin. He was not yearning for absolute power to become a tool for killing or assassinating enemies. He was trying to become someone else that would change the order from Jzerein's will. That is the reason why it is hard for him to learn a technique that would instantly kill someone.
"I understand what you are saying. Indeed, you are not Jzerein's descendant and so it is not favorable for you to do his act. Very well, if that is the case then I wouldn't teach you the other sword techniques he has. For now, we need the very first strike that you can use for every opponent." William sighed.
"That is okay. I would learn the other techniques once I'm able to master his art. Thank you for understanding." Aran bowed.
William walked through the side of the field where he saw a large stone just near the trees. He placed his hand on the stone and rubbed it in.
"Now, you see this big stone? A mere blade or even the prince of the Iron Fist won't be able to destroy this with just a normal approach. In order to break it, you need firepower or strength, but it can also be achieved if you are fast and your core should be one level above your common strength. That is the basic component of the first sword technique, in one slash, you could either kill an enemy instantly or destroy an object without even trying that hard. That's why it is called the Moon Strike. The power comes from your core, and it is partnered with your speed and nimbleness." He explained.
"I think I get that part, but how am I supposed to actually do it?" Aran asked.
"Well, I cannot say that it is actually simple. But it is not impossible for you to do it. Let's try it first with something small, like this branch over here." Seeing the medium-sized branch with a couple of leaves near the tree, William picked it up and raised it above his head.
"So, what am I going to do?" Aran asked as he gripped his dagger tightly.
"Simple, using the first penumbral sword, I want you to quickly snap this branch silently." He answered.
"I see, well then here I go!" Aran dashed forward, approaching William while his blade is pointing towards the branch.
"AHHHH!" However, just as he expected, Aran didn't do well on his first try. Before he can even cut the branch, he was kicked by William in the stomach. He rolled through the ground, sliding his body while collecting the specks of dirt.
"Ouch! What the hell is that?" He huffed.
"Do you really think you can actually cut this branch with that speed? You literally just dashed in front of me without anything. That is not how it works, Aran. If an enemy has the ability to see your movement then you won't be able to strike them head-on. What you did just now removes the purpose of our training. You need to ascend into a higher plane than that."
William's mood suddenly became serious as if he is now taking the lesson fiercer than usual. Noticing that swings, Aran shut his mouth as he stands up. Holding his blade once again, he tried to remain composed.
"Tell me, the first penumbral sword is not actually something that I can achieve physically, right?" Aran finally realized the answer.
"That's right, in order for you to execute it, you need to use your Spiritual Form." He answered.
"A Spiritual Form?" Confused, he slowly dropped his arms to his side.
"Spiritual Form is the manifestation of one's individual abilities. They are actually powered by your own magic cube which implements certain sequences of magic power in order for you to use or enhance your own self. Jzerein's art is an example of it, he made this art in order to surround himself in shadow and in order to maximize his physical abilities. A body enhancement if you prefer." He explained.
"A body enhancement? I think I've read that somewhere in a book. Does everyone in this world actually has their own Spiritual Form?" He raised another question.
"Yeah, everyone in this entire place has a Spirit that is residing within their soul and magic cube. Everyone can make their own art based on what they prefer, but that means you will be maximizing your own magic power and you will be owning it. However, everyone has a different category when it comes to allowing their powers to integrate into a particular style. Such as what Jzerein have manufactured in his prime. Using illusion and sleight of hands as his primary source, he created his Seven Penumbral Sword Techniques with his magic cube. That is the origin of his Spiritual Form." Another one that is answered.
"I see, so I can definitely use Jzerein's noble art if I want to. But how do I call it? How will I be able to call my own Spiritual Form?"
"Before that, let me explain to you the different types of Spiritual Forms. As you may have known, Spiritual Forms have their own stance when they are used. There are three types: Body Enhancement, Magic Enhancement, and Critical Enhancement. Each Spiritual Form would manifest to the one that you are blessed with. These forms would help you gain your own individual power by heightening your basic physical traits and obtaining temporary strength. Some forms will manifest depending on how you serve them. The key here is to imagine what kind of Form you would like." William explained.
"I see, so if I'm basing myself on speed and calculation, then I must call out a Body Enhancement Type of Spiritual Form..." Aran thought for a bit.
"That's correct. Though, if your Spiritual Form is entirely different from what you are currently learning then you must absolutely use them in a different way. If it comes to that, you will need to change your course."
"Wait, does that mean..."
"Yes. You won't be able to continue down this path. A Spiritual Form's manifestation is more important than learning what style is preferable for you. After all, your own core depends on your spirit. But if it resides within the same category, then you'll be alright."
Aran gulped for a little bit. He knew that there would some circumstances wherein he won't be able to change it. But still, his determination didn't break, he is ready to take anything.
"I'm good about that. So how can I call my own Spiritual Form?" He asked. William took a stroll near the cliff.
"You can obtain it by calling out your weapon..." William pointed his index finger to the sheath behind Aran.
He looked at it for a second and then he brought out the black knife that Veldrey gave to him.
"Calling out my weapon? How does calling my weapon to have a connection with bringing out the spirit?" Aran asked.
"Because you need a vessel for your Spirit," Willaim answered with a smile.
"A vessel?"
"Yes. If you want to call out your Spirit then you need a place for them. And that would be your own weapon. In fact, you need a special kind of weapon that has the ability to inherit your spirit's power and will. Without that, they will go berserk and you'll probably die."
"Eh?!"
"And you see, that black knife you have there is special." William approached him.
"What do you mean? Isn't this just an ordinary knife?" Aran tilted his head.
"Eh? Veldrey hasn't told you yet? Well whatever, for now, I want you to focus your Spiritual Energy on that black knife." William instructed him.
Aran made a stance where he can grip the black knife properly. He looked at William.
"Good position. Now, your Spiritual Energy also originates from your Magic Cube. High-class magicians were able to cast powerful spells because they can use their Mana. And that Mana comes from their core as well. If that is the case for magic then it is the same for Spiritual Energy. Focus on your own magic cube. Try to feel the aura coming out from your own self and insert them into one fixed location. Once you powered your weapon, you will learn the name of your Spiritual Form."
With that, Aran closed his eyes. He gripped the black knife with full intensity. He calms himself by inhaling and exhaling multiple times. William walked back for a bit.
(Try to feel it...)
As he dive into his own concentration, Aran pictured a certain scenario wherein he is giving his Spiritual Energy to the black knife. Light energy particles swallowed the whole field and after a few seconds, he dived right into the void once again.
(This is...) Aran's soul looked around the void. He cannot see anything aside from eternal darkness. He didn't know that he ventured through his Spiritual Form's lair.
(Heh, so you're my new host now?) Suddenly, a voice resonated through the void. Aran looked around but he didn't see anyone.
(If you want to call me, you need to say my name. It is a surprise that there is someone like you in the human realm that has the ability to summon me. Very well, I shall give you my assistance.)
After a few seconds, the void was engulfed by red particles. The scenery became reddish.
Down to the bottom of the abyss, he found a dark creature. An armored creature with black wings around its back.
"For I, Apollyon, the Destroyer and the Angel of the bottomless pit must reside within you. Former human." A dark eerie voice came out from the creature.
Deep within that, it turned into a dark smoke and inhabited Aran's soul as if it was devouring him.
Outside the field, William noticed something.
The blade of the black knife glowed. Several runes exploded, making a cycle of empowerment until it reaches a break.
After that, the glow disappeared. Aran opened his eyes. William smiled as soon as he get right back on track.
"I see, so your Spiritual Form is an Evil being, huh." William made a comment.
"What?" Aran asked.
"If you reached a certain plane, then you might've met it. ...Apollyon." A sudden gasp was made by Aran. Well aware of the name, a contradicting sense of feeling is hyping him up.
"Apollyon, if I am correct, that is the name of The Destroyer?" He asked.
"Yeah, he was sealed a long time ago. An evil being who is supposed to have caused the destruction of the current heaven and opened the abyss. To think that he would reside to someone like you. Your Spiritual Form is terrifying." William replied.
Aran gazed downward on the grass, shaking his arm as he gripped his knife pretty tight.
"What's wrong?" William noticed the scorn on his face.
"Nothing, I'm sorry. I was kinda surprised that he named it like that. Almost looks like I'm using the power of someone evil." Aran said.
"Hahaha! Don't be such a child, Aran. Why are you letting the background and nature of the Spirit into yourself? That doesn't make any sense." William chuckled
"I-I know that! That's why I apologize. Anyway, do I just need to call Apollyon? Isn't that just pretty easy?" Aran made another stance.
"Well, no. Of course, it is not easy. You can't just call the name of the Spirit just like that. You need to infuse your magic molecule into the Spiritual Form itself. By sensing your own magic power, and by increasing your physical ability, you need to focus your energy on all of your limbs." William instructed.
"What? Why do I need to focus all of my magic molecules in my body?" He doubted the instructions.
"That's because Apollyon is an example of Body Enhancement Type. It is a kind of art that usually levels up your physical attributes and it makes you indestructible by other nature of power. Elemental forms usually take place on other people as well." He explained.
"Elemental? As in there are people who have the ability to wield elemental powers with their own Spiritual Form?"
"Yeah, I'm sure you are aware of it because you have already been into the examination yesterday. You might have noticed that there's a lot of warriors who use magic instead of their own physical abilities." William replied.
"How about Huck? Is he using a Spiritual Form as well?"
"Well, I'm not sure, I have not seen Huck use his powers nor his art in front of me. But I can probably take a wild guess. If he is that muscular then maybe he has a Body Enhancement Type. And I'm usually basing it on his title which is the prince of the Iron Fist." He answered.
"Okay, I think I get the basic meaning of it. I want to try it now." Aran finally straightens himself.
"Sure, now, just like what you did when you reached the second level of perceptiveness, you need to focus all of your magic molecules, infuse them in your own body, use it as a springboard in order to gain the enhancement that you need. And once you feel like you are about to burst, call upon Apollyon and you will be granted the permission to finally use Jzerein's Penumbral Swords. You already have its Spirit on your weapon, soon enough, you'll be able to borrow its power." William said as he prepares the branch, pointing it towards Aran.
"Yes." Aran managed to remain composed.
(Remain calm... Breath slowly, focus all of your magic on your body. Concentrate and once you feel like you are bursting with power, call the name of the Evil Spirit, Apollyon)
Inside the overlapping world wherein Aran can see the light energy particles and the void which encloses them filled up Aran's legs with a steak of glitchy lines that covers his limb. The power that he finally manifested began to rise. Thus, receiving heavy energy on his legs, a torque that was used as a vector and as a springboard.
He emitted a black aura. William can see that he finally reached the sea state of the Spirit's source.
"That's right, keep going. The aura is swelling up, you're doing great!" William commended him.
(I can feel my legs powering up, what is this power? I heard Mr. William's voice, did I actually manage to infuse them?)
"Come forth! Apollyon!"
--
Lisa felt an erratic spark on her body.
Huck and Veldrey felt it as well as they gazed through Aran's direction.
"What was that?"
Bursting right into the air was a massive streak of aura powering up while fusing with the wind. A tornado-like shape rotated into the area, inflicting every living material like the leaves being blown away by the transparent black aura.
"This is bad! This wasn't supposed to happen. Aran! Keep calm! You are infusing a lot of magic power, this will drain you unconscious!" William shouted as he raised his arm crossed in order to defend himself from the overwhelming force.
(Huh?!) Realizing it, Aran opened his eyes but something happened.
All of the force has dissipated into the sky. The jet-black aura went into the abyss and the particles have reduced themselves, returning everything to normal.
"What was that?! What happened?!" Lisa, Huck, and Veldrey approached the two, concerned with what happened.
"Aran!" Lisa called him but instead of responding, Aran slowly loses his consciousness and fell right into the grass.
Lisa ran to catch him.
"William, what happened just now?" Veldrey confronted William.
"He... He used his own Spiritual Form." William answered in a slow, monotone voice.
"A Spiritual Form?" Veldrey asked.
"Yeah, I was not expecting this outcome. I thought he would have stable control over the Evil being." He answered.
"Is he going to be okay?!" Lisa furiously asked.
"Yeah. Right now, he is sleeping because he ran out of Spiritual Energy. It will take a while before he wakes up again. He needs to recover his light energy as well." William answered.
"We don't have a choice. He is pretty beat up, I'm guessing the training went out of bounds. Huck, carry him back to the lodging, we will stop the training session for now." Veldrey asked Huck to carry Aran in which he did. Raising his body and protecting his head. Lisa followed him as they walked down the field.
"William, I know that kid is pretty determined, but you should probably lessen down the amount of information and lesson you are trying to make him manifest. He will harm himself just like what happened today if you kept on feeding him." Veldrey suggested.
"Yeah, I apologize."
The two finally reached the lodging. Huck opened the door and he placed down Aran on the bed near the window.
"That power earlier, did you felt it?" Lisa asked Huck.
"Well, it is obviously strong. The force itself is really powerful. Why do you ask?"
"No particular reason, but... He really is pushing himself too much, don't you think?" Lisa's expression was dismayed with a little speck of annoyance and worriedness. She can't help but worry about how Aran is going to spend the rest of his life, risking himself in order to be strong.
"Yeah, however, I think we both know that this is what he wants, I don't think he will regret training just because he lost his consciousness. It will be fine, Lady Alliere. You have to be faithful to him." Huck said.
--
Deep inside the void, Aran's soul was floating.
He opened his eyes and there he was greeted by the creature itself.
(So how did you like my power?) the creature asked.
Aran remembered what happened after releasing his Spirit's power. He squirmed in place but he realized he was unconscious.
(It seems like you are far too weak to stabilize my blessing.) the creature said.
(Your power is indeed terrifying. But that doesn't mean that I will stop using it. I will become stronger until I master it.) Aran replied with determination.
(You really are something else, kid. The previous host of my spirit went beyond what they have gotten and killed themselves. But you, on the other hand, didn't have that much resolution to become strong.)
Aran looked away.
(I want to become stronger to protect my comrades. I don't need a power that will make me evil until I taint my soul.) He replied.
(Well, you were able to use my power. This is going to be interesting, kid. I want you to tell me your name...)
(... It's Aran. Aran Crossford) Aran introduced himself.
(I see. My partner's name is Aran Crossford.)
(Can I ask you something?) Suddenly, Aran faced the creature.
(Go ahead...)
(Is this really your true form?)
(This is how the will of the gods have formed me. But if you are asking me about the real shape of my own form then it is not the true one. Listen, Young Aran. It will be up to you how you are going to use my power. From now on, you will become my host, and I shall give you my blessing.)