Kaison stood tall before Hiro, his once-draconic features now refined in his human-like form. The air inside the cavern buzzed with energy, yet Hiro felt a sense of calm despite the overwhelming power radiating from the dragon. "Before we begin," Kaison started, his voice low and measured, "there's something you need to understand about this space."
Hiro, focused and ready, nodded as he listened carefully.
"In this space," Kaison continued, "you won't feel the need for food or sleep. Logic doesn't work here the same way it does in the outside world. No hunger, no fatigue. Just pure training." He paused, letting that sink in. "This is a different space entirely. One that isn't detectable by anyone else."
Hiro took a deep breath, feeling a surge of excitement and relief. This would give him the time he needed to truly hone his skills without the distractions of basic needs. "I understand," he said, determination glinting in his eyes.
Kaison's gaze softened slightly. "Good. Now, let's begin with mastering the first technique fully. You've already gotten a grasp on it, but you still have work to do."
Hiro nodded, gripping his sword tightly as he stepped forward into the open area Kaison had marked out for their training. He took his stance, channeling his energy into the blade, feeling the familiar pull of the first technique, Dragon's Tyrant. His form was solid, but he knew there was a deeper level he had yet to reach.
Kaison observed silently for a few moments, watching as Hiro moved through the familiar motions. Then, with a snap of his fingers, the dragon sent a wave of energy crashing toward Hiro. Instinctively, Hiro raised his sword to block the force, but it was stronger than anything he had anticipated. The energy hit him like a storm, pushing him back several feet as he struggled to maintain his footing.
"You're still hesitating," Kaison remarked, his voice stern. "Your movements are quick, but not yet decisive. You need to stop thinking and let your instincts guide you. The Dragon's Tyrant technique isn't just about strength or speed—it's about dominance. When you strike, you need to believe that nothing can stand in your way."
Hiro gritted his teeth, nodding as he readied himself once more. He shifted his stance, replaying Kaison's words in his mind. Dominance. Confidence. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, centering himself.
As he swung his sword again, something shifted inside him. His muscles felt lighter, his movements smoother. The energy flowed through him, not against him. He struck forward with renewed purpose, and the sword sliced through the air with a fierceness he hadn't felt before.
Kaison smiled approvingly. "Better. You're getting there."
Weeks passed inside the space, though to Hiro, it felt like mere days. Every strike, every movement brought him closer to mastering the first technique. He could feel the power building inside him with each passing moment, his body becoming more attuned to the flow of energy. Kaison pushed him relentlessly, never allowing him to rest on small victories.
By the end of the week, Hiro stood panting, his body drenched in sweat, though he did not feel tired. His hands gripped his sword tightly as he faced Kaison, who stood a few feet away, observing with a sharp gaze.
"Now you've got it," Kaison said with a satisfied nod. "You've mastered the Dragon's Tyrant."
Hiro looked down at his blade, feeling the pulse of energy resonating through it. The technique now felt like second nature to him, as though it had always been a part of him.
Kaison stepped forward, his expression serious once more. "You've done well with the first technique, but mastering the rest—the second through the ninth—will require more than just physical skill."
Hiro looked up, confused. "What do you mean?"
Kaison folded his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The techniques Hiryu left behind are more than just sword strikes. They require balance, control, and most importantly, the ability to wield the chaotic mana within you."
"Chaotic mana?" Hiro repeated, his brow furrowing. "What is that?"
Kaison sighed, as though he had expected this question. "The Amadeus clan has always possessed a unique power. The god of light blessed your family with immense potential, but with that power came a cost. The mana that flows through your bloodline isn't like ordinary mana. It's wild, unpredictable. Chaotic. That's why so few members of your clan have ever been able to truly master all nine techniques."
Hiro's eyes widened as the weight of Kaison's words sank in. "So... you're saying I need to control this chaotic mana in order to master the remaining techniques?"
Kaison nodded. "Exactly. You've managed to use the first two techniques because the chaotic mana inside you hasn't fully awakened yet. But as you grow stronger, that energy will start to rise, and if you can't control it, it will consume you."
Hiro felt a knot of fear tighten in his chest. "How do I control it?"
Kaison's expression softened slightly. "To control it, you must confront it. And to do that, you'll need to enter your inner self."
"My inner self?" Hiro asked, confused.
"Yes," Kaison replied, stepping closer to Hiro. "Every warrior with chaotic mana must face the storm that rages within them. It's not just about physical strength or skill with a sword—it's about understanding and mastering the chaos inside your own soul."
Hiro took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Kaison's words. He had come so far, but now it seemed the true challenge lay ahead of him.
"How do I enter my inner self?" Hiro asked, determined.
Kaison placed a hand on Hiro's shoulder, his eyes locking onto the boy's. "Close your eyes. Clear your mind. Let go of everything around you. I will guide you through this. But remember, Hiro, once you enter your inner world, you must face whatever lies within on your own."
Hiro nodded and closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to calm his racing heart. He could feel the world around him fading as he focused on the sound of his own heartbeat, the pulse of mana inside him growing louder with each breath.
Kaison's voice became distant, as though it was coming from far away. "Good. Now... let the mana guide you inward. Follow it... into the storm..."
The air around Hiro grew thick, and the darkness behind his closed eyes seemed to swirl with energy. Suddenly, he felt a pull, as though something was dragging him deep within himself.
He opened his eyes and found himself standing in a vast, empty space. The world around him was dark, yet he could feel the presence of something powerful lurking just beyond his sight.
"This is... my inner world," Hiro whispered, his voice echoing in the emptiness.
The chaotic mana was here, somewhere in this space, waiting for him to confront it.