Chapitre 35: Breaking the Limits
Arata stands in front of Cheese, his brow furrowed in curiosity. Cheese's whiskers twitch with excitement as he beams at Arata, "I heard you passed Uriel and Butter. Here, take my badge. It's yours. I trust you!" Cheese extends a paw, offering a shiny whiskers badge.
Arata, still processing the situation, lets out an exasperated sigh. "Cheese… Come on! Test me before giving your badge!" he insists, trying to keep his frustration in check.
Cheese's cheerful demeanor falters slightly as he glances away, hesitating. "Mister Ringmaster, I know you are very capable, but my test…" His voice trails off, and he looks uncomfortable.
Arata, determined to prove himself, presses on, "Just tell me what I need to do!"
Cheese finally settles down, sitting cross-legged with a thoughtful expression. "Huh?" Arata's confusion deepens, his eyes narrowing at Cheese's unexpected behavior.
Without warning, Cheese begins to manipulate the air around him, his hand glowing with a faint, swirling light. Arata's eyes widen in amazement as he watches Cheese conjure a ball of wind, its translucent form swirling gently in the palm of his paw. "What's this…?" Arata murmurs, his curiosity piqued.
Cheese, now holding the ball of wind aloft on a single finger, explains with a mixture of pride and nonchalance, "What I have done is use air to form a ball of wind. This is what some of you humans call magic. It's about harnessing the elements around you." He gestures towards a nearby training dummy. "Get that dummy in front of me, Mister Ringmaster."
Arata, still in awe, carefully drags the dummy into position. Cheese focuses intently on the target and with a swift motion, hurls the ball of wind like a baseball. The sphere flies through the air with a powerful whoosh, slamming into the dummy and obliterating it with a dramatic explosion of straw and fabric.
"See, that's how strong it is," Cheese says, satisfaction evident in his tone as he looks at the wreckage.
Arata's eyes reflect a mixture of admiration and determination. "Can I do it?" he asks, his voice filled with resolve.
Cheese's expression shifts to one of hesitation. "Well…" He scratches his face thoughtfully, "There have only been two humans before you to accomplish this. One is Sheena and another is one of the ancient Ringmasters."
Arata's resolve hardens. "I will do it."
Cheese looks slightly relieved but still uncertain. "You sure? I can just lie about it."
"No, it's fine. I will go through the trial. How much time will you give me?" Arata asks, his determination clear.
"Seven days should be fine," Cheese replies, nodding slowly.
"Aight, a week it is. I'll start by trying to work it out." Arata sits down, closing his eyes and focusing intently, but the effort seems to drain him as he struggles to summon any energy.
Cheese watches with a sigh, his face etched with concern. "How do I help you?" he mutters, looking more puzzled than before.
Lila collapses on the ground, her body trembling under the overwhelming pressure emanating from her father, Taylor. Her face is pale, sweat glistening on her forehead as she struggles to keep her head up. The intensity of Taylor's aura feels almost tangible, a crushing force that makes the air around them thick and suffocating.
Taylor stands with an air of imposing authority, his expression a mix of stern disapproval and detached patience. His aura radiates with a cold, unyielding power, a stark contrast to Lila's frail, struggling form. "What's the matter? It's been almost 20 days, and you still can't withstand my pressure?" he questions, his voice devoid of empathy, each word cutting through the heavy silence.
Lila's eyes are squeezed shut, unable to meet her father's gaze. Her breaths come in ragged, labored gasps, her chest rising and falling unevenly as she battles against the relentless pressure. The weight of her father's expectations and the sheer force of his presence seem to conspire against her, making each second feel like an eternity.
"I didn't want to accept you as my student, but since Alex personally requested me to, I will. But you have to withstand at least this much before we start training." Taylor's voice remains impassive, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Despite the overwhelming force, Lila's resolve burns brightly in her eyes. Her hands are clenched into fists, her knuckles white from the effort. "I will… Not… Give up…" she gasps out, her voice strained but determined. Each word is a struggle, her body shivering under the immense pressure, but her spirit remains unbroken. She digs deep, pushing herself beyond her limits, her face contorted in pain and defiance as she continues to fight against the crushing weight of her father's aura.
Arata sits cross-legged on the ground, frustration etched across his face. He's surrounded by a swirl of invisible energy, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tries to replicate the gust of wind Cheese demonstrated. His hands move awkwardly, trying to grasp at something he can't quite feel. The air around him remains stubbornly still. "I knew he was not a good mentor…" Arata mutters under his breath, his tone tinged with annoyance.
A soft chuckle comes from behind him, drawing Arata's attention. He turns, surprised to see The Queen standing there with a playful glint in her eyes. "You again?" Arata asks, his voice much friendlier than before, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
The Queen's amusement is evident as she approaches, her presence a warm contrast to the frustration in the air. "He didn't tell you how to, did he?" she asks, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Just Cheese things, he always does that."
Arata's face shifts from frustration to a rueful smile. "Oh… So it's normal for him to be so oopsy daisy?" he asks, his tone lightening as he shakes his head in bemusement.
The Queen's laughter rings out, clear and melodious. "I am sorry…I will help you," she says, still chuckling. Her laughter seems to lift the weight of the situation, and Arata's expression softens, the edges of his frustration giving way to a more relaxed demeanor.
Arata's slight smile deepens as he looks at The Queen, appreciating her offer and the ease she brings to the moment.
Arata looks at The Queen with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Why?" he asks, his voice tinged with genuine confusion.
The Queen blinks, momentarily thrown off guard. She straightens her posture, her demeanor shifting from playful to contemplative. "Hmm?" she responds, her eyebrows slightly raised as she processes the question.
Arata's gaze remains steady, his curiosity evident. "Why are you helping me?" he presses, his tone earnest and searching.
The Queen's expression softens as she considers her response. "Well… It's because…" She hesitates for a moment, her eyes reflecting a deep sincerity. "I see a hero in you for us Undergrounders… I hope you will not fail me." Her smile widens, showing her teeth, but this time it's accompanied by a warmth and genuineness that makes it appear much more endearing.
As she smiles, something within Arata stirs—a flutter of emotion that feels strangely familiar. It's a sensation reminiscent of the first time he saw Jennifer's smile, a subtle but powerful connection. Despite the unsettling quality of this feeling, Arata chooses to let it pass, focusing instead on the immediate situation.
"Fine…" he says, his voice carrying a note of reluctant acceptance. The tension in his shoulders eases slightly, his frustration giving way to a quiet resolve.
The Queen settles herself directly in front of Arata, her movements deliberate and calm. She gently adjusts Arata's hands, positioning them with practiced ease. Her touch is light yet firm, guiding his fingers into the correct stance. "Arata, you have a sixth sense, right?" she asks, her tone encouraging and patient.
Arata looks at her with a hint of confusion. "A wolf's instinct?" he inquires, trying to connect the dots.
The Queen nods, her expression serious yet supportive. "Use it. Feel the wind. You know, right? There is wind everywhere." Her voice is soothing, guiding him through the process.
Arata's brows furrow in concentration. "Yes," he responds, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
The Queen continues, her gaze steady and authoritative. "While there are different elemental magics, everything needs wind. Water needs wind, Earth needs wind, fire needs wind. Without the mastery of wind magic, you cannot master any other magic." Her words are clear and deliberate, underscoring the importance of the concept.
Arata's confusion deepens. "What does that have to do with feeling the wind?" he asks, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"Just close your eyes and feel the gust of wind, Arata, and you will understand what I mean." The Queen's voice is gentle, almost melodic. She reaches out, closing her eyes and placing her hands over Arata's, guiding them into the correct position.
As Arata closes his eyes, he feels The Queen's presence beside him, her warmth a comforting contrast to his inner turmoil. Her hands, steady and reassuring, help him focus. The silence envelops them, and Arata tries to sense the subtle movements of the air around him. His breathing slows, and he begins to relax, allowing himself to become more attuned to the invisible currents. The sensation of The Queen's hands on his brings a sense of calm, grounding him as he seeks to connect with the elusive wind.
As Arata closes his eyes and concentrates, he begins to sense the lightness of the gusts of wind moving gently around him. The subtle breeze feels like a whisper against his skin, and he notices that beyond the presence of himself and The Queen, there are four other people within the castle. The realization comes to him in a sudden, almost intuitive flash.
The Queen's voice breaks the silence, soft yet commanding. "Arata… Let it all go," she instructs, her tone serene and encouraging.
Arata, still with his eyes closed, furrows his brow in confusion. "What do you mean?" he asks, his voice strained with concentration.
The Queen's voice remains calm and soothing. "Loosen your body, let your worries go away. Do not overthink, but do not underthink. Instead of letting your thoughts consume you, let the wind hear your thoughts." Her words flow like a gentle stream, guiding him through the process.
A large gust of wind envelops Arata's body, its force initially surprising but quickly becoming a source of comfort. The wind wraps around him with a gentle caress, lifting him slightly off the ground. The sensation is both exhilarating and calming, and Arata can feel the wind's subtle pressure as it seems to communicate with him.
The Queen opens her eyes, her gaze shifting to Arata with a look of quiet satisfaction. Cheese, Lance, and Uriel, sensing the shift in the air, all feel a strange disturbance. The sensation of the wind's presence is palpable, and each of them registers a subtle but unmistakable feeling of something extraordinary happening. They all make it to the room Arata is training at.
The Queen watches Arata with a proud smile as he begins to float gracefully with the wind. Her expression is one of genuine pleasure, her eyes reflecting the joy of seeing him connect with the elemental force. The wind swirls around him, carrying him with a sense of effortless freedom, and The Queen's smile grows wider, her satisfaction evident as she observes this moment of progress.
Lance stands in stunned disbelief, his eyes wide as he watches the scene unfold. "No fucking way… I sensed all that wind and it was this guy…" he says, his voice laced with awe and incredulity. His tone carries a mixture of surprise and admiration, as if struggling to reconcile the reality before him with his expectations.
Cheese, equally taken aback, shakes his head in amazement. "It's unbelievable he can do this in the first place… A third human able to do this…" he mutters, his voice tinged with a blend of respect and astonishment. The usually carefree demeanor of Cheese is replaced by a rare sense of seriousness, recognizing the significance of Arata's abilities.
Uriel, observing the scene with a thoughtful expression, muses aloud. "Lone wolf… Maybe you aren't meant to be alone… Maybe you are the leader of your pack… That's why you are so strong…" His words carry a deep sense of realization and contemplation. Uriel's gaze is intense, as if seeing Arata in a new light—a figure with the potential to surpass even the most formidable of Underworlders. The admiration in Uriel's eyes is unmistakable, reflecting his newfound belief in Arata's extraordinary capabilities.
The atmosphere in the room is charged with a sense of profound recognition, each character coming to terms with the impact of Arata's emerging power. The Queen's smile widens as she observes the reactions around her, her satisfaction deepening as the gravity of Arata's potential sinks in.
Arata steadies himself, his gaze focused and determined. He plants his feet firmly on the ground, feeling the connection between his body and the earth. Taking a deep breath, he draws in the surrounding air, his chest rising as he gathers the wind.
With a concentrated effort, Arata begins to channel the wind into a swirling mass. He places his hands around his belly, the fingers splayed out as if cradling an invisible sphere. The air around him starts to whirl, coalescing into a visible ball of wind that forms slowly but steadily.
The ball of wind pulses with energy, its surface rippling and shifting as Arata manipulates it. He can feel the vibrations and currents of the air within the sphere, the force building with each passing second. The ball takes shape, growing more defined and intense, a tangible manifestation of the wind he has harnessed.
The Queen watches with anticipation, her eyes gleaming as Arata completes the formation. "There it is, a special attack," she announces, her voice filled with admiration.
Cheese, unable to contain his excitement, exclaims with a broad grin, "ONE THAT HE HAS BUILT HIMSELF!" His enthusiasm is palpable, reflecting the pride he feels in Arata's achievement.
Arata carefully spins the ball of wind around his fingers with a practiced, almost meditative calm. His demeanor contrasts sharply with Cheese's earlier display, exuding discipline and control. With a slow, deliberate movement, he stretches his arm out as if holding a heavy, invisible ball, his posture perfectly aligned.
He focuses intensely, applying all his force into a single point of contact with the ball. The wind ball quivers slightly under the concentrated energy, and Arata's face is set in a mask of concentration. "All my force, apply it to a single point. What this will do is give me more strength. That's the plan!" Arata thinks, channeling his immense power into the delicate maneuver.
With a swift, precise motion, he hurls the ball forward, using the force of just one finger. The ball speeds through the air with a velocity that is almost imperceptible to the naked eye. The force of the throw is so concentrated that it's almost a blur.
The impact is catastrophic. The ball slams into the dummy with a deafening explosion, disintegrating it in an instant. The force of the blast sends shockwaves through the room, ripping apart the interior behind the dummy. Debris flies through the air, and a cloud of dust and fragments fills the space where the dummy once stood.
The reaction is immediate and explosive. Lance's eyes widen in disbelief, his mouth hanging open. "WHAT THE FUCK?!" he exclaims, his voice a mixture of shock and awe.
Cheese's expression is one of stunned admiration. "No way… He did that…" he murmurs, his usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine astonishment.
Elio, who had just joined the group, looks around in panic. "WHAT HAPPENED?!" he screams, his voice tinged with alarm as he takes in the destruction.
Uriel's eyes are locked on Arata, a deep sense of revelation in his gaze. "This guy… He is no human… No, this is what true monster strength looks like..." he says, his voice reflecting a grave realization. "If he was an evil being and someone was training him… There would've been no end to his destruction."
As the dust settles, Arata collapses to the ground, his body limp and unconscious from the sheer exertion. The room is filled with a stunned silence, the magnitude of Arata's power leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
Elio's panicked shout cuts through the aftermath of the explosion. "ARATA!" he cries out, rushing toward the unconscious figure on the ground. His face is a mask of worry, eyes wide with fear and concern.
Uriel steps in quickly, his hand firmly gripping Elio's shoulder. "Not now, we have training to do. He is just exhausted. We have our own training, Elio," Uriel says, his tone both authoritative and calming.
Elio's eyes dart back to Arata, his worry palpable. Though he reluctantly nods in understanding, he casts frequent glances toward Arata as he walks away, his concern evident in every step. The Queen, with a gentle and caring expression, has cradled Arata in her lap, her presence offering a stark contrast to the chaos.
As Arata regains consciousness, he feels the softness of the Queen's lap beneath him. His senses gradually sharpen, and he gazes up at her face. From this close vantage point, he notices how endearing she looks, her features soft and kind. The Queen's eyes, now focused on him with a warm, reassuring gaze, seem genuinely comforting.
Arata takes in her presence—her demeanor is not as imposing as he initially perceived. While her chest may not be as pronounced as other women he's encountered, the way she carries herself, her natural grace, and her genuine way of speaking all come together to create a compelling and approachable aura. The softness in her expression, her gentle touch, and the way she so effortlessly exudes calmness strike Arata as both genuine and endearing.
He finds himself unexpectedly charmed by her. The Queen's presence, while regal and commanding, also holds an adorable quality that resonates with Arata, adding a new layer of appreciation for her beyond her formidable exterior.
The Queen gently passes Cheese's whisker badge to Arata, her eyes filled with a blend of pride and satisfaction. "Congratulations, Arata," she says warmly, her voice carrying a tone of approval. The badge, a symbol of achievement and trust, feels solid and reassuring in Arata's hand.
As Arata slowly sits up, his body still feeling the effects of his exhaustion, he reflects on his recent exertion. "I see… I overused my magic…" he mutters, the realization dawning on him. His voice is weak but tinged with a newfound understanding of his limits and abilities.
The Queen nods, her expression a mix of encouragement and gentle reprimand. "Yes, you pushed yourself to the edge. It's important to recognize your limits and learn from them," she explains, her tone both caring and instructive. Her smile remains, reflecting her genuine happiness for Arata's progress and success.
Despite the warmth and support from the Queen, a palpable tension lingers in the air. Lance stands apart from the group, his demeanor unyielding and distant. He hasn't interacted with Arata or shown any sign of acknowledgment until now. His posture is rigid, his eyes cold and assessing.
Arata's gaze shifts to Lance, the reality of the situation settling in. The true challenge now looms before him, represented by Lance's stoic presence. There is an unspoken tension between them, a challenge that Arata knows he must face head-on.
The Queen's eyes briefly flicker toward Lance, her expression shifting to one of solemn recognition. The underlying message is clear: Lance represents Arata's greatest obstacle, a test that will push him further than he has ever been pushed before. The gravity of Lance's role in Arata's journey becomes apparent, marking the beginning of a new and formidable chapter in his quest.
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone