It was very early in the morning, when Metsuhai stood at attention near a square large pool, located within a steel skyscraper, waiting his new masters instructions. Apparently Tsukiyama was very wealthy and owned the entire building. Tsukiyama did order him to get there early, but it seems Metsuhai had arrived even a bit sooner than Tsukiyama intended.
"Are you ready to begin?" Tsukiyama had a sharp look in his eyes, wearing a kimono with a red belt. "Yes sensei. Honestly Lezners pool was 20 times the size."
"Size isn't everything, now undress and jump in."
Metsuhai rushed to remove his shirt and pants, wearing but swimwear. He was about to jump into the pool when Tsukiyama pulled him back.
"What?" Metsuhai looked at Tsukiyama with a questioning look.
"What are those bandages? I remember treating your wounds thoroughly. Furthermore this is not where I broke your hand, and the other bandage, I don't even remember attacking there."
"Old injuries sir, don't worry, they'll heal fast."
"Let's have a look."
Before Metsuhai knew it, Tsukiyama drew a dagger, tore the bandages with one swift move, sending them into the air (he didn't even scratch Metsuhai with his surgeon-like move).
Oh no! I'm done for.
"Very interesting, intriguing even. Who did you fight?"
"Are you going to kill me now?" Metsuhai had no will to fight Tsukiyama again, even his sword wasn't on him, not that fighting would make any difference.
"Not at all. Why am I to do something like that?"
"But the order protocols… My actions put the entire humanity in danger," Metsuhai talked with honesty, wishing to understand his sensei's reasoning, "It's the orders ultimate taboo."
"Piss on the order laws. My romance with the order was over long ago, and I'm not coming back. Now answer my question. And this time tell me things how they are. I won't tolerate more lies."
"I fought baron Phaulin," Metsuhai spoke with a toneless voice, "Survived by sheer luck. Have no doubt, the baron is still alive and kicking."
"Fascinating, and you are still alive. Exciting…
… but your other hand is the real deal."
"Is that really so?"
"Yes, you are poisoned my friend. The way it looks, this should be quite painful."
"Tell me about it."
"The poison is now wide spread. A few more days with this will get you killed."
"I thought so sir. Well honestly I was hoping for a few more tormenting weeks. I do hope to tie some loose ends before I go. I did come here for training and not to receive a merciful death. That I'll take care of myself in due time."
"Then how about we remove this contamination. It's not practical to train like that."
"Can you really do it?" said Metsuhai with doubtful voice, but eyes full of hope.
"Stand still for a moment," commanded Tsukiyama.
Tsukiyama examined the spider mark. "It seems the base ingredient is basilisk venom. Basilisk venom on its own is powerful and deadly but quite common. On the other hand, this kind of protein here, is modified and very advanced. Ok, let's get to work."
Tsukiyama began walking around Metsuhai and moving strangely, behaving like a rooster. He flapped arms as if trying to fly and croaked several times.
"Sensei, what are you doing!" Metsuhai couldn't stop himself from saying.
Tsukiyama stopped in place for a second and roared on him "don't distract me when I'm working!"
After three more circles Tsukiyama stopped in place, as if waiting for something. Then it came…
Metsuhai was surrounded by an upgoing stream of golden energy, but it wasn't the light speed acceleration. It was different. Metsuhai felt his spider mark tickling a bit. And then it was over. The spider mark was gone. And the pain… it was fading to nothing.
"Is that it?" Metsuhai was truly shocked, "No operations? No needles? No invasive procedures? It couldn't be!"
Tsukiyama answered philosophically. "Sometimes the greatest truth is the simplest."
Metsuhai jumped from excitement like a little kid staring at his arm with disbelief.
"Now about that training…" (Tsukiyama)
Tsukiyama pushed Metsuhai into the pool. It was freezing. Much colder than any water Metsuhai was in before. As if hundreds of needles were piercing into his body. Metsuhai shouted from surprise and pain, getting out of the water.
"You'll be getting back there in a minute," Tsukiyama spoke calmly, seating comfortably on a chair he instantly created, a steam releasing teapot and a cup placed on a table that wasn't there earlier (the tea wasn't summoned, it was nearby earlier). "Endurance is an integral part of your training. You wanna fight? Fine. But we have to harden you first physically and mentally, and cold is part of it… I cooled this water to a few degrees above the zero. You are practically on the titanic."
Soon Metsuhai was in the polar water once more, shivering and suffering.
"Stay there for at least two minutes. This water can kill an untrained person with ease, but for you a few minutes is probably doable. When you come out, tell me why you wish to become so strong."
Metsuhai ran out of the pool as soon as Tsukiyama declared the two minutes passed.
"I…" Metsuhais body was still shaking, "…have to avenge my friend. He was killed by a monster far surpassing the standard. To confidently challenge this opponent I must improve much."
"Not bad for motivation I suppose," Tsukiyama thought out loud, "But what will you do after that? With my training this foe of yours is as good as dead." Tsukiyama pointed at the pool and Metsuhai went for another dive. Two minutes later he answered "I will keep fighting and training as long as evil exists. I know already how strong and vile the demons who invade our realm are. There will always be use of my skill. If not, it will only make me happy."
Tsukiyama nodded and pointed to the pool again. After five pool session in total Tsukiyama gave Metsuhai a towel and they moved to another room.
This room was filled with but one thing, a square wrestling ring and its surrounding floor.
Tsukiyama went to the exit on the other side of the room. "I'll be right back."
As Metsuhai was examining photos of boxing champions from the past, hanging on the walls, something large entered the room. Metsuhai immediately recognized a crusher as his battle instinct kicked in. I don't have my sword on and I don't want to blow up Tsukiyamas room.
Metsuhai concentrated and magically called for his sword (using lifting magic). In but a few moments the sword was in his hand. The crusher just stood there doing nothing. Too bad for you foul creature.
Metsuhai charged and swung his blade. In the very last moment, Tsukiyama appeared between Metsuhai and the demon, sending Metsuhai back with a touch of his finger on Metsuhais head.
"Put that thing away. I went through a lot of difficulty summoning and controlling this guy. I even taught him how to bathe."
"Is that really right? Its demon magic we are talking about!"
Tsukiyama slightly pushed Metsuhai back. "I decide what is right and what is wrong in my dojo. I don't give a damn about the orders laws. Here I am the low. Now get into the ring!"
Metsuhai spoke as he enters the ring, "And what am I supposed to do in the ring with a crusher?"
Tsukiyama calmly answered "you will wrestle him." The crusher climbed into the ring, lifting his weight with ease, showing a smile filled with sharp teeth. Two hundred kilos of muscle, the crusher roared as he made his way to the middle of the ring.
"You can't be serious. No one fights a crusher like that! Lezner said only an idiot will try wrestling a crusher, he'll tear me to pieces!"
"Ah… Lezner, I knew him when he was eight, a sweet little black boy. Very skilled. If he is the one who trained you, no wonder your basics are just fine… now about your wrestling match…
Don't worry, he will not use his teeth and claws, same as you. But make no mistake, his desire to kill you is very real. He came fully trained by the military academy of the dark army. By the way- no magic, no powering up. Now… round one!"
The crusher closed in on Metsuhai slowly with a wide grin, speaking with a strong manly voice "I will show you the pride of the dark army!"
I know this is training but that doesn't mean I'll fight with no strategy. I have to keep this a striking fight if I am to have any chance at all. I can't let him put his huge muscles to work!
Metsuhai lifted his fists, taking his unarmed fighting stance, prepared to deliver a devastating blow as soon as the crusher gets to his range. But the crusher was faster. His fist landing on Metsuhais defending hands as heavy as a Warhammer. Metsuhai was pushed back a bit, his bones shaking as if threatening to brake. Damn, he has more reach, I couldn't counter attack at all. I have to close distance, but…
Metsuhai now tried to get in and out of range, dodging with sound breaking speed from numerous blows. Finally Metsuhai managed to lend a blow on crushers cheek, bending it to the inside (a bit). "Is that all you've got?" though the crasher was thoroughly bathed, his mouth still smelled like death.
The crusher stood on two legs and began delivering punches. Metsuhai was skilfully blocking and dodging. But that was but a distraction. With a sharp move the crusher grabbed Metsuhais leg pulling him down. The next thing Metsuhai saw was this huge opponents body slamming him from the ropes. The impact was devastating. Metsuhai spat blood. He tried to push the mountain of meat off him, but with no result. Now the crusher was beating the life out of him from above. Striking at his face with his fists while his weight keeps Metsuhai in place.
Finally the mighty crusher lifted Metsuhai damaged body high into the air. Metsuhai was too much in pain to move, defeated. He is going to break my back.
Tsukiyama signaled with his hands "break!"
"You're no fun!" The crusher left Metsuhai to painfully drop to the floor.
"One more round three hours from now. This was fine for a first try. Let's go meditate. We need to strengthen your mind as well."
Metsuhai forced himself to get up, his face shuttered. Tsukiyama put his palm on Metsuhais face, restoring it back to normal in mere seconds. "I won't heal the rest unless your bones brake. Your body will heal on its own, as long as there's no permanent damage. In time it will make you hard as steel."
The meditation session was quite typical. Tsukiyama guided Metsuhai, describing specific images for him to imagine while seating in a full-lotus position. It counted as rest for his body, though his energy was actually put to work. Then, it was time for the rematch, although it was what Metsuhai wanted least. This thing could eat a bear for breakfast…
Metsuhai tried to learn from his previous match and give a better fight but the result was similar. The crusher was too strong, too well trained, too fit for this kind of combat. The battle ended with the crusher delivering a reinforced fist, striking through Metsuhais guard, knocking him off his feet. The crusher stepped on his balls and raised his fist.
"Ok, enough for today. We had great progress…" Yeah, great progress for masochism "…we shall continue tomorrow. Try to learn from the experience."
After resting for a while, Metsuhais day wasn't over. He had missions to go to, demons to slay. His body was in constant pain, but it was hardly comparable to the spider mark. Late in the evening tired and bruised Metsuhai sent Chizue a short message. 'I'm cured, it's a miracle. I'll tell you the details when I see you again.' He was happy.
The second day of training began similarly to the first. Metsuhai had to stay in the freezing pool longer than before, five painful sessions again. But after that things took on an unexpected turn. Tsukiyama led Metsuhai to his small private plane.
This time, Metsuhai had to ask a question begging to be asked for some time now. "Sensei, you are quite rich. You can afford cars, women, houses, pools, and even a plane. How can you make so much money when I don't ever see you work?"
"I treat exceptionally difficult cases of disease. I have a reputation of a guy who can heal anything. This is not so far from the truth. So I can charge a lot of money from the rich."
Tsukiyama quickly changed, now wearing a pilots uniform, including a helmet with a speaker.
The plane engine loudly woke up as the two flew off the small air strip. The plane had just enough room for four people, and for the two in it, it was quite comfortable. Although a new design, from the inside the plane had traditional insides. Soon they were high in the clouds. The view of the forest surrounded city below was captivating and memorable. Metsuhai looked at it for quite a while before looking back at Tsukiyama. Tsukiyama was apparently a fine pilot.
"Where are we flying to?" wondered Metsuhai aloud.
"Nowhere in particular. Now…"
Tsukiyama waved his index finger. The wheel on the door began rotating. "Sensei?..." With a strong metallic sound the door opened to the outside. The air, previously unfelt, was now pulled outside with extreme force and noise. If it wasn't for the seatbelts, anyone seating there could have been pulled out. "Go through that door and take a walk on the planes wing. Try not to fall. No flying allowed. If you trip and fall, only then you can defend yourself. This will make you brave."
"I can't fly sir, only air walk a bit."
"Even better."
Metsuhai removed the seatbelt and went to the door (resisting the atmospheric pressure difference pulling him out). The first dangerous and scary part was getting to the wing. It was surprisingly close to the door, but he still had to make a big step above nothing. Using air platform here, was not only forbidden but also very complicated. Matching it with flying planes speed was something Metsuhai wasn't quite prepared for. Metsuhai took a deep breath (the air was cold and unpleasant). I should stop thinking about ways of escape and concentrate on the task at hand. Metsuhai stretched outwards, placing his foot on the edge of the wing. With a brave step, he was not in the plane anymore.
The first instant was perhaps the most dangerous. Metsuhai was almost knocked off the plane by sheer wind power. His eardrums were pulled outwards slightly, making strange sounds inside his head. His breath became erratic, from combination of fear and thin air. But he stood there. After a few seconds like this, his breath was back to normal, though his heart was still racing. But his mission wasn't fulfilled. Metsuhai forced himself to lift one foot up and walk. It was much harder than he expected. His body kept pressuring him to stay still and his mind to go back inside, which would mean admitting defeat. Metsuhai made one step and then another. The wing was smooth and slippery, adding to the scary yet somehow exhilarating feeling of it all. Metsuhai walked slowly across the wing, getting as close to the edge as he dared.
I actually did it. I'm the man! Metsuhai left his fears behind and allowed himself to enjoy the unreal experience, confidently standing up. Metsuhai skydived before, but nothing could prepare him for this. The plane flew very high, above the clouds. Metsuhai could see all of japan from this height (or so it felt like). He saw the islands and the vast ocean. Tiny-looking housing areas. Massive trade ships looked as small as ants. That just reminds me how much stuff I am fighting to protect.
The plane shook slightly, perhaps affected by insignificant turbulence. It wasn't dangerous for the plane, but it was all the convincing Metsuhai needed to rush back inside.
Metsuhai closed the door behind him, wearing a big smile.
"Well done, not anyone could have made it, and furthermore from first try. Remember what you just felt, and what you are feeling now. There's nothing quite like it. You must leave all your fears behind. My master had me walk on a thin rope above an active volcano."
After descending, Tsukiyama had another surprise for Metsuhai. He presented Metsuhai with a metal-looking thin green suit. It looked as if taken from an old alien movie, but otherwise seemed like a hybrid between clothing and chainmail armor.
"You'll be wearing this at all times, especially during training. Even when you sleep. The exception is when challenging the crusher," Tsukiyama seemed somewhat amused, "I designed it myself." A bit bizarre choice of design, oh well, I've been through worse. "Thank you sensei," said Metsuhai as he removed his chainmail and sent his hands to the new outfit.
"Careful, it's heavier than it looks." Metsuhai nodded and Tsukiyama let go of the green suit.
The suit gently fell to Metsuhais hands, sending him down as if a house collapsed on him.
So heavy! I'm supposed to walk around in this?! Metsuhai forced himself up, lifting the cloth, comparable in weight to items from world class weight-lifting competition. Training in this will be one hell of a torment. Wait…
"Master Tsukiyama," Metsuhai spoke while slowly pulling himself into the costume, "I can't possibly wear this to battle. Real battle where my life is on the line and people die."
"Indeed. I won't tell you to go to such an unnecessary risk. The dead aren't good for doing battle- unless you're a reaper that is… Anyway, when you go to war I'll make some arrangements... Now, take your battle stance. Leave your blade out of it."
Metsuhai took his stance, a bit clumsier than usual. Tsukiyama took a weird battle stance of the kind Metsuhai had never encountered before. By the looks of it, it was very old. He was wearing a yellow kimono this time.
"I am a melee fighter. Everyone who knows me says this thing about me, though everyone who knew me is already dead… Anyway, let's concentrate on the topic at hand. I am a melee fighter thus I will train you accordingly, because this is what I do best."
Metsuhai was about to make the first move when he felt a presence nearby. The crusher had apparently come to watch. "He'll be the referee," said Tsukiyama, completely serious.
Metsuhai nodded and the sparring match commenced.
It went even much worse than Metsuhai expected. Of course he knew Tsukiyama is on a different level, but he didn't understand how much of a burden the heavy suit was. He couldn't move right. His balance was off and his reactions dull. Tsukiyama easily dodged every poorly executed move, deflecting even Metsuhais sharper moves with no effort. Tsukiyama looked like he is enjoying himself. Leading Metsuhai around and tapping on various parts of his body, demonstrating how defenseless Metsuhai really was. "Ten points to Tsukiyama-sama," declared the crushers manly voice, fifteen points more to Tsukiyama- sama. Man Tsukiyama sama, you're going too easy on him. You can't imagine the suffering this child would endure in the academy of darkness, always subjugated to stronger crushers and our teachers as well. I went through this hardship myself, though it's really not a fitting thing to admit for a full- forged man like me."
Metsuhai kept standing his ground, barely. For a while it was all the same, but after three minutes the situation changed. Metsuhai became much more tired, sweating and breathing hard. But his technique was finally somewhat adjusted to the suit. Though exhausted his performance actually improved, resembling his ability. Eventually he surprised Tsukiyama with a sharp kick to the body, forcing him to block. Metsuhai jumped back and stopped in place.
"Sensei, am I allowed to power up?"
"Only because it's your first time. Generally you'll be doing this kind of sparring without such luxuries. Let's see what you've got."
Metsuhai powered up, his aura burning around him. Metsuhai charged and a fierce exchange of blows began. Now Metsuhai moved fast and with great precision, but Tsukiyama showed some more of his true ability as well. He was always several steps ahead of Metsuhai, blocking, dodging, deflecting and counter attacking (symbolically). "Too slow", "your fist is not closed strongly enough", "bad footwork", "you're too soft", Tsukiyama was commenting on Metsuhais moves while sparring. Not only he fought better, apparently he had all the time he needed to analyze and criticize Metsuhais technique. His blows, though more of a marking than a strike were felt nevertheless. Fighting him was truly impossible. Despite his best efforts, exhausted Metsuhai collapsed to one knee, unable to keep fighting, without the crusher granting him a single point. As Metsuhais sweat drips to the ground from his wet face, Tsukiyama spoke, standing above him "rest for the next fifteen minutes. Than we go at it again. For now, let's discuss some matters."
Metsuhai nodded, still breathing hard thus preferring not to speak. "I will teach you the secret of true sight. It's an ancient art, perfected by countless generations of masters. It has many practical uses, most notably efficient against invisible opponents and illusions."
"Sensei, I believe I already possess such an ability."
"Show me."
Metsuhai took a deep breath and concentrated. He was tired, but he had uses his 'Sorcerers Eye' in worse conditions before. It wasn't a problem. Metsuhais eyes glowed light-blue and his sight ability expanded. He looked at Tsukiyama, whose calm bright aura residing within his body was now visible. "Impressive," stated Tsukiyama, "Sorcery- style true sight. Basic level." So the known name of my ability was true sight all along. For me however, my move remains Sorcerers Eye. "Excellent. This saves us some time. From now on, whenever the two of us spar, with or without weapons, you keep the true sight on at all times."
"Yes sir."
Metsuhai faced Tsukiyama seven more times that day. The results were pretty much the same. Tsukiyama was so much better than Metsuhai in everything that defeating him in hand to hand combat was an unreachable dream. Metsuhai couldn't quite pinpoint how strong and skilled Tsukiyama really was, but he knew he was even better than Lezner. It was obvious Tsukiyama was holding back, but the skill behind his moves gave a glimpse to his true abilities. His dodges were made with the minimal movement and effort needed, his maneuvers flexible and versatile. Metsuhai on the other hand straggled with the added weight on him. Keeping his true sight on while sparring felt like another pointless burden (at least with the heavy suit it made sense). The true sight drained Metsuhais attention and ability. Since Tsukiyama wasn't using illusions or invisibility, Metsuhai had no idea what was he supposed to see.
…
The heavily armored warrior ran across the city street, jumping on top of a stationary car. The cars roof bent inwards under the steel boot with a sound of collision and braking glass. He was charging towards a pair of beastmen. The late afternoon sun, reflecting from the plate armor, revealed a large symbol of a black dagger piercing through the middle of a red heart symbol. The plate armor seemed to be of very high quality: unbreakable layers upon layers of thick steel. The helmet resembled a forts archery tower somewhat, barely revealing even the eyes.
The two fur covered goat-like men bleated simultaneously, sounding their battle cry. Drawing their large spears, charging. The warrior perfectly blocked one spear thrust with his shield, getting the wielder out of balance. The other spear he deflected with his sword, colliding with the second beastman with his armored shoulder, sending him to the ground. Before the beastmen could make another move, the medium length sword slashed through the body of the one still standing. The cut beastman stumbled backwards, his spear on the ground, his hands desperately trying to stop the bleeding from his chest. The beastman on the ground wasn't spared either- the steel boot smashed his neck from above, ending his existence. The wounded (dying) beastman turned his back and ran. But he didn't get far. A white beam caught up to him, blowing him to pieces. The warrior, somewhat out of breath, lifted the helmet, revealing his face. It was Metsuhai. He wiped the sweat off his forehead.
It's so hard to fight in this heavy armor. It's even heavier than the green training suit. This was Tsukiyamas latest invention, his solution to keep on the weightlifting even while fighting. Though the weight slowed Metsuhai down and tired him, there was no way to go through that armor. Its defense was unprecedented, but it was just too heavy. It fit more on a crusher rather than on a human. Metsuhais fighting ability with the armor on was a far cry from his usual self. His delay on the battlefield could cost lives, but this training was important. If my strength reaches new heights I could do even more good. Metsuhai looked at the fading corpses of the beastmen. They looked like larger versions of Metsuhais archenemy. I'm coming for you, Phaulin- Junior. You're going down.
It was Metsuhais second mission that day, with but a short rest between the missions and his training with Tsukiyama. Nao and Takeo were actually sent to the same area, but the three had decided to split up early on. Metsuhai, who didn't want to go into details about his new armor, simply explained to his comrades he was trying a new fighting style.
All enemies here should be taken care of by now. I'll just make sure I am not missing anything, and then see how my friends are doing.
But Metsuhais guess was wrong. As he crossed to another street, he encountered an opponent the likes of which he never faced before. Green skinned, tough-looking lizardman wielding two medium length blades, standing over two order-warriors fresh corpses, stared at Metsuhai with his crock eyes. Metsuhai examined the lizardmans scale covered body, his black short curved sharp claws and his somewhat long jaw, filled with sharp teeth. He killed two fighters and doesn't have a scratch on him.
Metsuhai charged with no hesitation. Their blades (and the shield) clashed in a serious of fierce exchanges. The blows from both sides were fast, heavy and sharp. For a moment it looked like a stalemate, both fighters testing each other. Then the lizardman gained the upper hand.
He thoroughly outperformed Metsuhai. Every blow was blocked or deflected. Every move countered. On the other hand, the lizardman hit Metsuhai several times. For him, Metsuhai was almost completely open. The lizardmans swords couldn't go through the plate armor yet, but those heavy blows were still felt and did some damage. "You never fought a lizardmadman before did you, young human," the enemy spoke as the two are pushed back and enter a state of something resembling a break. "You see, you wear indestructible armor. From my side well- my body is an indestructible armor. The difference between us is, your armor limits your movement, while mine allows me to move freely. Admit defeat and I will kill you fast."
"Go plow yourself, you crock!"
The two jumped into action again. It looked like the lizardman increased his pace even more, still struggling to go around that armor. If things were to continue like this, Metsuhai would be in trouble indeed, but he had other plans.
Through the armor glove the fast almost invisible attack made of air left a small and unpleasant cut on the elder-lizardman warrior. Although the wound wasn't deep and bled very slowly, Metsuhai considered it an achievement and proceeded to send more and more air-cuts on his opponent repeatedly.
The lizardmans body was soon covered with wounds all other. Despite his skill and power, he couldn't quite find a way to deal with those air cuts. He dodged some, blocked many with his swords but some still got through, especially since he had to block Metsuhais sword as well. Metsuhai was just starting to wonder how much longer the lizardman would remain standing when the enemy changed his fighting style completely.
The lizardman threw his blades away and charged at Metsuhai, relying on his instincts rather than his fencing skills. The shark like teeth closed on Metsuhais sword arm wrist, biting with unimaginable force. His sword falling to the ground, his arm in pain. If not for the armor, Metsuhai might have lost his hand. The lizardman was right on top of him in an instant, dragging Metsuhai to the ground. They rolled down the street, wrestling. The lizardman pressed down on Metsuhai, raining blows on him non-stop. Actively using his advantage. Metsuhai fought back as good as he could, unable to mount his magic, barely fighting back. It was a hardcore beating, as bad as wrestling the crusher. In a desperate attempt, Metsuhai managed to finally push the lizardman off him. Metsuhai pulled himself to his feet, taking his typical unarmed battle stance. Breathing hard.
"Impressive, you are one ruff piece of meat. Most humans wouldn't come this far. But it's over. You don't have your sword. One spell will hit me at most before I close the distance. This time you won't be so lucky."
"I'll show you just what I can do with that one spell!"
Metsuhai powered up, his energy level souring high. As the aura rages around Metsuhai, and the wind picks up, like a small storm Metsuhai raised both his arms, lifting (combination of lifting magic and earth-style sorcery) a massive piece of ground, condensing into a boulder.
Even the experienced lizardman looked surprised, his fighting spirit shaken.
As tough as the lizardman was, he had no way to hold this small mountain. The boulder smashed into him, burying him beneath tons of stone.
Metsuhai fell to one knee. He really overused his power with that last attack. If he had missed or messed up somehow, he wouldn't have the strength to continue.
…
Two weeks of training under Tsukiyama had passed before Metsuhai noticed. The training was hard and at times even extremely intense (especially when wrestling with the crusher), but although he considered himself a tough trainer, in some ways Tsukiyama was softer than Lezner. However, there were rare times where he had been very strict.
Just yesterday he began teaching Metsuhai a new level of energy concentration. The two stood inside one of the many rooms in Tsukiyamas sky scraper, which was actually a Jim. Near them, hanging from the ceiling by a thick steel chain, was a punching bag made from flexible metal.
"Hit it."
Metsuhai delivered a fist to the punching bag, pushing it back, making it swing a bit.
"Your breathing, technique, and power are all reasonably good. We will work on that, but not right now. Now, put some energy into your blow."
Metsuhai took a deep breath and his fist glowed yellow. The strike he delivered this time was considerably stronger: sending the bag far bag with a loud sound, bending the metal for a second. Tsukiyama nodded.
"Every warrior that wants to be a professional can perform this energy fist to a certain degree. But every existing move has a more advanced version to it. You shall start learning such a move today. Have a look, I'll match my blows to your strength.
Tsukiyamas fist glowed yellow just like Metsuhais before and he hit the punching bag. The blow was practically identical to Metsuhais, perhaps a tiny bit stronger. "This was what you did. Now, look at your goal."
Metsuhai observed as Tsukiyamas fist glowing yellow once more, more intense for sure. Tsukiyama hit the punching bag with his fist. The energy around the fist exploded with a powerful blast. Blinding light was released. The walls of the room cracked and Metsuhai felt his hair waving from the shockwave. It sounded like a thunder strike, as dust filled the room. When the dust settled, there was a hole in the middle of the punching bag, slightly bigger than Tsukiyamas fist. "Incredible. How did you put so much force into the attack without burning yourself?"
"This is one of the many implications of improved energy control…" Tsukiyama gestured with his hand. The punching bag and the walls immediately self- repaired. "…This is called the berserk fist. You see, usually when one concentrates energy for attacking, whether it's on his body or weapon, the person unconsciously holds back most of his power. This limits the power output to maybe ten percent of one's true ability. It's a natural defense mechanism of the body, to avoid depleting too much energy, which could endanger life. If the one using an energy attack is a skilled fighter than the energy not participating in the attack is circulating around the rest of the body, strengthening and defending it. The berserk fist goes around these natural limitations, lowering your defense for a short time so all that power will be harnessed to one devastating move. I assume you understand how effective yet dangerous this move really is."
"Yes sir," Metsuhai was in owe.
"Now comes the diligent work so you can reach this state."
Metsuhai was told to hold a small energy ball exactly five centimeters above his palm. It appeared easy at first. But Tsukiyama kept pushing the demands up.
"Keep your hand in place. Your ball is moving up and down slightly. Make it stop."
Metsuhai forced the ball to freeze in midair. "Energy is generally always moving," explained Tsukiyama, "But right now you need to take complete control. I'll be back in two hours."
When Tsukiyama returned he simply said the following "Your ball is not round enough. Fix its shape." After Metsuhai did just that, Tsukiyama left the room again to do who knows what.
These energy control lessons were the longest and possibly the most frustrating. It's like Tsukiyama was never satisfied from Metsuhais performance to the end. Well it was still better than the crusher wrestling matches.
Still, something bothered Metsuhai a bit and eventually he had to ask. "Tsukiyama sensei, you seem to be very strict when it comes to my energy control. Isn't this going to give me just a small boost of power? I mean, the berserk fist for example is a risky move, which can only be used in very specific circumstances during real combat."
"For starters, young one, energy control will make you stronger than you could imagine. Although it will take time and require persistence. The berserk fist is just the tip of the iceberg. Let me explain."
Tsukiyama took a deep breath and continued. "I said before your basics were fine. However that doesn't apply to a certain aspect of your energy control. Something about the way you developed and studied magic is just off..."
For a moment Metsuhai had no idea what Tsukiyama meant, but the realization came to him. It was all because of that amulet from his mother, draining his power for years. Because of it, he actually used sorcery magic without ever learning it from a master, with no connection to his natural and spiritual growth. Then he learned the basics of faith-magic so fast. No wonder there were some irregularities with his growth. Frankly. It could have been so much worse.
"…It's like you've created a wall in your mind between your faith magic and your sorcery. There are differences between them of course, but at your level you should be able to combine both much more naturally. So I have to be strict about this. You see, eventually you'll be able to power up, using both sorcery and faith magic simultaneously as if there is nothing more natural. But that is still very far away."
Metsuhai took a stance and Tsukiyama smacked him on the head. "You are not ready!
You might die trying this now."
"Sorry, I didn't think just powering up could be that dangerous."
"Well it is. Maybe in a month or so you could attempt it as a dangerous super-move, and even then only for a few seconds. But the good news are, it will be powerful beyond your wildest dreams, second only to your light speed time acceleration, which will take far longer to master, if ever."
Metsuhai enjoyed the most his sparring sessions with Tsukiyama. Whether it was with bare hands or cold weapons, it was clear Metsuhai was making progress. At the very least, he was handling the weight better. After a weapons training session (where Metsuhai couldn't really land a single clear shot on Tsukiyama), Tsukiyama sent Metsuhai to rest for fifteen minutes. Sweating Metsuhai sat on the balcony together with the crusher around a round wooden table.
Metsuhai was still wearing his green suit. The crusher wore a raincoat and a wide hat, probably copied from crime movies, and looked like a horned version of Al- Capone. He held a tea glass in his hands, as fitting in tea ceremonies. "Metsuhai strong kid," The crusher said with his manly deep voice, "Loyal... Brave human. Could be good fighter for dark army."
Unbelievable, what Tsukiyama did with him. He bathes, wears clothes, appreciates others, and even knows tea ceremony. This is as far as a crusher can go.
Metsuhai took another sip of tea.
Maybe, just maybe, if not for the dark army us and the crushers, ratmen, and all those other creatures could be friends, could they in theory be useful to humanity?…
No! Snap out of it- it's the enemy were talking here. And if this crusher ever brakes out of the magic binding him to Tsukiyama he'll surely try to kill me.
As Metsuhai got up to go back to training his thoughts drifted to Chizue. He was so busy lately with training outside of the capital, and fighting that he didn't get to see her at all. He wanted to see her very much, but for now training was the top priority.