章節 32: Chapter 32: A New Mentor, A New Path
The Nexus was a realm of endless possibilities and limitless challenges, an ever-changing expanse of energies that Elias was slowly learning to navigate. He stood there, still reeling from the events that had transpired in his first real lesson with Azrael. The overwhelming power of the forces at play—the delicate balance of light and darkness—was both awe-inspiring and daunting. He had only just scratched the surface of what lay ahead, and yet he knew that even greater trials awaited him.Azrael, his enigmatic mentor, stood in front of him with a calm, almost serene expression. Despite the intensity of the previous training, there was no sign of weariness on his face. The dark figure seemed to exist in a perpetual state of readiness, his connection to the shadows around him making him appear as much a part of the Nexus as the very air Elias breathed."You have taken the first step, Elias," Azrael said, his voice calm yet firm. "But understand this—what you have learned so far is only the beginning. True mastery of the forces within you cannot be rushed. It is something that must be nurtured, cultivated over time. Patience is key."Elias nodded, his breathing still heavy from the exertion of their earlier sparring session. The words rang true, though he could feel the impatience bubbling inside him. He wanted to push forward, to fully embrace the potential that was now within his grasp. But Azrael's reminder of patience cut through that impatience, grounding him."That is why," Azrael continued, "I will not be the only one guiding you in this journey."Elias looked up, curious. Another mentor?Azrael waved his hand, and the air in front of them shimmered. From within the shifting space, a figure began to materialize. At first, the form was vague, like a mirage flickering on the edge of reality. But as the figure stepped forward, it solidified into the form of a tall man with an aura that radiated pure light. His presence was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold, shadowy essence of Azrael."This is Lumenor," Azrael said, gesturing toward the glowing figure. "He will assist in your training, focusing on the light aspect of your power. Where I embody the darkness, Lumenor is the personification of light."Lumenor bowed slightly, his expression gentle but serious. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Elias. Azrael and I have been watching your progress, and I am honored to assist in your journey."Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he looked at Lumenor. The man seemed to glow from within, his skin emanating a soft, golden light that was both comforting and powerful. He carried himself with grace, his movements fluid and effortless. Yet there was something fierce in his eyes—a hint of the immense power that lay just beneath the surface.Azrael stepped forward again, his tone turning more instructional. "As I said before, the path you are on requires balance. You cannot master one aspect of your power without mastering the other. Lumenor will train you in the ways of light, while I will continue to teach you the intricacies of darkness."Lumenor nodded in agreement. "The light within you, Elias, is not just a tool for destruction or illumination. It is a force of creation, of life itself. But like all forces, it must be wielded with control. My task will be to teach you how to harness that light—how to shape it, mold it, and use it to your advantage."Azrael's eyes darkened slightly as he spoke. "Meanwhile, I will teach you to command the darkness, to make it an extension of yourself. It is not something to be feared, but something to be understood. Darkness can protect, it can obscure, and it can strike with deadly precision. To master it, you must first accept it as a part of who you are."Elias felt a wave of anticipation wash over him. The prospect of learning from both Azrael and Lumenor was exhilarating, but also daunting. Two opposing forces, each with its own lessons, its own challenges. But if he could learn to balance them—if he could truly master the duality within him—he knew that he would be unstoppable."Let us begin," Lumenor said, stepping forward. "The first technique I will teach you is called Photon Fist. It is a technique that channels the light energy within you into your physical strikes, enhancing both their speed and power."Elias felt a surge of excitement at the mention of the technique. It sounded exactly like the kind of ability he needed—something that could augment his combat skills, making him faster and stronger.Lumenor continued, his tone instructional. "The light is not just something that illuminates—it is energy, pure and potent. With Photon Fist, you will be able to focus that energy into your fists, allowing you to strike with a force that is far beyond what your physical body is capable of. But that's not all. Each punch will release a burst of light energy upon impact, disorienting your opponent and causing burn damage."Elias could hardly contain his enthusiasm. "That sounds incredible.""It is," Lumenor said with a smile. "But it is not without its challenges. Channeling the light into your fists requires immense focus. If your mind wavers for even a second, the energy will dissipate, and you will lose control of the technique. It is not something you can simply will into existence—you must become one with the light, let it flow through you naturally."Azrael stepped in, his voice a stark contrast to Lumenor's warmth. "And while you learn Photon Fist, I will teach you two techniques that will hone your control over the darkness. The first is called Shadow Step. This technique allows you to meld into the shadows around you, effectively teleporting from one shadow to another. It is a perfect tool for evasion and ambush, but it requires an intimate understanding of the darkness."Elias raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Teleportation through shadows?""Yes," Azrael confirmed. "As long as there's a shadow nearby, you can use it as a portal. The technique works best in areas of low light or in combat situations where shadows are abundant. However, like Photon Fist, Shadow Step is not an easy ability to master. It requires precision and control. If you lose focus, you could end up materializing in the wrong place, or worse—not materialize at all."Elias swallowed hard. The idea of disappearing into nothingness was not appealing, but the potential of such a skill was undeniable. The ability to move through shadows could give him a massive advantage in battle."And the second technique?" Elias asked.Azrael's eyes gleamed with a darker light. "The second technique is called Dark Vision. This is a passive ability, one that will allow you to see perfectly in complete darkness. Not only that, but it will grant you the ability to see through illusions and invisibility spells that rely on light manipulation. In other words, no matter how dark or deceptive your surroundings may be, you will be able to perceive everything clearly."Elias felt a chill run down his spine. Dark Vision was the kind of ability that could turn the tide of any battle. To be able to see through the darkness, to see through illusions—such a gift would make him nearly impossible to deceive."These are the techniques you will learn," Azrael said, his tone serious. "But understand this, Elias—they are not mere tricks. Each one requires a deep connection to the forces of light and darkness. You cannot rely solely on power or brute force. You must train your mind, your body, and your spirit to wield these abilities with precision and control."Elias nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility. This was not just about learning flashy moves or becoming stronger—it was about truly understanding the forces at play within him, about mastering the balance between light and darkness."Let us begin," Lumenor said, stepping forward. "We will start with Photon Fist."
The training that followed was grueling, far more difficult than anything Elias had anticipated. Lumenor was patient but firm, guiding him through the process of channeling light energy into his fists. At first, Elias struggled to even grasp the concept. The light within him felt wild, unrestrained—trying to focus it into his fists was like trying to catch a beam of sunlight in his hands."Focus, Elias," Lumenor said, his voice calm but authoritative. "The light is not something you force—it is something you guide. Let it flow through you naturally."Elias closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He could feel the light within him, a warm, radiant energy that pulsed with life. Slowly, he tried to direct that energy into his hands, focusing on the sensation of warmth spreading through his limbs.For a moment, it seemed to work. His fists began to glow, faintly at first, but then with increasing intensity. But just as he thought he had it, the energy fizzled out, dissipating into the air.Lumenor sighed softly. "You are trying too hard. Relax. Let the light come to you."Elias grit his teeth in frustration but nodded. He tried again, this time letting the light flow more naturally, not forcing it but simply guiding it. The result was better—his fists glowed brighter, and he could feel the energy building within them.But again, just as he was about to strike, the energy dissipated."You're getting closer," Lumenor said encouragingly. "But you must learn to trust the light". Elias took a deep breath, feeling his frustration bubble beneath the surface. Trust the light. He'd heard it before, but it was harder than it sounded. His mind was always trying to take control, to force the power into submission. This was different from anything he had trained for before. His previous battles and training sessions were always about exerting control, using force to bend his will upon the world. Now, he had to learn to flow with the energy, to guide it rather than dominate it."Again," Lumenor instructed, his voice unwavering.Elias clenched his fists, focusing inward. He felt the light once more—faint but present. Slowly, he let it rise within him, letting it flow through his body like a stream of liquid energy. It surged through his veins, spreading from his chest to his arms, and finally to his hands. This time, he didn't force it. He let the energy find its way.As he opened his eyes, his fists blazed with a bright golden light. The energy wasn't wild or chaotic; it felt natural, as if the light had always been a part of him, waiting to be unlocked."Now," Lumenor said softly, "strike."Elias's body moved on instinct, throwing a punch at the training post in front of him. The moment his fist made contact, a burst of light erupted from his hand, disorienting him for a split second. The training post shook violently as the impact left a scorch mark on its surface. A faint sizzle rose from the spot where his fist had landed, and the air was thick with the scent of burning."Excellent," Lumenor said, his smile widening. "You're beginning to understand. But remember—this is only the first step. The true strength of Photon Fist comes from your ability to summon the light in an instant, without thought or hesitation. You must be able to use it instinctively, in the heat of battle."Elias shook out his hands, still feeling the residual heat from the energy. His arms were sore from the strain of channeling the light, but there was a sense of accomplishment as well. He had done it. He had controlled the light.But his training was far from over.
After several hours of practicing Photon Fist, Elias was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching from the constant exertion. Lumenor had guided him through the technique step by step, offering advice and corrections as Elias honed his control over the light. By the end of their session, Elias could consistently channel the energy into his fists, though maintaining it for long periods was still a challenge."That's enough for today," Lumenor said, sensing Elias's fatigue. "You've made excellent progress, but remember—this technique requires constant practice. The more you use it, the more natural it will become."Elias nodded, grateful for the break. His body was exhausted, but there was a deep sense of satisfaction that came with mastering a new ability.But there was no time to rest.Azrael stepped forward, his presence casting a shadow over the training ground. "Now, it is my turn," he said, his voice cold and commanding. "You've worked with light—now it's time to embrace the darkness."Elias straightened, wiping the sweat from his brow. He knew this would be different. Where Lumenor's training was warm and nurturing, Azrael's methods were harsh, unforgiving. The darkness didn't offer comfort—it demanded respect.Azrael began his lesson by explaining the technique of Shadow Step. "This is not just a simple movement ability," he said. "It is a way of becoming one with the shadows themselves. You do not simply move through darkness—you become the darkness. To use Shadow Step effectively, you must let go of your physical form, your presence, and allow the shadows to consume you."Elias frowned. "Let go of my form?""Yes," Azrael replied. "When you use this technique, you are not teleporting in the traditional sense. You are dissolving into the shadows, merging with them, and then reappearing where the shadows connect. It is instantaneous, but it requires absolute focus. One misstep, and you could lose yourself in the void."Elias felt a shiver run down his spine. The idea of losing himself in the darkness was unsettling, but the potential of Shadow Step was undeniable. To move between shadows, unseen and untouchable—it was a power that could change the course of any battle."Let's begin," Azrael said, his tone brokering no argument.The first step was simple in theory: Elias had to connect with the shadows around him, feel their presence, and then let them envelop him. He closed his eyes, focusing on the darkness that surrounded them in the Nexus. It wasn't hard to find—the entire realm seemed to exist in a perpetual state of twilight, with shadows lurking in every corner.But connecting with the shadows was harder than he expected. Unlike the light, which flowed naturally and warmly, the darkness was cold, distant. It resisted his attempts to touch it, slipping away like smoke between his fingers."Don't force it," Azrael said, his voice cutting through Elias's concentration. "The darkness will not come to you if you demand it. You must invite it. Let it in."Elias gritted his teeth, pushing aside his frustration. He reached out again, this time more gently, letting the darkness approach him rather than trying to seize it. Slowly, he felt it begin to stir, like a low hum at the edge of his awareness."There," Azrael said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Now, let it take you."Elias took a deep breath and released his grip on his physical form. It was a strange sensation, as though he were melting away, dissolving into the very fabric of the shadows. For a moment, he felt disoriented, as if he were floating in a vast, endless void. But then, just as quickly, he reappeared on the other side of the training ground, emerging from a pool of shadow cast by a nearby pillar.He stumbled slightly, his body reeling from the sudden shift in perspective."Good," Azrael said, his tone approving. "You made it through. But your control is lacking. You must be able to perform Shadow Step without hesitation, without losing your balance. Try again."
The next several hours were spent drilling Shadow Step over and over. Each time, Elias tried to improve his control, to make the transition smoother and faster. At first, he stumbled with every attempt, his body struggling to adjust to the sudden shifts between light and shadow. But gradually, he began to find his rhythm. The more he used the technique, the more natural it became, until eventually, he could step between shadows with barely a flicker of thought."You're getting the hang of it," Azrael said, though his tone remained stern. "But remember—Shadow Step is not just for moving. It is a tool for deception, for ambush. You must learn to use it strategically."Elias nodded, already imagining the possibilities. With Shadow Step, he could disappear in the middle of a fight, reappearing behind his opponent before they even knew what had happened. It was a skill that would make him nearly impossible to predict.But there was still more to learn."Now," Azrael said, "we will move on to Dark Vision."This technique, unlike the others, was passive—once learned, it would be active at all times. But that didn't make it any less important. In fact, Dark Vision could be one of the most valuable tools in Elias's arsenal."To activate Dark Vision," Azrael explained, "you must open yourself to the darkness, allow it to enhance your senses. This is not just about seeing in the dark—it is about seeing through the dark. You will be able to pierce illusions, see through invisibility, and perceive the true nature of things hidden by light."Elias took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the lesson. He closed his eyes, focusing once more on the darkness around him. This time, instead of trying to move through it, he let it seep into his senses, filling his vision with inky blackness.At first, it was disorienting. The world seemed to vanish around him, replaced by a swirling void of shadows. But as he focused, shapes began to emerge from the darkness—faint, ghostly outlines of the world around him. He could see the pillars, the training posts, even the faint shimmer of Lumenor's light in the distance.And then, something more. He could see Azrael's form, not just as a figure standing in front of him, but as a presence, a manifestation of pure shadow. It was as if he could perceive the very essence of the darkness within his mentor."Good," Azrael said, his voice echoing through the void. "You are beginning to see."
The training continued for days, each session pushing Elias to his limits. He practiced Photon Fist with Lumenor until his fists burned from the strain. He honed his Shadow Step with Azrael, learning to move between shadows with fluid grace. And he kept Dark Vision active at all times, training his eyes to see through the illusions and tricks that might deceive him.It was grueling work, but with each passing day, Elias could feel himself growing stronger. The techniques were no longer foreign concepts—they were becoming a part of him, extensions of his very being.Lumenor and Azrael watched his progress closely, offering guidance when needed but never coddling him. They pushed him to his limits, knowing that only through struggle could he truly master these new abilities.As the days stretched on, Elias found that his mastery over the techniques began to solidify. There was still a long road ahead—Azrael and Lumenor made that clear—but the initial hurdles were behind him. The moment he realized how far he had come was during one particular training session when he instinctively executed all three techniques in fluid succession during a sparring match with Lumenor.
It started with Lumenor launching a barrage of quick, precise strikes, each one infused with light energy from Photon Fist. The speed and power behind his punches made them nearly impossible to dodge for someone without Elias's training, but Elias, now far more experienced, used Shadow Step to evade each strike, disappearing into the darkness and reappearing behind Lumenor.In that brief moment of repositioning, Elias activated Photon Fist and returned a punch of his own, his fist blazing with golden light. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, and though Lumenor blocked it, the burst of energy forced him to stagger back.Without missing a beat, Elias activated Dark Vision, scanning the dimly lit arena for any tricks Lumenor might be employing. His eyes cut through the faint illusions Lumenor had woven with light to disguise his next move. Normally, they would have been effective distractions—shimmering afterimages of Lumenor moving at blinding speed—but Elias saw through them all."Impressive," Lumenor said as he recovered, a small smile playing on his lips. "You've come a long way."Azrael, who had been silently observing from the edge of the training ground, nodded approvingly. "He's adapting well," he murmured.But the spar wasn't over. Lumenor stepped forward, his fists still glowing with light, ready to push Elias even further. This time, however, Elias didn't feel the same anxiety that had plagued him earlier in his training. He wasn't overwhelmed by the power or complexity of the techniques. Instead, there was a sense of control—a delicate balance between light and shadow that he was beginning to understand.He lunged forward, using Shadow Step to close the distance again, but Lumenor was ready this time. With a flash of light, Lumenor struck back, their fists colliding in a burst of energy. Light and darkness clashed, but Elias held his ground. His Photon Fist burned with the intensity of the light, while his connection to the shadows allowed him to remain swift and elusive."Focus!" Lumenor barked, increasing the intensity of his attacks. "Don't just rely on power—use your instincts!"Elias gritted his teeth, feeling the strain in his muscles as he blocked and countered Lumenor's relentless strikes. His mind raced, trying to keep up with the speed of the battle. But then, something clicked. Instead of overthinking every move, he let his body take over. The flow of light and darkness within him became seamless, and for the first time, he truly felt the harmony between the two.With a burst of speed, Elias dodged another punch and delivered a rapid series of blows with Photon Fist, each strike sending shockwaves of light through the arena. Lumenor blocked most of them, but one punch slipped through his defenses, landing squarely on his chest. The explosion of light was followed by a burst of shadow as Elias disappeared once more, reappearing several feet away.Lumenor blinked, rubbing his chest with a smile. "That's more like it," he said, nodding in approval.Azrael stepped forward, his cold gaze fixed on Elias. "You are beginning to understand the balance between light and shadow," he said. "But do not grow complacent. There is still much to learn. The techniques I have taught you are only the foundation. Mastery will come with time and experience. For now, you must continue to train, to sharpen your skills."Elias nodded, breathing heavily from the exertion but feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. "Thank you," he said, glancing between Lumenor and Azrael. "I know I have a long way to go, but I'll keep pushing myself."Azrael's expression softened, just slightly. "Good. We have faith in your potential."Lumenor clapped a hand on Elias's shoulder, his smile warm and encouraging. "You're doing well, Elias. Just remember—light and darkness are not enemies. They are two sides of the same coin. Learn to wield both, and you'll become a warrior unlike any other."
The following weeks saw Elias continue his training, refining the techniques he had learned under the watchful eyes of Azrael and Lumenor. He grew more comfortable with Shadow Step, using it not just for evasion but for tactical repositioning in battle. The ability to instantly vanish into the shadows and reappear wherever he wanted became second nature to him, and he soon found himself able to move fluidly across the battlefield without giving his enemies a chance to react.Dark Vision, too, became an invaluable tool. No longer did Elias fear the darkness. Instead, he embraced it, using it to his advantage. His ability to see through illusions and invisibility made him nearly impossible to deceive, and he could fight just as effectively in pitch-black environments as he could in broad daylight.But it was Photon Fist that truly tested him. While the light-based technique was powerful, it required immense concentration and control. The energy coursing through his body was difficult to sustain for long periods, and the toll it took on his muscles was significant. Still, Elias pushed through the pain, knowing that each punch brought him closer to mastering the technique.There were moments of frustration, times when he thought he would never be able to maintain the energy long enough to use it in a real fight. But with Lumenor's guidance and Azrael's stern encouragement, Elias pushed past his limits. Slowly but surely, he began to master the technique, delivering faster and stronger punches with each training session.By the end of the month, Elias had grown significantly stronger. He was no longer the hesitant, uncertain warrior who had first stepped into the Nexus. The training had honed him, shaping him into a fighter who could seamlessly blend light and shadow, using the strengths of both to his advantage.One evening, after a particularly grueling session, Elias stood in the center of the training ground, staring at his fists. His hands were calloused and bruised from the countless hours of practice, but there was a quiet sense of pride in his heart. He had come a long way, but he knew there was still more to learn.Azrael approached him, his expression unreadable as always. "You've made progress," he said, his voice low. "But do not let your success blind you. There are greater challenges ahead. The enemies you will face are far more powerful than anything you've encountered so far."Elias nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I understand."Lumenor joined them, his smile as bright as ever. "And remember—no matter how strong you become, it's important to keep your heart balanced. Light and shadow are not just powers you wield. They represent your choices, your path forward."Elias looked between his two mentors, feeling the weight of their words. He knew that the journey ahead would be difficult, but he was ready. He had learned to harness the power of both light and darkness, and with their guidance, he would continue to grow stronger.As he stood in the fading light of the Nexus, the shadows and the glow of distant stars intertwining around him, Elias felt a new sense of purpose. He wasn't just training to become stronger. He was training to protect those he cared about, to fight for a future worth believing in.And with each step forward, the balance of light and shadow within him grew stronger, guiding him toward the challenges that lay ahead.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票