『Neizan: If it took you so long, why teach me when I only have four months? 』
Miguel let out a short laugh, understanding his apprentice's impatience.
『Miguel: Whether or not you master it in these months, it's essential that you know about this technique. Knowing how it works will give you an advantage, and it could save your life on the battlefield. Moreover, even if you don't fully master it, each attempt to get closer to this technique will improve your control over reiki and your swordsmanship. 』
Neizan looked at his sword, reflecting on his master's words. He was aware that his time was limited, but he also knew the knowledge Miguel was giving him was invaluable.
『Neizan: …You're right. I just hope you'll tell me where to start. 』
Miguel nodded with an approving expression and indicated that he should prepare for what was to come.
『Miguel: The first thing you must learn is to feel the flow of energy within you. You don't need to understand how magic works, but you do need to know how to synchronize each movement of your body with that energy. Before making a cut, learn to concentrate the reiki at your center and direct it to the edge of your sword. We'll train this over and over again. 』
Neizan took a deep breath, preparing for what he knew would be an exhausting training session. But deep down, the fatigue and difficulty that lay ahead didn't matter to him; all he desired was to achieve the same cut as Miguel. From that moment on, he was determined to master the technique, no matter how much effort or sacrifice it took.
『Miguel: Let's see… Think of the sword not just as a tool to carry out your will, but as an extension of your own being. However, what's truly important is learning how to use your inner energy. When you manage to manifest your mana from within, this spiritual energy adheres to your body, strengthening everything from your bones and muscles to your skin. With good control, you can even extend this resistance to external elements, like the clothes you wear or, as you've seen, to the blade of a sword. 』
『Neizan: …I'm listening. 』
For the first time, Neizan listened to every word with unwavering attention, deeply impressed by Miguel's wisdom—a knight who combined strength and knowledge in every action.
『Miguel: Controlling your reiki on your body can allow a sword strike, which would otherwise cut through you, to be stopped and reduced to just a superficial scratch thanks to the resilience given by your energy. But it doesn't only protect you from cuts and blows; it also shields you from natural effects like cold and heat. The technique I used before is called the reiki enhancer, and it's used to boost the physical attributes of any object. 』
『Neizan: I see… 』
Neizan felt a spark of excitement and respect for the technique and knowledge Miguel shared, realizing that reiki was not just a source of power but a versatile, profound resource that could protect him and enhance his combat skills.
『Miguel: Now, I want you to test the effectiveness of this technique in a real battle. 』
『Neizan: Yes. 』
With a firm nod, Neizan raised his sword, ready to accept Miguel's practical demonstration. Without hesitation, he watched as Miguel concentrated his mana in his arm, making it glow with a faint aura. Then, Miguel extended his arm, looking into Neizan's eyes with a confidence that challenged him to move forward.
『Miguel: I want you to try cutting my arm. 』
Neizan hesitated for a moment, but his trust in his master gave him the resolve he needed. With an inner cry of determination, he lifted his sword and brought it down with all the speed and strength his arm could muster. The blade struck Miguel's arm but stopped, leaving only a slight scratch. Astonished, Neizan noticed how the aura of reiki around Miguel seemed to absorb the impact, dispersing it so that the force of his strike barely left any mark.
For a moment, Miguel observed Neizan's astonished gaze and smiled, relieved not to have underestimated the intensity of the attack. Though he knew his protection was strong, Neizan's determination was unbreakable and fiercer than he had anticipated.
『Neizan: Incredible… 』
Miguel nodded, satisfied that his student had understood the essence of the technique. He knew Neizan's journey was only beginning, but with each step, the young man was closer to mastering reiki and becoming worthy of wielding a sword as an extension of his spirit.
『Neizan: Is something wrong? 』
A bead of sweat trickled down Miguel's forehead, though he tried to hide the reason.
『Miguel: Uh, nothing. «This kid didn't even think twice before going for it.» 』
In his mind, Miguel was relieved he'd managed to concentrate his defense in his arm just in time; otherwise, he might have lost his arm to Neizan's quick movement, as the boy hadn't hesitated for a second.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
In an instant of silence, the scene became clear: the black knight's shield had been nearly split in two at the top, his helmet was cut on one side, and his left shoulder pauldron lay shattered, exposing his skin, bloodied and slashed by the blow. The audience erupted in cheers at Neizan's feat, who watched his opponent intently.
Neizan had intended to finish him with that strike, but the toughness of the armor and shield deflected the sword's trajectory, which had been aimed directly at the knight's head, ending up only hitting his shoulder and part of his face.
『Neizan: «I'm still not used to using this technique. It drains too much energy.» 』
The dark knight took a few steps back, fixing his gaze on the young man once more. He lowered his head and, with his left arm, removed the damaged helmet. In the sunlight, his face was revealed clearly: pale skin, bright eyes shining in a mix of gray and gold, and long silver hair. His expression was impassive, as if the damage barely fazed him.
For a moment, Neizan was taken aback upon seeing his opponent's face for the first time, but he quickly raised his sword again, returning to his previous stance, determined to finish the fight.