Phenomenon

Lucian

3 years later

"Again!"

"Not good enough. Again!"

The words resounded through my ears as each time I heard it a gust of wind knocked me to the floor leaving a loud thud in it's wake.

"Incomplete posture, won't properly form. Again!"

This time would be the right one.

I closed my eyes to enhance my concentration, ensuring that both my posture and mental state were in good standing. I slowly move spirit energy down to the palms of my hands while also sending slithers of my energy outwards into the environment around me.

The spirit energy slowly picked up and trickled across water that faded into view as it began following my energy's command.

Finally, I opened my eyes. I was successfully able to gather the water needed for the spell I was attempting, however of course that was only the first step.

I began to sway my arms around, guiding the water together into a circular typhoon.

After spending enough time to ensure that all the energy was properly circulated, I sent out a rush of spirit energy from my palms and chest, the blast pushing into the spinning surge of water, causing it to not only expand in size but gain tremendous velocity forward, bolting towards Kurou.

Right before it nearly hit him, the old man extinguished the spell swiftly.

"Ah! You finally got it!" He exclaimed, seemingly more excited for himself rather than me, which was quite odd but predictable nowadays. 

"Despite being quite confident in the other three elements, why does it still feel so hard to even grasp the basics of water?" I asked, slightly annoyed.

"Water is unique in it's own way, as I've explained before," Kurou mentioned.

"It seems like you've become fully capable enough to gather the water element around you, which is a major step. However forming spells is still quite difficult, as expected."

Over the years I've spent training, I've been able to slightly figure out the true capability of the blood manipulation.

It's truly the most terrifyingly confusing thing I've ever seen.

The more blood I spill, the more powerful I become.

Along with this, I can manipulate the blood spilled in order to form different blood spells along with that, which is why learning how to manipulate water is a big step for this.

One downside we've figured out, is that the more blood that has been spilled to contribute to my aura, the more bloodthirsty I am. Not long ago, Kurou had to knock me out because I couldn't control my lust for blood.

To our little combined knowledge, I will only grow more capable of controlling the side effects, which will only make me stronger.

On top of that, it appears that even my own blood is capable of fueling me.

'This will be quite fun,' I told myself, letting off a slight smile.

"Quit the smile show," Kurou remarked as he kicked me in the shin, making me flinch back in a bit of pain.

"All this training and you still are such a baby over a little kick."

"I can still feel pain, you know?" I shouted.

Anger clouding my judgement, I quickly swung my leg around, a feeble attempt at striking revenge for that hit, which was obvious.

The old mans leg lifted up ever so slightly to block the impact, leaving a slight shockwave.

"Even though I am the one training you, don't think that you can become strong enough to land that type of blow after only 3 years," he chuckled.

"As expected," I sent back, still slightly annoyed, but I have to deal with it.

The time I spent training her has felt different than anything I've ever really done in my lives.

Before, everything felt pointless. One long staircase leading up to death's door, and everything I did was just taking another step.

However, for the first time, I actually had... fun.

Training was gruesome. Some days I would be on the verge of death due to pushing myself too hard, or attempting feats that I shouldn't even dare to think about trying at my age and skill level. But, despite all of that...

I had no regrets.

While I still had a lot to learn, there wasn't much more that Kurou could teach me, which I think he realized himself.

Everything that is left of me is down to just me, and only me.

Since his realization a few weeks ago, he had contacted Draven, who appeared to be doing everything you'd expect from him. Making new enemies, while somehow making new connections—new friends, and people to rely on.

Although, I wouldn't doubt he has made quite the good fortune since I've seen him. His reputation has only gotten better with the right clients.

"You're thinking about Drav, aren't you boy?" Kurou asked curiously.

"Yes," I replied.

"He should be here tomorrow morning," the old man mentioned. "Hopefully he hasn't shortened his lifespan too much with all that alcohol he's been consuming."

"Wouldn't doubt it," I snapped back while letting out a chuckle.

"Anyways, you should probably get some sleep. While the night is still young, I could imagine you are quite tired from all the training."

"Are you going to wake me up with one of your very humane 'methods'?" I asked.

"Maybe. Maybe not," he said as he began walking away.

My mind went back to many of the mornings in the years I've spent here. While sometimes I've been able to wake up a bit earlier, intentional or not, to avoid confrontation, other times Kurou will throw me off the bed against the wall, or suffocate me with the pillow.

The old man has surely lost a few screws, I have no idea what his methods are, however I can't deny how much stronger I've gotten.

Thanks to him, I'll actually be able to become a formidable opponent now.

At least, to those who actually pose a threat.

Because of this, I actually want to see if I can learn about the status of Serathis and Elyndor. During the time I've spent here, I was able to figure out that they are actively at war with each other right now.

But even with this knowledge, I still don't know the exact timestamp. If I had to make any assumptions, It's currently a few years before my first death in this new world against the vanguard.

That memory still haunts me.

Even with my new power, I feel as if the outcome will remain the same, no matter how much of a fight I can put up.

Which is why that I will need to grow stronger, and as fast as possible.

If I can't even beat a rank 2 of the Serathis military, and can't even land a scratch on Kurou, who would probably scale to around a rank 3 of both armies, I would be a dead man if I had decided to go to those continents right about now.

Whatever happens over there, all I know is that I need to get stronger before I travel. I need to ensure I can protect myself.

Being booted out of my own thoughts, I come back to my senses with another impact to the side of my chest.

"Get moving and stop putting yourself in a trance," Kurou stated.

"You've lost it," I replied.

***

Washing my face up in the mirror, I got a weird sense of deja vu, except it wasn't.

Before my eyes, the mirror shattered into pieces, as they floated around me endlessly for what felt like an eternity, everything around me becoming irrelevant.

I quickly slapped my face, sending myself back to reality.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I dragged myself all the way back over to my bed before slumping down, attempting to burrow myself in the comfortable blankets of which I did every single night. Even with all the new strides I've made recently, it's still so... weird.

I've felt empty for quite a while. Despite feeling these recent joys, I couldn't help but think that it has only made it worse in the long run, which worries me.

Either way, I had no time to bury myself in the dark abyss of which is my mind.

Draven was coming tomorrow, which means I'll be taking my leave.

I've learned how to manipulate three of the elements confidently, and have finally grasped the basics of water thanks to the latest breakthroughs from today.

Hopefully some more adventures with the raging alcoholic will prove fruitful.