The anticipation was electric. Lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't calm the racing of my heart. The sparring gloves that Chronos had left in my room seemed to pulse with potential in the dim light of my room. Their presence was a clear affirmation, I was ready. Ready to learn how to fight, ready to step into a new realm of my training. The significance of this transition kept sleep at bay, as I replayed every grueling workout that had brought me to this point, each drop of sweat a step closer to today.
When dawn cracked the sky open with soft morning light, I found myself already lacing up my running shoes. My body moved on autopilot, carrying me through the familiar paths that I had pounded into memory over the endless days of summer. The run did little to temper my excitement; if anything, it amplified my anticipation, each step drumming a rhythmic countdown to the meeting with Chronos.
By the time I arrived at the training facility, the sun had fully claimed the sky, casting sharp shadows that sliced across the concrete. I pushed through the doors, my breath still evening out from the run, and found Chronos already there, waiting. His presence filled the space, an immovable force that seemed to gravitate everything toward him.
"Morning, Rai," he greeted, his voice calm and a small smile playing at the edges of his lips. He leaned casually against the mats that had seen the sweat and struggle of the past months. His eyes flicked briefly to the gloves in my hand. "Did you see the gift I left for you?"
I nodded, holding up the gloves. "I did. Thank you. I-I’ve been looking forward to this." My voice was steadier than I felt, the gloves in my hand a tangible symbol of progress and the very thing I’ve been working so hard for.
The anticipation hanging in the air was almost tangible as Chronos greeted me, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. After acknowledging the sparring gloves he’d left for me, a gesture that signified the beginning of a new chapter in my training, he beckoned me to follow him deeper into the facility.
As we walked, the familiar sounds of the gym faded, replaced by the echoing quiet of a less-frequented part of the building. We approached a large garage door, one that I had passed countless times but never seen opened. It always piqued my curiosity, standing there like a barrier to some unspoken secret of the gym.
"This way, Rai," Chronos said, his voice echoing slightly in the wide hallway. He reached for the handle of the garage door, throwing a glance over his shoulder to ensure I was paying attention. "I think it's time you see what's behind here."
As we approached the seemingly mundane garage door in the gym, Chronos paused at a sleek control panel and pressed a button. With a quiet hum, the door began to ascend automatically, revealing an environment that contrasted sharply with the traditional training areas I was accustomed to.
Inside lay a sparring room that felt like a blend of modern design and fantasy. A fantasy hero's wet dream if you will. The space was expansive, with high ceilings and a layout that maximized every inch for combat training. Along one wall, there were sparring dolls equipped with advanced AI capable of mimicking a variety of combat styles, designed to provide a dynamic and unpredictable challenge. And I know for a damn fact that he did not spare a single expense because I’ve seen the ads for these. Each one could cost a minimum of $5.2 million and that’s IF you don’t have the software package and wish to use it as an open source robot. He has six of them.
In the center of the room, several platforms floated, each suspended by softly glowing crystals. These platforms moved subtly, requiring constant balance and focus from anyone on them, perfect for honing agility and tactical movement. These platforms are used in a lot of media, especially most of the parkour contests. You can program these to do just about anything as they have omni-directional movement. You just can’t use them to fly around though because they have to be near the main power source which is the large crystal embedded in the ceiling. Also, very expensive. I was curious as to just how much they cost but going to their website only said, “Call for a quote.”
The floor itself was an engineering marvel, composed of sleek, dark tiles that could independently rise, tilt, or even sink. At intervals, certain tiles would activate, projecting non-lethal projectiles towards the center of the room, designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios where awareness and reaction speed were critical. Chronos noticed me looking at it and had a very subtle sinister gleam in his eyes.
Oh you bitch, I know what you’re planning.
Chronos gestured broadly as he stepped into the room, his voice echoing slightly off the high-tech walls. "Welcome to the heart of our training, Rai. This room is where you'll learn to blend the physical with the mental and spiritual aspects of combat. Each element here, from the sparring dolls to the floating platforms, is designed to enhance not just your fighting skills but also your situational awareness and adaptability."
He pointed to the sparring dolls. "These will help you understand different fighting styles and how to counter them effectively. They're programmed to adapt to your moves as well, so each session will be as challenging as a real fight. Which I’m hoping you’re going to take advantage of."
Chronos then motioned to the floating platforms. "Balance and agility are crucial in combat. These platforms will teach you to maintain your focus and composure under dynamic conditions, much like you would need to in any real confrontation."
Finally, he explained the floor's functionality. "The tiles here are designed to keep you alert and responsive. They'll simulate unexpected threats, helping you develop quick reflexes and the ability to anticipate and react to sudden changes in your environment."
As we walked further into the room, Chronos instructed me to remove my shoes and socks before stepping onto the mat, emphasizing the practice’s traditional respect. "In many martial arts, the dojo is a sacred space. Here, we honor that tradition by connecting directly with the ground beneath our feet, feeling every shift and texture."
The cool, padded surface of the mat against my bare feet grounded me, merging the physical sensation with the weight of the opportunity before me. I absorbed the details of each training aid, understanding that they were not just tools, but extensions of the martial arts philosophy, a blend of discipline, technology, and ancient wisdom.
Did I sound cool there? Yeah, I thought of that on the spot.
"Everything in this room is interconnected," Chronos concluded, his gaze sweeping the modern dojo. "And as we train, you'll learn how each element can be applied not only here but in the wider world. This is where you start truly understanding what it means to be a martial artist."
As I eagerly stepped onto the padded floor of the sparring room, ready to dive into the physical aspects of martial arts training, Chronos held up a hand, signaling me to pause. The anticipation building within me wavered slightly, replaced by confusion as he began to speak, his voice serious and contemplative.
"Before we begin, Rai, it's important to understand that this isn't just about learning to punch or kick. We need to explore the depths of your unique talent," Chronos explained, his eyes narrowing slightly as he surveyed the advanced equipment surrounding us. "Everything in this room, from the sparring dolls to the floating platforms, is off-limits for now."
My excitement faltered, replaced by a surge of questions. "Off-limits? But you said you would teach me once I reached your standards," I protested, trying to mask my disappointment.
Chronos nodded, understanding my frustration but firm in his approach. "Yes, and I will teach you, I did not lie about that. But your ability, Rai, to mimic and potentially steal your opponent's techniques—that's extraordinary. It might be more than just a skill; it could be what we call an 'Origin.'"
I blinked, the term unfamiliar. "An Origin?" I echoed, my curiosity piqued despite the initial letdown.
"Yes, an Origin. It's a manifestation of Aura, typically unique to the individual. If your ability is indeed an Origin, it means it's foundational, a core aspect of your Aura that shapes your interaction with the world and combat in a profound way," he clarified, his tone indicating the seriousness of such a designation.
Chronos walked over to a control panel beside the sparring ring, his fingers hovering over the various buttons. "We need to understand exactly how your talent works. Does it have limitations? Can it adapt across different forms of combat? How does it affect your opponents? These are crucial questions, and the answers will determine how we proceed with your training."
The notion that my ability could be something as significant as an Origin was both thrilling and daunting. It meant that my path in martial arts wasn't just about physical mastery but also about deep self-exploration and understanding the intrinsic nature of my power.
Chronos turned back to me, a determined look on his face. "We'll start with controlled experiments. I want to observe your ability in action, understand its mechanics. We'll use various simulations, record data, analyze outcomes. It's going to be rigorous, but necessary."
The shift from expected physical training to a more analytical, introspective exploration of my abilities wasn't what I had anticipated for my first day in the sparring room. Yet, the weight of Chronos’s words, the possibility that I could be wielding an Origin, reshaped my disappointment into a new form of eagerness.
As I nodded in agreement, ready to embark on this unexpected journey of discovery, Chronos smiled slightly, pleased with my willingness to adapt. "Good. Let’s begin with some basic tests. We'll escalate as we learn more about your capabilities. Remember, Rai, this is about more than just training—it’s about understanding the essence of who you are as a fighter."
With this understanding, Chronos's approach to my training took on a new depth. "Your Origin is not just a skill; it's a fundamental part of who you are," he explained, his voice carrying a mix of reverence and excitement. "It has awakened within you because of your unique experiences and your innate ability to adapt and excel in what you encounter. This makes your training not just about learning techniques but about embracing and mastering this core aspect of your being. Which can evidently lead to your revelation, allowing you to awaken."
Oh yes, speak those sweet words to me.
As we proceeded, Chronos planned a series of tests designed to probe the boundaries and capabilities of my Origin. He set up scenarios that varied greatly, from complex combat simulations with the sparring dolls to strategic challenges on the floating platforms, each designed to trigger and assess different facets of my adaptive abilities.
"Today, we won't just test your physical prowess; we'll test the essence of your Origin. We want to see how it engages with new challenges, how quickly it adapts, and how it integrates what it learns into your existing skill set," Chronos detailed as he adjusted the settings on one of the training modules.
Chronos adjusted the settings on one of the advanced sparring dolls while I waited, eager to put my newly honed physical abilities to the test. “Alright, hit it,” he directed, nodding towards the doll positioned at the center of the room.
Confused by his casual instruction, I hesitated. “What?”
"You know, throw a punch, have a tussle, a scrap, a bit of a- ah, fuck it, just punch it," Chronos said, his voice mixing frustration with a chuckle, breaking the usual seriousness of our training sessions.
Energized by his command and the light-hearted moment, I squared up to the sparring doll, ready to demonstrate what I had learned. Or, stole from Tony I guess you could say. With a determined breath, I lunged forward and threw a punch, aiming directly for what would have been the doll's midsection if it had been human. To my surprise, the doll was quicker than I anticipated. It not only blocked my punch but also countered swiftly, its mechanical arm extending to push against my chest with enough force to throw me off balance.
Before I could recover, the doll executed a maneuver that used my momentum against me, effectively tossing me onto the mat. I landed with a thud, the air whooshing out of me as I hit the ground, my back meeting the cool padded surface with a slight sting of embarrassment.
Huh?
From the side of the ring, Chronos burst out laughing, a rare sound that filled the room. He pointed at me, still chuckling. "You’ve got to watch out, Rai! These things have a lot more bite than some middle schoolers!"
Lying on the mat, I couldn’t help but join in the laughter, despite the flush of embarrassment warming my cheeks. The fall hadn’t hurt physically thanks to the padding, but it was a stark reminder that learning to fight was going to involve more falls like this one. I pushed myself up, grinning back at Chronos. "Guess I asked for that, didn’t I?" I said, shaking my head in amusement.
Just give it a bit, I’ll be taking this thing down soon.
"Indeed, you did. But that’s good! Every fall is a lesson, Rai. We want to learn from each one," Chronos replied, his laughter subsiding as he offered me a hand to help me up.
I accepted his hand, pulling myself to my feet. The sparring doll had reset itself to its original position, standing eerily still now, as if waiting for the next round. "Let’s try this again, shall we? And this time, keep your guard up and watch for the counter. Adapt quickly," Chronos instructed, his tone now serious again but with a lingering smile from our earlier exchange.
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Nodding, I faced the doll once more, this time with a heightened awareness of its capabilities and a renewed focus. I was ready to learn, to adapt, and to hopefully stay on my feet a bit longer this time. As we resumed, the training took on a new level of intensity, each exchange teaching me more about timing, precision, and the importance of anticipating my opponent's moves, even if that opponent was just a machine.
The training session with the sparring doll quickly escalated into a series of swift, humbling defeats. Each attempt to land a punch or execute a maneuver ended with me being flipped onto the mat again. The doll, programmed to counter and defend with precision, seemed to anticipate and neutralize every move I made. Its mechanical efficiency was relentless, and no matter how quickly I tried to adapt or mimic its style, I found myself outmatched and on the ground once more.
After several more unsuccessful attempts, Chronos called a halt, noticing the frustration building in my expression. I sat on the mat, my chest heaving with exertion and irritation. "I don't get it," I said, wiping sweat from my brow. "Why can’t I do anything against it? I thought I could mimic any move I see."
As the session with the sparring doll wound down, Chronos observed my mounting frustration with a thoughtful expression. After several minutes of contemplation, his gaze sharpened, a clear sign he had devised a new approach. Without a word, he stepped into the ring, his demeanor changing from teacher to something more intense, almost threatening.
I called out to him, “Chronos?”
He began to advance towards me slowly, his eyes locked onto mine, a silent challenge hanging between us. As he moved closer, a palpable sense of bloodlust radiated from him, a pressure so intense it seemed almost tangible. The atmosphere thickened, and I found myself rooted to the spot, unable to move, barely able to breathe.
I-is he… actually going to kill me?
Then, in a swift motion, Chronos raised his fist, pulling back for a punch. The air around us charged, heavy with the threat of imminent contact. It was in that moment of heightened danger, as the punch came hurtling towards me, that something clicked within me. My senses sharpened, and suddenly, I was acutely aware of every detail of his form, his muscle tension, the angle of his arm, the slight shift in his weight.
With barely a moment to spare, I dodged to the side, Chronos's fist grazing past my face so closely I could feel the disturbance in the air. My heart pounded, adrenaline surged, but above it all, a grin spread across my face, ignited by the thrill.
Chronos halted his motion and straightened up, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he noted my reaction. "I see, so you need to actually feel the threat at hand. Considering that massive grin on your face." His voice carried a mix of amusement and approval.
The realization dawned on me that my ability to mimic wasn’t just about observing; it was also about experiencing the intensity, the emotion, and the danger posed by my opponent. Chronos's simulated attack had provoked a response that went beyond mere physical replication; it engaged a deeper, instinctual part of my Origin that thrived on real and present challenges.
"You learn when you feel the stakes are real," Chronos continued, stepping back and allowing me to regain my full composure. "Your Origin isn’t just mimicking technique; it’s absorbing the essence of a true combat situation. It requires not just observation, but emotional and physical engagement. If I’m not mistaken, this might evolve after you awaken."
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Chronos and I sat on the edge of the training mat, our session winding down as he took a moment to delve deeper into the concept of Origins. He leaned back, his eyes thoughtful as he began to explain further.
"Rai, when it comes to Origins, they have a deeply rooted correlation to you, but once you awaken, all of the ‘normal’ things are thrown out the window," he started, his voice steady and clear. "Take, for example, a friend of mine. Before he awakened, his Origin revolved around his balance, he was the reigning champion in gymnastics for three years straight. His balance was impeccable."
He paused, a slight smile curling at the edges of his mouth. "But after he awakened, his balance was not only perfect; he could manipulate his center of gravity to perform feats that defied physics. He could walk on walls as if they were floors, and hang from ceilings as if they were merely another platform to stand on."
Chronos shifted slightly, his demeanor indicating the importance of what he was about to say. "His understanding of balance transcended physical limits; it reshaped how he perceived and interacted with the world. That's what an Origin can do after you awaken, it transforms a trait into something supernatural, integrated deeply with the individual’s essence."
He looked directly at me, ensuring I grasped the gravity of his words. "There’s also someone I know whose Origin is linked to empathy. She was a counselor, renowned for her ability to connect deeply with people. After her awakening, her empathic abilities became so profound that she could literally feel others' emotions as if they were her own. It didn't just enhance her counseling skills; it changed her entire way of interacting with people, giving her almost psychic insights into their needs and feelings."
Chronos stood up, pacing a little as he continued, "These examples show how Origins amplify and extend your capabilities in incredible ways. For someone like you, with the ability to mimic and master observed techniques, the potential is enormous. Your Origin could allow you to understand, anticipate, and counter any physical or strategic challenge you encounter. This is just an assumption of course so we could only guess."
He stopped and faced me again, his expression serious. "It’s not just about enhancing what you can do physically. Awakening your Origin often brings a deeper self-insight and a new perspective on your place in the world. It’s transformative, aligning your deepest traits with every action and interaction."
As he finished, I absorbed his words, the realization of my potential slowly dawning on me. It was clear to me now that my Origin wasn’t a part of my training; it was a core part of my identity, shaping not only how I fought but also how I viewed the world and engaged with others. It was a profound, almost overwhelming thought, but with Chronos’s guidance, I felt that so many more doors just opened for me.
It makes sense now. When I was fighting Tony and his goons I wasn’t able to fight back right away. I was absorbing all of the information as they were pummeling me, which in that instance, there were stakes regarding my safety.
Chronos nodded thoughtfully as he saw understanding dawn in my eyes. He stepped back onto the mat, gesturing for me to follow. "Enough talk for now," he said with a slight grin. "Let's put theory into practice. Show me that punch now, Rai. The one you just took from me."
Okay, now we’re talking.
I stood up, energized by our discussion. As I faced Chronos, ready to replicate the punch, I closed my eyes for a moment to visualize not just the action, but the deeper mechanics behind it. I didn’t want to just throw a punch, I wanted to throw his punch. I concentrated, envisioning Chronos's form as he threw the punch, the flow of his muscles, the deliberate shift of his weight, and the intense energy channeled through his arm.
Taking a deep breath, I raised my fist, attempting to mirror not only the physical motion but also the power and precision that Chronos had demonstrated. I could feel the tension in my muscles, trying to emulate the same flow, how his shoulders had rolled, how his torso had turned, driving the force outward from his core to his fist.
With a surge of determination, I thrust my arm forward. I tried to channel everything I observed, the power, the speed, and especially the overwhelming pressure that Chronos's punch had contained. The air around my arm seemed to compress, echoing a faint whistling as my fist cut through it.
The moment my punch completed its arc, a sharp pain shot through my arm. I winced, clutching it instinctively. The intensity I had attempted to replicate was too much; the force I exerted was beyond what my physical condition could currently handle. As I grimaced, it dawned on me, there seem to be limits.
“AGH!” I yelped.
As I recoiled from the punch, clutching my aching arm, Chronos swiftly crossed the distance between us. His expression was serious but not without empathy as he took my arm gently, examining it to ensure no serious injury had occurred.
"Rai, there’s a critical component to the martial arts techniques I use, and it's something you haven't yet mastered, which is Aura reinforcement," Chronos explained as he checked the flexibility and response of my arm. "Without the awakening of your Aura, your body isn't reinforced against the strain that these high-level techniques impose."
He helped me lower my arm slowly, ensuring I wasn't in too much pain. "When fully awakened, a martial artist can channel their Aura to not only enhance their physical abilities but also to protect and strengthen their body during combat. It’s like armoring yourself from within. Without this, trying to replicate such powerful techniques can lead to injury, as you’ve just experienced."
Chronos stepped back, giving me space, his gaze thoughtful. "Your Origin is extraordinary, Rai, and it gives you a unique edge. But it also places you at risk if you try to exceed the current limits of your physical capabilities without the necessary Aura protection. Otherwise if you try to mimic every technique you encounter you’ll just break down your body every time."
After Chronos finished explaining, I couldn't help but feel skeptical. It just didn't sit right, a punch was a punch, right? "You're fucking with me right? It was just a punch. How could it be categorized as a high level technique?" I retorted, unable to mask the disbelief in my voice.
Chronos cracked a half-smile, clearly amused by my reaction. "A high-level technique, indeed," he responded with a slight chuckle. "But if you think it's so simple, why don’t you show me a 'regular ass punch' then? Let’s see how that goes for you."
His challenge hung between us, edged with a playful taunt that spurred me on. I scoffed, shaking my head as I stepped back into a basic stance, a rough imitation of what I'd seen boxers do in movies and on TV. I threw the punch, a straightforward, unembellished strike that felt jarringly plain in its execution.
The moment my fist sailed through the air and snapped back to my side, I paused, the difference striking me immediately. It felt off, almost embarrassingly weak compared to the punch I had attempted to mimic from Chronos. The realization that my skepticism might have been premature started to sink in.
From beside the mat, Chronos couldn’t hold back a laugh. He walked over, giving me a light poke in the shoulder. "Ahh, see what did I tell you. Acting like you know what you’re talking about, fucking amateur," he teased, the grin on his face broadening.
I couldn't help but grin back, albeit grudgingly, the lesson hitting home more effectively than any lecture could. "Alright, alright, you made your point," I conceded, shaking my head in a mix of annoyance and newfound respect for the complexities of martial arts and Aura use.
Chronos’s demeanor shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "It’s all in good fun, Rai, but remember, this is an important part of your training. Aura isn’t just about adding strength; it’s about transforming your entire approach to combat. Without it, you’re only scratching the surface of what you can really do. Don’t worry though, I don’t plan on neglecting it entirely. Once you awaken we are going to have plenty of training regarding it before I let you even step foot into an academy."
“Wait, if you’re planning on training me, what would be the point of the academy then?” I questioned.
Chronos nodded, appreciating the question. "The academy isn't just about personal training or mastering techniques," he explained, folding his arms as he leaned back slightly. "It’s about immersion in a community of fighters, where you can test your skills against others, learn diverse combat styles, and understand the broader aspects of martial arts and Aura application. It’s one thing to train one-on-one with me; it's another to face different opponents with different strengths and Origins."
He paused, ensuring his point was clear. "My role is to prepare you, to make sure that when you walk into that academy, you're not just another student. You'll be ready to stand out, to make the most of every lesson, every spar, and every challenge. Training with me will give you a foundation that few others will have."
Chronos's expression then shifted to one of mock grandeur, his voice taking on a theatrical tone as he spread his arms wide. "As your teacher, I refuse to send forth a mere participant into the ranks of the academy. No, no, I aim to forge a champion, a burning star whose brilliance outshines the rest! I have no intention of having a student of mine be just another face in the crowd. You, Rai, are meant to dazzle them, to be that blazing beacon that everyone, friend and foe alike, cannot help but gaze upon in awe."
Playing along, I pressed my fists together and bowed at the waist, feigning a look of noble determination. "Then I shall not let you down, Guy sensei! I will be the star that lights up the academy, blazing a trail of glory across the sky!" I declared, my tone laced with mock solemnity to match his.
Chronos chuckled at my response, the humor and camaraderie easing the intensity of the training's seriousness. "That’s the spirit! With that attitude, I have no doubt you’ll make quite the impression," he said, still smiling.
He turned around to walk towards the control panel for the dolls then paused, "Ah, Guy sensei, huh?" Chronos mused, a twinkle of mischief appearing in his eyes. "You know, you just gave me a brilliant idea." His smile widened, transforming into an almost evil glint as he contemplated the new twist he planned to introduce to my training regimen.
The lighthearted atmosphere briefly tensed as I recognized that look in his eyes—one that usually preceded a challenging new twist in our sessions. "What kind of idea?" I asked, half-wary, half-curious, already bracing myself for his response.
Wait, no… he wouldn’t.
Chronos darted off to a corner of the room, where a large, cluttered closet full of various pieces of equipment stood slightly ajar. He rummaged through the contents with a purposeful intensity, moving aside items with a clatter and clink that echoed through the training space. Every now and then, he'd pull something out, inspect it briefly, and either set it aside with a nod or toss it back with a muttered comment.
After a few moments of searching, he emerged holding the sleek metallic bracelets, their intricate design catching the light as he walked back towards me. "Found them," he announced, a hint of triumph in his voice.
He handed me the bracelets, and I took them, intrigued by the jewels embedded in the center and the delicate patterns etched into the metal. I hesitated but I slid them onto my wrists, the jewels caught the faintest glimmer of light, shimmering subtly. The bracelets then began their astonishing transformation: the patterns seemed to come alive, and the metal adjusted itself to fit my wrists perfectly, tightening just enough to be secure without constricting.
These look just like binds.
Once adjusted, the jewel at the center emitted a faint glow, signaling its activation. I flicked my wrist a few times, feeling the unusual sensation of the metal conforming to my movement, slightly unnerved by the technology but also fascinated by its capabilities.
"These are designed to adapt to your physical and kinetic needs," Chronos explained as he pulled out a small device, turning a knob that immediately increased the gravitational pull on the bracelets. "They'll provide resistance based on the intensity of your training, dynamically adjusting to push your limits."
As the weight of the bracelets intensified, I felt my knees buckle slightly under the sudden increase. Each movement became a deliberate struggle, forcing me to engage muscles I seldom used to such an extent.
"We'll start with basic movements to get you accustomed to them," Chronos said, watching me closely as I adjusted to the weight. "It’s crucial to build your tolerance gradually. This will prepare you not just physically but mentally for the more demanding aspects of your training."
Something I noticed is that the bracelets themselves don’t weigh heavy, it’s actually my entire body that weighs so much. However it doesn’t seem to affect my surroundings. I’m not leaving a deeper impression on the mat nor are my steps louder. Okay, this is kind of cool, I can't deny that.
Chronos turned to me and pointed at the dolls, "Alright Rai, now get started."
Huh?