Raiden's lightning-fast approach sent a jolt of fear coursing through Kaito's veins, triggering a visceral reaction born from the haunting memories of his past encounters with overwhelming power. As Raiden closed in with blinding speed, Kaito's mind raced through his limited options, each one fraught with uncertainty yet tinged with a glimmer of hope.
Option one, to defend by attempting to block Raiden's attack with his bare hands, seemed the most straightforward, yet also the most perilous. With Raiden's unparalleled speed and strength, the likelihood of success appeared slim at best, leaving Kaito vulnerable to the full force of his opponent's assault.
Option two, to harness the power of Nature Enes and conjure a protective barrier of earth, held the promise of surprise and defense. Despite Kaito's novice proficiency with the element of Earth, the prospect of manifesting an Enigma Warden-tier defensive ability remained a daunting challenge, one that demanded unwavering focus and precision amidst the chaos of battle.
As Kaito weighed his options, a third possibility emerged, one rooted in the transformative potential of Life Enes. By invoking a low-tier Life Enes ability to bolster his physical capabilities, Kaito could enhance his speed, strength, and reflexes, albeit temporarily. Yet even with this newfound augmentation, the vast disparity between his own abilities and Raiden's formidable prowess loomed large, casting a shadow of doubt over the efficacy of his chosen strategy.
With a deep breath and a steadying resolve, Kaito steeled himself for the imminent clash, his mind racing as he sought to anticipate Raiden's next move. As Raiden's lightning-like strike drew nearer, Kaito's instincts kicked into overdrive, his muscles tensing in anticipation of the impending impact.
In the split-second before Raiden's attack connected, Kaito made his decision, channeling the power of Nature Enes to summon forth a protective barrier of earth. With a surge of concentration, he willed the elemental energy to coalesce before him, forming a solid wall of stone just as Raiden's blow descended.
The impact reverberated through the training grounds, sending shockwaves rippling through the air as the force of Raiden's strike collided with Kaito's makeshift defense. For a fleeting moment, the earth barrier held firm, providing a brief respite from the onslaught of Raiden's assault.
Yet even as Kaito's hopes soared, reality came crashing down around him, as Raiden's overwhelming strength shattered the barrier with ease, leaving Kaito exposed and vulnerable once more. As the dust settled and the echoes of their clash faded into the silence of the training grounds, Kaito found himself facing a harsh truth: in the face of Raiden's unmatched power, victory would require more than just skill and determination—it would demand a level of mastery that he had yet to attain.
As Raiden's devastating blow sent Kaito crashing into the unforgiving surface of the wall, the force of impact reverberating through every fiber of his being, he couldn't help but marvel at the intensity of their training session. Raiden's words cut through the haze of pain, his voice tinged with a curious blend of admiration and intrigue.
"Our training session is interesting, don't you think so?" Raiden's question hung in the air, a testament to the dynamic nature of their interactions. Before Kaito could even formulate a response, Raiden continued, his tone taking on a contemplative edge.
"You're interesting, mainly because of being the vessel of Altharion, but your talent is exceptional. Despite not being able to reach the levels of those who were born with innate talent, you'll definitely reach high enough."
The mention of innate talent sparked a flicker of curiosity within Kaito, prompting him to seek further clarification from his enigmatic mentor. "Innate talent?" he inquired, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and intrigue.
Raiden's response was cryptic, a fleeting glimpse into a realm of knowledge and understanding that lay beyond Kaito's grasp. "Never mind," he dismissed, the implications of his words hanging heavy in the air.
Undeterred by Raiden's evasive response, Kaito pressed on, his determination unyielding in the face of uncertainty. "I know what it means... But, why?" he persisted, his thirst for knowledge driving him to seek answers where others might falter.
Raiden's reluctance to divulge further information only served to deepen Kaito's curiosity, his mind awash with questions and conjecture. "Forget about it," Raiden urged, his tone tinged with a hint of exasperation. "Altharion should have already informed you about it, or at least Ryouichi, Ren, someone!"
Despite Raiden's insistence, Kaito refused to be dissuaded, his relentless pursuit of understanding driving him ever forward. "Do you know Ryouichi?" he queried, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
To Kaito's surprise, Raiden's response was affirmative, a testament to the interconnected web of relationships that bound them together. "Ren made sure to inform me about that," Raiden revealed, his words tinged with a hint of amusement. "I even know of your romantic relationship with Aria. Totally useless information, but Ren just likes to go overboard and explain everything."
As Raiden abruptly cut short their brief respite, Kaito couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment wash over him. He had hoped to prolong their conversation, to glean further insights from his enigmatic mentor, but Raiden's swift return to their rigorous training regimen left little room for idle chatter.
As Raiden once again propelled himself towards Kaito with relentless speed and precision, Kaito braced himself for the onslaught of blows that was sure to follow. Despite the physical toll it exacted on his body, Kaito remained steadfast in his resolve, his determination unyielding in the face of adversity.
"This training session is difficult, but it'll definitely be rewarding!" Kaito silently reaffirmed his commitment to his craft, his mind focused on the ultimate goal of self-improvement and mastery.
However, any sense of anticipation was swiftly shattered as Raiden's electrifying presence crackled to life before him. In a flash of brilliance, the air around Raiden seemed to ignite with raw energy, the telltale sign of impending danger looming ominously in the air.
"Use the Life Enes, and prepare..." Raiden's cryptic command hung in the air, its true meaning eluding Kaito as he struggled to comprehend its significance. Before he could even begin to formulate a response, a blinding cascade of lightning engulfed him in its searing embrace, the sheer force of its power threatening to overwhelm his senses.
With unparalleled intensity, 850,000,000 volts of electricity surged through Kaito's body, each jolt sending shockwaves of agony coursing through his veins. Despite the excruciating pain that threatened to consume him, Kaito gritted his teeth and endured, his willpower unbroken in the face of adversity.
As Raiden finally released his vice-like grip on Kaito, the young practitioner crumpled to the ground, his body wracked with exhaustion and pain. With each labored breath, Kaito struggled to maintain his composure, his mind reeling from the sheer magnitude of the ordeal he had just endured.
Summoning every ounce of strength within him, Kaito called upon his Enigma Warden Life Enes tier healing ability, channeling its restorative energies to mend his battered body. Yet, even as he began the arduous process of healing himself, a sense of despair threatened to engulf him, the enormity of his injuries weighing heavily on his weary soul.
It was in this moment of darkness that Raiden extended a helping hand, his own mastery of the Aether Life Enes tier healing ability proving to be Kaito's salvation. With a surge of energy that defied comprehension, Raiden's healing touch enveloped Kaito in a warm embrace, banishing the lingering shadows of pain and suffering with unparalleled efficiency.