Spirit dive 'drive'

The village burned, its once-proud structures now nothing more than smoldering ruins. Flames crackled, consuming everything, leaving only ashes and memories behind.

Amidst the rising smoke, Kartia stood panting, her breath ragged and shallow.

"Is it the smoke? I'm losing too much air." She scanned her surroundings, eyes darting from side to side. The villagers were still standing, still ready to fight.

Her heart pounded in her chest, not from fear, but from exhaustion.

"I'm also running low on spiritual energy… This isn't good." Her thoughts raced as she adjusted her stance, her hands gripping the daggers tightly. She had to hold them off.

But deep down, she hoped Bon would end his battle soon.

***

In another part of the burning village, the atmosphere was different.

The air was tense, thick with concentration. Even the faintest movements felt amplified, as though the entire world was holding its breath.

Chief Couger watched Bon carefully. "So, kid, how much do you actually know about Spirit Dives?" he asked, sensing that Bon was using this battle as more than just a fight—it was a test, a lesson.

Bon didn't hesitate. "I know that these powers are blessings from spirits—gifts to mankind to help us survive." His voice carried conviction, unwavering in his belief.

Chief Couger exhaled slowly, studying him.

"The boy is still green."

With a sigh, the chief straightened his posture, lowering his weapon slightly.

"Alright, listen up. I'll grant you this lesson as thanks for your kindness."

Bon stayed still, his instincts telling him to listen carefully.

Chief Couger took a long breath before he spoke. "Long ago, the world was different. There were no giant trees, no magical creatures, and no humans capable of standing against nature. But then, something happened. No one knows exactly what, but the jungle was born—spreading across the land, reshaping the world forever."

Bon narrowed his eyes, absorbing every word.

"When the jungle era began, humanity was weak, struggling to survive against the dangers of the wild. But then, Spirit Dives emerged. These abilities gave humans the power to fight back. Packs were formed, led by those with the strongest Dives. Strength became the law. And with that law came endless battles."

The chief paused, watching Bon's expression shift.

"Now, let me teach you something important."

Chief Couger raised three fingers. "There are three types of Spirit Dives."

"First, there's the Beast Dive." He took a slow breath, then continued. "This Dive allows holders to harness the abilities of living creatures—birds, lizards, primates… anything that roams the jungle. It's the most common type."

Bon nodded, taking mental notes.

"Second, the Ancient Dive." The chief's expression darkened slightly. "These holders are blessed by spirits of extinct creatures—beasts from a time long forgotten. They are more powerful than Beast Dives, but still, many exist."

Then, he smirked, lowering his hand to one single finger.

"And lastly, the Mythical Dive."

Bon's eyes widened slightly.

"This one is rare, but to you, it's not so rare—because you're a holder of one."

Chief Couger took out his smoking pipe, glancing at Bon. "Don't mind if I do?" he asked, waiting for approval.

Bon simply nodded, allowing the old man his moment.

After taking a slow drag from his pipe, Chief Couger continued.

"Having a Mythical Dive gives you an advantage—but it doesn't guarantee victory. Spirit Dives require spiritual energy to manifest abilities. The stronger the technique, the greater the energy consumption. And here's the problem—Mythical Dive holders like you burn through spiritual energy faster than Beast or Ancient Dive holders."

Bon grimaced, realizing what that meant.

"You senselessly throwing attacks like you've been doing? That's draining your energy unnecessarily."

The chief's eyes sharpened, his tone serious. "But there's a secret—Spirit Dive holders have two energy sources."

Bon perked up, listening intently.

"First, there's your own spiritual energy—the power that lets you use your techniques. But second, there's the spirit energy of the being that blessed you. Tapping into that power will drastically enhance your abilities. This technique is called Spirit Dive Drive."

Bon felt a chill run down his spine.

"Spirit Dive Drive?"

The chief grinned, smoke escaping from his lips.

"It's the ability that allows even Beast Dive holders like me to stand toe-to-toe with Mythical Dive holders like you. Now, let me ask you again, brat—"

His eyes bored into Bon's soul, his voice like a whisper carrying the weight of the jungle's history.

"What is a Spirit Dive?"

Bon's breathing grew slow and steady, as if something inside him had clicked into place.

Chief Couger chuckled, exhaling one last puff of smoke.

"If you can find the answer to that question, then you will have taken your first real step toward understanding your spirit being."

Bon gritted his teeth, determination flashing in his gaze.

The battle wasn't over yet.

"Now, you will not find the answer right now, but in time, you will."

Chief Couger closed his lesson with that line, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Bon exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on his sword. The lesson had struck something deep within him. For the first time, he saw beyond the battle. True strength wasn't just about force—it was about understanding.

But while Bon was awakening to a new realization, Kartia was struggling.

Her movements had slowed, her once-unpredictable speed now becoming readable to the villagers still standing. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body aching from exhaustion.

"Damn it… I'm reaching my limit."

Through the thick veil of smoke, two figures emerged from the shadows. Kartia tensed, ready for another fight.

But as the smoke cleared, her eyes widened in surprise.

It was Aisha's parents.

They stepped forward, then turned their backs to face the villagers, standing in front of Kartia like a shield.

Aisha's father gritted his teeth, his face resolute—not with fear, but with courage.

"Listen up! The Couger Village is no more!" His voice boomed through the burning ruins, carrying through the night.

"For years, our ancestors have blindly killed innocent children, all to serve the Couger family! This village… this tradition… it ends here!"

A murmur spread through the villagers—some in shock, others in silent agreement.

Aisha's mother stepped forward, her voice shaking but firm.

"It is time for us to free our children—and their children—from this cursed tradition! It is time for a new world! A world where we no longer have to fear that our own people will take our children away! Look around you… look at the ruins… IT'S OVER!"

At that moment, a deafening crash shook the earth. From the sky, Chief Couger came plummeting down, his body battered and drenched in blood. He hit the ground hard, the impact sending up a cloud of dust. He was barely clinging to life.

The final battle had ended.