After Leon's conversation with the Commander, his purpose became clear: to confront the voids and protect the people he knew.
As Leon and Jung exited the HQ, making their way back to the training grounds in Sector A7, thoughts swirled through Leon's mind like leaves caught in a gust.
Jung broke the silence, "So, are you going to ask me about it? I'm aware you've figured something out about me, ever since that day we had coffee and I mentioned that I can't feel pain or emotions."
Leon, somewhat nervously, inquired, " Yes, I suspected as much, especially when I noticed how your expressions matched your brothers' perfectly, as if you were reading their thoughts. Can you truly read minds?"
Jung confirmed, "Yes, I can. It's a closely guarded secret within the Auger family. Even my brothers are unaware of it. So, let's keep this between us, and I'll do the same for your secrets."
Leon was confused, "My secret?"
Jung explained, "Your ability to see the future in dreams, your ability to hear thoughts, and, best of all, you are using everything without any consequences."
Leon was perplexed, "Secrets? I have the ability to read minds?"
Jung shared a revelation, "I was present during your initial training, quietly observing. During one subsequent training session, do you recall thanking Amelia for her assistance in regaining consciousness?"
Leon affirmed, "Yes, I remember."
Jung confirmed, "Every word she uttered was a silent thought; she never spoke aloud. Even she was taken aback when you acknowledged her. You, Leon, are a potent force."
Leon was astounded, "Jung, are you an ally or an adversary?"
Jung explained, "I'm like a puppet, thanks to the Colorless curse. If the Auger family commands me to harm my own brothers, I'd do it without hesitation. But I won't let an outsider harm them; it's my duty to protect them. You, Leon, are a potential threat to my family, so I'll be watching you until the end."
Leon smiled faintly, "Thank you for watching over me, Jung."
Jung warned with a smirk, "Keep that smile away from me, or I'll call Zora's mom."
Leon pleaded, "Please, don't."
Arriving at the training grounds in Sector A7, they tarined through the afternoon, returning to their quarters as evening fell.
The following day, at 6 AM, the training grounds teemed with eager cadets. The Sergeant addressed them, "Alright, it seems you're all warmed up. Let's begin our training."
A resounding chorus answered, "Yes, Sergeant."
Sergeant questioned, "Everyone has the weapons they registered for, right?"
"Yes, Sergeant," they chorused.
Sergeant elaborated, "For the Eclipse expedition, you'll wield only melee mana weapons, continuously channeling mana into them. I trust you've chosen wisely for extended combat."
"All set, Sergeant," they replied.
Sergeant inquired, "Those unfamiliar with
Laughter erupted as a jest was made, "Only one among us is clueless!" They continued to jest as others joined in the merriment.
In the midst of the banter, Leon found his place at the Sergeant's right side.
Someone quipped, "See, I told you."
As the Sergeant began explaining to Leon, others paired up for sparring and strategy discussions.
Sergeant instructed, "Draw your weapons."
Leon complied, revealing two swords. Spectators, not just from Squad 1, but from all around, started murmuring. Mocking comments followed, "He can't harness even one percent of mana, yet he wields two swords!" Laughter filled the air.
Jil asked his brother Juk and piquing the interest of a few others, "Why's everyone making a fuss about two swords? Isn't it like using one big sword or a massive hammer, both draining a lot of mana?"
Jung chimed in, "Do you really know Mana Weapon wielding, or are you pretending to avoid ridicule?" His words made the onlookers shuffle back.
Jil, irked, retorted, "I do know! Mind your own business!"
Juk explained to Jil and the others, "Most melee fighters avoid dual-wielding because it depletes mana twice as fast. A single large weapon or a huge hammer doesn't drain as much mana as two swords. Each weapon comprises one mana stone, splitting them reduces their absorption. All mana stones appear identical, but their mana absorption properties differ. The mystery of mana stones still remains unsolved."
Jil remained puzzled, "I still don't get why two swords are a problem."
Jung clarified, " Let me elucidate it for even the simplest minds. Picture someone holding two differently-sized rocks versus another with a single rock. Who's going to tire out faster?"
Jil replied, "The one with two different-sized rocks would tire out faster."
Jung continued, "Exactly. Holding two separate objects requires more effort, exhausting more muscles and stamina than one evenly distributed load. Dual-wielding two swords demands intense concentration and uneven mana absorption levels in two different swords."
Sergeant turned to Leon, questioning, "I'm not sure why your previous Sergeant allowed this, but are you certain you want to continue with two swords?"
Leon affirmed confidently, "Yes, Sergeant. I've always used two swords."
Sergeant yielded, "Alright, I see. You have my approval. Activating a mana sword is simple. Close your eyes, focus, and imagine channeling your mana into the sword."
A cheeky remark from someone in the crowd drew laughter, "Imagine it like peeing; it helps, you failure."
Undisturbed by the jests, Leon remained absorbed in his concentration. Suddenly, he heard a voice akin to Fuery, his A.I., calling out, "Leon, you are now worthy to activate. Speak the words, 'Épée Éclaire.'"
With a composed expression, Leon spoke, "Épée Éclaire."
Suddenly, laughter ceased, and every eye widened. As Leon infused mana into the swords, a breathtaking transformation unfolded. The steel surfaces erupted in an otherworldly blue radiance, engulfing the surroundings in a dazzling glow that swallowed the light, casting an eerie darkness. Spectators shivered, as if their souls merged with the sword's radiant power, goosebumps rippling across their skin.
The spectacle lasted mere seconds before Leon dropped to the ground, mana depleted.
Silence reigned as observers contemplated the inexplicable. Jung hurled a mana potion to Leon, cautioning, "You look like you're about to pass out."
Others followed suit, offering mana potions in silence as they discreetly retreated, preserving their pride.
Leon downed each potion, rejuvenating his mana. Rising to his feet, he declared, "Thank you for your help. I'll continue to strive."
Small smiles graced their faces, carefully hidden.
J-Trios invited, "Leon, care to spar with us?"
Leon, smiling, accepted, "Certainly."
As Leon sparred with J-Trios, some remained frozen in shock - the Sergeant, Amelia, Jack, Kiera, Hiley, all perplexed, wondering, "Who the heck is he?"
Leon and J-Trios practiced, while Jil and Juk sparred, and Leon faced off against Jung.
Jung advised, "Don't pour every bit of mana into the sword at the same time. Today, Soul Corps gave you a watch, right? It has your A.I. installed. It will help you maintain mana in your body and tell you how much to pour into the mana stone. Once you've poured enough, it will maintain it at the right level, so you don't have to constantly focus on it during a fight. But still, don't forget to concentrate to control your mana."
As Leon honed his mana control, J-Trios marveled at the unfolding spectacle.
"Let's spar, Leon. You attack first, and I'll defend. Then we'll switch. And remember to use your legs; Voids are fast."
As soon as Jung explained, Leon wielded his two swords and closed the gap within two steps. Leon swung his right sword from the top, and Jung blocked it from below. Leon slashed his left sword from the side, and Jung stepped back two steps. Suddenly, Leon jumped into the sky and swung his two swords from above. Jung used Leon's momentum to redirect Leon's sword to his side.
Jung commented, "A guy who seems timid attacks pretty fiercely."
Leon replied as he swung his right and left swords constantly, "My father taught me this two-sword style."
Jung kept blocking Leon's strikes from the left and right. Suddenly, Jung kicked Leon with his right leg and said, "Did your father teach you how to kill Voids? Sometimes we have to kill people too."
Leon took a second to think and suddenly Jung closed the distance between them and swung his sword. Each blow made a heavy noise, creating a rumble. Jung said, "Don't lose concentration. At this rate, you're going to cost your friends' lives."
As Jung's swinging speed increased, he pushed Leon more and more. When Jung changed his attack from the top right side to the left side,
Leon used his left sword to block Jung's sword and put the right sword at Jung's throat.
Jung silently mused, "I couldn't read his mind."
Leon still had his sword at Jung's throat and said, "I may be weak, but my father is a good teacher. I know when to attack and when to defend against Voids. For people, my father only taught me to protect them, and I will put people's lives before mine during battle."
Jil and Juk, engrossed spectators, had forgotten their own spar.
As they finished sparring, Jil asked Leon, "Dude, you totally look and act different when you're holding a sword. Do you have a split personality?"
Leon told them, "I have only a few memories of my father that remain, but I will never forget my training time with him and his friend. Every blow my father struck was filled with happiness and care. I will never forget that."
J-Trios said in unison, "You definitely have a split personality."
Leon nervously laughed, "I don't think so."
Jil teased, "He's back."
As Leon, J-Trios, and others prepared for the Solar Eclipse, they wondered what kind of warrior Leon would prove to be.
[End of Chapter]