After much begging and pleading Claire agreed to train Okuagu on how to properly use his gift and the art of the spear. She also took the time to explain to him everything regarding gifts, beasts and weapons. It turns out that beasts were divided into eight ranks: F rank were ordinary mundane beasts like cows, cats and most domestic animals. E rank consisted of most wild animals like lions and buffalos. D rank consisted of animals that could understand human speech and were also bigger than their average E ranked cousins. C rank upward possesses gifts and attributes with A and S rank having the ability to conquer territories called domains. And the highest rank was the X rank which comprised of Divine and demonic beasts that were too powerful to be killed. Claire also answered the question of why he hadn't encountered beasts before when hunting.it turns out his father's presence had kept most of them away when he was alive and upon the village's unfortunate demise many of the beasts had strayed nearer than usual....
Okuagu was running through the forest for like the eight time today, he began to wonder whether it was a good idea to train with Claire. His training consisted of rigorous runs every day, swims, hunts that almost made him to almost end up on somethings menu and to crown it all sparring with Claire blindfolded so that he could develop according to her "senses". His training also included learning how to read, write and learning what he called "Sophisticated madness of the pale foreigners" which consisted learning etiquettes and manners.
"little brother, Little brother" Claire called out. "Yes sister" replied Okuagu who was currently dressed in an apron. "One of those golden lions have been roaring too loudly, I need you to shut it up" Claire added with a yawn. "Yes sister "he said dejectedly. "Just when I thought today was going to be a break" Okuagu thought as he picked up his spear and made his way toward the heart of the forest.After much stalking he finally found one of the wandering golden lion males in a thicket. Personally Okuagu didn't really cherish the idea of killing an animal for no good reason, but it was too late to turn back. Okuagu calmed down and circulated the heat in his body towards his arms and legs. The lines were now swirling flame patterns which made him look like he was tattooed all over.The lion soon noticed the threat and turned towards his direction. Okuagu was already in front of the lion spear in hand. The lion pounced claws outstretched, Okuagu easily dodged the attack and stabbed the lion in the belly only for the spear head to break with sparks being emitted everywhere. "So that's why it is called 'Golden' smiled Okuagu as his hands began to glow red hot. The lion wasted no time and soon enough Okuagu was fighting through a flurry of claws and teeth. "How are you dodging my attacks" the lion asked with a huge baritone voice. "I've watched and hunted you big cats enough for me to know how you attack" replied Okuagu. The lion after seeing that he was going nowhere in the fight threw in the towel and ran into the bushes. Okuagu didn't give chase and was instead delighted with the insight he had gained from the confrontation.…..
"Next time learn to guard while you attack" remarked Claire as she helped Okuagu up. Okuagu remained in the forest practicing with the new makeshift spear he had made the day before. His entire body was covered with fire patterns and as he trained with the spear it seemed as though he was one with it. Two years had passed since when Claire had started training him and now at 16 years Okuagu was far stronger than most B ranked beasts. Claire watched from afar with pride as she couldn't believe that this was the same boy she had saved before. Though Okuagu kept on asking her if she knew anything about the masked stranger who destroyed his village, she still couldn't provide any answers regarding his identity.In Claire's cabin Okuagu was as usual reading a book about beasts but paused when something shiny caught his eye. He picked it up and was surprised to find out that it was a small diamond ring. From his readings about the custom of foreigners he knew it must be a gift from someone precious to Claire but who could it have been? Okuagu shrugged and put it on the table while he waited for Claire to come back from her bathe at the springs. Claire came back looking refreshed. Okuagu still wondered what made her to still stay in this forest "could it be that she had lost her way back? Okuagu wondered as every time he brought up the topic she simply replied that she preferred the forest than the kingdom she came from.Okuagu then lit up the fireplace with his flames for he learned how to channel the heat in his body to his hands and how to manifest it as flames though learning this skill had burned far too many furniture in Claire's cabin.