Chapter 14: Hardening

Back at the Inn:

"Eat up, kids. You need to get some strength back. It's going to be a long night. Your aura reserves will be cut off from mine and will have to recover on their own. Like I said, I'll be supervising you, but it's still going to be rough."

"How long do you expect to train us?" I asked, curiosity and a hint of anxiety in my voice.

"Oh, I dunno. As long as you can buy me some decent meals and a place to stay, maybe."

I glanced at Ivaar. "I understand. We can support you for a couple of weeks with the money we have left. Do you agree, Ivaar?"

"I'll take most of Mr. Nargomedov's expenses, but you'll owe me one, Mickael."

"Alright. I guess that's fair. Let's eat and enjoy the night ahead of us."

10 PM - Ivaar and Mickael's Room:

"Lie down and try to sleep while the effects of the withdrawal haven't hit yet. I'll stay here on this chair to ensure your aura doesn't falter," Nargomedov instructed, his tone serious.

"What do you mean?" Ivaar asked, brows furrowed.

"Never mind, Ivaar. Just go to sleep and trust me."

Exhausted, we fell asleep quickly — not surprising after the day's training. Nargomedov watched over us as our bodies began to react. Within minutes, the loss of his aura support created a gap. Our bodies strained to fill that void, drawing on every ounce of energy. Left unchecked, the sudden accumulation could cause irreversible damage. But Nargomedov's experienced hand guided the flow, ensuring our safety.

Morning:

I woke up feeling... different. My body ached less. The air felt sharper.

"The old geezer looks pretty tired. Let's get some breakfast and wake him up afterward," Ivaar whispered.

"Yeah," I agreed. "I feel better than yesterday. Don't you?"

"Right. Must be the effects of yesterday's intensive training."

Suddenly, Nargomedov stirred. "So... you kids are eating without me?"

"We wanted to let you rest," Ivaar said.

"I can see how that would be nice," Nargomedov grunted, rubbing his eyes. "But we don't have time to waste. Gather your courage — we're heading out."

9 AM - The Park:

"You'll start today with muscle strengthening exercises. Basic stuff — push-ups, pull-ups, squats. Today is about body hardening. But," Nargomedov added with a sharp look, "you'll need to visualize the same mental image that allowed you to express your aura up to Level One. Got it?"

"That's fine. I'm all warmed up," Ivaar said, cracking his neck.

"You'll keep going until you manage one perfect push-up powered by your aura. Understood?"

Before we started, Nargomedov knelt between us. "I want to show you something," he said, his voice low. "Close your eyes and focus."

We obeyed. Suddenly, warmth radiated from his palms, and the air shimmered. When I opened my eyes, I gasped. Threads of light danced in the air, weaving intricate patterns. It was like seeing the wind for the first time, but instead of air, it was raw energy. Golden streams drifted lazily around Ivaar and me, while Nargomedov's aura pulsed like a beacon.

"This is the flow of aura," Nargomedov explained. "Most people never witness this directly. It takes years of training to sense it properly. But for now, consider it a glimpse of what you can achieve."

Ivaar's eyes widened. "Incredible... it's beautiful."

"Use this vision to guide your training. Feel the energy inside you and align it with the flow."

The vision faded as quickly as it came, but the memory burned in my mind. I felt a newfound determination rising within me.

10 AM:

Sweat dripped down my face. My arms shook violently with each push-up. "I can't take it anymore," Ivaar panted. "The more I do, the weaker I get. I'm getting nowhere."

"Good for you, Ivaar," Nargomedov said with a grin. "Now find a new source of strength within your limits."

I clenched my fists, eyes shut tight. From the start, this wasn't about succeeding quickly. We had to be tired — only then would we dig deep enough to tap into something more.

I focused inward. Feel the muscle. Imagine it. My biceps, my triceps, my shoulders — filling with that familiar yellowish aura. There. I could feel it. All I had to do was release it when the time was right.

Now!

My arms surged with newfound strength. I pushed up, aura flaring, and rose to my feet.

"I did it, old man! I did it!"

Nargomedov nodded approvingly. "Well done, Mickael. Now, meditate while you wait for Ivaar. He'll be up soon."

Ivaar grunted, glaring at me. "Don't get cocky, Mickael. I'm not far behind."

I smirked, catching my breath. "We'll see about that."

The sun climbed higher as we pushed ourselves further, each moment sharpening our resolve, each breath taking us closer to mastery.