Chapter 13: Endless loop

"Normally, in any club, you would have gone home to rest, but that is not the way I do it," Nargomedov began, his tone low and steady. "I will replenish your aura supply myself by circulating my aura through your body. This will allow you to repeat our training session and enhance your progress. However, this method is not harmless. Your reserve will grow rapidly in size without any problem, but once I stop filling your aura reserves, your body will struggle to withstand the sudden lack of energy it should normally regenerate naturally. The pain will be intense. Nonetheless, I'll oversee this shortage period each night, so everything should go smoothly."

"Even if the method seems dangerous, I'm ready," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Nargomedov raised a bushy eyebrow. "Hmm, you seem to have given up doubting me, Mickael. What about you, Ivaar?"

Ivaar hesitated, his gaze flicking to the darkening sky. "I..."

"What are you truly afraid of, Ivaar? Pain or powerlessness?" Nargomedov's voice was almost gentle.

Ivaar clenched his fists, knuckles white. "Will I become strong enough to protect my family if I follow you, Mister Nargomedov?"

"Not without pain," the old man replied.

Ivaar took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. "Then I want to become your disciple, sir."

"Well then," Nargomedov said, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "You are resolved to achieve your goal. I am impressed. I accept you as my disciple, Ivaar."

We lay on the ground, exhausted from the old man's grueling exercises. Every inch of me ached, but Ivaar pushed himself back up, his breath steadying faster than mine. Did mindset affect recovery... or maybe aura itself?

"You are now on the real starting line to accomplish your dreams," Nargomedov declared. "First, Ivaar, sit down with your back to me. I will infuse my aura into your body."

We obeyed. As he began the process, I felt his aura seep into my organs, my muscles, every part of my body. It was electrifying. My senses sharpened, and energy surged through me like wildfire. The park around us seemed to hum with life.

"Now," Nargomedov commanded, "resume the previous exercise. Keep the explosion of your aura going as long as possible. Of course, for the moment, you won't be able to release all of your aura in one go, but that is our goal for this week."

Ivaar sprang into action, his aura flickering into existence like a second skin. His expression tightened, sweat streaming down his face as he pushed himself harder than before. Every time I looked over, his aura burned bright, his eyes glinting with fierce determination.

Not to be outdone, I focused inward, drawing from my reserves. My aura flared, surging outward in waves. Each breath felt like I was pulling power from the depths of my soul. Sweat dripped down my forehead, blurring my vision. I caught Ivaar glancing my way.

"Trying to keep up, Mickael?" he muttered between breaths, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

I grinned back, despite the burning in my limbs. "Just making sure you don't pass out before me."

We pushed each other, neither willing to give in first. The clearing was filled with the sound of our labored breaths and the crackling energy of our auras colliding in the air.

9 PM:

Nargomedov finally raised a hand, signaling the end of the session. "That will be all for today," he announced, arms crossed as he watched us panting on the ground. "You did well. You managed to sustain an aura exertion for one minute — enough to be perceived and with potential for action. We'll call this 'Level One' to keep things simple. You both show a certain gift. Now let's see if your rigor matches your potential. Let's go home."

I collapsed onto the grass, my chest heaving. I couldn't even count how many times I'd imagined that aura muscle contracting in my mind.

"Mickael," Ivaar groaned, barely able to stand. "Can you help me walk to the inn, please?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Ivaar, we did the same exercise. I know very well that you can walk by yourself."

He smirked. "Maybe. But who's going to pay for Mr. Nargomedov while he stays with us?"

I sighed, offering him my arm. "Don't take it like that, Ivaar. Look — I'll help you."

As we trudged back toward the inn, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride. We were only at the beginning of our journey, but tonight had been proof that both of us were willing to push beyond our limits. Tomorrow would bring even greater challenges, but at least I wouldn't face them alone.