After a month of rigorous training, Hiro was faster, but he was still far from mastering the special ability of the Specter Mirage technique—the ability to disappear. Rose decided it was time to introduce him to a new challenge: blending his speed with the skill to momentarily vanish from sight. This wasn't achieved by pure speed alone; he needed to control his presence and use his surroundings to create confusion.
This task proved to be a grueling process of trial and error. Hiro practiced dodging Rose's attacks, using shadows, objects, and even his own movements to hide his presence. Yet, each time he thought he was about to disappear, she caught him. "You're too predictable," she chastised playfully. "If you want to vanish, you need to become a ghost."
Determined to succeed, Hiro worked even harder. He began studying how his movements could be hidden by the terrain and lighting. He learned that it wasn't just about being fast; it was about being unpredictable, requiring both mental sharpness and precise physical control. Each failed attempt stung, but Hiro recalled his father's advice: "Strength is built through perseverance." This pushed him to keep going, to embrace the struggle.
After countless attempts, Hiro finally started to get the hang of it. He managed to vanish for a split second during training sessions, striking from unexpected angles that caught Rose off guard. Yet, mastering the technique fully remained elusive. It took him two months before he could consistently use the disappearing strike effectively, but even then, he found moments where it slipped from his grasp.
One afternoon, as they concluded another session, Hiro sat on the ground, panting. "I feel like I'm chasing shadows," he said, frustrated.
Rose smiled, encouraging him. "Every ghost you chase brings you one step closer to mastering your own. Remember, perfection comes with patience."
Hiro nodded, fueled by her words. "I'll keep pushing myself until I become a true specter."
After their training, Rose proposed a friendly duel to test Hiro's progress. "Let's see how well you can combine what you've learned," she said, her tone light but serious.
The two squared off in a clearing, the air thick with tension. Elysia watched eagerly from a distance. She wanted to see Hiro's newfound skills in action.
"Ready?" Rose asked, a hint of challenge in her voice.
Hiro nodded, determination shining in his eyes. The duel began, and Rose immediately charged at him with swift, precise strikes. Hiro countered, using his speed to evade her attacks. He vanished for a split second, delivering a strike that caught her off guard.
"Not bad!" Rose acknowledged, dodging just in time. "But you'll need more than speed!"
As they continued, Hiro felt the power of the Dragon Tyrant ability beginning to surge within him, heightening his senses and strength. He decided to incorporate this new power with his Specter Mirage technique, attempting to blend the two skills.
Suddenly, he vanished, reappearing behind Rose with incredible speed. "Here I come!" he shouted, swinging at her.
Rose barely managed to block his attack, her eyes wide with surprise. "What was that?" she exclaimed, realizing the potential threat Hiro posed when combining the two abilities.
The duel became intense, with Hiro pushing himself further, the Dragon Tyrant ability enhancing his agility and strength. Rose found herself on the defensive, barely managing to keep up with his quick, unpredictable movements.
"Hiro! Focus! Don't let the power control you!" Rose warned, her voice strained as she narrowly dodged another of his strikes. She was beginning to realize that if he continued to master this combination, he would become a formidable opponent.
With a swift move, Hiro attempted to vanish again, aiming to deliver a finishing strike. But just as he reappeared, Rose unleashed a powerful counterattack, using her own skills to gain the upper hand. The clash of their weapons echoed in the clearing as Elysia watched in awe.
Finally, with a final strike, Rose managed to disarm Hiro, her blade resting at his throat. "You've improved, but remember, there's always room for growth," she said, her breath heavy.
Hiro grinned, accepting his defeat. "That was amazing! I almost had you!"
"Almost isn't enough yet," Rose replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "Keep training. You're on the right path."
After the duel, Elysia stepped forward, her competitive spirit ignited. "Hiro, I want to learn that vanishing trick. I won't fall behind you!"
Hiro grinned, appreciating her tenacity. "It's not easy, but if you want to try, I can share what I've learned."
"I won't just try—I'll master it," Elysia declared confidently, a fire in her eyes.
"Then let's train together!" Hiro replied, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. They began exchanging techniques, with Hiro teaching Elysia about timing and control while she pushed him to work harder.
As the sun setted, Elysia practiced her movements, focusing on her agility. "I won't be just another person, Hiro. I'll be strong enough."
"Good! That's the spirit! Just remember, strength is about more than speed. It's about strategy too," Hiro encouraged.