--- Alpha ---
"...I must admit, you have a grand variety of tricks," I said, a hint of amusement in my voice as I turned my head to gaze at the empty space where my opponent should have been.
With a swift motion, I slashed my sword through the air.
But my blade was met with the clang of steel as another sword blocked it, the impact generating a reverberation that echoed throughout the sparring area.
"Your Magical Power has grown by leaps and bounds during those past 3 years," I said, a note of approval in my voice. "I can also feel a faint threat, but..."
I narrowed my eyes, sensing the slight disturbance in the air as he launched another attack.
But with my enhanced perception, I was able to anticipate his movements and counter with a swift parry. The sound of metal on metal rang out as our swords clashed, and I could see the flicker of surprise in his eyes.
I didn't give him time to do anything about it.
As I flicked my wrist, a sudden surge of Magical Power exploded from my body, enveloping the entire sparring arena in brilliant, shimmering blue and purple circuits.
The air around us crackled with energy, and I could feel the sheer force of my power pulsing through every fiber of my being.
My master would no doubt be impressed by the display, as he was the one who had inspired me to hone my skills to this level. I could almost see the look of pride on his face as he watched over me.
But Fray was not one to be underestimated. If he didn't want to lose this spar instantly, he would have to respond in kind. And sure enough, he did.
With a fierce roar, his own Magical Power erupted forth, a torrent of energy that threatened to overwhelm mine. The two forces collided in a spectacular explosion of light and sound, sending shockwaves rippling through the area.
As our Magical Powers clashed, I could feel them battling for dominance, each one trying to assert its control over the other.
For a moment, it seemed as though our powers were evenly matched, cancelling the other out in a dazzling display of force.
The sound of our swords clashing filled the air as we engaged in a high-speed confrontation, our blades flashing in the dim light.
"I can understand why you asked me if you were lacking something, now." I couldn't help but mutter.
Even though you have an enormous amount of Magical Power with superb control, have a refined technique that seems so complex I actually find it difficult to see through, you...
Are indeed missing something.
With a swift, fluid motion, I dodged his next attack and countered with a lightning-fast strike of my own, my blade flashing towards his neck.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl as I watched him react, his eyes widening in surprise as he realized what was about to happen.
But it was too late.
My sword was already there, hovering just above his skin, a silent threat that he could not ignore.
For a moment, we stood there, frozen in time, our eyes locked in a silent standoff. And then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he lowered his sword to the ground and raised his hands in surrender.
"...I admit defeat," he said, his voice barely audible
--- Akira ---
I was completely lost.
None of my skills seemed to have any effect.
None of my talents could offer any help.
None of my magic spells could reach her.
Not even my Sky Art, my most powerful weapon, managed to damage her.
It felt like no matter what I did, the outcome was already decided.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but may I ask you a question?" She spoke up, her tone cautious.
I glanced at her, nodding in response.
"Do you have a True Goal? Something you'd be willing to tear your own skin apart to realize, something you know will always be the reason you exist...?"
Her question caught me off guard, its depth sinking in slowly.
I waited for a few seconds, expecting her to elaborate on why she wanted to know, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on me.
From the way she put it, this 'Goal' would have to be something so absolute you had no other choice but to follow.
"..."
I don't think I have one.
When the Golden Figure first introduced me to the Trials, it promised the reward of reincarnation in a World of my choosing upon completion.
It sounded appealing, enticing even, enough to motivate one to strive for it. But personally, I've never felt a strong desire for it.
On a more basic level, the concept feels somewhat surreal to me.
The idea of being able to pick where you live, your family, and other details seems beyond my reach, given my current power level.
It's difficult for me to imagine such a scenario, let alone consider it a worthwhile goal worth pursuing.
After Luna delved deeper into the System's manipulations and attempts to seize control of the Multiverse, I gained a clearer understanding of its schemes.
However, I'm not driven by heroism, so the fate of the Multiverse doesn't weigh heavily on my mind.
Though I harbor resentment towards the System for its actions and am determined to break free and seek vengeance, it's not a goal in the same level as what Alpha mentioned.
Until that moment, I was convinced I lacked any such purpose.
But then, an instant later, a revelation struck me like a bolt of lightning:
I was overlooking one thought.
Alexia Midgar.
Why should I have to give up on her and just accept we have to separate?
No one else shall have her, apart from me.
Despite my overwhelming feelings for her, why have I never considered altering our fate up to now?
I want her to know my true identity and call me by my real name.
I don't want her to view me as someone who's indulged in drugs; I've never even touched them in my past life. I'm as innocent as they come!
Sure, I've had my moments with alcohol, but I want her to understand that I'm not a drunkard, nor would I ever mistreat a servant.
All these thoughts and more have been weighing on my heart, but I refuse to continue carrying this burden.
I have no intention of yielding to the demands of the System.
Just like Luna mentioned, the System doesn't have a tight grip on me yet, which means now is the perfect time to take action.
[Your Skill [Limit Breaker] is faintly reacting—]
If the Trial Conditions go against my wishes, I'll defy them.
[The chains binding your Talent [Sword] are shaking—]
[Your Talent [Sword] is laughing—]
[Your Skill [Limit Breaker] is reacting—]
There's this one obvious action the System would never allow me to take, as it would undoubtedly undermine the authority it's striving so hard to establish.
After carefully considering Luna's explanations, that's the conclusion I've reached, even though I never intended to go to such extremes.
But now I realize, perhaps I was naive.
Do I have the luxury to care?
No, I don't.
"I think I do have a True Goal after all, Alpha. Thanks for asking, you helped me realize something really, really important."
As the words left my mouth, I could feel a sinister grin spreading across my face.
Let's see who will win this, dear System.
---
Author's Short Explanation Space:
Akira had no clear goal to truly push him to get stronger up until this moment, so it was actually blocking his path to Extreme Combat Prowess, as only those crazy for power can reach that power level.
That's the gist of what's happening.
Sorry to blueball y'all on the last part, but as I said, this is supposed to be something introduced a few chapters later (It will have a greater impact this way!).