Day 3 of the
Today was a bit of a benchmark. Vericka never let up, always finding a way to push me beyond my comfort zone. But after a month of her new suggested warm-ups, I was getting used to those daily 500 push-ups. It was as if discovering my true identity had unlocked a new level of interest in me, emboldening her to test my limits in ways she hadn't before. I couldn't help but admire her audacity, even if it meant enduring her relentless training.
This was because Vericka couldn't shake her concern over my intelligence, maturity, and the power I wielded at such a young age. Worried, she humbly asked Grandma Fann to use her V-Skill to uncover any additional information she could about me. Grandma Fann's [Elder Lords: The Kotomatsukami] had an ability that could read a soul's memories. Given that she was a far stronger M-Cee than I was at the time, neither of my V-Skills could block or resist her skill's power. Even though [Adaptive Predator] boosted my resilience afterward, it was too late—she had already discovered that I was a soul from another world.
Although she didn't uncover anything about my encounter with The Creator, Omni, she did find memories of my past life in the Vice City on Earth. When she shared these with Mom, there was a moment of shock, but then she simply remarked that my odd way of speaking finally made sense. They both approached me about it, and I explained as much as I could, carefully omitting any mention of Omni, as [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] advised. Reincarnation wasn't an unfamiliar concept in Gaia, and Gaians believed in the Creator, but no one had ever seen or met the Creator and returned. So, to avoid unnecessary complications, I kept that part to myself.
After answering their questions, they both reassured me with a warm, comforting embrace, saying, "You're still our blood, our family. Nothing will ever change how much we love you."
Vericka then took a step back, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she said, "Alright, Moonlight. We're going to see what your limit is." Her smile widened into a determined grin. "Today, I'm pushing you to your edge. Are you ready?"
I pushed myself off the ground, still catching my breath from the last set of push-ups. "We finna do more exercises?" I said dusting my grey gi top and hakuma off.
Vericka shook her head, the playful grin never leaving her face. "No, due to the infinite amount of mana you produce, it's difficult to truly fatigue you just by working out. So instead, I plan to drain your mana pool and stamina, to see what you can handle."
Her words triggered a sharp and unwelcome memory of the last time I ran out of mana. It hit me like an ex-girlfriend throwing shade after a breakup, the kind that stays with you. The memory of that all-consuming weakness sparked a vexing storm within me. I hated that recollection, that helplessness of having this body run on empty; powerless, and vulnerable. It reminded me of dying. Never again, I vowed. Never again would I let myself get to that point. A fierce determination ignited in me, and without even realizing it, [Adaptive Predator] activated, mirroring the rapid surge of thoughts in my mind.
"We're going to use this," Vericka said, her tone serious as she pulled out a circular metal ring.
My heart skipped a beat when I recognized it—a magisteel anti-mage collar. Anti-mage collars, the stuff of horror stories, were created back in the 1600s by humans to imprison other races or to keep their own M-Cees under control during wars. The collar worked by casting three touch spells—Mana Cancel, Energy Drain, and Mana Silence—crippling all human M-Cees. And for the stronger races, like mine, magisteel was added for good measure. Magisteel not only absorbed magical impact but also rejected magitons, making it resistant to magic and 2000 times stronger than regular steel.
"An anti-mage collar, with magisteel at that," I said in slight disbelief.
Magisteel was a rare, nearly indestructible metal found only in the deepest parts of Gaia's underworld. When forged into anti-mage collars, it became a terrifying weapon against those who relied on mana. The collar didn't just block mana—it siphoned it, consuming the user's life force until they were powerless and vulnerable. Only the strongest of souls could withstand its effects for any significant length of time.
Vericka's eyes softened, but her resolve didn't waver. "I borrowed this from my old adventure bag. Since I've started teaching you, I've noticed that you get the most growth when truly pushed. But you grow so fast, leaving more potential to be reached. So, I want to see how much you'd grow if you couldn't recover so instantly."
I paused for a second, staring at the collar in her hands. "So, you're tying one of my hands behind my back?"
Vericka chuckled, the sound light and teasing. "With your genius, I may need to tie both and an ankle." She giggled at her own joke, but the underlying seriousness of the situation wasn't lost on me.
Vericka's gaze, steady and focused, didn't waver as she handed me the collar. She was serious, more so than I'd seen in a while. "This isn't just another exercise, Xiro," she said, her tone firm but not without a hint of concern. "We're going beyond the usual drills today."
I clenched my jaw, my resolve hardening. "You really think this is necessary?" I asked though I knew the answer. She wouldn't have suggested it if she didn't.
"Absolutely," she replied, her eyes locking onto mine. "This is about more than just your power. It's about control—your control over it."
As I held the collar in my hands, a cold metal reminder of the challenge ahead, a surge of determination welled up inside me. I knew this would be difficult, but I trusted Mom completely. With a steadying breath, I snapped the collar around my neck. Instantly, the familiar flow of bio mana ceased, leaving me with an unsettling emptiness. It was like the lifeblood of my very being was draining away, and the sensation was as alien as it was terrifying.
My legs trembled, but I forced myself to stand tall. The collar was heavier than anything I'd ever felt before, like a constant pressure squeezing my chest, cutting off my breath. But it wasn't just physical. It was the psychological weight that threatened to crush me. The knowledge that my newfound power was being drained; that I was vulnerable again.
"Still standing?" Mom asked, her eyes sharp as she observed me.
"Barely," I admitted, the weight of my own body suddenly feeling unfamiliar. "Feels like I'm back in my old body, before all of this... I hate it."
She nodded, understanding in her gaze. "You were once different and weaker, but that difference is what sets you apart. Your past life gives you advantages with all that experience you hold. There are only three other reincarnations on Gaia that I know of, and they're incredibly powerful as well... But none impress me like you."
Her words should've comforted me, but the anxiety gnawed at my resolve. That damn collar wasn't just draining my mana—it was pulling me into a place I never wanted to return to.
The collar clicked around my neck with a finality that sent a shiver down my spine. It was a relic from a time long past, a tool designed to restrain those who wielded too much power, to keep them in check... To keep us in check. And here I was, willingly submitting to it.
The sensation of mana slipping away was immediate and jarring. It was like being thrust into a void where everything that made me who I was—my strength and abilities—vanished instantly. For a moment, panic threatened to overwhelm me, memories of that cold, dark place flooding back. But I couldn't afford to lose my cool, not now. Not ever again.
"Ain't no bitch in my blood," I muttered, my voice rough with suppressed emotion.
Vericka's eyes narrowed, catching the change in my demeanor. She knew what this training was doing to me, pushing me, and the chance of it breaking me. But she also knew it was necessary. Her thoughts flickered to the Trappers—the unimaginable threat they posed. They were coming, and the world needed someone who could stand against them. Someone who could do what no one else had ever managed. Someone who could truly put an end to them.
"Maybe he could be the one," she thought. "Maybe Xiro is the key."
She didn't let those thoughts show on her face. Instead, she rubbed me on my back softly. "Now," she continued, her tone sharpening, "with that collar on, I want you to practice the punches and kicks I've shown you until you're exhausted. Go for a jog. And if you're feeling particularly brave, try to cast an art."
I caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Is that a smile, Mom?"
She quickly straightened her face. "No, son, you're imagining things. I'll be back after checking on your siblings. As well as shake off this nauseous feeling."
As she left, I stood alone in the open field, the village a distant memory behind me. I planted my feet into a stance, ready to practice the high kick she'd taught me. But even as I did, I noticed my mana pool dwindling, the collar working its relentless drain.
Minutes passed, though it felt like hours. Every second was a battle to keep my mind from slipping back into the darkness. But I fought, tooth and nail, refusing to let the collar break me. Slowly, I adapted. My breathing steadied, my vision cleared. The void where my mana used to be still lingered, but it was no longer a source of panic. It was a challenge, one I would overcome.
"Fuck it, I got this," I muttered, slapping my face for a quick jolt of adrenaline.
Each kick was a battle against the collar's pull, every movement heavier than the last as my energy slipped away. By the time I hit 210 kicks, my breath was ragged, and I had to switch to punches. Each blow felt like it was dragging me down, the collar sapping my strength with every passing second.
"This is fucking annoying... but I can do this. I can do this," I chanted to myself, the words a mantra of determination.
Suddenly, Tsukuyomi's voice echoed in my mind.
Tsukuyomi (within): "Analyzation complete."
Belial (within): "Copying Arts and Skills from Anti-mage Collar... Complete.
"What? We doing what now?" I asked, caught off guard by the sudden development.
Belial (within): "Do you want to install the copied skills?"
"New powers? Hell yeah," I said, a flicker of excitement breaking through my fatigue.
Belial (within): "Installing personal skills [
Tsukuyomi (within): "[Adaptive Predator] is now activated."
"Right on time," I whispered, a small grin forming despite my exhaustion.
The moment [Adaptive Predator] activated, it was like a wave of cool relief washing over me, a surge of energy at the perfect moment. My mana reserves were dangerously low, but this second wind was like discovering an oasis in a desert. The collar might have been draining me dry, but there was no way I was letting it break me.
Tsukuyomi (within): "With [Adaptive Predator] providing new insights, I can craft a skill to counteract your fatigue. Want to install it?"
Xiro: "Hell yeah, this 'being tired' crap ain't for me."
Belial (within): "Installing [Limitless Stamina]. Be warned; this will exhaust your remaining MP."
I braced myself, expecting the wave of darkness to consume me as my mana hit zero. But instead of collapsing, a rush of vitality surged through me, electrifying every fiber of my being. It was as if I'd tapped into a boundless well of energy, obliterating the fatigue that had been dragging me down.
Xiro: "Now, this is what I'm talking about! Y'all always come through with the good shit."
With renewed vigor, I launched into a flurry of punches and kicks. Each movement was fluid and powerful—no longer weighed down by the strain of exhaustion. My fists cut through the air with sharp precision, and my kicks snapped with the force of a whip. Jabs, hooks, roundhouses, jump kicks—I flowed seamlessly from one attack to the next, my body responding effortlessly to the demands of my mind.
Xiro: "No mana, but damn, I feel unstoppable. This is unreal."
Tsukuyomi (within): "[Limitless Stamina] eliminates the need for your body to rest. While your health can still be depleted by damage, you'll never tire from performing actions or lack of Bio Mana."
Xiro: "So, this collar can't drain me anymore, but I'm still cut off from my magic. Ain't there a way around this?"
Tsukuyomi (within): "Indeed. Once you attempt to gather mana again, Belial and I can devise a solution."
I instantly grasped Tsukuyomi's plan—it was a well-worn cycle by now. Whenever [Adaptive Predator] analyzed new data on perceived adversity, [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] would synthesize that information, and [Midnight Star: Belial] would tap into the Prime Realm System to manifest a new skill. Belial's unique administrative link, embedded deep within the V-Skill's coding by Omni herself, allowed him to access the system with a speed and efficiency unmatched by any other Vessel Skill. This allowed my soul's request for new skills to be answered more often. That's why this combo worked so well—Tsukuyomi's precision and Belial's connection were a game-changing duo.
I steadied my hand in front of me, grabbing my wrist to stabilize the motion as I turned my palm upward. Closing my eyes, I reached deep within myself, searching for the faint whisper of Bio Mana. The collar had drained me completely, leaving me dry, but I wasn't about to back down. First, I triggered [Absolute Memory], and to my relief, it activated without a hitch. Using it, I mentally revisited the transmutation process of magitons into Bio Mana, a technique [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] instantly picked up on, running [Analyze] on my body.
With unwavering focus, I visualized my Soul Core, imagining the magitons sparking into existence from the very essence of my being. I knew the science behind it, the intricate dance of particles—now I just had to recreate it from nothing.
Tsukuyomi (within): "Analyzation complete."
Belial (within): "Installing [
Suddenly, a tidal wave of energy erupted from the core of my soul, flooding my system with raw power. The collar responded immediately, ramping up its suppression to its maximum, but [Adaptive Predator] wasn't having it. The skill triggered again, initiating another evolution as I regained 5% of my Mana Pool in mere seconds.
Tsukuyomi (within): "[Mana Recovery] can be upgraded. Proceed?"
Xiro: "Hell yeah, let's keep going."
Tsukuyomi (within): "[Mana Recovery] is evolving into [
Tsukuyomi (within): "This skill will enable the production of Bio Mana directly from within your Soul, enhancing the normal magiton conversion process."
The installation of [Mana Generator] was a game-changer. The collar's relentless drain on my mana was now nothing more than a minor inconvenience. With a steady stream of mana flowing back into my system, I recognized my passive skills reactivating one by one, restoring my full strength—and then some. The playing field had just been leveled, and I was more than ready to take full advantage.
I tried [Air Control] again, and this time, it was effortless. The air danced to my command, spiraling around my palm in a perfect vortex. The collar strained, desperately pulling at my mana, but it was useless. I was producing twice the energy it could siphon. What was once a symbol of suppression and control had become powerless against me. I had conquered it. Euphoria surged through me like a storm, exhilarating and undeniable.
Mom returned to the field soon after, her eyes narrowing as she found me mid-practice, hovering just above the ground with Wind Mana. Her call brought me back to earth. She glanced at the collar around my neck, confusion flickering briefly before she shrugged it off, pride and bemusement mingling in her expression.
"Moonlight, I see you've conquered the collar. I knew pushing you would yield results, but... you're casting while wearing it?" Vericka's voice was a mix of surprise and admiration.
"Wasn't that the point?" I replied; a hint of mischief in my tone. "I figured you wanted me to learn how to deal with being silenced, even without mana."
She paused, digesting my words, then broke into a chuckle. "That [Adaptive Predator] skill of yours is something else. As a word of wisdom, you should keep that skill under wraps. With your current battle power, you should be able to block any public BP Reader from fully accessing your ID Status."
Her eyes sparkled with a challenge as she suddenly proposed, "In fact... let's spar. I'll use this chance to teach you one of the clan's three sword styles."
She walked closer, her presence exuding a quiet intensity. "Typically, males excel in combat arts while females do better with mana arts. That's why I've been focusing on your physical training. It benefits your stamina. But with you... I need to throw away the book. The way you've been learning, I'm guessing your V-Skill has been at work. That Moon Sage's analysis is remarkable in action—reminds me of your grandmother's [Appraisal]."
I bit back the truth—that it was really [Analyze], [Sage Wisdom], and [Absolute Memory] together that was helping me along. But if that failed [Midnight Star: Belial] would just copy it.
"So instead," she continued, "let's make you comfortable learning new arts in the heat of battle. I'm about to teach you the sword style Mikazuki-no-Ken, and three of its five combat arts."
"Don't we need weapons, Mom?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Vericka blinked, momentarily caught off guard, then laughed. "Did you forget, baby boy? I'll fix that."
She closed her eyes, and her body began to glow with a rose-red energy that pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat. The air around us thickened as she materialized golden-colored mana, shaping it into two katanas. The ethereal constructs shimmered for a moment before solidifying into real, tangible blades, forged from the legendary magisteel. She tossed one to me, and I caught it with my left hand, instinctively falling into a stance. The feel of the sword was familiar, like an extension of my own body, and memories of my old Jinenkan training surged back, guiding my movements.
Vericka stepped into her stance, the blade of her katana reflecting the sunlight like a crescent moon across the night sky. "The Lunar Edge, or Mikazuki-no-Ken style, mirrors the cycles of the moon—fluid, unpredictable, and deadly. It was created by the first head of the Mikazuki Clan, inspired by the moon's phases and the tides it commands."
She began to move, her sword cutting through the air with the grace of a flowing river, each swing precise and purposeful. I watched in awe as she demonstrated the style's core principles—the smooth, continuous motion that transitioned seamlessly between offense and defense. The blade seemed to dance with the air, slicing through it as if it were silk, creating a melody of wind and steel. Every movement was a calculated strike, yet carried the unpredictable nature of the moons' phases.
"Watch closely, Xiro," she said, her voice calm but firm. "This is not just a sword style—it's the embodiment of our clan's legacy. And now, it's time for you to carry it forward."
With [Analyze] activated, I locked every action, step, and breath into my memory. Each movement of the Mikazuki-no-Ken unfolded before me, an intricate dance of lethal grace that I now understood completely. The thought of blending these newly learned techniques with my own style had me buzzing with excitement.
"Are you ready, Xiro?" Mom's voice snapped me back to the present. She stood facing me, her posture both relaxed and razor-sharp. "Show me that genius of yours."
I bowed; a gesture of respect to my sensei, before taking my stance. She held her sword steady, positioned to deflect any attack effortlessly. In contrast, I gripped my katana with my left hand, angling my body with my right shoulder forward, ready to strike from an unexpected angle.
"Already mixing what I taught you?" Mom observed, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "At least show me you've got the basics down. Come, attack me, son."
I smirked. "If I win, don't call me a bad son."
"If you win, I'll call you the man," she replied, her smile widening.
I hesitated before commanding [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] to analyze her. It was the first time I'd tried it on Mom, and I wasn't sure if it would work. But when I heard, "analysis complete," I realized she'd allowed it, likely just to mess with my head.
[Battle Class]: S
[Name]: Vericka Mikazuki
[Alias]: Demon Lord/Deva of the South
[Vessel]- Creation Sage: Izanagi
[Race]: Celestial Transcendent
[HP]: 98000
[MP]: 185000
[Offense]: S
[M. Offense]: SS
[Defense]: S
[M. Defense]: S
[Speed]: SS
[Mana Affinity]: Yang Mana, Wind Mana, Fire Mana, Earth Mana, Lava Mana, Angel Mana, Space Mana, Creation Mana, Wood Mana, Water Mana, Electric Mana
[Defense Skills]: Pain Resist, Physical Damage Resist, Yang Nullification, Frost Resist, Wind Nullification, Fire Resist, Earth Resist, Water Resist, Disease Resist
[Ultra Skills]: Lover's Rock
[Personal Skills]: Accelerated Mind, Izanagi: Trance Awakening, Lover's Rock: King of Sorrow, Lover's Rock: By Your Side, Appraisal, Heaven Boost, Izanagi: Sage Wisdom, Image Replication, Celestial 3rd Eye, Photo Memory, Mana Masking Barrier, Grounded, Super Sight, Super Hearing, 7th Sense, Perfect Mana Control, Body Enhancement, Cast Reduction, Mage Silence, Master Caster, Barrier, Tenshi Mikazuki-ryū: Celestial Barrier, Izanagi: Vessel Creation, Izanagi: Weapon Creation, Mana Sight, Enhanced Magic, Tenshi Mikazuki-ryū: Angel's Grace, Spatial Control, Air Control, Fire Control, Diamond Skin, Earth Control, Mana Recovery, Spirit Weapon: Billie Holiday, Sense Presence, Akatsuki no Mikazuki-ryū: Red Mist, Akatsuki no Mikazuki-ryū: Blood Bond, Billie Holiday: Strange Fruit
[Mana Arts]: Wood: Forest Dragon Comet, Wood: Sakura Blades, Lava: Molten Earth, Lava: Hot Grasp, Earth/Creation: Blessing of Gaia, Earth: Desert Shell, Wind: Flash Step, Wind: Air Samba, Wind: Sound Trace, Wind: Air Blade, Wind: Cloud Punch, Wind: Tornado, Electric: Shocking Grasp, Electric: Overdrive, Fire: Inferno Spear, Fire: Ember Spear, Fire: Ember Pillars, Yang: Greater Healing Light, Yang: Status Recovery, Yang: Dancing Light, Yang: Healing Light,
[Combat Arts]: Mikazuki-no-Ken: Crescent Collapse, Mikazuki-no-Ken: Lunar Reflection, Mikazuki-no-Ken: Tidal Surge, Mikazuki-no-Ken: Lunar Eclipse, Tenshi Mikazuki-ryū: Starlight Barrage, Tenshi Mikazuki-ryū: Heaven's Judgement, Wind Arts: Crimson Delta, Wind Arts: Cyclone Kick, Fire Arts: Hazing Fist, Billie Holiday: Red Sun, Akatsuki no Mikazuki-ryū: Bloody Twilight, Akatsuki no Mikazuki-ryū: Eternal Night, Billie Holiday: Blue Moon, Billie Holiday: Gloomy Sunday
She was a monster. I knew she was powerful, but seeing her stats laid out like that was something else. The sheer number of skills and arts was staggering. This was the soul of a Celestial Transcendent—a being beyond normal sociovore and celestial limits. Mom had always said she was nearing her limit, but looking at her now, I couldn't help but admire how much she had achieved.
Grinning, I dashed at her, pushing myself to my maximum speed. At 2000 miles per hour, I thought I'd close the gap in an instant. But it must have looked like I was moving in slow motion to Mom. She stood perfectly still, her eyes calm, betraying no murderous intent, and when I swung low, she deflected it with effortless precision, reversing the force and sending my katana careening back toward me.
"Mikazuki-no-Ken: Lunar Reflection," she intoned softly.
Before I could even register the move, the flat of my own blade struck my neck, knocking my head to the side and leaving me gasping for breath. In that moment of vulnerability, Mom's foot connected with my chest, and I was sent hurtling backward, skidding across the ground for 75 yards.
"That looked like it hurt," she called out, her voice light. "You okay? Let me know if I need to use a Healing Art."
The pain was intense, but I clutched at my throat, more confused than hurt. [Danger Sense] should have warned me when she moved to Parry, but it hadn't. It was as if she hadn't even been there.
"What the hell? Am I silenced? Why didn't my [Danger Sense] trigger?" I muttered through clenched teeth.
"[Danger Sense] reacts strongly to murderous intent," Tsukuyomi explained, "but your mother is radiating admiration and affection. The skill doesn't perceive her as a threat."
"Damnit," I cursed under my breath. "I thought y'all knew that love is dangerous."
Mom's voice drifted over to me. "Are we continuing, Moonlight?"
Pushing myself to my feet, I noticed a new determination ignite within me. If [Danger Sense] wasn't going to help, I'd have to rely on my wits and skills alone. I mentally replayed every motion Mom had made, running it through [Accelerated Mind] and [Absolute Memory]. Then, [Midnight Star: Belial] suggested a feint. I dashed at her again, but this time, I leaped six meters from her, using [Air Control] to alter my trajectory mid-air.
She didn't move, just watched me calmly as I veered into her blind spot. I landed, my katana already arcing toward her exposed back. But she turned with impeccable timing, her sword meeting mine in another perfect parry.
"Mikazuki-no-Ken: Lunar Reflection," she repeated, her voice smooth as silk.
But I was ready this time. I adjusted my stance mid-swing, copying her technique and countering her Lunar Reflection with one of my own.
"Mikazuki-no-Ken: Lunar Reflection!" I echoed, our blades clashing in a shower of sparks.
For a moment, our swords clashed in a mesmerizing dance, each swing met with an equally precise counter. The sound of metal striking metal echoed through the field, the rhythm of our movements almost hypnotic. It was a silent conversation—a dialogue of skill, determination, and unspoken respect. I could feel the intensity in Vericka's gaze—the challenge, the pride, the fierce love of a mother pushing her son to become stronger.
"Xiro," Vericka's voice cut through the air like the edge of her blade, steady and commanding, "I'm about to speed up and use the next technique. Keep up."
"Yes ma'am!" I replied, bracing myself for what was to come.
In an instant, she deflected my sword with a sharp parry, and before I could recover, her leg shot out in a powerful roundhouse kick. I barely had time to react, instinctively raising my arms to block. The impact was brutal, a shockwave of force that sent a jolt of pain up my arms and forced me back. I gritted my teeth, my feet sliding across the grass, but I managed to stay upright. My heart pounded in my chest, adrenaline flooding my veins as I realized she wasn't holding back—not entirely.
Vericka's eyes narrowed, her stance shifting into something more grounded and lethal. "Mikazuki-no-Ken: Tidal Surge."
The atmosphere around us thickened, charged with the raw energy she was summoning. Her sword, gripped tightly in both hands, gleamed under the sunlight as she swung it with incredible force. The first strike came like a crashing wave, a blur of silver aimed straight at my chest. I barely managed to deflect it, but the momentum of her attack sent a tremor through my arms.
Before I could regain my footing, the next strike was already upon me, followed by another and another. Her blade was relentless, each swing faster and stronger than the last, a torrent of strikes that battered my defenses. The sound of the sword cutting through the air was deafening, each impact against my own blade was a thunderous clap that echoed through my entire body.
My arms screamed in protest, muscles burning as I struggled to keep up with the onslaught. Sweat poured down my face, stinging my eyes, but I couldn't afford to lose focus. Her strikes were precise, each one calculated to exploit any weakness in my guard. The blade sliced through my gi, leaving shallow cuts across my arms and torso. The sharp sting of each wound sent jolts of pain coursing through me, but my [Self Regen] kicked in, sealing the wounds almost as quickly as they were made.
Despite the healing, the relentless barrage was taking its toll. My breaths came in ragged gasps, my muscles aching from the strain. Vericka's technique was overwhelming, and her swordplay was a masterful combination of power and grace. Each swing was a tidal surge, crashing against me with an intensity that left no room for error.
Desperation began to creep in. I knew I couldn't hold out much longer. I had to find an opening, some way to turn the tide. Gritting my teeth, I focused every ounce of my being on her movements, searching for a pattern in the chaos.
Then, I saw it—a subtle shift in her weight, a fraction of a second where her balance was slightly off. It was a small opening, but it was all I needed. With a burst of energy, I deflected her next strike, using the momentum to pivot on my heel. I spun around her, my sword coming up in a fluid arc aimed at her exposed side.
But Vericka was faster. In one smooth motion, she spun around, her blade meeting mine in mid-air. The force of the clash reverberated through my arms, but this time, I was ready. I dug my heels into the ground, holding my stance firm, our swords locked in a battle of strength and will.
For a heartbeat, we stood there, eyes locked, swords grinding against each other. The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in that moment of pure, unyielding focus.
Then, with a final surge of strength, Vericka pushed me back, her blade sweeping through the air in a wide arc. I stumbled, my sword arm trembling from the exertion, but I kept my grip firm.
Ninety-nine cuts later, the pain was becoming unbearable, and my frustration peaked. The relentless onslaught of Vericka's Tidal Surge technique left me no room to breathe, no chance to counter with a Lunar Reflection. Each time I tried to deflect her strikes, she was already ahead of me, feigning an opening only to dive back into the same punishing routine—each iteration faster and more unforgiving than the last.
Xiro (thinking): "She's kicking my ass. Can't we do something? I'm struggling to track her blade."
Belial (within): "[Adaptive Predator] is boosting your strength with each of her increments. But she's pushing you to your limit."
Tsukuyomi (within): "Allow me to evolve [Binocular Vision] with 50% of your MP."
Xiro (thinking): "If it helps, go for it. I trust you. Do it."
Belial (within): "Understood. Evolving skill. Installing [Kinetic Eyes]."
A surge of energy coursed through me, and my vision sharpened with indigo light tinged with red mana as [
Vericka (thinking): "This child... he's something else. The way he adapts, even unlocking a new skill mid-battle. I'm proud he's my son. I'd hate to face him on the battlefield."
The world around us seemed to slow down as our battle escalated. Each swing of our swords, each block, parry, dodge, and counterattack, unfolded in a precise, high-speed dance. We moved across the field in a blur, leaving destruction in our wake—trees felled by missed strikes, deep gouges carved into the earth from our relentless assault. But now, with [Kinetic Eyes], I was no longer "just" keeping up. I was matching her, blow for blow.
Vericka: "Alright, time for the last technique I'm teaching tonight. Watch closely; this one might sting a bit."
We separated, creating a tense eight-yard gap between us. The air grew dense as the mana around Vericka shifted from the flowing calm of water to the crackling intensity of wind. The atmosphere hissed, charged with raw energy as she concentrated mana into her sword.
"Mikazuki-no-Ken: Lunar Eclipse," she declared, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.
Her sword pointed towards the sky, both hands gripping it firmly. As she slowly brought it down to her chest, the blade began to glow with the cold, pale light of a full moon. The eerie luminescence bathed the field, casting long, ominous shadows that seemed to stretch towards me like grasping hands.
Tsukuyomi (within): "Warning! [Danger Sense] is picking up a deadly attack. If you don't evade, you won't be able to sustain the damage."
Belial (within): "We ain't no bitch! Counter her with a Lunar Reflection!"
Xiro: "Ain't no bitch in my blood."
She vanished in a blur, reappearing before me in an instant. But with [Kinetic Eyes] and [Accelerated Mind] in full throttle, I saw her approach, my muscles tightening as I reacted on pure instinct. I attempted a Mikazuki-no-Ken: Lunar Reflection, raising my sword to meet her descending blade. Her strike aimed for a precise cut from my shoulder to my hip, but my sword, drawn from the earth, met hers in a brilliant, crashing collision of light and force.
What I didn't realize at that moment was the true nature of the Lunar Eclipse. This wasn't just a powerful slash—it was a finishing move. The energy of a full moon coursed through her sword, designed to unleash a devastating blow that drained the opponent's life force. Although I managed to reflect the physical strike, the draining effect took hold, ripping away the last vestiges of my mana pool. I might have weathered it if it weren't for the anti-mage collar still clinging to my neck, leaving me defenseless against the brutal attack.
The explosion of energy that followed sent us both hurtling apart, the shockwave obliterating the practice field. The ground beneath us was torn asunder, leaving deeply turned rocks and a massive crater where we once stood.
When the smoke cleared, I was sprawled on the ground, my body trembling as I struggled to recover from the stunning impact. Fresh cuts adorned my skin, their stinging pain already dulling as [Self Regen] activated, sealing the wounds before they could truly take hold. Vericka stood amidst the devastation, only slightly worse for wear—dust sprinkled her form, a mere afterthought against the protective barrier she had woven around herself.
As I lay there, catching my breath, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of mental exhaustion and exhilaration. I had faced her Lunar Eclipse head-on and survived, even if barely. This wasn't the end, but another step forward—a reminder that no matter how far I'd come, there was always more to learn, more to master.
Belial (within): "Analyzation complete. [Adaptive Predator] is requesting an upgrade to include [Physical Damage Resistance]. Installing now."
Xiro: "Ow... ouch... damn, that hurt. What the hell just hit me?"
Vericka: "Good job, son! I'm proud of you for even attempting that. If I hadn't put up my barrier, things could've gotten pretty dangerous for a pregnant woman."
Xiro: "Wait... what!? Why are you sparring while pregnant, Mom?"
Vericka: "You think your mother's weak, boy? I wouldn't have done this if there was any real chance of harm to the baby. You're about an A-Class in battle power, so I was fine. But I'm glad you were worried about me, even though you're the one who lost."
Xiro: "Mom, you gotta be more careful than that."
Vericka: "Well, I wanted to see what my child could do, and I couldn't be happier with what I've seen. Now, let's go home. I'll fix this mess in the morning with [Earth Control], it's getting dark out."
Two months later...
Day 10 of the
During the 10th of the 2nd Air Cycle, the night was still, the silence only broken by the soft rustle of leaves outside the window. Vericka lay in bed, her breathing steady but labored as she cradled the small, swaddled figure in her arms. Her 4th and final child, Steez Mikazuki, blinked up at her with wide, curious eyes, already showing signs of the fierce spirit that ran in the family. The moonlight poured through the window, casting a soft, serene glow over mother and child, marking the quiet end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
[End of Chapter]