Renose Member
STATUS: I am back I guess. 10 yrs ago
Xaltwind
RPM
Savo
Zeus23
Double
Not a Sayan
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10 yrs ago
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I am back I guess.
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I have now posted.
Rainer may have recognized him, but Ren barely recognized Rainer. He had seen the older student around at times here and again, but never had any form of actual conversation with her sempai. Still, now they were, as Rainer first experimented with the Minimap before asking Ren some questions. First though as Rainer said the command the Minimap appeared before him, depicting a somewhat not very detailed overhead view of the area with six white dots to represent the group. The white dots most likely meaning regular, non-enemies. And as he moved it with his hand it would move to where he put it, meaning Ren was not lying about that either. This would happen to any other member of the group who experimented with the Minimap. If they said the command a second time then the Minimap would vanish. A third time would make it reappear, but in the same place they left it if they had moved it.
Ren noticed the older student blushing for some reason, but decided to ignore it, not really knowing why the older student was blushing like that. As Rainer asked his question Ren's red right eye and left green eye both gazed blankly at him, the boy sighing and shaking his head after his question was finished. "I said before don't be an idiot and assume that we are in a game. Real life is real life, we are still in real life. What we want to do with our powers is up to us, as long as we don't go affecting the normal world with them because if we did that then Gaia would kill us, probably due to not wanting those that have supernatural powers to affect the world and lives of those that don't. Whether you want to ignore these powers entirely or level up is up to you".
"And yes, you are correct. I have been fighting Imps. Tried to fight a slightly higher level enemy that I managed to find, but they were a bit too tough on my own, so I fight Imps. They give me really bad EXP now due to how high level I am, but are good for leveling my Skills. Which is one benefit of this power as even if you don't want to get involved with a world beyond what we can imagine, I still see the profit in leveling up as you can raise your various Stats as you level up, growing smarter, stronger, faster, or even healthier depending upon which ones you raise. You can even raise your own Talents as well, which also has alot of benefits in normal society".
Rainer would say 'Observe', but nothing happened. With the second command though a trail of dots appeared on Rainer's minimap from his current position, which was a small white triangle on the map. This trial would most likely take him to what he considered home.
Ren noticed Rainer saying 'Observe', guessing that he was trying the same thing he did earlier. "I guess ill teach you all about Skills. Like your windows, Skills are voice activated as well, which is also how you Level them up, by activating them with your voice. Unless the Skill says Passive next to it, those are always active unless specified otherwise. To obtain Skills you have to perform special actions or meet certain requirements with either your Stats or Talents. Like the Observe Skill for instance. I got that from observing something naturally and noticing something special about it, but I am pretty sure raising your Observation Talent works as well and the best way to do that is to Level Up...".
Suddenly Ren reached behind him, opening up his Inventory with a small mumble of the appropriate command before touching sliding his hand across the window, or the air to onlookers. He then suddenly reached into it, a small light shining where Ren was sticking his hand for just a very brief moment before he pulled it out of the light and then put a bundle he seemed to pull out of nowhere onto the ground. In the bundle there were two baseball bats; a wooden one and a metal one, a bokken; or a wooden katana used for practicing kendo, a wooden bo staff, and a bow that had a small quiver with ten arrows tied in it, the bow looking just like the ones that the archery club used.
"Take whatever weapon you'd like. The sports clubs often throw away their broken equipment, so instead I asked if I could have some of the pieces they throw out and took them back to my house where I repaired them with my Craft Skill. When you're done experimenting with your weapon and choosing which one you'd like, tell me so I can go ahead and create a Pseudospace that has some Imps in it". They needed EXP, and this was the best way to get it according to Ren's knowledge, since quests gave usually good amounts, but were rare and took time.
Ren noticed the older student blushing for some reason, but decided to ignore it, not really knowing why the older student was blushing like that. As Rainer asked his question Ren's red right eye and left green eye both gazed blankly at him, the boy sighing and shaking his head after his question was finished. "I said before don't be an idiot and assume that we are in a game. Real life is real life, we are still in real life. What we want to do with our powers is up to us, as long as we don't go affecting the normal world with them because if we did that then Gaia would kill us, probably due to not wanting those that have supernatural powers to affect the world and lives of those that don't. Whether you want to ignore these powers entirely or level up is up to you".
"And yes, you are correct. I have been fighting Imps. Tried to fight a slightly higher level enemy that I managed to find, but they were a bit too tough on my own, so I fight Imps. They give me really bad EXP now due to how high level I am, but are good for leveling my Skills. Which is one benefit of this power as even if you don't want to get involved with a world beyond what we can imagine, I still see the profit in leveling up as you can raise your various Stats as you level up, growing smarter, stronger, faster, or even healthier depending upon which ones you raise. You can even raise your own Talents as well, which also has alot of benefits in normal society".
Rainer would say 'Observe', but nothing happened. With the second command though a trail of dots appeared on Rainer's minimap from his current position, which was a small white triangle on the map. This trial would most likely take him to what he considered home.
Ren noticed Rainer saying 'Observe', guessing that he was trying the same thing he did earlier. "I guess ill teach you all about Skills. Like your windows, Skills are voice activated as well, which is also how you Level them up, by activating them with your voice. Unless the Skill says Passive next to it, those are always active unless specified otherwise. To obtain Skills you have to perform special actions or meet certain requirements with either your Stats or Talents. Like the Observe Skill for instance. I got that from observing something naturally and noticing something special about it, but I am pretty sure raising your Observation Talent works as well and the best way to do that is to Level Up...".
Suddenly Ren reached behind him, opening up his Inventory with a small mumble of the appropriate command before touching sliding his hand across the window, or the air to onlookers. He then suddenly reached into it, a small light shining where Ren was sticking his hand for just a very brief moment before he pulled it out of the light and then put a bundle he seemed to pull out of nowhere onto the ground. In the bundle there were two baseball bats; a wooden one and a metal one, a bokken; or a wooden katana used for practicing kendo, a wooden bo staff, and a bow that had a small quiver with ten arrows tied in it, the bow looking just like the ones that the archery club used.
"Take whatever weapon you'd like. The sports clubs often throw away their broken equipment, so instead I asked if I could have some of the pieces they throw out and took them back to my house where I repaired them with my Craft Skill. When you're done experimenting with your weapon and choosing which one you'd like, tell me so I can go ahead and create a Pseudospace that has some Imps in it". They needed EXP, and this was the best way to get it according to Ren's knowledge, since quests gave usually good amounts, but were rare and took time.
Its alright. I shall get my own response post up to Rainer right now.
Yea, it really is alot of text. Its really, really long.
God that took a while to fully post.
But still, totally fun writing that giant monstrosity.
But still, totally fun writing that giant monstrosity.
11 parts.
Renose & Flamelord Collab (Part Final)
Thomas took a second to get his breath back, looking around the arena with some disbelief as Serin totally blocked them off from the outside. "Really," he commented, gesturing about with some disbelief. Okay, this people would probably notice, unless they were blind or something. Strange stone structures didn't just pop up out of nowhere. He doubted it would influence their being able to assist in any way, but still, it wasn't exactly subtle.
He licked his parched lips, able to feel the blackness trickling down the inside of his armor as he reluctantly settled into a fighting stance once again. There was some internal objection to stripping away all those things that Serin said, since he considered being a mage or keyblader more than just a title. But he'd play along. Eyes widened at the sword that seemed to be pure lightning now, as he stripped it away. The titles, the pretensions, the delusions, to see what was underneath. and what he found wasn't motivating, a jumbled mess, a nobody from pretty much nowhere who was trying to be someone, who wanted to live up to the tales of the great heroes that he had read about, and who was afraid of failure, of letting down those he cared in and those who believed in him. And he was broken, in pain, blighted by darkness in a way that anyone who really looked could see.
He sighed, lowering the sword and glancing down at the ground, feeling more vulnerable than he had in years. "It's all just an act," he said, "A big show put on for the world. Heck, I think I even fooled myself." He chuckled ruefully at that. "Kill me, wipe my memory if you want, cause I'm just not sure what I am anymore. I'm not even sure why I'm telling you, since it's not like it has to be any concern of yours. Not when you have your own things to worry about, like Reno." He closed his eyes, bracing for something, a blow of magic, the impact of a sword, whatever, while thinking that this was not how he had expected his day to turn out.
Thomas would feel something. It wasn't a painful something. Light pouring in from the ceiling as the stone pillars receded and a wave of healing magic washing over him, mending his bones, healing the bruises and wounds, and even washing the pain and most of the fatigue away. The next thing would be a hand on his shoulder and something cold pressed against his forehead. If Thomas opened his eyes he would see Serin, who no longer had that dark expression from before handing him a water bottle. If anything there was a small smile upon his face as he took a step back, stretching some as he healed himself with magic.
"That, Thomas, is the final lesson". He sheathed his sword, the magic vanishing from it as he did. "You have now taken the final step to begin unlocking your true potential. It will take time, but you can surely make something great of yourself". He then popped up some stone stumps from the ground with magic for the two of them to sit down on. "If you want to know how I know this, its because I was like you once. Just some kid who wanted to become someone I'm not. One of the greatest warriors in my home world who, now that I think about it, wasn't really all that great. After my home world was destroyed I found myself in Twilight Town, the only survivor of it. It was at that point that my young life, as I was about your age at the time, had no purpose. My hero was gone and I didn't know who I was anymore as the man I tried to become was gone".
He paused, taking a drink of water from a water bottle he had pulled out himself. "After that I met Merlin, who I managed to convince to let me be his apprentice. At first I was only learning magic to become like the hero I had heard so much about, but over time Merlin taught me differently. He helped me learn that I was myself and when I learned that I was able to learn that I could take my own 'self' and make it whatever I wanted it to be with my own power". He took another drink, finally catching his breath fully as he looked at Thomas.
"It takes alot of strength to admit what you did Thomas. There are some really powerful people out there that would never admit their faults the way you have. You have already proven yourself stronger of heart and will than them. And now... you have found out who you are and can now begin to make that "you" into something greater. And you may not think I have to worry about you, but..." He paused, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a blue crystal. It was similar to the one Reno had held up a few times before, the Red Wizard holding it out towards Thomas for him to take.
"I consider you my student now. This isn't the same with Reno as he's my son and its a father's job to teach their kids things, although maybe not the things I taught him..." Serin chuckled a little bit at this now before resuming his speech. "You, on the other hand, are my first true student. I'm sorry for getting so serious on you, but despite that you managed to pull through where many others would have failed and are more than deserving of taking this and the skills I have imparted upon you. Its called a Return Crystal. It will teleport you to my place no matter where you are, as long as something doesn't block the teleportation. Feel free to come over anytime you'd like, as if you're willing to learn more then I am willing to teach".
Thomas's eyes blinked open to see the sky back, the roof gone, and himself feeling pretty good now as healing magic washed overhim, a snide part of him wondering why he'd learned Cure since no one ever let him heal himself with it. But that part was pretty well muted compared to the rest of the thoughts rattling around in his brain. He took the water bottle and sat down, still somewhat ashamed to meet Serins gaze as he took quick sips from the water bottle, refreshing after that difficult fight.
He listened to the story quietly, though he couldn't stop himself from thinking of the differences in their situations and what it meant for his own prospects, yet something else he locked away inside himself from sight of the world. Now that he had said it, now that he realized the lie, it was like everything was different. He was that much more vulnerable, and the world that much more intimidating, threatening. He wasn't sure if he would still have the confidence to do what he'd done before, to be as good as he had been, as if that lie to himself was propping him up with false hopes that he now knew were untrue. He didn't know who he was, just who he wasn't.
Hesitantly, he reached over and took the crystal, giving it a look over before pocketing it, surprised in the message that he was Serin's first actual student, though that would explain things. "Thanks," he replied, more subdued and cautious in his tone than he had been when they started. "I guess we'll have to see." Whether or not he would actually have the time to do any training with Serin, if he felt like going through this sort of thing again, was something that he would have to see in the future.
His attention was drawn away then, back to his arm, to the armor damaged by that powerful strike and the blackness on it. "Great," he muttered to himself as he examined it, unsure how he was going to handle this since blacksmithing wasn't exactly his area of expertise. Eventually he decided to use a Fire spell and see if he couldn't heat the metal enough to fold it back together and weld the cracks, which is what he proceeded to do, while refusing to comment on what the black liquid was and leaving his conversation with Serin to hang while he worked on it.
Serin could tell that Thomas wasn't in high spirits now, which didn't surprise him. Serin had also felt the same way when he learned that his own life and resolve to become someone else was just a lie, a delusion. Serin wanted to ask about the black goop, but just stayed silent, waiting for Thomas to fix his armor. When it was finally fixed Serin stood up, flattening his own seat back into the ground as he did so. "Thomas, I can tell that you probably think you have lost all of your strength and confidence without your delusions to support you. I know, I felt the same way when I was in your position. I thought I would never be the same again, but the thing is, I wasn't. I forged my own identity and became who I wanted to be. It is because of that I was able to get to where I am today. Now that you have broken what was holding you back you don't need it to support you anymore. You are free to shape your own destiny and your own self using your Will".
Thomas sighed and he pulled himself back to his feet once he had his armor fixed, though there were some black spots on it that didn't seem to go away no matter hiw much he rubbed them, something he would probably have to address later. "I can work it out myself. You've done enough," he commented with a hand meant to placate somewhat and otherwise meant to just end the stories and such of a different man in a different situation.He needed to figure out who he was by himself, and that wasn't going to just happen at the drop of a hat. He just needed time to think.
"Of course. This is something you need to figure out yourself after all. Only you can figure it out, and I'm sure you will". Serin then picked up the steel sword, it being cracked and looking like it needed repair. He took out another sword, placing it on the stump next to Thomas. This one, if Thomas unsheathed it, was much more like Serin's in design. "A gift. Use it to practice whenever you get the chance. For now farewell, Thomas". After that Serin walked out of the alleyway, knowing that Thomas needed some time alone to think right now, some time to figure out just who he was.
"Thanks," Thomas replied somewhat distractedly as Serin placed the new sword nearby and then departed. Thomas glanced at it and heaved himself up, walked over to it and unsheathed it. He admired the design for a bit,m before putting it back, wondering what to do next. His attention was drawn to Vivi as the Black Mage wandered in and slapped up a poster for a tournament. Thomas walked over and read it with emotionless eyes. Had this been earlier, he probably would have joined in even without magic, just to see how well he could do. Now.....He just couldn't find the motivation to be bothered. Returning to the sword, he put it away in one of his bags, with the wand he had retrieved from when the White Witch fled in that fight, and left the alley to return to where they were staying. He was drained of energy, andhe could use the rest and isolation to get his thoughts in order.
In truth, Serin felt bad. He wondered if he had went too far in that instance, but knew also that what was holding Thomas back was going to be something he would have to face eventually. Serin was just helping him face it before it was too late. The truth hurts, but when one is able to face it then they are capable of turning it into strength. Serin felt the potential in the boy and knew now that only time could tell if, now that his delusions were shattered, he could use his own identity and support himself with his own strength instead of trying to become someone else. Either way, the Red Wizard knew that this was now going to be one of the hardest times in Thomas' life, but Serin had faith in his pupil. After all, Serin wouldn't have acted that way to Thomas nor would he have gone all out on him like that if he didn't have faith in him.
Well, there was no point in living in the past. What's done is done and Serin knew now that the rest was up to Thomas. Now he was simply walking around, taking slow sips from his bottled water as he headed to the hospital where he thought Reno would be.
Thomas took a second to get his breath back, looking around the arena with some disbelief as Serin totally blocked them off from the outside. "Really," he commented, gesturing about with some disbelief. Okay, this people would probably notice, unless they were blind or something. Strange stone structures didn't just pop up out of nowhere. He doubted it would influence their being able to assist in any way, but still, it wasn't exactly subtle.
He licked his parched lips, able to feel the blackness trickling down the inside of his armor as he reluctantly settled into a fighting stance once again. There was some internal objection to stripping away all those things that Serin said, since he considered being a mage or keyblader more than just a title. But he'd play along. Eyes widened at the sword that seemed to be pure lightning now, as he stripped it away. The titles, the pretensions, the delusions, to see what was underneath. and what he found wasn't motivating, a jumbled mess, a nobody from pretty much nowhere who was trying to be someone, who wanted to live up to the tales of the great heroes that he had read about, and who was afraid of failure, of letting down those he cared in and those who believed in him. And he was broken, in pain, blighted by darkness in a way that anyone who really looked could see.
He sighed, lowering the sword and glancing down at the ground, feeling more vulnerable than he had in years. "It's all just an act," he said, "A big show put on for the world. Heck, I think I even fooled myself." He chuckled ruefully at that. "Kill me, wipe my memory if you want, cause I'm just not sure what I am anymore. I'm not even sure why I'm telling you, since it's not like it has to be any concern of yours. Not when you have your own things to worry about, like Reno." He closed his eyes, bracing for something, a blow of magic, the impact of a sword, whatever, while thinking that this was not how he had expected his day to turn out.
Thomas would feel something. It wasn't a painful something. Light pouring in from the ceiling as the stone pillars receded and a wave of healing magic washing over him, mending his bones, healing the bruises and wounds, and even washing the pain and most of the fatigue away. The next thing would be a hand on his shoulder and something cold pressed against his forehead. If Thomas opened his eyes he would see Serin, who no longer had that dark expression from before handing him a water bottle. If anything there was a small smile upon his face as he took a step back, stretching some as he healed himself with magic.
"That, Thomas, is the final lesson". He sheathed his sword, the magic vanishing from it as he did. "You have now taken the final step to begin unlocking your true potential. It will take time, but you can surely make something great of yourself". He then popped up some stone stumps from the ground with magic for the two of them to sit down on. "If you want to know how I know this, its because I was like you once. Just some kid who wanted to become someone I'm not. One of the greatest warriors in my home world who, now that I think about it, wasn't really all that great. After my home world was destroyed I found myself in Twilight Town, the only survivor of it. It was at that point that my young life, as I was about your age at the time, had no purpose. My hero was gone and I didn't know who I was anymore as the man I tried to become was gone".
He paused, taking a drink of water from a water bottle he had pulled out himself. "After that I met Merlin, who I managed to convince to let me be his apprentice. At first I was only learning magic to become like the hero I had heard so much about, but over time Merlin taught me differently. He helped me learn that I was myself and when I learned that I was able to learn that I could take my own 'self' and make it whatever I wanted it to be with my own power". He took another drink, finally catching his breath fully as he looked at Thomas.
"It takes alot of strength to admit what you did Thomas. There are some really powerful people out there that would never admit their faults the way you have. You have already proven yourself stronger of heart and will than them. And now... you have found out who you are and can now begin to make that "you" into something greater. And you may not think I have to worry about you, but..." He paused, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a blue crystal. It was similar to the one Reno had held up a few times before, the Red Wizard holding it out towards Thomas for him to take.
"I consider you my student now. This isn't the same with Reno as he's my son and its a father's job to teach their kids things, although maybe not the things I taught him..." Serin chuckled a little bit at this now before resuming his speech. "You, on the other hand, are my first true student. I'm sorry for getting so serious on you, but despite that you managed to pull through where many others would have failed and are more than deserving of taking this and the skills I have imparted upon you. Its called a Return Crystal. It will teleport you to my place no matter where you are, as long as something doesn't block the teleportation. Feel free to come over anytime you'd like, as if you're willing to learn more then I am willing to teach".
Thomas's eyes blinked open to see the sky back, the roof gone, and himself feeling pretty good now as healing magic washed overhim, a snide part of him wondering why he'd learned Cure since no one ever let him heal himself with it. But that part was pretty well muted compared to the rest of the thoughts rattling around in his brain. He took the water bottle and sat down, still somewhat ashamed to meet Serins gaze as he took quick sips from the water bottle, refreshing after that difficult fight.
He listened to the story quietly, though he couldn't stop himself from thinking of the differences in their situations and what it meant for his own prospects, yet something else he locked away inside himself from sight of the world. Now that he had said it, now that he realized the lie, it was like everything was different. He was that much more vulnerable, and the world that much more intimidating, threatening. He wasn't sure if he would still have the confidence to do what he'd done before, to be as good as he had been, as if that lie to himself was propping him up with false hopes that he now knew were untrue. He didn't know who he was, just who he wasn't.
Hesitantly, he reached over and took the crystal, giving it a look over before pocketing it, surprised in the message that he was Serin's first actual student, though that would explain things. "Thanks," he replied, more subdued and cautious in his tone than he had been when they started. "I guess we'll have to see." Whether or not he would actually have the time to do any training with Serin, if he felt like going through this sort of thing again, was something that he would have to see in the future.
His attention was drawn away then, back to his arm, to the armor damaged by that powerful strike and the blackness on it. "Great," he muttered to himself as he examined it, unsure how he was going to handle this since blacksmithing wasn't exactly his area of expertise. Eventually he decided to use a Fire spell and see if he couldn't heat the metal enough to fold it back together and weld the cracks, which is what he proceeded to do, while refusing to comment on what the black liquid was and leaving his conversation with Serin to hang while he worked on it.
Serin could tell that Thomas wasn't in high spirits now, which didn't surprise him. Serin had also felt the same way when he learned that his own life and resolve to become someone else was just a lie, a delusion. Serin wanted to ask about the black goop, but just stayed silent, waiting for Thomas to fix his armor. When it was finally fixed Serin stood up, flattening his own seat back into the ground as he did so. "Thomas, I can tell that you probably think you have lost all of your strength and confidence without your delusions to support you. I know, I felt the same way when I was in your position. I thought I would never be the same again, but the thing is, I wasn't. I forged my own identity and became who I wanted to be. It is because of that I was able to get to where I am today. Now that you have broken what was holding you back you don't need it to support you anymore. You are free to shape your own destiny and your own self using your Will".
Thomas sighed and he pulled himself back to his feet once he had his armor fixed, though there were some black spots on it that didn't seem to go away no matter hiw much he rubbed them, something he would probably have to address later. "I can work it out myself. You've done enough," he commented with a hand meant to placate somewhat and otherwise meant to just end the stories and such of a different man in a different situation.He needed to figure out who he was by himself, and that wasn't going to just happen at the drop of a hat. He just needed time to think.
"Of course. This is something you need to figure out yourself after all. Only you can figure it out, and I'm sure you will". Serin then picked up the steel sword, it being cracked and looking like it needed repair. He took out another sword, placing it on the stump next to Thomas. This one, if Thomas unsheathed it, was much more like Serin's in design. "A gift. Use it to practice whenever you get the chance. For now farewell, Thomas". After that Serin walked out of the alleyway, knowing that Thomas needed some time alone to think right now, some time to figure out just who he was.
"Thanks," Thomas replied somewhat distractedly as Serin placed the new sword nearby and then departed. Thomas glanced at it and heaved himself up, walked over to it and unsheathed it. He admired the design for a bit,m before putting it back, wondering what to do next. His attention was drawn to Vivi as the Black Mage wandered in and slapped up a poster for a tournament. Thomas walked over and read it with emotionless eyes. Had this been earlier, he probably would have joined in even without magic, just to see how well he could do. Now.....He just couldn't find the motivation to be bothered. Returning to the sword, he put it away in one of his bags, with the wand he had retrieved from when the White Witch fled in that fight, and left the alley to return to where they were staying. He was drained of energy, andhe could use the rest and isolation to get his thoughts in order.
In truth, Serin felt bad. He wondered if he had went too far in that instance, but knew also that what was holding Thomas back was going to be something he would have to face eventually. Serin was just helping him face it before it was too late. The truth hurts, but when one is able to face it then they are capable of turning it into strength. Serin felt the potential in the boy and knew now that only time could tell if, now that his delusions were shattered, he could use his own identity and support himself with his own strength instead of trying to become someone else. Either way, the Red Wizard knew that this was now going to be one of the hardest times in Thomas' life, but Serin had faith in his pupil. After all, Serin wouldn't have acted that way to Thomas nor would he have gone all out on him like that if he didn't have faith in him.
Well, there was no point in living in the past. What's done is done and Serin knew now that the rest was up to Thomas. Now he was simply walking around, taking slow sips from his bottled water as he headed to the hospital where he thought Reno would be.
Flamelord & Renose Collab (Part 10)
The blade seemed to move quickly and fluidly like a feather dancing on the wind as sparks and bits of flame and electricity from both blades leapt off both blades and onto both fighters as their swords clashed. Serin could tell that Thomas was searching for it. He could tell from how Thomas' movements seemed to change somewhat as Serin actually had to put more effort into blocking now than he did before. Still, Serin had years of experience, it was going to be hard to get past his guard unless Thomas managed to pull something incredible off like Serin had done with his blade to Thomas just a short bit ago.
"Who are you?" Serin asked as he slashed at Thomas, but instead of getting a hit was forced to counter Thomas' attack with his own, it having been a close call there. "Are you Thomas, or are you someone else? Because right now" he paused to counter yet another blow that almost managed to get him, Serin being able to feel the lightning from Thomas' blade sparking off against him. "The only person here, in this place right now..." more clashes and blocks as Serin's fire magic on his blade let off short bursts of flame with each slash. "Who can land a blow on me is him. Is that you, Thomas? Find yourself, find the you within that can land a blow against me".
It was indeed close as the sparring continued, but Serin wasn't going to let Thomas land a blow so easily. He wouldn't even let Thomas land a blow even if Thomas managed to find what Serin was talking about. No. If Thomas wanted to get past Serin's guard and begin a counterattack he would have to do it with his own power. He would have to find the will that would allow him to begin pushing Serin back and place him on the defensive.
Sparks flew, scattering about the immediate area as they clashed, and thomas could note the difference, times when he had gotten close only to be denied when Serin's experience shone through in stopping him. His swordsmanship was improving in that case, and he carried on with a solid determination, though he didn't answer Serin's question immediately as he struggled with the answer himself. Who was he, what did he want to be? A mage, the hero, a leader, someone exceptional, a Keyblade warrior, a middle child from a provincial town. But was he actually any of those, or were those just things he wanted to believe he was? For certain the last thing was true, and fairly hard to deny at that, those others he used to be certain of, but had fallen more and more into doubt, beyond actually being a mage. He tried to hide the doubt though, as he had before.
Still, in spite of that he wasn't going to let it stop him in his attempts, though Serin was doing a good job of that on his own. It ddn't matter that much for a sparring match, did it? Not when it wasn't a fight for his life or some intense struggle. And perhaps it was this lack of motivation that restrained him, but there was no real way to combat that in this situation, in his mind. So just carriyng on, darting in for a few quick strikes before moving out again, seemingly stalemated as it was though he held the initiative for the moment.
Something was holding Thomas back. Serin could tell. Perhaps the boy just thought of this as a simple sparring match, which it was, but it was also much more. Serin felt like one more final push was needed, a push that would force Thomas to search deep inside himself and break his limits. Suddenly Serin's eyes grew intense as did his slashes. He was relentlessly striking now, aiming for Thomas' vitals a few times even. Suddenly with one slash a torrent of flame seemed to leap from Serin's sword and strike the boy, but Serin did not stop there as with another slash blades of air also leapt out from his blade, striking him as if Serin had struck at him with multiple swords.
"So, if you're not Thomas, then I guess this means you're an imposter then..." Serin truly did not want to resort to this, but the experienced Red Wizard could see the untapped potential within Thomas and if threatening his life was going to bring it out, then Serin would do so. He believed in Thomas' power and knew that with it Thomas would not die, but that doesn't mean he wasn't going to get hurt. "I am teaching Thomas here, so I can't let an imposter walk away with my secrets..." The tone of this 'sparring' shifted in an instant as suddenly the Red Wizard waved his hand, stone pillars appearing and blocking off all exits.
"So unless you can prove to me who You are... I will knock the memory right out of you..." And with that declaration Serin slashed downward towards Thomas' head, wind and fire making the pressure of his sword intense. This was no longer a sparring match. It wasn't a deathmatch, but it certainly wasn't a sparring match anymore.
Thomas was unprepared as the spar went to a whole other level, serin effortlessly (it seemed), taking control of the fight and driving him back, barely blocking some strikes aimed at areas he was fairly certain were improtant from his basic knowledge of the human anatomy. Sweat broke out as he more frantically fought back, that torrent of flame sending him stumbling back, and the blasts of air tossing himto the ground, to scramble back to his feet. He was breathing deep, scared a bit by the aggressive tone this had taken, and his gaze flew almost wildly to the exits as stone pillars rose to block them off. He wasn't really serious, was he? There might be an annoying part of himself in his head, but there was no way Serin would be accurately able to judge any sort of mind control or something like that, not with how shortly they had known each other.
It was a quandary, a potentially deadly one even if some small kernel of him still believed that Serin wouldn't do it. He might have been certain at the start, but now, this far in his journey, he didn't know who he was, didn't have a satisfactory answer that could fire the drive Serin was apparently looking for inside him. But the obstinant part of him didn't want to say that, to admit his own faults, as if he'd be letting down Serin and himself by saying so. But it was hard to argue in the face of getting his ass kicked, and then Serin may do it anyway.
Still, it did spark some primal fear, some motivation to survive, and as serin slashed downwards, he took action. His arm shot up as he dropped to cover his head, catching the magic enhanced blade with his Keyblade armor, face twisted as he cried out in pain, the blow and his dark wound, his arm felt like it was shattering as armor warped and shuddered under the power of the blow. But at the same time he struck back, stabbing forward with his sword at Serin's gut. If this didn't work, he would be in a heap of trouble.
The push was working as the blow seemed to work, Serin grunting as the blow struck true. Of course no blood was shed, as Thomas would have noticed that despite getting hit by the swords they did not cut despite being sharp, probably due to some protection magic. Still they hurt anyway when hit with one and even a piece of metal enchanted to not cut could kill or break bone if one was hit hard enough in certain areas. Thomas' blow though was met with a counter attack, his sword surging forth in a sideways slash like a rocket propelled by the flame magic, aiming straight for Thomas' side.
Whether or not the mage blocked or dodged didn't matter as Serin kept up a relentless onslaught, watching as Thomas' sword skills sharpened as did his ability to keep the magic in his sword and wield the magic blade. Still though it was as if something was holding Thomas back, Serin could feel it. Not feel what it was, but he could feel that something was holding back Thomas' potential. So he decided a slightly different approach now. "You're not human... are you?" His tone, despite the onslaught of blows, was quiet and dark. "Humans have faults, they are imperfect creatures". With these words his sword strokes grew more skilled as they aimed for mainly his sides, but also some other vital areas.
"If you are Human, acknolwedge your faults. We all have them, even I have them and find nothing wrong with it. To prove that you are Thomas show me your strength by admitting your faults, show me everything about who you are. What makes you strong, what makes you weak, what makes you human... but more importantly... what makes you, Thomas, yourself..." One more powerful cross slash to his mid section rang out. "If... that is even who you are".
Finally, he could take the satisfaction in at least one hit, even if it hurt like hell to land. And he was glad in turn that it didn't draw blood, cause he had some pretty unpleasant images of what Reno/Oner would do to him if it had, regardless of how happily eclectic either of them might be. It wasn't enough for Serin though, and Thomas leaptr back up while his blade swept in an arc, knocking the slash aside before it could hit, though he now had his doubts on whether a solid hit would draw blood. The magic might, but the sword itself probably wouldn't. Hopefully.
Still they went on, him driven to his limits as he went through a fighting retreat with Serin, the frantic pacde distracting him from the black liquid seeping through the cracks in his armor, staining the metal and dripping to the ground as they moved back and forth in their pace of combat. Block, leap back, duck sidestep. Whatever he needed to do. And his frustration at this insistence grew, pushing him towards breakdown though he was determined to stay strong. "I can handle my problems on my own,' he growled back. "People don't need to be bothered worrying about me when theres a whole lot of bigger issues out there, and they wouldn't get it anyway." He'd already said too much of his own opinions, but if it got Serin off his back (Not that he expected it would), if was worth it.
Serin could tell that something slowly was happening, especially as he saw the black liquid dripping from his armor. Something that was odd, but right now there was something more important before him. After listening to Thomas' words he stepped back, snapping his fingers before pointing them towards the walls of the area they were in. A roof made of stone pillars appeared over the alleyway they were in as flames appeared along the walls, lighting their current battlefield. "There. Now there is only you and me. I know that Thomas could handle himself, but you... you need to prove to me that you are that person who can handle himself. Show me who you are with your sword and magic then, if you can. Show me your will...I'm waiting".
Serin took a stance now, changing the magic around his sword to just lightning, waiting for Thomas to come forward now. "Show me WHO you are. Not a mage, not a swordsman, not a leader of a group, not a Keyblader. Those are titles and labels that you can stick to anything. You need to show me Thomas, because that is what I want to see. Find whatever is making you hold this back and bring it out, along with every other part of you, bring it out through your Will!"
Serin's own sword changed as he suddenly shouted this. Lightning was no longer swirling around or in the blade, it had completely covered the blade. It was as if the Red Wizard was wielding a sword made out of just pure lightning. "This is part of who I am. This sword is my will and, in a sense, it is me! Now come. Show me who you are! Make me understand what you say others wouldn't get! Show me with your Will."
The blade seemed to move quickly and fluidly like a feather dancing on the wind as sparks and bits of flame and electricity from both blades leapt off both blades and onto both fighters as their swords clashed. Serin could tell that Thomas was searching for it. He could tell from how Thomas' movements seemed to change somewhat as Serin actually had to put more effort into blocking now than he did before. Still, Serin had years of experience, it was going to be hard to get past his guard unless Thomas managed to pull something incredible off like Serin had done with his blade to Thomas just a short bit ago.
"Who are you?" Serin asked as he slashed at Thomas, but instead of getting a hit was forced to counter Thomas' attack with his own, it having been a close call there. "Are you Thomas, or are you someone else? Because right now" he paused to counter yet another blow that almost managed to get him, Serin being able to feel the lightning from Thomas' blade sparking off against him. "The only person here, in this place right now..." more clashes and blocks as Serin's fire magic on his blade let off short bursts of flame with each slash. "Who can land a blow on me is him. Is that you, Thomas? Find yourself, find the you within that can land a blow against me".
It was indeed close as the sparring continued, but Serin wasn't going to let Thomas land a blow so easily. He wouldn't even let Thomas land a blow even if Thomas managed to find what Serin was talking about. No. If Thomas wanted to get past Serin's guard and begin a counterattack he would have to do it with his own power. He would have to find the will that would allow him to begin pushing Serin back and place him on the defensive.
Sparks flew, scattering about the immediate area as they clashed, and thomas could note the difference, times when he had gotten close only to be denied when Serin's experience shone through in stopping him. His swordsmanship was improving in that case, and he carried on with a solid determination, though he didn't answer Serin's question immediately as he struggled with the answer himself. Who was he, what did he want to be? A mage, the hero, a leader, someone exceptional, a Keyblade warrior, a middle child from a provincial town. But was he actually any of those, or were those just things he wanted to believe he was? For certain the last thing was true, and fairly hard to deny at that, those others he used to be certain of, but had fallen more and more into doubt, beyond actually being a mage. He tried to hide the doubt though, as he had before.
Still, in spite of that he wasn't going to let it stop him in his attempts, though Serin was doing a good job of that on his own. It ddn't matter that much for a sparring match, did it? Not when it wasn't a fight for his life or some intense struggle. And perhaps it was this lack of motivation that restrained him, but there was no real way to combat that in this situation, in his mind. So just carriyng on, darting in for a few quick strikes before moving out again, seemingly stalemated as it was though he held the initiative for the moment.
Something was holding Thomas back. Serin could tell. Perhaps the boy just thought of this as a simple sparring match, which it was, but it was also much more. Serin felt like one more final push was needed, a push that would force Thomas to search deep inside himself and break his limits. Suddenly Serin's eyes grew intense as did his slashes. He was relentlessly striking now, aiming for Thomas' vitals a few times even. Suddenly with one slash a torrent of flame seemed to leap from Serin's sword and strike the boy, but Serin did not stop there as with another slash blades of air also leapt out from his blade, striking him as if Serin had struck at him with multiple swords.
"So, if you're not Thomas, then I guess this means you're an imposter then..." Serin truly did not want to resort to this, but the experienced Red Wizard could see the untapped potential within Thomas and if threatening his life was going to bring it out, then Serin would do so. He believed in Thomas' power and knew that with it Thomas would not die, but that doesn't mean he wasn't going to get hurt. "I am teaching Thomas here, so I can't let an imposter walk away with my secrets..." The tone of this 'sparring' shifted in an instant as suddenly the Red Wizard waved his hand, stone pillars appearing and blocking off all exits.
"So unless you can prove to me who You are... I will knock the memory right out of you..." And with that declaration Serin slashed downward towards Thomas' head, wind and fire making the pressure of his sword intense. This was no longer a sparring match. It wasn't a deathmatch, but it certainly wasn't a sparring match anymore.
Thomas was unprepared as the spar went to a whole other level, serin effortlessly (it seemed), taking control of the fight and driving him back, barely blocking some strikes aimed at areas he was fairly certain were improtant from his basic knowledge of the human anatomy. Sweat broke out as he more frantically fought back, that torrent of flame sending him stumbling back, and the blasts of air tossing himto the ground, to scramble back to his feet. He was breathing deep, scared a bit by the aggressive tone this had taken, and his gaze flew almost wildly to the exits as stone pillars rose to block them off. He wasn't really serious, was he? There might be an annoying part of himself in his head, but there was no way Serin would be accurately able to judge any sort of mind control or something like that, not with how shortly they had known each other.
It was a quandary, a potentially deadly one even if some small kernel of him still believed that Serin wouldn't do it. He might have been certain at the start, but now, this far in his journey, he didn't know who he was, didn't have a satisfactory answer that could fire the drive Serin was apparently looking for inside him. But the obstinant part of him didn't want to say that, to admit his own faults, as if he'd be letting down Serin and himself by saying so. But it was hard to argue in the face of getting his ass kicked, and then Serin may do it anyway.
Still, it did spark some primal fear, some motivation to survive, and as serin slashed downwards, he took action. His arm shot up as he dropped to cover his head, catching the magic enhanced blade with his Keyblade armor, face twisted as he cried out in pain, the blow and his dark wound, his arm felt like it was shattering as armor warped and shuddered under the power of the blow. But at the same time he struck back, stabbing forward with his sword at Serin's gut. If this didn't work, he would be in a heap of trouble.
The push was working as the blow seemed to work, Serin grunting as the blow struck true. Of course no blood was shed, as Thomas would have noticed that despite getting hit by the swords they did not cut despite being sharp, probably due to some protection magic. Still they hurt anyway when hit with one and even a piece of metal enchanted to not cut could kill or break bone if one was hit hard enough in certain areas. Thomas' blow though was met with a counter attack, his sword surging forth in a sideways slash like a rocket propelled by the flame magic, aiming straight for Thomas' side.
Whether or not the mage blocked or dodged didn't matter as Serin kept up a relentless onslaught, watching as Thomas' sword skills sharpened as did his ability to keep the magic in his sword and wield the magic blade. Still though it was as if something was holding Thomas back, Serin could feel it. Not feel what it was, but he could feel that something was holding back Thomas' potential. So he decided a slightly different approach now. "You're not human... are you?" His tone, despite the onslaught of blows, was quiet and dark. "Humans have faults, they are imperfect creatures". With these words his sword strokes grew more skilled as they aimed for mainly his sides, but also some other vital areas.
"If you are Human, acknolwedge your faults. We all have them, even I have them and find nothing wrong with it. To prove that you are Thomas show me your strength by admitting your faults, show me everything about who you are. What makes you strong, what makes you weak, what makes you human... but more importantly... what makes you, Thomas, yourself..." One more powerful cross slash to his mid section rang out. "If... that is even who you are".
Finally, he could take the satisfaction in at least one hit, even if it hurt like hell to land. And he was glad in turn that it didn't draw blood, cause he had some pretty unpleasant images of what Reno/Oner would do to him if it had, regardless of how happily eclectic either of them might be. It wasn't enough for Serin though, and Thomas leaptr back up while his blade swept in an arc, knocking the slash aside before it could hit, though he now had his doubts on whether a solid hit would draw blood. The magic might, but the sword itself probably wouldn't. Hopefully.
Still they went on, him driven to his limits as he went through a fighting retreat with Serin, the frantic pacde distracting him from the black liquid seeping through the cracks in his armor, staining the metal and dripping to the ground as they moved back and forth in their pace of combat. Block, leap back, duck sidestep. Whatever he needed to do. And his frustration at this insistence grew, pushing him towards breakdown though he was determined to stay strong. "I can handle my problems on my own,' he growled back. "People don't need to be bothered worrying about me when theres a whole lot of bigger issues out there, and they wouldn't get it anyway." He'd already said too much of his own opinions, but if it got Serin off his back (Not that he expected it would), if was worth it.
Serin could tell that something slowly was happening, especially as he saw the black liquid dripping from his armor. Something that was odd, but right now there was something more important before him. After listening to Thomas' words he stepped back, snapping his fingers before pointing them towards the walls of the area they were in. A roof made of stone pillars appeared over the alleyway they were in as flames appeared along the walls, lighting their current battlefield. "There. Now there is only you and me. I know that Thomas could handle himself, but you... you need to prove to me that you are that person who can handle himself. Show me who you are with your sword and magic then, if you can. Show me your will...I'm waiting".
Serin took a stance now, changing the magic around his sword to just lightning, waiting for Thomas to come forward now. "Show me WHO you are. Not a mage, not a swordsman, not a leader of a group, not a Keyblader. Those are titles and labels that you can stick to anything. You need to show me Thomas, because that is what I want to see. Find whatever is making you hold this back and bring it out, along with every other part of you, bring it out through your Will!"
Serin's own sword changed as he suddenly shouted this. Lightning was no longer swirling around or in the blade, it had completely covered the blade. It was as if the Red Wizard was wielding a sword made out of just pure lightning. "This is part of who I am. This sword is my will and, in a sense, it is me! Now come. Show me who you are! Make me understand what you say others wouldn't get! Show me with your Will."
Renose & Flamelord Collab (Part 9)
Thomas listneed, and watched, but still found it a bit hazy on it. In a fight he would be using his will, and it was kinda hard to increase ones determination or drive in the midst of the a fight, at least of one's own volition. Right? That was the way it seemed to him in any case, but he refrained from saying that follow up to serin with the resolution to figure it out himself, since it would be difficult to determine without being in a life or death struggle like what usually went on in their travels. Until then he would just have to hope that it wasn't too much of a hindrance.
The differences in swords was immediately noticable, this new one a brighter shade as well as lighter compared to the old one. As annoying as it might have been in terms of increased effort, he could understand why it had been done when Serin explained that it had been to restrict him, make it harder for him, though why the composition of the sword mattered was something that leuded him, beyond perhaps the natural properties of the metal that made it easier to imbue it with the energy of the sword, or something.He did as instructed then, closing his eyes and focusing on the sword, mutteriong unintelligable words under his breathbefore he had a go at it, trying for Thunder. the first time it slipped away with a sigh from somewhat weary lips, but he tried again, and again, until he got it.
Feeling his sword thrumming with this trapped energy that he had generated, he opened his eys and fell to a ready stance, looking at serin for the go to begin the spar.
"Lightning, an excellent choice. Makes your sword swings much faster and able to rip through anything. Each element imbues your sword with different properties, so be sure to try them all. Eventually with enough practice..." Serin suddenly placed his fingers on his own ice imbued sword, lightning now suddenly surging and swirling along the blade with the ice, the two magics combining in the sword as now lightning and ice danced along the blade. "You could put more than just one type of magic in there, enhancing your sword even further".
Serin planned to spar with Thomas just like this, as he knew that in order for Thomas to understand more about will and drive he would have to push the boy to his limits, and even beyond them. "And that... is just the tip of the iceburg". With that one phrase Serin charged at Thomas after that, ducking a little low in mid run before swinging his sword right for Thomas' side. Serin was serious now, as it could be seen in his eyes. This was more than sparring, it was training, and Serin was going to see just what Thomas' limits were and hopefully expand and break those limits.
As he swung his sword the arc of the swing was charged with electricity and moving incredibly fast as if the sword itself was a lightning bolt, the chilling power of the sword being something that could be felt even before the sword got close.
Thomas shrugged, already having seen and guessed as much from what he had seen of air and fire, etc. now, two elements in one, that was cool, and being able to do that would be well worth it when he was fully able to do this as well as Serin could, if he ever got to that level. He had a feeling that this combo would freeze and be really fast, a dangerous combo for a spar, though hopefully his own reflexes were close to being as fast, though he doubted it a little, if only because Serin had more experience. He'd still give it a go though.
And suddenly it was on, Serin rushing at him at the drop of a hat, and Thomas responded, bringing back to mind the little pointers he had been given before and using them to his advantage, he went to it then, twisting his body and bringing his sword down to catch the blow, glad for its own speed in turn. There was the determination to impress Serin, and to land at least a hit, but it wasn't what it would have been if his life were in danger. He parried and blocked, looking for the opening to seize the initiative, and when it came he would take it,.For now though, he relied on the speed the spell gave him, though a small part of his mind wondered about the correlation between the physical attributes of imbuing something with magic and otherwise just using the spell. After all, Thunder shouldn't make a sword move faster, besides perhaps reducing wind resistance or something. But he had to focus now as he continued his defensive posture against Serin, keeping up their spar.
"Are you feeling it?" Serin would ask this question as he kept the spar up, getting a few attacks by, but admiring how Thomas' swordsmanship was growing a bit sharper with each attack he blocked. But Serin wanted the boy to attack as well, so perhaps a final demonstration was in order. "This skill is not merely imbuing your sword with elemental magic". Suddenly as Serin slashed a barrage of icy pressure would be added to the weight of his slash, but he did not stop there. Quickly smashing through Thomas' guard with this extra pressure he brought his sword low as well as his posture before slashing upwards.
Thomas would be able to definitely feel it now, if he hadn't been able to feel it before. Whether or not Thomas stepped back or blocked was a different story. With that one upward slash a ice spike in the crude shape of a sword blade shot from the ground right at Thomas as Serin's blade had made momentary contact with the ground. Following that one attack he slashed at Thomas once again. If Thomas blocked the icy, electric blade he would feel a blast of lightning hit right after Serin's sword strike, as if Serin had struck twice with the blade.
This magic, in terms of magical power, was probably around the Level 2 (Ira) spells, but in terms of intensity and force it felt greater, like around the Level 3 (aga) spells. After that show of force Serin stopped the combat for a moment by jumping back, taking a moment to catch his breath, hoping that he hadn't hurt Thomas too badly. "That... was the ultimate essence of what is not merely a skill, but a style of swordsmanship, a style of magic. Even then that is also just scratching the surface as to the potential of this ability". He pointed at Thomas, giving a small smile. "A potential... that is determined by You. When you use this ability your magic becomes your sword and your sword becomes your magic. You wield your magic as you would a blade, moving and making it flow and form how you desire, in a sense how you would make your blade move to the commands of your Will. Your sword no longer is something you swing around randomly, but instead is an extension of yourself, of your very will and just like how you would cast a spell as naturally as you would breath so would you swing a sword".
He then resumed his stance, changing the magic of his blade this time. It was now Air and Fire surprisingly enough. The air and fire seemed to swirl around the blade while also swirling through its actual surface. "There are many different ways to wield your magic Thomas. I could teach you spells, incantations, or even various tricks and techniques for using the Mahou Ken, like the ones I just used on you, ones where I wield my magic as my sword. Those are all nice, but the greatest weapon you possess is your will. You need to look inside of yourself and find it. Find how you want to wield your magic, find what You desire your magic to be. Not what is said in some spell book or what others have their magic as. Your magic and your sword, as when you do this they are one thing, need to be as one and when someone sees them they need to know that they are yours. Not mine, not anyone else's but your own...as the best teacher you could ever possess is not me, not the person who taught you magic beforehand, but yourself".
It was a long speech, but each word was filled with clarity and spoken from experience as Serin's eyes never left Thomas', not even for a moment. After that Serin adjusted his stance slightly, looking a little more serious now. "Find this within you. I cannot tell you how nor will I know how well you can grasp it at first, but once you find it then come at me again. Hold nothing back, because from now on... I am not gonna hold back one bit". The magic in Serin's sword seemed to grow even stronger now as the Aero and Fire magics became essentially Aeroja and Firaja, the swirling magics in and around his blade moving a little faster now as Serin waited, waited to see if Thomas could grasp the final concept he had been trying to teach Thomas all along.
Thomas didn't respond as he focused on the sword fight, wincing from the few blows that made it past his guard to land home, painful but not overly inhibiting in his movements, and certainly not life threatening. He'd have some nice bruises in the morning though. He was taken aback as the icy pressure added itself to Serin's sword strikes, making it that much harder to block as his hands clenched to increasingly frigid steel, slowing down his reflexes with the cold, isnce he hadn't very well dressed for that once he'd left Narnia. It made slip ups that much easier though, and the older warrior quickly and decisively broke through his guard, to his own frustration and anger. But that was nothing, a double attack coming at him with few options available. He jumped back to dodge the ice spike that sprang up from the ground, then blocked the follow up. The hit hurt, and he held back a grunt of pain as electricity shot through him, causing muscles to seize up and his hands to continue in their death grip of the steel blade. His breath hitched, and he was grateful as Serin stepped away, hands dropping to his knees as he coughed, trying to regain control of his body in the face of that.
He wiped away at his mouth with his sleeve as he listened to Serin's speech, recovering while taking in what he was saying. Some of it he understood, some he didn't, some that frustrated him in his inability to do something about, but all emotions he suppressed for the sake of appearances, so it didn't seem like he was letting his temporary tuitor down, even though the raitonal part of him knew that that wasn't the case even in the worst scenarios. Serin just wasn't that kind of person. But it was hard to deny what the rest of him said from his own life time of experience. And as Serin changed the magic on his blade, Thomas had to figure out what that strength or style in him was, though so many of the immediate ideas he came up with he realized he had taken from something, from somewhere else. And he had the feeling that that wasn't what he was supposed to do.
He picked up the blade, hefting it and working out the kinks in his hand before he returned his attention to the waiting Red Mage, still not believing that the man would go so far as to put his life in actual jeopardy, since that might not be so good for his reputation, if anything. He settled into a combat stance, taking an opportunity to examine his opponent while restoring the Thunder spell to it before moving, charging forward while darting left and right, light on his feet as much as he could before moving in to lash out with a few strikes before pulling back, moving about, and trying again, sitll going for that goal of at least one lick past his guard, though he expected to be as disappointed as he had been earlier in that regard. It didn't seem to stop him though.
Thomas listneed, and watched, but still found it a bit hazy on it. In a fight he would be using his will, and it was kinda hard to increase ones determination or drive in the midst of the a fight, at least of one's own volition. Right? That was the way it seemed to him in any case, but he refrained from saying that follow up to serin with the resolution to figure it out himself, since it would be difficult to determine without being in a life or death struggle like what usually went on in their travels. Until then he would just have to hope that it wasn't too much of a hindrance.
The differences in swords was immediately noticable, this new one a brighter shade as well as lighter compared to the old one. As annoying as it might have been in terms of increased effort, he could understand why it had been done when Serin explained that it had been to restrict him, make it harder for him, though why the composition of the sword mattered was something that leuded him, beyond perhaps the natural properties of the metal that made it easier to imbue it with the energy of the sword, or something.He did as instructed then, closing his eyes and focusing on the sword, mutteriong unintelligable words under his breathbefore he had a go at it, trying for Thunder. the first time it slipped away with a sigh from somewhat weary lips, but he tried again, and again, until he got it.
Feeling his sword thrumming with this trapped energy that he had generated, he opened his eys and fell to a ready stance, looking at serin for the go to begin the spar.
"Lightning, an excellent choice. Makes your sword swings much faster and able to rip through anything. Each element imbues your sword with different properties, so be sure to try them all. Eventually with enough practice..." Serin suddenly placed his fingers on his own ice imbued sword, lightning now suddenly surging and swirling along the blade with the ice, the two magics combining in the sword as now lightning and ice danced along the blade. "You could put more than just one type of magic in there, enhancing your sword even further".
Serin planned to spar with Thomas just like this, as he knew that in order for Thomas to understand more about will and drive he would have to push the boy to his limits, and even beyond them. "And that... is just the tip of the iceburg". With that one phrase Serin charged at Thomas after that, ducking a little low in mid run before swinging his sword right for Thomas' side. Serin was serious now, as it could be seen in his eyes. This was more than sparring, it was training, and Serin was going to see just what Thomas' limits were and hopefully expand and break those limits.
As he swung his sword the arc of the swing was charged with electricity and moving incredibly fast as if the sword itself was a lightning bolt, the chilling power of the sword being something that could be felt even before the sword got close.
Thomas shrugged, already having seen and guessed as much from what he had seen of air and fire, etc. now, two elements in one, that was cool, and being able to do that would be well worth it when he was fully able to do this as well as Serin could, if he ever got to that level. He had a feeling that this combo would freeze and be really fast, a dangerous combo for a spar, though hopefully his own reflexes were close to being as fast, though he doubted it a little, if only because Serin had more experience. He'd still give it a go though.
And suddenly it was on, Serin rushing at him at the drop of a hat, and Thomas responded, bringing back to mind the little pointers he had been given before and using them to his advantage, he went to it then, twisting his body and bringing his sword down to catch the blow, glad for its own speed in turn. There was the determination to impress Serin, and to land at least a hit, but it wasn't what it would have been if his life were in danger. He parried and blocked, looking for the opening to seize the initiative, and when it came he would take it,.For now though, he relied on the speed the spell gave him, though a small part of his mind wondered about the correlation between the physical attributes of imbuing something with magic and otherwise just using the spell. After all, Thunder shouldn't make a sword move faster, besides perhaps reducing wind resistance or something. But he had to focus now as he continued his defensive posture against Serin, keeping up their spar.
"Are you feeling it?" Serin would ask this question as he kept the spar up, getting a few attacks by, but admiring how Thomas' swordsmanship was growing a bit sharper with each attack he blocked. But Serin wanted the boy to attack as well, so perhaps a final demonstration was in order. "This skill is not merely imbuing your sword with elemental magic". Suddenly as Serin slashed a barrage of icy pressure would be added to the weight of his slash, but he did not stop there. Quickly smashing through Thomas' guard with this extra pressure he brought his sword low as well as his posture before slashing upwards.
Thomas would be able to definitely feel it now, if he hadn't been able to feel it before. Whether or not Thomas stepped back or blocked was a different story. With that one upward slash a ice spike in the crude shape of a sword blade shot from the ground right at Thomas as Serin's blade had made momentary contact with the ground. Following that one attack he slashed at Thomas once again. If Thomas blocked the icy, electric blade he would feel a blast of lightning hit right after Serin's sword strike, as if Serin had struck twice with the blade.
This magic, in terms of magical power, was probably around the Level 2 (Ira) spells, but in terms of intensity and force it felt greater, like around the Level 3 (aga) spells. After that show of force Serin stopped the combat for a moment by jumping back, taking a moment to catch his breath, hoping that he hadn't hurt Thomas too badly. "That... was the ultimate essence of what is not merely a skill, but a style of swordsmanship, a style of magic. Even then that is also just scratching the surface as to the potential of this ability". He pointed at Thomas, giving a small smile. "A potential... that is determined by You. When you use this ability your magic becomes your sword and your sword becomes your magic. You wield your magic as you would a blade, moving and making it flow and form how you desire, in a sense how you would make your blade move to the commands of your Will. Your sword no longer is something you swing around randomly, but instead is an extension of yourself, of your very will and just like how you would cast a spell as naturally as you would breath so would you swing a sword".
He then resumed his stance, changing the magic of his blade this time. It was now Air and Fire surprisingly enough. The air and fire seemed to swirl around the blade while also swirling through its actual surface. "There are many different ways to wield your magic Thomas. I could teach you spells, incantations, or even various tricks and techniques for using the Mahou Ken, like the ones I just used on you, ones where I wield my magic as my sword. Those are all nice, but the greatest weapon you possess is your will. You need to look inside of yourself and find it. Find how you want to wield your magic, find what You desire your magic to be. Not what is said in some spell book or what others have their magic as. Your magic and your sword, as when you do this they are one thing, need to be as one and when someone sees them they need to know that they are yours. Not mine, not anyone else's but your own...as the best teacher you could ever possess is not me, not the person who taught you magic beforehand, but yourself".
It was a long speech, but each word was filled with clarity and spoken from experience as Serin's eyes never left Thomas', not even for a moment. After that Serin adjusted his stance slightly, looking a little more serious now. "Find this within you. I cannot tell you how nor will I know how well you can grasp it at first, but once you find it then come at me again. Hold nothing back, because from now on... I am not gonna hold back one bit". The magic in Serin's sword seemed to grow even stronger now as the Aero and Fire magics became essentially Aeroja and Firaja, the swirling magics in and around his blade moving a little faster now as Serin waited, waited to see if Thomas could grasp the final concept he had been trying to teach Thomas all along.
Thomas didn't respond as he focused on the sword fight, wincing from the few blows that made it past his guard to land home, painful but not overly inhibiting in his movements, and certainly not life threatening. He'd have some nice bruises in the morning though. He was taken aback as the icy pressure added itself to Serin's sword strikes, making it that much harder to block as his hands clenched to increasingly frigid steel, slowing down his reflexes with the cold, isnce he hadn't very well dressed for that once he'd left Narnia. It made slip ups that much easier though, and the older warrior quickly and decisively broke through his guard, to his own frustration and anger. But that was nothing, a double attack coming at him with few options available. He jumped back to dodge the ice spike that sprang up from the ground, then blocked the follow up. The hit hurt, and he held back a grunt of pain as electricity shot through him, causing muscles to seize up and his hands to continue in their death grip of the steel blade. His breath hitched, and he was grateful as Serin stepped away, hands dropping to his knees as he coughed, trying to regain control of his body in the face of that.
He wiped away at his mouth with his sleeve as he listened to Serin's speech, recovering while taking in what he was saying. Some of it he understood, some he didn't, some that frustrated him in his inability to do something about, but all emotions he suppressed for the sake of appearances, so it didn't seem like he was letting his temporary tuitor down, even though the raitonal part of him knew that that wasn't the case even in the worst scenarios. Serin just wasn't that kind of person. But it was hard to deny what the rest of him said from his own life time of experience. And as Serin changed the magic on his blade, Thomas had to figure out what that strength or style in him was, though so many of the immediate ideas he came up with he realized he had taken from something, from somewhere else. And he had the feeling that that wasn't what he was supposed to do.
He picked up the blade, hefting it and working out the kinks in his hand before he returned his attention to the waiting Red Mage, still not believing that the man would go so far as to put his life in actual jeopardy, since that might not be so good for his reputation, if anything. He settled into a combat stance, taking an opportunity to examine his opponent while restoring the Thunder spell to it before moving, charging forward while darting left and right, light on his feet as much as he could before moving in to lash out with a few strikes before pulling back, moving about, and trying again, sitll going for that goal of at least one lick past his guard, though he expected to be as disappointed as he had been earlier in that regard. It didn't seem to stop him though.
Renose & Flamelord Collab (Part 8)
Serin noted how Thomas' swordsmanship wasn't the greatest thing, but he seemed to have a pretty decent grasp. The Red Wizard knew that with some practice and polishing that it could become something great. And now it was time for that practice, Serin blocking the air augmented blade, the blade's fast and flowing movements being a little harder to block then normal sword swings, but Serin was a skilled swordsman. He would block each of Thomas' blows, letting Thomas continue to strike at him as he blocked, or occasionally side stepped, his movements.
"You're good, but your swings need a little work, put your will into them, into the magic in your blade. Your blade is an extension of your magic and your will now, not just some slab of metal you swing around, let it move according to your will" and "Don't make such wide movements, not only are they easy to read, but they waste your energy" were bits and pieces of advice that Serin gave the other mage as he let Thomas continue on the offensive, letting Thomas continue until the other mage was ready for a short breather.
The hits didn't land for the most part, which Thomas had expected for the most part despite his magic enhanced blade, and the clash proved a struggle to hold on to that spell, and it did slip at times, reducing the speed and increasing thew weight. He did hear the advice and listened to it, trying to incorporate it on the fly, though converting will into physical action, as opposed to simply mental. He wasn't so much of a trained fighter and he wasn't sure if he was doing it right or if his instincts were even useful, but he tried it regardless. There was a slight rolling of eyes at some, his own opinions on the advise unspoken as he tried to follow what he was being told. He was getting slightly tired but barrelled on regardless, determined to land at least one hit before he finished.
Serin could tell that Thomas wasn't fully understanding his meaning, but he could sense the boy's determination. As long as he had that, then Serin knew that he could get it. He could see that Thomas was trying out his advice, his swings growing a little less wider and even a small bit of will behind his swings. Serin suddenly slashed at Thomas' sword quickly, knocking him backwards with a burst of air from his palm. Just enough to separate the two of them, not knock him over. "You're getting it, I can tell. But perhaps another push is required. What you need is to experience a true usage of this skill first hand, perhaps upon not only seeing it, but feeling it against your own blade will show you what I mean".
Serin held his blade parallel with himself, placing two fingers on the blade. "Runic has one downside. It is a skill only useful against mages. If an opponent isn't using magic or magic like powers then this skill is useless. The true essence of Mahou Ken makes Runic a skill useful in all situations. As instead of just capturing the magic of your opponent and making it yours..." he paused, a surge of magic flowing from within Serin to his blade. Suddenly the sword lit alight with scorching flames, the flames licking and moving over and even in the blade itself.
"You can put your own magic into the sword, trapping a spell of your own in there and letting its power charge your sword instead". Serin then proceeded to get into a stance, ready to strike. "I hope you're ready. You are about to experience what this skill can really do...so keep your senses sharp and feel my blade and feel the will behind it as well as the magic within it" Serin would let Thomas ready himself before he suddenly charged, being on top of him within a manner of a few moments. Suddenly he swung his blade down at Thomas. The blade's swing wasn't lightning or wind fast, but instead full of the explosive power of fire, the swing holding a tremendous amount of will and force as it went down towards Thomas, aiming for him, hoping that the mage could block this hit since Serin gave him ample warning. If not well it wouldn't kill Thomas, but it sure wouldn't feel pleasant either.
Thomas panted a tad as Serin forced him back, feet skidding along the way as he came to a stop, sword dropping as it became evident that this part of the fight wasover, and he was disappointed that he hadn't been able to land a single hit. Not that he didn't see it coming, but a man could hope, couldn't he? An eyebrow rose at the statement that he needed to feel it, already having an idea of where this was going.
"I guessed that," he replied with the ruge to fold his arms, it not too hard to figure out that a skill that absorbed magic wouldn't be too useful against things that didn't use magic. Talk about stating the obvious. He listened onwards, intrigued by this thought of using his own magic to fuel the elemental power around the swords. It would be a significant effort to hold up Runic while under attack, and powering the sword in turn. Still, he had an obligation to try. And that was what he would do, watching Serin infuse his blade with fire and fall into a combat stance.
"Alright, let's go then." Thomas dropped into a ready stance as well, doing as instructed and focusing more on his senses. Serin's quick movement set him off, and he dropped down a bit and swung his sword up to catch the fiery lade, having some idea of what he could or should do. He caught it, struggling against the explosive force of fire and reached out, grasping for the spell running along Serin's sword, grabbed it and pushed back, though what that would do he didn't know.
Serin was pleased that Thomas caught the blade, struggling against its explosive force. He was more impressed that Thomas even managed to get a feel for the spell in the sword and began to push back now, a smirk appearing on Serin's face. "Good, you're getting it". Now was time for the extra push though. Serin focused now all of his will into the slash. The power of the spell not increasing, as Thomas would be able to feel that if he did. No instead it seemed to intensify and focus itself as Serin put more of his will into the blade and behind the swing.
If Thomas was focusing his senses as Serin instructed, Thomas should be able to feel it. Unfortunately it was a little too much for the simple iron sword as suddenly, despite Thomas pushing back with his own blade and will, the blade shattered under the explosive power of the fiery blade, a small burst of flame erupting from the sword as it shattered Thomas' weapon that would send him flying back somewhat. Serin breathed a little now, dispelling the spell in his own blade and absorbing its Mana. He walked over to Thomas after that, offering him a helping hand.
"You did good. If you hadn't been using that iron sword you would have been able to withstand that attack". Whether Thomas accepted Serin's hand or got up on his own, after Thomas got up Serin scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about that though, I put a little too much will into it. But since I did... did you feel what I have been telling you before? If you put your will into your blade, into its magic, it can become alot stronger without you having to pour more magical energy into the spell".
Thomas struggled with the blade pressed against his own, muscles yielding bit by bit as Serin forced the blade down, not as a result of his spell, but something else, the general aura that surrounded him. At least, that was the way it seemed to Thomas in the short time he had to consider such things while trying to stop that resumed sword slash. And it was a lot harder to sense someone else's will than his own. Sweat beaded as he tried to hold it back, forcing back in turn but not successful.
At that, he was taken by surprise as the sword in his hands shattered, a burst of flame erupting and tossing him to the ground with explosive force, hot shards of metal landing on him and on the ground. That was the firsgt priority once he recovered from his daze, quickly brushing them off with a hiss before his clothes caught on fire or something, because that would not have been good.
"Thanks," he replied with a grunt as he pulled himself back to his feet in spite of Serin's offered hand. "Kinda. It just seems weird considering will as magic, yet also as something different that can impact how strong it is but isn't instrumental in using magic. Or something." He shrugged noncommitedly, still working it out in his mind in a way that made the most sense to him. 'Will' was a very ethereal concept after all, and though 'Mana' was as well, it seemed easier to imagine than his desire to do something, since it could be more accurately measured and gauged. "I don't suppose you have another extra sword around somewhere," he asked.
"It can be hard to understand, but nothing is ever easy to understand. Think of it like this". He held out his palm, aiming it at a block of junk. "This is a normal Fire spell". A ball of flame shot out, slamming into the junk. It put a small dent in it and burned it a little, but it wasn't all that impressive. "Your Mana is a part of you and so is your magic. Think of will as your mental force. You simply focus and put it into everything you do, not just magic. For when you focus your Will into something..." He focused for a moment before thrusting his hand towards that same pile of junk.
It felt like a normal Fire spell that shot from Serin's hand, but was not. It was not stronger on a level of holding more magical power, but it had alot more force behind it. The moment it hit the junk block it exploded, shattering the block of junk as the fire ball impacted it with much more force this time. "That something becomes much more intense. Filled with drive and able to accomplish more. Swords are the same. When you simply swing it around you won't be able to cut through much, but if you put your will into it even stone could yield before your blade. When I first made contact with your sword the strike itself was quite strong, the magic in it intense. When the slash suddenly became even stronger though you probably did not feel the magic inside growing more powerful with more magical power. Instead it grew more intense, the force behind the spell became stronger as did my force behind my blade".
He took out another sheathed sword, handing it to Thomas. This one felt different, it weighed a little lighter than the Iron sword and was a bit easier to hold, yet it also was pretty different from an Iron sword. "Will is your drive, your desire. When you focus it into anything your own power increases without you having to pour more energy into something. When you do pour more energy and will into something it becomes even more powerful or greater".
Serin then took a few steps away from Thomas, gesturing to the sword he handed him. "That sword is made of steel, much more durable than an iron sword. The iron blade was to give you a shoddy weapon that you can get used to performing these skills with. Essentially I gave you that iron sword to limit your abilities. With this steel one perhaps you should be able to sense just how much you have improved. Whenever you train you have to use things that restrain and limit your abilities as only then when you remove those restraints you can tell just how much you have grown".
Serin redrew his own blade. "Now let us clash swords for a bit. This time you are to power your sword with your own magic. To do this imagine casting a spell through the weapon, like you would with your Keyblade. Your weapon is an extension of your magic and yourself, so let the magic of your spell flow into it. Instead of releasing the spell though into existence you trap it in your sword. With nowhere to go the spell will instead come into existence in the blade and imbue it with magical power. Essentially whenever you use Mahou Ken you are pretty much creating a magical sword".
Serin demonstrated one more time. This time ice seemed to form around his sword instantly, the spell being stronger this time than the other spells he had cast at Thomas before. The blade now seemed to chill the very air around the sword. After that he took a stance, waiting for Thomas to imbue his sword with magic.
Serin noted how Thomas' swordsmanship wasn't the greatest thing, but he seemed to have a pretty decent grasp. The Red Wizard knew that with some practice and polishing that it could become something great. And now it was time for that practice, Serin blocking the air augmented blade, the blade's fast and flowing movements being a little harder to block then normal sword swings, but Serin was a skilled swordsman. He would block each of Thomas' blows, letting Thomas continue to strike at him as he blocked, or occasionally side stepped, his movements.
"You're good, but your swings need a little work, put your will into them, into the magic in your blade. Your blade is an extension of your magic and your will now, not just some slab of metal you swing around, let it move according to your will" and "Don't make such wide movements, not only are they easy to read, but they waste your energy" were bits and pieces of advice that Serin gave the other mage as he let Thomas continue on the offensive, letting Thomas continue until the other mage was ready for a short breather.
The hits didn't land for the most part, which Thomas had expected for the most part despite his magic enhanced blade, and the clash proved a struggle to hold on to that spell, and it did slip at times, reducing the speed and increasing thew weight. He did hear the advice and listened to it, trying to incorporate it on the fly, though converting will into physical action, as opposed to simply mental. He wasn't so much of a trained fighter and he wasn't sure if he was doing it right or if his instincts were even useful, but he tried it regardless. There was a slight rolling of eyes at some, his own opinions on the advise unspoken as he tried to follow what he was being told. He was getting slightly tired but barrelled on regardless, determined to land at least one hit before he finished.
Serin could tell that Thomas wasn't fully understanding his meaning, but he could sense the boy's determination. As long as he had that, then Serin knew that he could get it. He could see that Thomas was trying out his advice, his swings growing a little less wider and even a small bit of will behind his swings. Serin suddenly slashed at Thomas' sword quickly, knocking him backwards with a burst of air from his palm. Just enough to separate the two of them, not knock him over. "You're getting it, I can tell. But perhaps another push is required. What you need is to experience a true usage of this skill first hand, perhaps upon not only seeing it, but feeling it against your own blade will show you what I mean".
Serin held his blade parallel with himself, placing two fingers on the blade. "Runic has one downside. It is a skill only useful against mages. If an opponent isn't using magic or magic like powers then this skill is useless. The true essence of Mahou Ken makes Runic a skill useful in all situations. As instead of just capturing the magic of your opponent and making it yours..." he paused, a surge of magic flowing from within Serin to his blade. Suddenly the sword lit alight with scorching flames, the flames licking and moving over and even in the blade itself.
"You can put your own magic into the sword, trapping a spell of your own in there and letting its power charge your sword instead". Serin then proceeded to get into a stance, ready to strike. "I hope you're ready. You are about to experience what this skill can really do...so keep your senses sharp and feel my blade and feel the will behind it as well as the magic within it" Serin would let Thomas ready himself before he suddenly charged, being on top of him within a manner of a few moments. Suddenly he swung his blade down at Thomas. The blade's swing wasn't lightning or wind fast, but instead full of the explosive power of fire, the swing holding a tremendous amount of will and force as it went down towards Thomas, aiming for him, hoping that the mage could block this hit since Serin gave him ample warning. If not well it wouldn't kill Thomas, but it sure wouldn't feel pleasant either.
Thomas panted a tad as Serin forced him back, feet skidding along the way as he came to a stop, sword dropping as it became evident that this part of the fight wasover, and he was disappointed that he hadn't been able to land a single hit. Not that he didn't see it coming, but a man could hope, couldn't he? An eyebrow rose at the statement that he needed to feel it, already having an idea of where this was going.
"I guessed that," he replied with the ruge to fold his arms, it not too hard to figure out that a skill that absorbed magic wouldn't be too useful against things that didn't use magic. Talk about stating the obvious. He listened onwards, intrigued by this thought of using his own magic to fuel the elemental power around the swords. It would be a significant effort to hold up Runic while under attack, and powering the sword in turn. Still, he had an obligation to try. And that was what he would do, watching Serin infuse his blade with fire and fall into a combat stance.
"Alright, let's go then." Thomas dropped into a ready stance as well, doing as instructed and focusing more on his senses. Serin's quick movement set him off, and he dropped down a bit and swung his sword up to catch the fiery lade, having some idea of what he could or should do. He caught it, struggling against the explosive force of fire and reached out, grasping for the spell running along Serin's sword, grabbed it and pushed back, though what that would do he didn't know.
Serin was pleased that Thomas caught the blade, struggling against its explosive force. He was more impressed that Thomas even managed to get a feel for the spell in the sword and began to push back now, a smirk appearing on Serin's face. "Good, you're getting it". Now was time for the extra push though. Serin focused now all of his will into the slash. The power of the spell not increasing, as Thomas would be able to feel that if he did. No instead it seemed to intensify and focus itself as Serin put more of his will into the blade and behind the swing.
If Thomas was focusing his senses as Serin instructed, Thomas should be able to feel it. Unfortunately it was a little too much for the simple iron sword as suddenly, despite Thomas pushing back with his own blade and will, the blade shattered under the explosive power of the fiery blade, a small burst of flame erupting from the sword as it shattered Thomas' weapon that would send him flying back somewhat. Serin breathed a little now, dispelling the spell in his own blade and absorbing its Mana. He walked over to Thomas after that, offering him a helping hand.
"You did good. If you hadn't been using that iron sword you would have been able to withstand that attack". Whether Thomas accepted Serin's hand or got up on his own, after Thomas got up Serin scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about that though, I put a little too much will into it. But since I did... did you feel what I have been telling you before? If you put your will into your blade, into its magic, it can become alot stronger without you having to pour more magical energy into the spell".
Thomas struggled with the blade pressed against his own, muscles yielding bit by bit as Serin forced the blade down, not as a result of his spell, but something else, the general aura that surrounded him. At least, that was the way it seemed to Thomas in the short time he had to consider such things while trying to stop that resumed sword slash. And it was a lot harder to sense someone else's will than his own. Sweat beaded as he tried to hold it back, forcing back in turn but not successful.
At that, he was taken by surprise as the sword in his hands shattered, a burst of flame erupting and tossing him to the ground with explosive force, hot shards of metal landing on him and on the ground. That was the firsgt priority once he recovered from his daze, quickly brushing them off with a hiss before his clothes caught on fire or something, because that would not have been good.
"Thanks," he replied with a grunt as he pulled himself back to his feet in spite of Serin's offered hand. "Kinda. It just seems weird considering will as magic, yet also as something different that can impact how strong it is but isn't instrumental in using magic. Or something." He shrugged noncommitedly, still working it out in his mind in a way that made the most sense to him. 'Will' was a very ethereal concept after all, and though 'Mana' was as well, it seemed easier to imagine than his desire to do something, since it could be more accurately measured and gauged. "I don't suppose you have another extra sword around somewhere," he asked.
"It can be hard to understand, but nothing is ever easy to understand. Think of it like this". He held out his palm, aiming it at a block of junk. "This is a normal Fire spell". A ball of flame shot out, slamming into the junk. It put a small dent in it and burned it a little, but it wasn't all that impressive. "Your Mana is a part of you and so is your magic. Think of will as your mental force. You simply focus and put it into everything you do, not just magic. For when you focus your Will into something..." He focused for a moment before thrusting his hand towards that same pile of junk.
It felt like a normal Fire spell that shot from Serin's hand, but was not. It was not stronger on a level of holding more magical power, but it had alot more force behind it. The moment it hit the junk block it exploded, shattering the block of junk as the fire ball impacted it with much more force this time. "That something becomes much more intense. Filled with drive and able to accomplish more. Swords are the same. When you simply swing it around you won't be able to cut through much, but if you put your will into it even stone could yield before your blade. When I first made contact with your sword the strike itself was quite strong, the magic in it intense. When the slash suddenly became even stronger though you probably did not feel the magic inside growing more powerful with more magical power. Instead it grew more intense, the force behind the spell became stronger as did my force behind my blade".
He took out another sheathed sword, handing it to Thomas. This one felt different, it weighed a little lighter than the Iron sword and was a bit easier to hold, yet it also was pretty different from an Iron sword. "Will is your drive, your desire. When you focus it into anything your own power increases without you having to pour more energy into something. When you do pour more energy and will into something it becomes even more powerful or greater".
Serin then took a few steps away from Thomas, gesturing to the sword he handed him. "That sword is made of steel, much more durable than an iron sword. The iron blade was to give you a shoddy weapon that you can get used to performing these skills with. Essentially I gave you that iron sword to limit your abilities. With this steel one perhaps you should be able to sense just how much you have improved. Whenever you train you have to use things that restrain and limit your abilities as only then when you remove those restraints you can tell just how much you have grown".
Serin redrew his own blade. "Now let us clash swords for a bit. This time you are to power your sword with your own magic. To do this imagine casting a spell through the weapon, like you would with your Keyblade. Your weapon is an extension of your magic and yourself, so let the magic of your spell flow into it. Instead of releasing the spell though into existence you trap it in your sword. With nowhere to go the spell will instead come into existence in the blade and imbue it with magical power. Essentially whenever you use Mahou Ken you are pretty much creating a magical sword".
Serin demonstrated one more time. This time ice seemed to form around his sword instantly, the spell being stronger this time than the other spells he had cast at Thomas before. The blade now seemed to chill the very air around the sword. After that he took a stance, waiting for Thomas to imbue his sword with magic.
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