As Lukas awoke the next day, Bene said he wanted to speak with him outside about something but didn't elaborate on what. He gave Lukas some special cushioned sandals to ease the pain of walking. Along with a plain white gi for him to change into. Lukas didn't know what a gi was, he only knew that was what Bene called it.
This was the first time he had been outside in about a week. Not to mention the fact that he had never seen the outside of the cabin. It was right next to a large pond, with a drop on one side that Lukas assumed had a waterfall. The sun beamed down on them through the trees as it slowly rose through the sky.
It was a nice day out.
"Where are we?"
Bene looked over at Lukas and chuckled softly to himself.
"You never thought to ask that before? Well, it's kind of in the middle of nowhere. The closest town would probably be Mistfell... but that's still at least a day away if not more."
Bene's smile faded as they reached the edge of the pond. There, Bene sat on a nearby stump and deeply sighed.
"Until I see that you are fully prepared, I will continue to stay here and train you. This could be weeks, months, or even years. However, before I inform you of how you will be training. Do you have a Frequency? Or aware of what they are?"
Lukas shook his head. Bene, in response, tiredly sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He dragged his hand down the rest of his face before explaining.
"A Frequency can be thought of as an extension of one's soul. Where one's character shapes it as much as it shapes them. It takes the form of a faint aura around oneself. Inside, one can subject others to their soul and use an ability akin to magic. One can acquire such an ability by one of two means. First, if you're lucky, you will have a dormant ability since birth, with its activation all but guaranteed. Second, if one is to train their mind, body, and soul enough, they can unlock the deepest parts of their person. Presumably, you do not see such auras. Nor do you possess any ability that would fit that description. Am I correct?"
Lukas shook his head.
"Well, I can see your aura, Lukas, and it is rather unique. So I believe that you may have an innate Frequency. But, it has not been awakened yet, and it is impossible to know what will trigger its awakening. So I will try to force it out of you through this training. This training itself will consist of four different routines split across five weeks. The first week you will train your movement. The second week you will train and strengthen your body. The third & fourth weeks will consist of combative training. The fifth week will consist of sparing against me with any weapon of your choice. Any questions?"
Lukas sighed.
"No... it's just a lot."
Bene stood and began walking towards a dock while beckoning Lukas to follow.
"Good, we will begin next week. Since your feet are still recovering, this week, I will try to bring your strength back. Easing you back into harsh and continuous movement."
They walked to the end of the dock and Bene told Lukas to sit with his sandals off, and his feet in the water. Bene then hopped into the pond, standing with the water at about waist height.
He put his finger on the surface of the water in between Lukas' feet and took a deep breath
"Fo"
Lukas did not recognize what Bene had said, but the impact and conviction with which it was said moved Lukas. A strange chill ran through his body upon hearing the word. It was as if the air around them chilled, or was it his skin that did?
As the thought left his head, the water around Lukas' feet became cold. He could even see a few ice crystals forming on the surface.
Bene retracted his finger and let out a deep exhale, in which Lukas could see... steam? Bene was exhaling steam? On top of that, there was something on his tongue. Is that a tattoo?
Lukas couldn't make out what it was supposed to be. But it was a strange sight regardless. This was also the first time he saw Bene's hands. He used to wear gloves at all times. His hands were soft, delicate, and scarred. But it was as if the scars were merely painted lines.
To add to that, on the palm of both his hands, was yet another tattoo. They were identical to each other, but not to the one on his tongue. In fact, Lukas recognized it. It was the same as the symbol on the back of Bene's uniform. If his memory was correct, it was the character for "Ice".
"Some cold water should help a bit."
Lukas looked up at Bene's face. He held his neck as he concentrated on his breathing.
"What was that?"
Bene let go of his neck and began to breathe normally.
"That was my Frequency. I can make the things I touch colder. I have to vent some steam after I do so though. Do you have any other questions?"
Bene began to make his way out of the water while awaiting Lukas' response. Lukas, lightly kicked his feet around in the water as he watched Bene.
"What's that thing on your tongue?"
Bene stood still for a moment before he realised what Lukas meant.
"Oh. I have a tattoo. It's the character for 'steam' since I have to vent steam through my mouth. Now, I will grab something. Stay here and relax."
Bene left Lukas by the water. The chill of the pond slowly dissipated, and the tingle of warmth slowly returned to his feet. He watched the slowly forming ice crystals break apart and disappear. It was all so strange.
It was strange to just... sit, and watch time pass. It was like he had no grasp over it, being hurled through time instead. First, all of his family was gone, and then his town was gone. Everything that was built around him, whether by him or before him, was gone.
Now, there was only one person left to care for him, like a guardian angel. Yet, he didn't know him. To Lukas, Bene was just a stranger. But it had already been a week, and Bene had been there that whole time, always looking over him.
He was like a saviour, a saint chosen just to protect him.