Chapter 27: The Progress of a Prodigy
The mid-morning sun was just beginning to peek through the trees, casting soft light across the Augustine estate. The once vibrant training grounds now bore the marks of countless hours of rigorous training—scars in the earth where blades had struck, and worn patches of grass from constant movement. Standing at the center of the grounds, Argus held his practice sword, its wooden surface polished smooth from use.
At eleven and a half, Argus had grown lean and strong, his body tempered by years of relentless training under Suzume's watchful eye. His once boyish frame now held the beginnings of the build he would carry into adulthood—muscles honed, reflexes sharp, and an unshakable focus that belied his age. His breathing was steady, his eyes sharp as he focused on his next move.
Suzume, leaning casually against the trunk of a nearby tree, observed him with a look that was both critical and admiring. Over the past two years, she had watched him develop at a rate that exceeded even her expectations. The raw potential she had seen in him as a child had only grown stronger, and now, as he stood poised on the edge of another training session, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
"Not bad, brat," Suzume called out, her voice carrying its usual mix of mockery and approval. "You've come a long way since you first picked up that sword. But don't think that means I'm going easy on you."
Argus smirked, his eyes never leaving her as he shifted his stance, readying himself for her next instruction. "Wouldn't dream of it, Master," he replied, drawing out the title with a playful edge that had become a staple of their banter.
Suzume's eyes gleamed as she straightened up, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her own sword. "Good. Because today, we're not just working on swordsmanship." She crossed the distance between them with swift, deliberate steps, her gaze locking onto him with an intensity that made Argus straighten his back.
"We're focusing on your void powers."
Argus's expression shifted slightly at the mention of his void powers. Since breaking through to the Adept level two years ago, his connection to the void had deepened significantly. The void, with its strange and enigmatic nature—encompassing darkness, infinity, and space—was no easy power to master. But under Suzume's guidance, and through his own relentless efforts, Argus had gained considerable control over it.
He could now coat his blade with the dark energy of the void, sharpening its edge with an otherworldly coldness that could cut through nearly anything. He could form small void shields around his body, deflecting attacks with a fraction of the effort it had once taken. But perhaps most impressive of all, he could summon void bullets—small, concentrated blasts of pure energy that he could fire with deadly precision.
"Show me," Suzume ordered, her tone firm but curious. "I want to see just how much control you've gained."
Argus nodded, stepping back to create space between them. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment as he reached into the depths of his power. The void responded immediately, swirling within him, cold and vast as always. But where once it had been chaotic and difficult to control, now it flowed smoothly under his command.
He opened his eyes and extended his hand. A small, dark orb of void energy formed in his palm, pulsing with a quiet, ominous power. Without hesitation, he flicked his wrist, and the orb shot forward, faster than an arrow, slamming into a tree at the far end of the training grounds. The tree groaned under the force, the bark splintering where the void bullet struck.
Suzume's eyes flickered with approval. "Not bad," she said, though her voice carried the same critical edge it always did. "But don't get cocky. Precision is one thing. Power is another."
Argus grinned. "Power, huh?"
Without waiting for further instruction, he took a step forward, drawing on the void once more. This time, instead of forming a single bullet, he raised his practice sword, coating the blade in a shimmering layer of void energy. The blackness clung to the wood like an aura, shifting and writhing as if alive.
With a swift motion, Argus swung the sword, sending a wave of void energy slicing through the air. It wasn't just a regular strike—the void-enhanced slash cut through the space in front of him, the air itself distorting as the attack traveled forward, slicing cleanly through a line of trees before dissipating into nothingness.
Suzume's lips quirked into a smirk, clearly impressed despite her usual demeanor. "You're getting the hang of it," she remarked, stepping closer. "The void is dangerous—more dangerous than most powers because it doesn't just destroy... it consumes. But remember, brat, it's not just about raw strength. If you lose control, the void will swallow you just as easily as it swallows everything else."
Argus nodded, his expression serious. He had learned that lesson early on. The void was vast, and it was easy to get lost in it. The power he wielded was unlike anything he had ever seen—dark, infinite, and boundless. It could warp space, bend reality, and, in time, allow him to move through the void itself. But for now, he was focused on mastering the basics—control, precision, and focus.
Suzume watched him for a moment longer, her eyes sharp. "You've made more progress than most would in twice the time," she admitted, her voice softer than usual. "But you're still far from reaching your full potential."
Argus couldn't help but grin. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Suzume snorted, turning away as if to dismiss the moment of praise. "Don't get too comfortable, brat. You're an Adept now, but there's a long way between Adept and anything worth bragging about."
Argus lowered his sword, feeling the void settle within him once more. "I know. But I'll get there. One step at a time."
Suzume eyed him thoughtfully. "Your void powers are rare. People will take notice. The question is whether or not you're ready to handle what comes next."
Argus didn't answer right away. He knew what she meant. His power made him a target—an anomaly in a world where most struggled to even awaken. But he wasn't afraid. He had come this far, and he wasn't about to let anyone stand in his way.
"I'll be ready," he said simply.
Suzume gave him a small nod, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer before she turned away, signaling the end of their training session. "Good. Because things are only going to get harder from here."
As she walked away, Argus stood in the quiet of the training grounds, the weight of her words settling over him. He was stronger than he had ever been, but he knew she was right. There was still so much more to learn, so much further to go.
But for now, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He had mastered the void in ways he never thought possible, and with each passing day, he was getting closer to unlocking its true potential. One day, he would be able to move through the void, teleporting at will and bending space to his command. But that day was still far off.
For now, he had more training to do.