Part 38 – Harsh Training (2)
I took a deep breath.
One mistake—
Just one—
And I'd die.
But I had to do it.
For first place.
For a life with dignity.
For everything.
For the future.
I visualized the flow of mana in my mind.
But just like the early days—
It burst out of my body,
Wild, uncontrollable.
The flow grew stronger.
The fire grew larger.
A massive blue flame turning darker and darker.
I quickly pulled it back into my body.
Forced it.
Imagined it.
Held it.
For a moment, I lost control.
My heart and chest cracked violently.
It refused to abandon its natural function.
My ribcage felt like it was about to shatter.
Blood spilled from my mouth.
But I had to endure.
I imagined.
I controlled.
I guided.
And then—
It worked.
I directed the violent energy into my arms and legs.
I opened my eyes.
The old man was watching.
Old man: "Now imagine it like a sword."
I closed my eyes again.
Focused.
Faster this time.
I felt it—
A cold, solid force flowing from my fingers.
A power that could destroy my fingers at any moment.
I quickly concentrated it into two fingers—
My middle and ring finger.
I opened my eyes.
A faint blade-like aura appeared.
Old man: "Cut this wooden plank. Now."
He placed a plank in front of me.
I stepped back a few paces.
Raised the invisible blade—
And brought it down.
The plank split cleanly in half.
I did it.
I actually did it.
I jumped up in excitement—
But the old man immediately stopped me.
Old man: "Never celebrate too quickly.
Just like a warrior who thinks he killed his enemy—
Only to be killed by the enemy who was still alive."
Now the real challenge begins.
"What do you mean? I already did it!"
Old man: "Heh. You think you did it?
There are three important things in the real challenge:
First:
You must keep the energy stable.
If it slips out of control—you're dead.
Second:
You must know how long you can maintain it.
Normal magic lasts long because your body stores and recycles mana.
But this technique drains your mana with no recovery.
You must know how many minutes you can last.
If you master these two—
You're done.
Now do it."
---
…Afternoon…
It was almost evening.
I thought the old man was exaggerating—
But he was absolutely right.
The energy wasn't stable.
My mana drained fast.
I had nothing left.
So I meditated again.
And again.
Each time lasting a little longer.
I collapsed on the ground.
I needed something—
A clue.
An idea.
Something from the forest…
From humans…
I thought for a moment—
And found it.
Flor.
The Flor family.
What Adriana and Henry did—
Using ice like a weapon.
Like an object.
They created an ice sword.
A physical blade.
But I…
I was only using the technique to strike—
Not to shape it.
My energy flowed out too fast because I wasn't stabilizing it.
I meditated again.
Imagined again.
But this time—
Calmly.
I guided the energy gently.
Held it.
Stabilized it.
Struck.
Again.
And again.
I held it steady.
Timed it.
Three minutes.
I felt pride.
I had created a new skill.
I should've been happy—
But it was too early.
The real test was on the battlefield.
---
Old man: "Now I'll attack you.
You must defend and attack."
"What? Why should I attack and defend at the same time?!"
The old man sighed deeply.
Old man: "What sin did I commit to end up with you?
What did I do wrong?"
He glared.
Old man: "Idiot.
If you attack, I defend.
If I attack, you defend."
I opened my mouth—
He gave me a warning look.
I shut up.
He raised his sword.
Took a stance.
And suddenly—
He charged.
I quickly imagined the blade.
Opened my eyes—
His sword was right in front of my face.
Just a tiny movement and I'd be dead.
But I blocked it—
With my invisible sword.
I flicked my fingers—
Struck back.
The old man stepped back.
I rushed forward.
He blocked with his sword.
I aimed low—
He defended again.
In the silent forest,
Only the sound of clashing blades echoed.
Anyone watching would never believe it.
Only one sword was visible—
So why were there two clashing sounds?
My invisible sword.
I struck with all my strength—
And the old man's blade snapped.
I placed my invisible blade near his neck.
My chest rose and fell rapidly.
My body flooded with adrenaline.
Excitement.
Fear.
Joy.
Pride.
Fear of the technique's power.
Joy that I succeeded.
Pride that no one else had this skill.
The old man nodded with satisfaction.
Old man: "Now…
You will learn the final, victorious, and most forbidden technique."
End of Part 38