Derrick and Ying arrived at the MetaCorp Industry depository. Amid the damaged cars and worn-out electrical appliances, a thick odor hung in the air. Derrick nearly gagged at the smell alone.
"How much more walking do we need to do...my lungs are fried."
Ying scratched his neck in irritation. "Shaddup and keep walking. The smell isn't too bad once we reach the training grounds."
The duo eventually made their way to a massive complex of abandoned buildings. The industry depository didn't seem connected to the out-of-serve apartment projects. It was as though the apartments existed long before the depository was built, but they were later abandoned and haphazardly used for garbage disposal.
"This should be a good spot, get into position," Ying ordered sternly. he stood in the middle of the rubble, as though the uneven terrain didn't faze him at all.
"Now that we're partners, it's about time that we discuss some very important matters regarding the underworld, that being abilities. First up we'll start with wraith, since that's the field I'm most knowledgeable in."
Ying released a large wave of purple flames from his body, its pressure nearly causing Derrick's knees to buckle. "This is Spirituality. It's sort of like a 'life energy'. Every being in this world possesses Spirituality to some degree. We wraiths use Spirituality to power our spirit flames. Think of it like another limb and control its temper."
Derrick closed his eyes and emptied his mind. He then visualized the flow of Spirituality within his right arm and controlled the movement of his spirit flames.
Its rhythm is strange and sporadic. Control the tempo. One two...one two...one two...
After repeating the counts ten times, the unstable flames soon gained a degree of restraint. It wasn't as polished as Ying's nearly still flames, but that was to be expected of a complete amateur.
"You did better than I thought, it only took you ten repetitions. It's time we move to the next step."
His flames had suddenly vanished. The area's pressure returned to normal. "The first step you completed is called temperament; the strengthening of the soul-body connection and its subsequent control of the spirit flames. The second step is application."
Ying's eyes shone a deep purple as he took a fighting stance.
Due to Derrick's boxing experience in his original world, he could easily detect the immense danger coming from Ying.
"Put your hands up. This'll be a hands-on lesson."
An orthodox boxing stance? I can't see any imbalances in his footwork or posture. Should I aim for a feint? A ja-
POW!
Gi's punch tore through the air, moving with speeds that surpassed Derrick's perception. His vision blackened, leaving only a searing pain that tore at his mind.
He screamed out loud, his fists clenched hard, and his whole body writhed in pain.
His thoughts shattered from the brutal damage to his brain. The pain in his exposed nervous system only intensified as his body raced to repair the destruction done by Ying's punch.
His skeletal system was reconstructed first, followed by muscle tissues reconnecting and his respiratory system being revived.
Heal...I've gotta heal! I'll take a defensive stance, I just need to guard against the next attack!
Ying suddenly lowered his hands and abandoned his stance. Upon seeing Derrick's quick recovery, he let out a loud sigh.
"Oh, looks like I forgot to tell you. We wraiths have two strong points. The first being our versatile spirit flames, the second being our ridiculous healing abilities. You've felt what healing can do to your mind now. The pain can drive the ordinary person insane. Are you sure you want to be my partner?"
This bastard! He never trusted my proposal to begin with. He neatly organized this training session as a means to mentally break me, to make me give up!
"I already told you I have no intention of giving u-"
Gi's next attack tore off Derrick's right arm. He clenched the remains of his arm tightly as the familiar burning sensation spread throughout his body.
"What you're asking of me is impossible. I can't help you find a way home. The rabbit hole goes far deeper than you could imagine, so give up hope before you truly learn what it means to involve yourself in the underworld."
Derrick retaliated immediately with a left punch. He refused to listen to Ying's offering and focused solely on attacking. However, the attack was easily countered and his head was crushed underfoot.
The sight of the struggling Derrick had reminded him of his naive self, or rather, it reminded Ying of his naive ambitions upon entering the underworld.
It's natural for the ignorant to be filled with energy and determination, but upon coming face to face with real despair, their definitive "I will" statements become shameful memories and reminders of failure.
If I don't make you give up now, you'll go down a path that will only leave you with regret. Please, kid. Just stop fighting.
"You don't know when to quit. Fine then, here's the wager. If you manage to use the Spirit Flame application and land one solid hit on me, I'll let you tag along and help you get your info. If I can inflict ten fatal wounds upon you, you'll stop pursuing Outworlders and accept your new life here."
Derrick grabbed Ying's leg tightly and tossed him away to a nearby building. As his head regenerated he met the irritated Ying with a fierce glare.
"Fine by me!"