Markus' organs were absolutely torn by the end of his torment. Thankfully, as when he damaged his spine, the healing agent within converted essence rapidly and activated critical healing to his vital organs.
Therefore, he was able to heal his heart, lungs and brain almost instantly. The medics took care of the rest and he stabilised incredibly quickly.
That said, his experience was not any less painful.
"You alive kid?" Jessica asked, towering over Markus
"Not by choice— ugh-" he groaned in pain
"How did it feel?" She asked with a small hint of humour
"Horrible- and that was just a failure!? What the hell happens when I get hit by a successful attack!" He asked
"You try not to die. But you're a wind user- use your mobility to NOT get hit and you'll be fine. Probably." Jessica said, shrugging it off.
"Wait- has anyone died from their own whirlwind failure?" Markus asked
"Sure. Mostly cocky learners who try to exert more influence than they can afford." She said
"Anyone above that rank?" Markus went on
"A few. And even one master a long time ago- but he was trying something stupid."
"What was it?"
"He wanted to be Dragonlord. Despite not being a Windbourne, he still ascended the ranks and became a master. But he wanted to prove that someone without a background could still work hard and reach the peak of power. So he challenged the Mountain of Death. There he attempted to tame the winds there and harness them within him so that his essence could ascend one final time and become Dragonlord. It was a crude theory…" Jessica said with a frown
"What happened to him?" Markus asked
"The winds completely went wild. The whole mountain turned against him and he barely escaped alive- but with life threatening injuries which could not be healed. He died within a few months from his injuries." She said with a sad tone.
"I guess that's why it's called the Mountain of Death… if it can kill a master." Markus said with a shrug
"It has killed hundreds of masters across time… Windbournes included. The other elements have their own places of death too. The water users have the northern sea. The earth users have the underground tomb. The fire users have Volcano island… and in over 90% of cases… a master who goes into the death region never returns." Jessica said
"Who do they even go?"
"They don't willingly. Their greater spirit calls upon them. We don't know why… it's just something we have to accept when we become masters. We can hardly kill each other- but can all too easily be sent to our deaths by our essence which becomes a conduit of the Greater Spirit's will." She said with a sigh
"I see… I think I'm fine now. Shall we continue?" Markus asked
"By all means. Enrique told me you were almost struck by a whirlwind bullet. Now you will learn how to make your own and strike back." She said
"So that's what that was. Let's do it." Markus said
"Same principle as a wind blast. But instead of clashing it. I want you to spin it. Twist and then turn it rapidly- condensing it into one spot with the turning force and when it has all been converged, shoot it forward." Jessica said
Markus did exactly as he was told.
As he turned it, he faced resistance. The whirlwind particles were moving but slowly and refused to bend to be subject to his influence then.
"It's not working. Abort the control—" Jessica said
"No!" Markus said, insisting to continue
As he exerted more and more control on whirlwind particles, they began to turn and spin- but not because he wanted them to- they were going into a chaotic mode.
"Damn it all-" Jessica said, stepping into the paths of wind and pulling Markus 30 metres away in an instant.
Back where he stood, the unstable whirlwind particles exploded and sent a shockwave from the area. Since Markus and Jessica were a bit of a distance away, they were not affected.
Well- Markus was not affected by the whirlwind attack. Instead what shook him was the internal movement of his organs.
Being subject to superhuman speed all of a sudden created a lot of internal tearing which was soon mended by his essence. Meanwhile his stomach did not appreciate the instant movement and consequently as he stopped, he immediately threw up all the food within.
"Well- I suppose you wrenching near me is not as bad as you getting stuck by the chaotic particles." She said with a sigh, dodging away from the vomit.
"Ugh- thanks-" he said with a groan
"Say Markus— are you deaf? Because I'm pretty sure I told you to abort. Disobey me again and it will be the last. Understood?" Jessica said, the air crackling with pressure.
"Yes ma'am." Markus said instantly, a hint of fear in his tone.
After a brief break, Markus started up again. Using his essence to stir up and influence whirlwind particles, he attempted to exert his stage three essence as influence over whirlwind particles.
Unfortunately for his essence, he failed. Again.
And again. And again.
And by his 7th attempt, he failed once more.
"Ugh- this is so stupid!" He said in frustration
"It's not an easy technique you know. When you learn this attack, it will become foundational. As you advance the ranks it will be as easy as breathing." She said
"Breathing… maybe if I relax my breathing it could help." He said with a thoughtful expression
"Go for it." Jessica said
Markus did as he practiced. But when he let his essence bind to whirlwind particles, he breathed in and slowly breathed out as he swirled the particles.
Then using his instinct, he breathed in and held his breath on the final stretch- letting the technique absorb all nearby air and oxygen.
It began to respond and accept the command- then quickly converged into one spot. With a breath out, he shot it forward. His first whirlwind bullet!
The bullet cut through the air itself and left a monstruos bang in its wake. Shattering the very space it threaded and the wall it hit, the bullet struck true and with power. One that should not be within his possession and yet- risking the use of whirlwind allowed him exactly this ability to use power beyond his capabilities.
After much trial and error- he finally succeeded. The first proper step into his advancement was taken.
But as far as whirlwind use went, he had hardly taken the first few steps into its use. That said, he was approaching 14 years old and was already a stage three who could use whirlwind. Markus was leaps ahead of his peers at the academy and in the grand scheme of things, he was doing exceptionally well.
But that was a fallacy. He was not competing with his peers. He was not aiming for these advancements but were mere stepping stones in further advancements.
Regardless of perspectives, progress was made. And it continued to be made for two whole months!
After a few weeks of trying to make a blade of whirlwind Markus realised one thing.
"I can't make the sword— I've barely got a grasp of a regular wind blade! Can't I just enhance it or something?" He asked
"I suppose it will have to do. Enhancement is done with preparation. Summon a strong wind blade and then get ready to call upon whirlwind. Then imagine you're making a whirlwind bullet but instead of a vague centre, the centre is your sword. Try to focus on the tip and then expand later." Jessica said, guiding him through the proposed alternative
"Why didn't we start with that-" Markus mumbled
"Hey- teachers at the academy would not entertain alternatives since there had to be standards of combat.
Elites are strong and could offer support but they did not dare to gamble too much with whirlwind- they still face some risk, even if it hardly ever materialises.
On the other hand- masters are in a completely different league. We have experimented with our element. We've undergone countless battles and risks where things were not standard.
We adapt numerous times and through these experiences we realise strength lies in versatility and progress. So I'm not giving you a linear path to experiment! To grow. This is your one chance at freedom outside of true combat." She said, drawing the facts of the situation
She allowed Markus to find his own solutions. To push his growth through experiments and experience failing.
Many noble houses had scores and scores of experts and even a few elites but could never raise a master because they believed in tradition and that there was a certain way things had to be done to make them right.
This was not to say tradition was wrong- but when everything was confined to it, tradition transforms from structure to a prison, liming possibilities.
Therefore, if Markus were to become a master, he would have to freely experience his use of the wind. And with a master guiding him, he could. That was why a master was so invaluable- especially in the making of another.
"I'm sorry… I'll make use of this chance then…" he said before attempting it.
On another occasion, Markus realised that he could have multiple whirlwind reactions. Like two simultaneous whirlwind bullets in close proximity. Due to their proximity, he did not need to face two instances of risk of whirlwind.
On the other hand, if he were to fail, that would be twice the amount of essence gone. It was another risk but if it were to work, it would certainly prove both deadly and useful against an opponent.
Equally, it was dangerous to him as it would be a failure twice as powerful which would substantially affect him in combat, healing or no healing.
By the end of his two months of trial and error, he was the most experienced stage three at the use of whirlwind— and almost getting killed by whirlwind too.
Noe had returned as well. Now instructed to remain outside during his training.
And on one early autumn morning, the pace changed.
"Lord Markus, the Queen has summoned you to her office." She said
His eyes widened. Despite a decent amount of time having passed since his first 'mission', which was more akin to an execution he had to carry out, he still felt the guilt and was adamant to even consider another mission, fearing what horrible thing he would have to do this time.
Unfortunately for him, the brainwashing was effective and his artificial loyalty prevailed over his reservations. He went to the queen's office and found Jessica there as well, waiting outside for him.
Markus and the Windbourne master entered the office and kneeled.
"We greet your majesty." They said in the language of the central region.
"Rise." She said with a wave.
Then she looked at Markus. Right into his soul.
"How are things?" She asked, as if everyone who knew of Markus was not already reporting every detail to her.
"Everything is well, your majesty. Thank you for asking." Markus said with a bow.
"Is that so? Well then, I am glad to hear it. Jessica, I would like you to report your evaluation." She commanded
"Markus' accelerated advancement has caused him to lack fundamental basics. His wind constructs require his concentration, as an example, indicating he needs more active use, not just practice in a controlled environment. That said, he compensates for it with pure talent, instinct and learning pace. He is more gifted in those aspects and any Windbourne I have ever met- were it not for his black hair I would assume he was a Windbourne." Jessica said, glancing over at Markus
"Indeed. He is an exceptionally rare individual and it is good he is not a Windbourne, I would rather not fight the Duke of Windbourne over him." She said
"Your wisdom continues to shine. For more than two months, Markus has been learning to use whirlwind. His lack of basics limited his use of whirlwind however, his strengths allowed him to become an exceptional enchanter. He can enchant anything from his shell, to his sword to his construct now- an exceptional achievement. On the other hand, he is now limited in whirlwind until he can use numerous wind constructs. He is advancing quickly toward expert- however I would suggest that he focuses not on whirlwind but on his basics to advance to expert. Once his basics have been completely absorbed, expertise will naturally follow. That is all" She said, concluding her report.
"Very well. I am satisfied with such progress and I will assign you another mission. I assume you will accept, Markus?" She said, looking at him.
"Your will is my will. I will act according to your orders, your majesty." He said, submitting to her will almost instantly
"My daughter requires a… discreet protector. She wishes to attend a social event hosted by one of her friends and does not wish to be accompanied by older guards. The youngest reliable agent within my command is twenty years old- an option firmly rejected. Therefore, you are the next best option. Not only a stage three who can use whirlwind but also in a very similar age range for the event. You will be given a cover story and role. Your true objective will be to keep the princess safe and yourself veiled from curious gazes. Should something happen, masters will be in attendance as to prevent it- but should prevention not be an option…" she said, trailing on
"I will make sure no harm comes to her highness." Markus said with a nod
"Good. Then it is settled. Again, this is a mundane event that should be tame. I trust you with this." She said
"It will be done." He said
'Besides- what could possibly go wrong at a noble party for teenagers?' Markus thought, keeping his thoughts to himself
-and Anax.
'You never want to ask yourself that question you fool—' Anax thought to himself, not looking forward to the future events.