Chapter 38: Unveiling Instincts and Uncharted Paths

Christian wandered through the village, his thoughts consumed by the question of how to fight. Countless battles replayed in his mind, but he couldn't grasp a clear answer. Hours passed, and he remained puzzled until Teddy unexpectedly appeared.

"Hey, what's up, Christian?" Teddy greeted.

Christian sighed with relief, grateful for Teddy's presence. "Hey, Teddy. Can I ask you something?"

Curious, Teddy nodded. "Of course, what's on your mind?"

Christian hesitated before speaking his concern aloud. "How do I fight?"

Teddy raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Recalling their recent encounters and their need to figure out their fighting styles, Christian confessed, "We've been told to find our own ways of fighting, but I've never really thought about it before."

Teddy pondered for a moment, then replied, "Hmm, have you asked Mr. Harrison?"

Realizing he hadn't sought Harrison's guidance, Christian responded, "No, maybe I should do that."

With newfound determination, Christian set off to find Harrison. As he strolled through the village, he spotted Harrison assisting farmers. Christian called out to him, "Hey, Master!"

Harrison turned toward Christian with a smile. "Hey, Christian, what do you need?"

With a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, Christian approached Harrison. "I have a question for you."

Harrison nodded attentively. "What is it?"

Christian hesitated slightly before asking, "How do I fight?"

Harrison's brow furrowed in thought, contemplating Christian's unique fighting style. "How do you fight? Well, why don't we spar a little and see if we can figure something out?"

A smile spread across Christian's face. "Let's do it!"

The two warriors agreed to spar in an open field, preparing for their training session.

Harrison made a conscious decision not to use his sword, opting for a more hands-on approach. "While we spar, start thinking about your movements and what you usually do when you fight."

Christian stretched, preparing himself, but he couldn't wrap his head around the concept. "Think while I fight? How does that work?"

Chuckling softly, Harrison replied, "Are you saying you never think while you fight?"

Christian looked perplexed, unsure of how to answer.

Harrison sighed, understanding his confusion. "Alright, just do what you usually do."

The sparring session commenced, and Christian unleashed a flurry of attacks upon Harrison. However, Harrison effortlessly dodged every strike.

As they fought, Harrison observed Christian's movements. "If he never thinks, it seems like he fights purely on instinct. Considering his limitless stamina and energy, could his lightning ability enhance his movements subconsciously?"

Their sparring continued late into the night, leaving Christian visibly fatigued. He panted, asking, "Are we done yet?"

Wiping away sweat, Harrison nodded, calling an end to the session.

Christian expressed his frustration, realizing he hadn't landed a significant hit on Harrison. "It seems I still have a long way to go."

Harrison approached Christian, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, Christian."

Christian looked up, eager to hear Harrison's wisdom.

"Next time you fight, focus on your lightning. Understand how it moves and how it can enhance your instincts."

Perplexed, Christian asks, "Master, what do you mean?"

Realizing that words alone wouldn't be enough to convey his message. "If you won't understand through words, then I'll have to show you through action. Get ready for round two."

Christian grew frustrated, feeling misled. "What?! You said we were done!"

Harrison's gaze intensified. "Christian, if you hold back, you'll only get hurt. I won't go easy on you."

Christian accepted the challenge, preparing himself. "Fine, I won't hold back either." Lightning surged around his body, energizing his every fiber.

Harrison pulled out a wooden sword, assuming his stance. Christian charged forward, launching a punch, but Harrison deftly evaded it. Assessing Christian's lightning-covered body, Harrison noticed an opening vulnerable to attack. Swiftly, he struck that weak point with his wooden sword, "Crater Thrust." sending Christian flying backward.

Mid-air, Christian regained his composure, arresting his momentum. He clutched the spot where Harrison had struck, coughing up blood in agony. "Why did that hurt so much?"

Approaching Christian, Harrison revealed his insight. "Christian, because you fight purely on instinct. Your lightning ability operates the same way. Whether you're aware of it or not, the lightning instinctively powers your movements."

Christian struggled to comprehend, but a smile graced his lips. "That's cool!"

Harrison continued a note of concern in his voice. "However, this means you lack control over where the lightning goes while you fight. It leaves openings in your defenses, vulnerable to attack. To truly master your ability, you must gain control and eliminate those weaknesses."

Christian began to grasp the situation, contemplating Harrison's words. "How can I achieve that?"

Harrison admitted, "That's not something I can answer for you. You should go back to Madeline."

Christian objected, recalling Madeline's instructions. "But she told me to find my fighting style first."

Harrison reassured him, "And you should already know what that is."

Christian pondered deeply, reflecting on all his past battles. Slowly, a realization dawned on him. "I remember now... I've always fought by overpowering my opponents with my fists or kicks."

Harrison nodded approvingly. "Exactly, Christian. You don't have a defined fighting style; you rely on your instincts and overpower your adversaries with your unique ability. It has worked so far, but it won't be enough in the long run. Mastering your instincts and controlling your powers better will be your first step. That's what Madeline wanted you to discover."

Christian internalized Harrison's teachings, acknowledging the arduous journey ahead. "It seems I have a long way to go, huh, Master?"

Harrison reassured him with a gentle smile. "You can't become a king overnight, Christian. It takes time, and right now, you're still young."

Unexpectedly, Teddy interjected, sipping from a cup of water. "He's right, Christian."

Christian turned toward Teddy, surprised. "Teddy? Have you been here the whole time?"

Teddy clarified, "No, I arrived near the end of your conversation. But I agree with Mr. Harrison. From what I've seen, you're actually a pretty terrible fighter."

Christian's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?!"

Teddy continued, his tone filled with sincerity. "When you fought Ace, you couldn't touch him. And without your power, your fight against Mr. J was challenging too. Most of your victories have come from overpowering your opponent or sheer luck. It's evident that you lack fighting techniques, control, and strategies."

Christian's spirits sank, feeling disheartened.

"But," Teddy's voice softened, "you possess a will stronger than anyone else's. No matter what, you never give up. That's something that can never be taught."

A blush colored Christian's cheeks, his confidence slowly returning.

Harrison acknowledged Teddy's wisdom. "Well said, Teddy."

Encouraged by his friends' support, Christian made up his mind. Harrison's words resonated within him. "I'll go to Miss Madeline and share what I've learned."

As Christian set off toward Madeline, a newfound determination burned within him. He was ready to unravel his instincts, explore uncharted paths, and forge his unique fighting style. The journey to becoming a king awaited him, and with unwavering resolve, Christian would tread upon it.