Chapter 318 - Growth

Caelum dropped off to the dojo of Doppo breezily walked breezily into the building, instantly making everyone that passed him could feel the air radiating from him. 

It appeared to be a calm before the storm where despite his hand hidden into his pocket could be drawn to dispatch any opponent.

A similar way to how swords are drawn from their sheathes. He arrived at the doorstep of Doppo who sat on the couch, eyes widened looking at his aura. Before they were a murky mix within it but now it was purely the essence of martial art. 

A massive metamorphosis that only took him a whole to break through while Doppo took his lifetime. He did not feel jealous, rather impressed that his talent for martial arts was beyond anyone, even that monster Yujiro.

"You've grown strong, Young man."

"It is all thanks to your help. I won't possibly find the answer without your guidance."

Caelum gave utmost respect for Doppo who only waved his hand to stop him before opting for a serious expression. 

"I called you here to tell you about the things you'll do for school. To be honest I can't have you roaming around which is why I enrolled you. Hope you don't mind."

"No, I think it would be helpful. Though, I probably won't stay for long."

"I see, I've already told my friend about showcasing you're still in weapon art and will be here next week or so."

"Is that so? Then I'll spend that time training. I don't want to disappoint you once we've had a spar."

"Habahah great that you hadn't forgotten our deal."

"Actually, I want to know about a few, namely Yujiro hanma, Hanayama Karou and Baki Hanma. Do you know them and How strong are they?"

Doppo heard the names and gave thoughtful expressions before explaining everything about them. Caelum found out the reason for his blind right eye and other masters hidden in the world.

He described their strength and skills even techniques were told to him. They were at least the same level of mastery as Doppo; perhaps few of them surpass him. 

The most interesting is Yujiro Hanma and his burning desire to fight him. His desire for a good battle was brought forth by this person's savagery. 

"Hey, show me what you've learned so far."

Doppo stood up and went to an open area followed by Caelum. In the middle of the room, Caelum showed his Martial Art moving flawlessly and executing every technique perfectly. 

His footwork left less footprint as he had untouched by the world itself. He slowly lost himself, blending into the background that surprised Doppo.

Caelum's sweeping movement had gathered up force from his action, storing them into himself. It perfectly balances his stillness and motion to softness and firmness. 

"Hmmm try sticking to this."

He turned to where Doppo was pointing at, seeing a punching bag that appeared to be ten times the weight and height as well the content to be more heavier and solid. 

Caelum stood closer observing the Punching bag before slightly placing his fist inches away from it. 

He took a moment before tapping it that instantly vibrated afterward and exploded to the other end, shocking Doppo.

It did have any momentum nor did he prepare any stance to create a powerful punch yet the light tap caused it to explode.

The most intriguing part was the front did not sustain any damage and only from the other side did it burst open. It perfectly shows how precise his control over the force of his strength is. 

If it was human then their inside would damage beyond repair obliterating everything inside out.

"You're a monster. I don't think I'll survive if I don't evade or redirect your attack."

"I know but it's still flawed and this issue is vital in a fight."

The technique of storing force is difficult and needed time to prepare to completely store the power. With this drawback, he needed to find a way to build up force while fighting.

Doppo thought for a moment, nodding to himself, noticing the flaws quite easily.  He was Grandmaster in martial arts. It was simple for him to see any weakness of fighting style.  

Regardless of this shortcoming, if he were to complete his Martial Art then he would be considered to be the strongest creature on the planet.

"What do you think overall?"

"Despite it already being this strong, I could feel it has a lot more potential."

Caelum nodded, after a while, he headed back home to sharpen his skills and mind along with the painting technique. He had been informed that the uniform for his school had been delivered to his home. 

The only thing he needed to do was spend the next few days training. Caelum arrived back at his apartment noticing that the Nakado residence was empty. He saw the package where his uniform and other stuff for school had been delivered. 

Caelum took the package and unwrapped them before placing each to his closet. He prepared the things he needed for tomorrow before spending his time training until it was lunchtime then heard a knock on the door.

He did not have much time to change his clothes and quickly opened them to reveal Miku who was at the door. She was stunned seeing his body covered in sweat and blushed, turning her head away.

"Oh, Miku, is there anything you need?"

"W-We're having lunch and thought of inviting you."

"Though I want to, I can't always barge into your home. Maybe next time."

Caelum did enjoy their invitation but he felt ashamed doing it twice now. Hearing his response felt slightly disappointed and ashamed for inviting him but before she could leave her wrist was grabbed by his hand.

"Hey, you don't need to feel embarrassed. I do like to eat with you guys but I think it's a bit shameless for me to keep being invited by you girls. I'll surely join next time, okay?"

She nodded before heading back to her apartment where his sister felt disappointed but understood his point of view. They only needed to wait until they could finally have their time with him.

Back to Caelum, he ate his lunch and continued his training by exercising his Firmament Paragon Art trying to bury every moment and its essence into his body and mind.

His speed was extremely close compared to his old talent yet the difference between the foundation is visible. If compared to his past and disregard the strength then this power of his is deeply rooted in himself.

Once he regained all of his power then it would instantly acquire explosive growth surpassing the boundary once again.

After reaching a bottleneck, He opted to train his mind by continuously fighting Doppo Orochi in a mental battle. Every time their fist collided and attacks canceled felt that his opponent was growing weaker and slower. 

'I forgot to buy some pen and paper.'

Deciding to end his mental training still unable to defeat Doppo head-on as his movement was far too unpredictable despite knowing every move. 

He went on trying to strengthen his connection with his Sea of Consciousness to use the Jade Pagoda. The time dilution and nurturing air were vital for his body tempering. 

It took him the whole night to finally feel a small kindle of light discerning the connection had been strengthened. Opening his eyes then heading his way to the shower.  

After washing himself, Caelum took the uniform dressing himself then looked at the mirror finally taking the opportunity to see what he looked like.

He had shoulder length red hair and delicate features that made him appear feminine. His body had a perfect physique that was neither bulky nor thin. A shredded muscle that made him appear like a model. 

Upon closer inspection, Caelum's eyes were crimson red without his Binah symbol pupil. Overall, his looks were like his old appearances before meeting Sapphire Nawa but slightly more handsome. 

"How ironic that my new looks appear like my old."

He commented before grabbing the shoulder back since he won't be needing anything beside notebook and pen. 

Caelum went out of his apartment then saw the Nakado sisters who had been dressed in their uniforms. They saw Caelum quickly greeted him then saw his uniform.

"You looked great, Masa-kun.  Have you ever considered acting?"

"That polo-shirt looks great, though, adding a black blazer would complement the white."

"It suits you, Masa-san."

"We're heading to the same school, why don't you come with us, Caelum-san?"

"Yeah, that would be great! Let's go, Caerum-san."

"Hahaha thank you for the compliment, Nino-san, Miku-san, Ichika-san. Sure, I would love to, Nino-san and Yotsuba-san, calm down or you'll wake up the other neighbor."