Kai sat cross-legged on the cool stone floor of the basement, the dim lanterns casting flickering shadows across the room.
Al stood before him, his muscular arms crossed, observing the young man with a steady gaze.
The air was thick with anticipation.
"Close your eyes, Kai," Al instructed.
"To form your first aura circle, you must first understand your inner energy. Aura is not simply power; it's a reflection of your will, your determination, and your spirit."
Kai obeyed, shutting his eyes and taking a deep breath.
The world around him faded, leaving only the rhythmic beat of his own heart.
"Aura exists within every living being," Al continued, his voice low and calming. "It flows like a current through your body, residing primarily within your heart.
To harness it, you must resonate with it."
Kai furrowed his brows, trying to focus on the sensation within.
He felt nothing at first. Only silence.
"Imagine a light," Al said.
"A small spark within your chest. Nurture it, feed it with your resolve.
Breathe in… and let the light grow."
Slowly, Kai envisioned the faintest glimmer of light.
It flickered uncertainly, like a candle in the wind.
"Good," Al praised. "Now, to create your first circle, you must guide that light.
Visualize it expanding, forming a perfect ring around your heart.
This is your auric resonance."
Kai's breathing steadied. The spark in his mind's eye began to shift, stretching and curling into a thin, glowing band.
The effort was immense. Sweat trickled down his forehead, his muscles tensed. Every fiber of his being resisted.
"Maintain your focus," Al urged. "The first circle is always the hardest. It's your body's first confrontation with the force of your spirit. Accept the strain. Endure it."
Minutes passed, feeling like hours. The circle wavered, threatening to collapse. But Kai gritted his teeth, determination fueling him.
With one final surge of will, the light solidified. A brilliant, golden circle surrounded his heart.
He gasped, his eyes snapping open.
Sweat drenched his face, and his chest heaved. The sensation lingered—a newfound power pulsed within him.
"I did it," Kai panted, a mix of pride and exhaustion washing over him.
Al nodded, impressed. "Well done. Ten minutes for a first circle is exceptional. Many take hours, sometimes days."
Kai wiped his forehead.
"That was… brutal. And you have four of these?"
Al chuckled. "Indeed. But it gets easier. Forming the first is the most taxing. The second and third follow with much less strain. However, once you reach the fifth, it becomes significantly harder again.
That's why most people stop at two. The time and effort to push further aren't worth it for the average warrior."
Kai blinked, astonished. "But you reached four."
"It took years of dedication," Al admitted. "The strength gained from additional circles is immense.
They amplify everything—your speed, endurance, and destructive power. But remember, the strength of your will determines how far you can go."
Kai clenched his fists, determination flickering in his eyes. "Then I'll keep going."
Al smiled.
"That's the spirit." The Monks of the Sholian TempleAs Kai regained his breath, a question nagged at his mind.
"Al," he began, "Sophia mentioned that monks train in fighting techniques. Where do they learn?"
Al's expression softened. "The Sholian Temple. A place of wisdom and discipline. It's said to be the birthplace of modern martial arts in Tenria."
Kai's curiosity deepened. "Who started it?"
"A man named Ray," Al replied.
"Centuries ago, he journeyed across the lands, studying the combat styles of various warriors.
But his true strength came from his understanding of aura. By harmonizing his spirit and body, he achieved unmatched skill.
When he grew old, he established the Sholian Temple to pass down his knowledge."
Kai listened intently as Al continued.
"Ray believed that martial arts were not solely for battle but for self-mastery. His teachings attracted countless disciples.
Even after his death, the temple thrived under the guidance of new leaders.
The current head abbot is David Ryuzen."
"David Ryuzen?" Kai repeated.
Al nodded. "He's one of the strongest beings alive.
A master of Jeet Kune Do." Kai's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Jeet Kune Do? That's a hard martial art to learn. So he's basically like a Bruce Lee?"
Kai thought this to himself, realizing the difficulty of such mastery.
Al, of course, had no knowledge of Earth's martial artists, yet his reverence for David Ryuzen was evident.
A Weapon to WieldAl's expression turned thoughtful. "Kai, I've seen your determination, but fighting with just your fists will only get you so far. Against weapons, bare hands can be a disadvantage."
Kai frowned. "But I know boxing. I've trained for years."
"And that's commendable," Al said. "But even the greatest martial artist can be outmatched by a skilled swordsman or spearman.
A weapon extends your reach and grants you an edge in combat. I think it's time you found one that suits you."
Kai crossed his arms. "And where would I get a weapon?"
Al grinned. "My best friend Dax. He was our party's rogue, but now he's the best blacksmith in town.
If anyone can forge a weapon worthy of you, it's him."
Kai's excitement surged. "Alright then. Let's go see Dax."
With determination burning in his heart, Kai followed Al up the stairs, ready to take the next step on his journey.
The road ahead promised new challenges, but he was prepared to face them head-on.