CURRENT AGE [ 17 years old ]
He had now mastered the first seven techniques of the Amadeus clan. Kaison said, his deep voice echoing off the cave walls. "The Amadeus 8th Sword Style: Phoenix Rebirth is not just a technique; it's a way of life. It embodies resilience and rebirth. Every strike you make must carry the essence of the phoenix, allowing you to rise stronger from the ashes of battle."
Hiro nodded, feeling the surge of enormous mana within him. He could feel the warmth of his enermous mana, a fire within, waiting to be unleashed.
"Before we begin, you need to understand the risks," Kaison continued, his tone serious. "Channeling this regenerative fire will heal your wounds and replenish your stamina, but you must maintain control. If you lose focus, the flames can consume you instead."
"I understand," Hiro replied, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. "I'm ready to begin."
Kaison stepped back, giving Hiro space. "Start by focusing on the mana inside you. Feel it coursing through your veins. Draw it out, letting it wrap around you like a flame. Imagine the essence of the phoenix, rising from its ashes. Only then can you channel its power."
Hiro closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. He pictured the phoenix—its vibrant plumage, its fierce spirit, and its ability to rise anew. He reached within himself, tapping into the well of mana that had been unleashed over the past year. It was a vast reservoir of energy, and he felt it respond to his call.
As he opened his eyes, flames flickered to life around him. They danced and swirled, forming a protective barrier that flickered like the wings of a phoenix. The warmth enveloped him, but he maintained his focus, channeling the fire through his sword.
"Now, strike," Kaison commanded.
Hiro lunged forward, executing a swift horizontal slash. The flames followed his blade, creating a fiery arc that illuminated the cave. The moment his sword met the stone wall, the impact released a shockwave, shattering the rock into molten pieces. Hiro felt the power surging through him, exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
"Good! But remember, your goal isn't just to unleash fire; it's to wield it as a part of you," Kaison instructed, his voice booming. "Let the flames flow through you without overwhelming your mind. Try again."
Hiro steadied himself, focusing on the warmth surrounding him. He breathed in deeply, allowing the flames to calm, to synchronize with his heartbeat. This time, he swung his sword with purpose, unleashing a wave of flames that spiraled outward, engulfing the area in a brilliant inferno before retreating back to him.
"Better! But you need to do more than just control the flames; you must also use them to heal," Kaison encouraged. "Focus on your wounds and injuries. Picture the flames wrapping around them, regenerating your body."
Hiro gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain from previous training. He concentrated on the aching muscles, the bruises that marked his body from the countless hours of training. He imagined the flames engulfing those wounds, infusing them with warmth and vitality. Slowly, he felt the burning sensation ease, replaced by a soothing heat that revitalized him.
But with every gain came a cost. As he tapped deeper into the regenerative flames, he could feel his stamina depleting rapidly. The flames consumed energy, and he had to find a balance. Overusing this technique could lead to exhaustion—possibly even irreversible damage.
Kaison noticed Hiro's struggles. "Remember, Hiro. Every time you use the flames, you must keep your stamina in check. You can't let them drain you completely. Practice your strikes but also your healing. The two must work in harmony."
With each passing day, Hiro immersed himself in the training. The cave became a furnace, filled with the roar of flames and the smell of scorched earth. He practiced endlessly, refining his strikes, focusing on channeling the flames without burning himself alive.
As weeks turned into months, he began to master the technique. His strikes became more precise, the flames an extension of his will. Each swing was a dance of fire, a testament to the phoenix's resilience. With each successful strike, he felt his body heal faster, his energy replenished, but it also drained him faster. The mental toll was immense, and Hiro had to remind himself constantly to keep control.
"Remember to visualize the phoenix. It's not just a concept; it's your ally," Kaison reminded him during one of their training sessions. "Let it guide you. You have to become one with the flames."
Hiro took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he envisioned the phoenix soaring high above him. He felt the connection deepen, the flames growing more responsive, more attuned to his thoughts. With newfound confidence, he launched into a flurry of strikes, each one igniting the air with fiery tendrils that left scorch marks on the cave walls.
Days turned into a grueling year, filled with sweat, pain, and relentless training. Hiro often found himself collapsing to the ground, utterly exhausted. But with each fall, he rose again, fueled by the unwavering determination to master Phoenix Rebirth.
Finally, the day came when he felt ready to test his limits. Hiro stood in the center of the cave, the flames flickering wildly around him. He drew upon every ounce of mana, letting it surge through him. With a deep breath, he unleashed a strike so powerful that the cave shook, flames exploding outward like a supernova.
The heat was overwhelming, but Hiro felt invincible. His wounds healed almost instantly, and he felt the energy flowing back into him as if the flames were breathing life into his very soul.
"Impressive," Kaison remarked, observing Hiro's transformation. "You have truly embraced the essence of the phoenix. You are now ready to move on to the final technique."
Hiro felt a rush of excitement mixed with trepidation. "What is it?"
"The Duskveil Slash," Kaison explained, his tone grave. "It is the culmination of everything you have learned. This technique will require you to harness not only the flames of the phoenix but also the shadows that linger at dusk. It's a balance of light and darkness, and mastering it will require absolute control over your mind and body."
Hiro listened intently, the anticipation growing within him. "How do I begin?"
Kaison stepped closer, lowering his head to Hiro's level. "This is the most dangerous and complex technique. It requires perfect harmony between body, mind, and spirit, as well as mastery over both light and dark energies. Any imbalance will lead to catastrophic failure, potentially tearing the user apart or trapping them in the space between realities. The moment you waver, the technique will slip from your grasp."
Hiro nodded, determination hardening in his chest. He had come too far to turn back now. "I'm ready."
"Very well," Kaison replied, his voice steady. "Your training for the Duskveil Slash begins tomorrow. Rest well tonight, for the path ahead will test you like never before."
As Hiro settled down for the night, the warmth of the flames still tingling on his skin, he couldn't shake the sense of anticipation and trepidation. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of his final training phase, the final steps toward mastering his legacy.