chapter 8 training under the crimson mist

Seven days had passed since Jasper arrived on this hostile planet. On the third day, his battle with a **normal Obsidian Gorilla** (a common-rank creature with silver horns) left him broken—both physically and mentally. The fight ended with Jasper's defeat, his right arm and left leg shattered. The beast's relentless power was too much for him to handle.

Just as the creature was about to land the killing blow, Natasha intervened. Her swift and precise attacks brought the Gorilla down, saving Jasper's life. Over the next four days, Leon's healing abilities mended Jasper's injuries, though the sting of defeat lingered in his heart.

By the evening of the seventh day, the group noticed an ominous change in the atmosphere. A thick red mist blanketed the sky, its glow eerie and unnatural.

Leon's voice broke the silence. "It's starting."

Jessica turned to him, alarmed. "What's starting?"

Leon sighed. "The Crimson Mist. It's Mount Crimson's energy discharge—a phenomenon that occurs once every month. It lasts for seven days, during which this entire region becomes a deathtrap."

Jessica groaned. "Seven days? Here?"

Leon nodded. "We're lucky we're in the safest spot. Moving elsewhere would be suicidal."

Jessica muttered under her breath, "This is going to be the worst week ever."

Alex, sprawled on a rock, added lazily, "Seven days stuck here... guess I'll die of boredom before anything else."

Natasha gave him a sharp look. "If you can't do anything useful, at least stay quiet."

Before the mood could spiral further, Mr. John stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing everyone. "Enough. What have I always told you?"

Leon rolled his eyes but recited, "Strategy wins where panic fails."

"Exactly," Mr. John said firmly. "We'll use this time wisely. No complaints, no excuses."

Jasper, who had been silent until now, suggested, "Why not train? If we're stuck here, we might as well use the time to get stronger."

Leon smirked approvingly. "Not a bad idea. Training during the Crimson Mist is risky but effective. It's the perfect chance to push our limits."

With the decision made, the group began preparing for their seven-day lockdown.

Later that night, Natasha noticed Jasper sitting alone, a black sword with golden edges resting on his lap. Its aura was intense, radiating an undeniable power.

Curious, Natasha approached him. "That's quite the blade. Mind if I take a closer look?"

Jasper hesitated briefly before handing it over. "Go ahead. It's special, though—be careful."

Natasha inspected the weapon closely, running her fingers over its intricate designs. She tapped the blade lightly, testing its resonance. "This isn't an ordinary sword. It's a refined LT version—a masterpiece. Where did you get it?"

Jasper's gaze softened. "It was a gift from Aryan Mathew, my brother-like friend. He gave it to me before we parted ways."

Natasha froze, her eyes narrowing. "Aryan Mathew? Are you talking about the Thunder God Iron Beast?"

Jasper blinked in confusion. "Yeah, but... I didn't know he had a title like that."

Natasha stared at him, stunned. "Do you even realize who he is? Aryan Mathew isn't just strong—he's a force of nature. His power surpasses even the strongest Supreme-ranked creatures. Entire legions tremble at the mere mention of his name."

Jasper's eyes widened.

Natasha handed the sword back, her smirk faintly amused. "Let's see if you're worthy of wielding something this powerful."

She swung the sword once, and Jasper watched as a deep slash appeared in the crimson ground. Before he could react, Natasha began moving at blinding speed, her swings creating countless slashes in every direction.

Jasper tried to track her with his Ultra Sense but failed. Even when he amplified his senses with Ivon energy, she remained a blur.

When she finally stopped, the ground was littered with deep cuts, and a massive crimson rock in the center had been sliced cleanly in half.

Natasha handed the blade back with a faint smirk. "The sword's amazing, but you'll need more than that to master it."

Jasper took the weapon, his mind racing. "How did you move so fast?"

Natasha shrugged, her expression enigmatic. "You'll figure it out—if you work hard enough."

That night, as the group sat around a campfire, Jasper turned to Natasha. "Hey, can you explain the ranking system here? I've been here for seven days, and I still don't fully understand it."

Natasha sighed but obliged. "Fine. Listen carefully. The creatures here are categorized into ranks based on their strength and Ivon energy use."

1. **Minion**:

"The weakest. They're dangerous only in large numbers."

2. **Deviant**:

"Ten times stronger than Minions. Some can use basic Ivon energy."

3. **Common**:

"Fifty times stronger than Deviants. Most rely heavily on Ivon energy."

4. **Burserker**:

"A hundred times stronger than Common. The Obsidian Gorilla Mr Jon fought was a low-level Burserker. They're far deadlier than anything below their rank."

5. **Arcane**:

"Five hundred times stronger than Burserker. If we encounter one, our only option is to run."

6. **Supreme**:

Natasha's voice lowered. "Supreme-ranked creatures are five thousand times stronger than Arcane. Their mere presence can paralyze weaker beings. If they unlock their *Supreme Mode*, their power multiplies five hundred times. Facing one is equivalent to facing certain death."

Jasper's fists clenched. "And Aryan is stronger than even Supremes?"

Natasha nodded. "He's an anomaly—stronger than logic should allow. Even Supreme creatures fear him."

As the fire crackled, the group fell into silence, each lost in thought. Jasper stared into the flames, determination burning in his eyes.

The next day dawned under the eerie red mist of Mount Crimson. Each member of the group was scattered across the field, immersed in their training.

Alex stood on a jagged ledge, his crimson bow gleaming with Ivon energy. He nocked an arrow, energy crackling along its shaft. "Dragon Core Blast!" he shouted.

The arrow shot forward, morphing into a crimson dragon mid-flight. Its eyes burned with intensity as a glowing red core materialized in its mouth. The dragon opened its jaws, firing the core like a blazing comet. The dragon's body then disintegrated into countless crimson birds, which spiraled around the core, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

The core struck a distant boulder, annihilating it in a fiery explosion. The crimson birds followed suit, converging into a massive, towering giant made of pure Ivon energy. For a moment, the giant stood as a beacon of power before dissolving into harmless motes of light.

With a satisfied smirk, Alex turned his attention to his targets. He loosed arrow after arrow, each shot precise and calculated. His movements were fluid, his confidence unshakable. "Looks like I'm getting the hang of this," he muttered.

Across the field, Mr. John stood with his arms crossed, surveying the terrain. "Alright," he said, cracking his knuckles, "time to get serious, or whatever." He paused, then smirked. "And when I say serious, I mean *legendary*."

With a sudden burst of speed, he sprinted across the field, the ground trembling beneath him. "Meteor Rush!" he bellowed.

White energy surged around him, its radiant glow pulsating like a living flame. Rocks flew upward, spinning and crashing as if caught in an invisible storm. Mr. John leaped from rock to rock with uncanny agility, each step generating ripples of destructive force that left craters in his wake.

As the final rocks collided with a thunderous crash, he landed with a roar. His hands glowed with searing white energy, swirling like flames yet cold and pure. "Majestic Incineration!" he shouted.

A dome of white energy erupted around him, its blinding light consuming everything within its radius. The energy expanded, glowing brighter and brighter until everyone was forced to shield their eyes. When the light subsided, the ground was left scorched and steaming, the air thick with residual energy.

Mr. John dusted off his hands, a grin on his face. "Not bad for an old man, huh?"

Jessica towered over the field in her transformed state, her green form glowing with golden and orange energy. Her towering figure radiated raw power as she unleashed a barrage of Ivon blasts from her mouth. The blasts carved through the terrain, leaving trails of destruction in their wake.

She roared, spinning rapidly to create a tornado of green Ivon energy that surged out of every pore of her body. The tornado grew in size and intensity, crackling with power as it tore through the field.

Jessica stopped abruptly, catching the swirling energy in her massive hands. With a powerful shove, she hurled it forward, slamming it into the ground. The resulting shockwave sent debris flying in all directions, carving deep fissures into the crimson rock.

Her eyes narrowed with focus as she drew her enormous jointed sword, its purple edges glowing ominously. She stabbed it into the ground, channeling a torrent of green Ivon energy into the earth. The ground trembled before erupting in a massive pillar of energy. Jessica leaped back, steadying herself to direct the flow of power.

Meanwhile, Jasper stood apart, gripping his black blade with golden edges. He swung the sword repeatedly, each motion clumsy and uncoordinated. The weapon's weight and balance felt alien in his hands, and frustration was evident on his face.

He tried again, channeling Ivon energy into the blade, but his movements were stiff, and the energy fizzled out before completing its arc. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Come on, Jasper. You've got this."

After hours of struggle, Jasper approached Natasha, who was meditating under the shade of a jagged rock. Her eyes flicked open as he neared.

"Need something?" she asked, her voice calm but sharp.

Jasper hesitated before speaking. "I need your help. I'm not a sword fighter, but I want to learn how to use this weapon properly. Can you train me?"

Natasha tilted her head, studying him. "You're asking *me* for help? Why not stick to what you know?"

Jasper shook his head firmly. "If I want to survive here—if I want to protect everyone—I need to learn to adapt. Please."

Natasha sighed, standing up. "Fine. But don't expect me to go easy on you."

She drew her own blade, its surface gleaming in the crimson light. "Lesson one: balance. A sword isn't just a weapon—it's an extension of your body. Move with it, not against it."

Jasper gripped the black blade tightly, his fingers trembling slightly as he stood in front of Natasha. She circled him, her sharp eyes analyzing every detail of his stance.

"You're gripping it too hard again," she said, her tone sharp but not unkind. "Ease up. The sword isn't going anywhere. Treat it as an extension of yourself, not an enemy you're trying to crush."

Jasper adjusted his grip, taking a deep breath. This time, as he swung the blade, it moved more fluidly. His strikes were less clumsy, though still lacking the precision Natasha seemed to expect.

"That's better," she said with a nod of approval. "You're learning quickly, but don't let that go to your head. Swinging isn't enough. To truly wield a blade, you must become one with it."

Jasper paused, confusion flickering across his face. "What does that even mean? It's just a weapon, not some living thing."

Natasha smirked, unsheathing her own sword with a smooth motion. Its golden blade shimmered in the crimson light, intricate emerald and diamond patterns catching the eye.

"*Alvættr*," she said, lifting the blade high. "That's its name. It means 'Elven Spirit.' A sword is more than just metal. It has a spirit—a will. To master it, you need to treat it as part of your soul, not just a tool."

Jasper blinked, looking down at the black blade in his hands. Its dark surface gleamed faintly, the golden edges adding an air of regality. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"I'll call it *Níðhrafn*," he said finally.

Natasha's eyes flicked to him, and she gave an approving nod. "The Raven of Wrath. A bold choice. Let's see if you can live up to it."

She stepped back, lifting *Alvættr*. "Now, what do you know about swords?"

"They're weapons for cutting and slicing," Jasper replied. "Good for short and mid-range combat."

Natasha chuckled, shaking her head. "Typical answer. Let me show you what a sword can truly do."

She shifted her stance, raising *Alvættr* above her head. With a single, fluid motion, she brought the blade down in an elegant slash.

The air itself seemed to split as her strike carved a path forward. The slash traveled with incredible speed, cutting cleanly through a tree half a kilometer away. The massive trunk groaned and toppled to the ground with a resounding crash.

Jasper's mouth fell open. "You did that with just… one swing?"

Natasha sheathed *Alvættr* with a practiced motion. "A sword isn't just a weapon. It's an extension of your will, your strength, your spirit. If you can't master that, you'll never be able to use it to its full potential."

Jasper tightened his grip on *Níðhrafn*, his eyes burning with determination. "Teach me," he said, his voice steady.

Natasha smiled faintly, a rare softness touching her expression. "Then prepare yourself. We start now."

Natasha started training Jasper. She is not letting him breath a single breath of releafe. He is feeling that she is not the same person that he ones knew. In terms of swordsmen ship she was damn to serious. But

Jasper's progress was staggering. In just a few hours, his awkward, clumsy movements had transformed into strikes that were calculated, smooth, and precise. With every swing of *Níðhrafn*, he felt himself becoming more attuned to the weapon. It no longer felt foreign in his hands—it felt like a part of him.

"You're improving so rapidly, it's almost unreal," Natasha remarked, watching him closely as he practiced a series of slashes and defensive maneuvers. Her tone was approving, but there was a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Jasper paused, breathing heavily as he lowered the black blade. "I think it's starting to make sense now," he admitted, a small grin playing on his lips.

Natasha stepped closer, observing his stance. "You've already mastered the basics," she said. "But swordsmanship isn't just about technique. It's about making the blade your own. Your movements should reflect *you*, not someone else's style."

Jasper nodded, her words resonating with him. He understood what she was saying, even if he hadn't fully internalized it yet. As he resumed his training, Natasha continued to guide him, correcting his posture and offering advice on refining his strikes.

As the session progressed, Natasha began to notice something extraordinary. Jasper's movements, while still rough around the edges, had improved at a rate she hadn't expected. In just hours, he was moving with a fluidity and precision that belied his inexperience.

"You're a natural," Natasha admitted, her voice tinged with genuine admiration. "At this rate, you'll surpass most swordsmen in no time."

Jasper wiped the sweat from his forehead, glancing at her. "You really think so?"

She nodded. "But remember, the sword is a part of you. It responds to your will, your emotions, your intent. Mastering it means mastering yourself."

Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, Jasper hesitated. There was a question that had been gnawing at him, one he wasn't sure how to voice. Finally, he decided to speak.

"Natasha," he began, his tone uncertain, "why don't you use Ivon energy? I've seen how powerful you are, but... it feels like you're holding back. Is it a choice?"

The question caught her off guard. Natasha's expression shifted, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before she quickly composed herself. She turned away slightly, her gaze distant.

"It's not something I want to talk about," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jasper could feel the weight of her words, the pain behind them. He didn't need her to elaborate to understand that this was a wound she wasn't ready to expose. Her silence spoke volumes.

Looking at her, Jasper felt a pang of guilt for asking. He wanted to apologize, to say something to ease the tension, but instead, he said something else—something he'd once heard before, words that felt right in this moment.

"I don't know how to ask you without dredging your pain all over again," Jasper said softly. "Without ripping your heart completely apart. But when you feel like sharing it with someone, I'll be there to listen. So, I'll wait till then."

Natasha turned to him, her eyes widening slightly at his words. For a moment, her expression softened, and the tension in her shoulders eased. She didn't say anything, but there was an unspoken understanding between them.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice almost inaudible.

Jasper simply nodded, his gaze steady. He had no intention of prying further. He knew that some wounds took time to heal, and he was willing to wait until she was ready.

The training resumed with renewed focus. Jasper's movements grew sharper, more deliberate, and Natasha continued to guide him, though her instructions became less frequent. By the end of their session, she was no longer correcting his form—she was simply watching, impressed by his progress.

"You've come far," she said as he finished a final sequence of strikes. "But this is just the beginning. I've taught you the basics. Now it's up to you to refine them and make them your own."

Jasper sheathed *Níðhrafn*, a determined look in his eyes. "I won't let you down."

Natasha gave him a rare smile. "You've already proven yourself. Keep training, and you'll do more than that."

Meanwhile, deep within the Crimson Mist, Leon faced his own trial. The air was heavy, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on him as he flew through the mist on his golden fireball. The deeper he ventured, the more intense the pressure became.

The mist seemed alive, lashing out with sharp, crimson projectiles that tore through the air toward him. Leon dodged them with practiced ease, his movements graceful and deliberate. He retaliated with bursts of golden fire, each one exploding with heat and light as it tore through the mist.

But the mist wasn't his only challenge. The crimson mountains began to release waves of energy, sending shockwaves hurtling toward him. Leon barely managed to evade them, his body twisting in midair as he landed on the rocky ground below.

The moment he landed, the pressure intensified. Leon's golden flames flared, forming a protective armor around him as he braced himself for the next wave of attacks.

"I'm not giving up," he muttered, his voice filled with determination. "Not now. Not ever."

Summoning a sword of fire in his hand, Leon charged forward, his movements a blur as he struck down the incoming waves of energy. Each swing of his fiery blade sent shockwaves rippling through the air, and with every strike, his resolve only grew stronger.

But the Crimson Mist was relentless. As the sun began to set, the pressure reached its to dopeak, and the mountains unleashed a massive surge of energy that hurtled toward Leon. He reacted instinctively, leaping out of the way just in time. The blast missed him by inches but sent him crashing into the ground with bone-jarring force.

Leon groaned as he pulled himself to his feet, his golden armor flickering. Despite the pain, he refused to back down. His flames burned brighter, his determination unwavering.

"This is my training," he said through gritted teeth. "And I'm going to improve just you see..

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And cut...

This is quite a long chapter. Because I don't want to waste many chapter in just training. All though there will be pretty much training in the next chapter too. But I think at the end of the next chapter they will be resume there adventure. While Jasper is learning sword skills. But it will be not his only he is going to learn many weapons in future. And can fight with his bear hand tooo unlike Alex or Natasha. Who uses particular weapon to engage in battle, well I remember something when I say Natasha. She can't use ivon energy at all it is also connected to her past. Well and the second thing. She is very strong even without it. But in the future she will may be can use it again. Future know the situation I don't know. While for all of you bleach fan reading my work. I added a reference of bleach in this chapter. Let's see how many people can find it. For making it easy for you watch episode 8 of bleach. You will find the reference. If you consider yourself a true bleach fan it's a challenge. Try and find it.

Till then take care.