I remember that the sensation traveled from the center of my body and connected to my brain. Following that same path, I then believe that it could reach the center of my spiritual circuit.
Once I found that spiritual path that Wolf had nourished with spiritual power, I followed it carefully throughout my body. That thin root had a complicated and very intricate route, but without losing it for a second, I managed to reach the center of my spiritual circuit. It was located in the center of my chest.
I can see it...
A core with countless roots and branches that look like the center of the universe. It's like having a nervous system, but it radiates a warm light. As for its appearance, it's not pretty at all. It looks and even moves like an alien parasite stuck to your body. It's a little scary and disturbing.
...or rather, it's kind of gross.
Now that I found the core, it was easy to follow the rest of the path until I reached the soles of my feet. After that, I concentrated magic power on the central spiritual root of both feet, and they lit up soon after. I felt the cold sensation of a connection running through my body again, but this time I made it travel through the entire central root, which is thicker than the other roots. And once I made sure that the entire central route was lit up and connected as a whole, I opened my eyes.
"I think I did it," I said, looking at my entire body. This feeling is fascinating and quite peculiar: something like having my entire body in the palm of my hands… or total control of every muscle.
"Stay in that state as long as you can throughout the day today, when you feel you can hold it for a day, then you will move on to holding it for a week and then a whole month; all of this is to get used to that feeling. Only then will you be able to enter that state more easily as many times as you want. This is the first training you must do every day for three months from now."
"I understand"
"Now take your first step on the water and keep up with us." With that said, Zaphyris and Wolf turned around and began walking back towards the palace.
This is the moment of truth...
I took a step out onto the lake first, adjusting my weight along with the smooth, delicate structure of the water. After much effort, and to my surprise, my foot did not submerge... then followed with a second step, and then a third. I was walking on water before I knew it.
"Whoa!" I cried out in surprise. "I-I'm walking on water, Zaphyris-sama!"
Now he was walking alongside them normally.
"It's sensational"
Zaphyris looked at my astonishment and laughed a little, then told me a story. "A long time ago, in order to teach beginner swordsmen to control the base of their spiritual circuit, this exercise was incorporated into their training routine. It had been conceived by the strongest Sword God of those times. As it turned out to be easy for warriors to learn to master their spiritual circuits with this exercise, it soon became very famous and over the years it passed into popular use among the population; thanks to that, new such exercises were born among the masses. Currently, it is an exercise that is taught to children from 6 to 8 years old to master their spiritual circuits at an early age."
"Eh..." I can tell they're trying hard with this… it feels like my body is just discovering things that an eight-year-old can already master.
Once we crossed the lake and arrived at the Palace, I hastily put my spiritual circuits to rest.
I didn't think it would be so exhausting to use and maintain it constantly. I just learned something fundamental from this: spiritual circuits require concentration, physical and mental effort. Endurance is the most important thing.
"Good job, Lucius, I thought you would fall into the lake halfway there… it was the same with my four children."
"I am surprised that I am still standing at this point. It is the first time I have experienced this kind of fatigue."
"That means you are strong. That is a sign that you will be able to withstand Wolf's training."
I'll be mentally prepared for that...
For a moment, I saw a silhouette behind Zaphyris and Wolf, the lone figure was looking out at the lake that stretched out in front of her. She seemed bored or rather uncertain in her feelings: her short pointed ears and strong gaze; her determined and stubborn eyes that give the feeling of being someone of strong character; her hair and blue eyes of a light shade; her naturally blushing lips and cheeks; her long hair and delicate face. She was the perfect doll.
Before I knew it, she was looking back at me.
"She is the most beautiful mermaid I have ever seen in my life." I let out those words as I looked at that girl...
"What thing, Lucius?"
"Ah, well... it's that girl over there"
When I said that, both Zaphyris and Wolf turned to look behind them.
"Is something wrong with her?"
"Not exactly… I just can't stop looking at her for some reason."
"Oh? Really?"
"Yeah"
"It almost seems like you fell in love, Lucius."
"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't love at first sight..."
"My! And you don't seem to be that bold at first glance, Lucius." Zaphyris said as she looked at me in amazement and then continued. "But I guess I'll let it go for now, since you don't seem like a bad man… if you really want to marry her someday, you must promise to be stronger myself to protect her in my place."
I don't understand why he says that... Is this some kind of Mermaid ritual?
"If it's that girl, then I would promise without thinking twice." I said to demonstrate my masculinity, if this is some kind of test of bravery, I have no problem showing my determination.
At my response, both Zaphyris and Wolf looked at me in surprise...
"Did I say something wrong...?"
"No," she replied with a smile. "Instead, I thought what you said was kind and brave."
Zaphyris motioned to the beautiful girl and she came straight to us.
"Allow me to introduce them first," Zaphyris said and continued. "Aphril, this guest of ours, his name is Lucius and he hopes to get along with us."
"Nice to meet you, Lucius," he said with a polite bow and in a tone just as modest and decent as Zaphyris.
"Now then Lucius, this is my second daughter, Aphril Quaramis, I hope you two get along from now on." Zaphyris said with a smile and a sharp look.
He did it intentionally...
Shit! I was caught off guard and my face is red.
I had told her all that and it turned out that she is his daughter...
... This is a good day to die a second time.
"T-the pleasure is mine, Aphril-sama," I said as I bowed equally politely. I needed to hide the embarrassed face I had at the moment.
I will be more careful with my statements.