Connect the Mind

The element of darkness is a unique element, powerful but also has a harmful impact on the user.

Dark element users usually have strong minds. If the user's mind is weak or vulnerable, then the body will be completely ruled by darkness.

Nous, the only one who could withstand the dark energy, suddenly attacked Reibo and Sefenfor unknowingly. No one suspected that Nous had been corrupted by darkness, and now he was at a point where his life was in danger. Through his mind, he left a dangerous task to Ashnard.

Only Nebulius, Nous' sword can reseal the darkness. However, the sword can only be connected through his mind. Because of this, Ashnard's astral power was crucial in locating the sword that only Nous knew. Now, Ashnard is the only hope to save Winfor.

Ashnard had to face strenuous training first to strengthen his mind. First, he had to be able to connect with Nous' thoughts. Ashnard had to be able to communicate with him through his mind.

"But, how? I've never used my powers like that?"

"As you said, the astral element is centered on your mind and soul. If your mind gets stronger, you should be able to connect your mind with Nous' mind," explained Reibo.

"Ozark also says that, but I didn't know that the astral element could be used to know other people's minds."

"We don't know either. We've never seen the astral element before. We just thought that your astral power could affect Nous and the power of darkness."

Sefenfor told Ashnard to sit opposite Liliya. "Liliya should have the same level as you. Try to focus your mind to keep thinking about her. Based on you who always feel pain when there is a much greater power around you, I want you to be able to connect your mind with Liliya first."

Sefenfor's words made Ashnard feel awkward when sitting opposite Liliya and thinking about it directly. His heartbeat faster as Liliya smiled. Liliya, who was calmer, made Ashnard amazed.

"Don't close your eyes! You have to look at Liliya," said Sefenfor half-shouted.

"Maybe he's embarrassed," sneered Reibo, who was busy giving medicine to Nous, even though he knew it wouldn't work to get him back. The medicine could only slow down the darkness from completely engulfing Nous' body.

"Shut up, you two!" Ashnard shouted. "This is hard for me, you know!"

Liliya gently grasped Ashnard's hand. "It's okay, Ash. You can do it."

Ashnard had no other choice if Liliya said that to him. Calmed down by Liliya, Ashnard became even more excited than before.

Their eyes met with confidence. Meeting each other between shame and happiness. Liliya looked at Ashnard to believe it, while Ashnard looked at her because he wanted to.

Not only looking at her, but Ashnard also thinking about her. He thought about the way she looked at the flowers, the sparkle in her clear blue eyes, and her sweet smile.

Ashnard thought of Liliya, who grabbed his hand and carried him running in the flower field. The feeling of that moment calmed him down, made his mind stronger. Ashnard seemed to be enjoying it.

Ashnard then carried his thoughts into the empty black room and saw Liliya's figure. Liliya's figure stood in the middle of the black room and muttered, "What is Ash thinking? Is he having a hard time? No. I have to believe him. I'm sure Ash can do it." The girl's voice echoed like in an empty room.

"Liliya? Can you hear me?" said Ashnard.

"Ash! I can hear you. You did it!" said Liliya happily.

In reality, their mouths don't open because they only speak in their mind, in that black world. And no one could hear it, except Ashnard and Liliya herself.

"Does this mean I'm already connected to you?" the girl asked.

"I guess. But my head still feels heavy. I'm not used to it yet."

***

He's still thinking about it. The moment Ashnard's illusion suddenly moved. He doesn't know how.

When he thought of anything he could think of at the moment, suddenly Ashnard's illusion stirred again. But, this time his form is real and can move normally.

"Ash?" called him a little unsure. "Ash! You came to me!" When on closer inspection, Ashnard was indeed able to move freely, the white figure was happy because this was the first time there was anyone other than him in this empty world.

Ashnard turned around and in front was the form of a girl, who was Liliya.

"Liliya also came for me? You guys are really good kids willing to accompany me who are lonely here. Let's play. I've prepared a myriad of games without tools in my mind."

Ashnard then came to Liliya, ignoring the white figure's presence.

Looked at Ashnard, who didn't notice even though he was already shouting. Instantly his shoulders went limp, and his face darkened. "Oh, I guess I just wished too much."

***

Ashnard then lets go of his mind connection and tells Sefenfor that he can do it. After Ashnard connected with Liliya's mind, he felt very exhausted. Even, he struggled to get up.

After resting enough, Ashnard kept trying again and again until he was completely used to its power. He doesn't feel forced or pressured to do it but enjoys it.

He enjoyed it because he could chat with Liliya without anyone bothering him. The world is like belongs to them.

Sefenfor, who saw Ashnard continue to do it with Liliya, felt that the boy was ready. "You said it was hard before. Now you keep doing it. You seem to enjoy it, don't you?" sneered Sefenfor.

"Y-yes, because I was still getting ready," said Ashnard.

"Then try to connect with Nous now," said the man.

Ashnard stood next to Nous, who was lying unconscious. Unlike Liliya, he couldn't keep eye contact with Nous. Because Sefenfor and Reibo said, Nous has a strong mind, Ashnard thought, if he can't connect his mind, at least Nous will pull him to be connected.

He put his hand on Nous' forehead. Nous's skin felt cold, even though Reibo kept throwing logs into the furnace. Ashnard closed his eyes and focused. He returned to the empty and dark world.

"Hey! Nous! Are you here? Can you hear me?" call Ashnard. His voice reflected to himself. There was no one in that place.

Ashnard then focused his thoughts even more, which made his brow furrow. The All-Black world suddenly shook. Ashnard's feet didn't look like they were hitting the floor, but he lost his balance due to the shock.

"Calm down, boy. You need to relax." A man's voice suddenly appeared, without the presence of his form. It sounded weaker and smoother than Sefenfor and Reibo's voices. "You won't be able to connect if your mind wavers."

Ashnard then took a calm breath, slowly the shaking stopped.

"Are you Nous?" Ashnard asked.

"Yes."

Ashnard looked around the empty space. "Where? I can't see you. I can only hear your voice."

"My soul is surrounded by darkness. You can only hear my mind."

"Okay. So, you said earlier that I could help you find your sword."

"Right."

"Why me?"

"Doing this kind of thing is one of the reasons. If you can enter your own mind or someone else's mind, then you can definitely protect those minds from the darkness."

"So, to find the sword, I have to go straight there? To that dangerous place?"

"My body is dying. I can't help you physically, but they can. You have to hurry. Otherwise, Winfor will be ruled by darkness once again. If you are late, you won't be able to see the people you loved again."

***

And once again, Ashnard is back. The white figure just sat in one corner of the room lamenting his fate. He could only hear their conversation, without being able to join in the conversation with them.

***

Ashnard came back from his thoughts. He then explained it to the others.

Sefenfor and Reibo were the strongest physically, but their minds were not. They would lose if they got too close to the source of darkness, unlike Ashnard. His mind can now connect with Nous. He is strong in mind and spirit. He is the only one who can descend into the darkness.

Considering that, like it or not, Sefenfor and Reibo had to train Ashnard to strengthen his physique. The training that Ashnard had dreamed of had come true, and he would do it with all his heart because he did intend to become even stronger.