Kapitel 4: Growth
The next few weeks went by like the wind. After coming back with Jeanne that day, she got situated in the same housing complex where Ezekiel lived. Due to his rather special circumstances they were the only inhabitants with quite a few daily visitors.
Ezekiel himself told Jeanne about the basics of the supernatural world before she joined him in his lessons with Griselda. He was ahead of her by a large margin, so it came as no surprise that Griselda focused on different aspects in their education.
Since she began to live with him it was pointless to further hide his identity in front of her. When she learned who or better what he and Uriel are she began acting distant and reverently all of a sudden. Maybe it was a bit too much for the young girl and it took the better part of the day to convince her not to behave differently now that she knew. In the end gods and angels are people, individuals and living beings just like her. A lot more powerful yes, but not every strong being is fond of being idealized and revered.
Ezekiel himself was glad to finally find himself a friend close to his own age. After Jeanne calmed down and settled in properly, she reverted to her usual self, being a cheerful young child. Since they both shared the same interest in swords, she joined him in his training and his instructors were more than happy to guide another little prodigy with the sword. As for why she was so obsessed with the sword when she was originally living in an orphanage? Apparently, she often dreamt from a woman fighting in all kind of conflicts. After talking with Gabriel, she instantly recognized her as the holder of a spirit and since she was around for quite a bit it was rather easy to determine whose spirit it was, she inherited.
Joan d'Arc, the Maid of Orléans. To say she was surprised would have been an understatement. At first, she even thought she was possessed by an old lady. After overcoming her biggest shock, she started barraging Gabriel with questions, which she patiently answered. It seems carrying the spirit of a saint or heroine is like carrying their will. Usually people with a similar character are chosen and they experience memories from the spirit in their dreams. It was a blessing Uriel and Ezekiel found Jeanne early on. Who knows how it might affect her personality if she could not differentiate between reality and dream? At some point she might even experience the scorn of the populace and getting burned on the stake. Gabriel told her meditation would help to keep her thoughts and memories organised and in case she could not easily cope with something Ezekiel or their instructors were there to calm her down.
Since their hobbies often aligned with their training, both threw themselves headfirst into it. The stray devil itself was not as frightening after sleeping over it for some time, but the thought, that he was fodder at the absolute bottom of the food chain motivated them to become the best version of themselves.
-o-
"Another 10 laps for you since you took too long!" Vasco shouted unreasonable commands across the field.
Ezekiel and Jeanne were currently running around the training grounds and it must have been close to 50 rounds already. Vasco, the good-natured old man became extremely strict when it came to training. It is understandable though, how could he ever reach where he stood if he did not take training seriously. Since Jeanne joined in on the training and probably infected by their motivation, Vasco stepped up his game and made them wear magic seals affecting their body all day. Ezekiel's were obviously far more restrictive than hers but since his body was already far stronger it was not harder for him than it was for her.
After the extra 10 rounds both stopped in front of Vasco, sweating, and panting like crazy.
"Alright now down with you two, I want to see 100 push-ups each!" Vasco commanded again.
They immediately dropped and began since waiting would only earn them extra 50 push-ups. The training of their physical bodies continued in the same fashion for at least 5 days a week with 2 rest days they could concentrate on other things and just be the children they are.
"Children keep in mind, a healthy mind requires a healthy body. You will only reach you full potential if you neglect neither of them." Vasco preached for the thousandth time before instructing them further what to do next.
-o-
"You got your basics down already Ezekiel. Ultimately the sword is only a weapon and as useful as the user who wields it. If you were to give it to a librarian, it would be nothing more than a glorified stick with sharp edges. If you give it to a trained individual however it becomes a deadly instrument and depending on the individual's capabilities it could reach heights nobody would expect. Take me for example. I based my sword style on speed and technique and through constant training for my whole life I became proficient enough to wield three swords at the same time. Vasco on the other hand focuses on strength and to a lesser extent on technique. Are you following me?" Ewald instructed Ezekiel in the way of the sword while Jeanne was listening in between her practice strokes.
Seeing Ezekiel nod, he continued: "What I am trying to say is, it depends on the individual how much of a weapons strength can be displayed. In the world of the supernatural a lot more rules are to consider. Superhuman strength and speed, aerial combat or even sword techniques that incorporate all kind of different energies, just to name a few. A good and at the same time simple example for such a fighting technique would be Vasco's 'Sacred Fist'. Due to coating his fist in holy energy his punch gains all kind of advantages. He hits stronger, consequently makes more damage and at the same time adds a layer of protection onto his fist together with a purifying effect. Even normal weapons could not damage his fist at that moment. That is exactly what I want you to work on. Now that you learned the basics, it is time for you to walk your own way of the sword."
Seeing Ezekiel deep in thought Ewald was sure his message got across and he focused on Jeanne. She was a fast learner and when it came to the sword, she was close to Ezekiel's talent, which was an achievement on its own. Her talent together with her sacred gear 'Blade Blacksmith' would make her one of the best swordswomen in the future, Ewald was sure of it. After she was stable in the basics of swordsmanship, he planned to give her the same speech Ezekiel received just moments ago. He would slowly guide her in incorporating her sacred gear in her fighting style.
After pondering for a while Ezekiel took out the sword he received from his father. It was still just as beautiful but began to glow in the same colours his own powers would. That was the effect of him constantly pouring his energy into it and it seems to grow together with him. Ewald's speech made him ponder. What was the best way for him to further his swordsmanship and in which direction did he want to go into the future? The obvious choice, according to him at least, was incorporating his holy/destructive power with his sword and wings to fight. That way he would be able to respond to nearly every situation properly, be it on the defensive or offensively.
Since he decided on his future path, he began to coat his sword in his energy and compressed it along the blade. The building energy levels alerted even Ewald and Jeanne nearby. By the time they could act it was already too late though, and Ezekiel waved his sword with precision while simultaneously releasing the compressed energy in the direction of his strike. The effect was eminent as every training dummy was immediately split in half. The newly created technique did not stop there however and razed down the first 50 meters of forest behind the training ground. Ewald's and Jeanne's jaw dropped to the ground. They were not the only ones however since even Ezekiel stood rooted on the spot because of what he just did.
As soon as Ewald came out of his stupor, he made it clear, that he was and was not impressed of his actions at the same time. After promising Ewald to be more careful in the future they resumed their training until the late afternoon.
-o-
Ezekiel was currently sitting in a meditation pose with his eyes closed. All around him floated constructs of his own energy. They were diverse as they were detailed. There were swords, spears, shields, or simply shapes like balls or cubes. Ezekiel already reached the point where he could control the output precisely while conjuring a high number of constructs at the same time. Currently he was trying to move them according to his will without crossing the trajectories of his other constructs. He was able to feel their position since it was his own power but concentrating on so many different factors separately still needed more training.
Uriel who was nearby watching Ezekiel train clapped his hands, signifying the end of todays lesson. Ezekiel let his constructs vanish before standing up and taking a big gulp of water and concentrating on his mentor.
"Your control gets better and better lad, I am really astonished at the rate you grow. It was just some weeks before when you could not even control half the amount you manage now." Uriel expressed his honest admiration and felt pride since they were family and he was chosen to instruct him.
"Thank you, uncle, but I would be far slower if it was not for your insights and the time you invested in training me." Ezekiel answered and had a happy smile plastered across his face. Who would not like to get complimented for the clear improvements their effort brought forth?
"Tomorrow I will introduce you to a boy close to your age. I will have you spar together for a while until I deem you fit to do so with you instructors and later myself. What you lack the most at the moment is experience. Considering your age, it is not surprising, but we should not neglect it when we have the chance to improve on it. If you do good against your instructors, you will be allowed to leave alone and fight your first real fights. But until then I expect you to do your best in training Zeke." Uriel explained while clearly cautioning Ezekiel at the same time.
"I understand uncle, I will do my best." Ezekiel replied. He was excited to finally put his practice into action. It might just be in the form of sparring sessions, but he yearned to try himself after all the training he underwent until now.
And just like that another day of constant training ended signifying the start of the next just hours away.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein