Rodrigo and Ana stood face to face in the underground part of the cave. Tania had sat down to watch them train.
—The first thing we'll do is distort this dimension, Rui— Ana said as she rummaged through her pocket inside her clothes, pulling out a small white spark.
—Distort what?— Rodrigo asked.
—We'll create a fighting field to prevent causing damage to the surroundings. I'll create a new dimension where only gods can exist, and humans will simply freeze. Time won't flow inside in the human world, but it will here— explained Ana.
Rodrigo still didn't understand anything.
—Don't worry, you'll remember soon— Tania replied.
Ana released the spark onto the ground, and quickly, like a shockwave, the entire space was covered in a bluish-gray color. Rodrigo quickly recalled what had happened when he tried to kill Almanzor.
—This is a new dimension, Rui. Every time I use one of these 'Pocket Dimensions,' we can fight inside without any issues. And don't hold back, the walls of this dimension are indestructible— Ana mentioned, raising her arms.
—Incredible— Rodrigo said in astonishment.
—When the training is over, I can remove the alternate dimension. But as you can see, these little things can easily serve as prisons for divine beings— Ana continued explaining, as Rodrigo observed dark feathers appearing from the goddess's left arm.
The dark feathers began to spin in the form of a small whirlwind and took the shape of a sword, which Ana quickly grasped with her left hand.
—And this is my ability, Rui. Dark matter— Ana said as she swung her sword, cutting through the air slightly.
—I can create anything I think of with this ability, but I prefer to use it to create weapons—
Ana moved her hand, gripping the sword, and made a horizontal arc. Suddenly, a wide variety of weapons appeared behind her: swords, spears, bows, knives, and more. And then, the weapons disappeared, leaving behind small dark feathers that dissipated into the air.
—We gods are defined by the elements we were born with. Mine is darkness, and Tania's is fire— Ana said, continuing to play with her sword.
—Well, I was born under the elements of water— Tania mentioned, —but I was never content with it, so I decided to train to use fire. That means, even if you're born with one element, it doesn't mean you can't use another—
—The first thing we need is for you to manifest your element— Ana said, pointing at Rodrigo with her sword.
—That divine blood within your body, inherited from one of your parents, should give you the elemental affinity you need to move on to the next lesson—
—Manifest your divine energy now— Tania said. —Like when you were furious attacking the Moors— the fire goddess added.
—Alright— Rodrigo nodded.
He began to exert himself, clenching his fists and slightly bending his legs. His brown hair started to stand on end, and a trail of light began to spin around his feet as dust and rocks lifted into the air. Rodrigo's eyes took on a brighter shade of green, and his body started to emit a trail of white light.
Rodrigo let out a shout, and a huge cloud of dust expanded around him.
—I'm ready— he said, looking defiantly.
Ana, who was fanning her hand to remove the dust, said, —Well, we also need to fine-tune the amount of energy you spend— as she continued to cough.
—Alright, can you generate energy now?" Ana asked after controlling her cough.
—Energy?— Rodrigo asked, still confused.
—Yes, like this— Ana said, creating a kind of blue fire with her right hand and then making it disappear.
—The energy you generate will manifest what type of element you use— she mentioned.
Rodrigo tried to generate energy with his right hand, but nothing happened. As he increased his strength, he felt the earth trembling, rocks began to float, and the ground cracked. His trail of light expanded violently.
—No, no, Rui, calm down— Ana said. —You need to generate your energy by calming your mind—
Rodrigo decreased his destructive power and tried to focus on his hand, but since nothing was happening, he unconsciously started to raise his strength again, and the earthquakes began anew.
—Calm down, Rodrigo!— Tania exclaimed.
—No, Rui. That won't get you anywhere— Ana said calmly, trying to calm down the young apprentice's anger.
—Calm your mind, your heart. Feel as if you are part of the sea, nature, the air. Take a deep breath and relax your senses—
Rodrigo tried again, but he couldn't do it. Once again, his frustration led him to excite his internal energy and cause new tremors.
—You're a lost cause— Tania said, annoyed.
—Don't say that, Tania. Give him time, and you'll see that he can do it— Ana said, making her sword disappear.
Ana approached Rodrigo and placed both hands on his shoulders.
—You've been through a lot, and I know there's a lot of pain and anger in your heart. I can feel the rage you're holding against the Moors, against Al-Mansur. But you need to put your mind in order first— she said.
—I can't, I can't!— Rodrigo shouted in anger, and his energy expanded even more, causing lightning to crackle around him.
—I want to kill him! That damn Almanzor!—
—Forgive me, Rui— Ana said, looking into Rodrigo's tear-filled eyes.
—Forgive me and Tania for stopping you in your revenge— she continued.
—Forgive yourself for not being able to defend your mother. It wasn't your fault— Ana continued with a soothing voice.
—And I know it will be impossible for you to forgive your enemies, but you have to try to accept it. It's difficult, I know, but if you continue to carry that hatred in your heart, it will destroy you from within. We believe in you—
Rodrigo lowered his power and fell exhausted to the ground. Ana also knelt down, continuing to touch his shoulders.
—You're really good at these things. I would have beaten him to a pulp— Tania said bored, resting her head on her left hand.
Rodrigo was calmer now, breathing more steadily.
—Are you feeling better?— Ana asked.
Rodrigo nodded.
Ana then stood up and offered her hand to help Rodrigo up. He took her hand and got to his feet.
—We're going to have to do some meditation exercises— Ana said.