I slowly descend into the main hall of the cave, my footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. As I approach the entrance, the wolves along the way lower their heads in a show of respect, their eyes following my every move. I’ve faced this gesture before, but it still feels strange, their loyalty and reverence wrapping around me like a quiet weight. Unsure of how to respond, I give them a gentle smile, hoping it communicates the gratitude I feel, even if I don’t fully understand this bond we share.
As I walk onward, I feel the eyes of the pack trailing after me, each pair filled with a silent wisdom that humbles me. Suddenly, a wolf cub scampers in front of me, blocking my path with a playful glint in its eye. Surprised, I pause, kneeling down to meet the little creature at eye level. Cupping the small bundle in both hands, I lift it closer. The cub’s fur is warm and soft, its face almost puppy-like, stirring memories from my previous life. Without warning, it begins licking my face, the ticklish sensation making me laugh. I gently set it down as a few more young wolves gather around, nudging at me with curious noses, while their elders watch protectively from the hallway.
I continue forward, moving between the older wolves standing guard in the hallway leading to the cave entrance. As I step outside, the warm sunlight envelops me, and I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, preparing myself for what’s to come. Opening my eyes, I scan my surroundings, trying to pinpoint my location, but all I see is endless forest. I turn to look back at the cave. It’s tucked beneath a small, forest-covered mountain, blending so seamlessly into the landscape that it’s almost impossible to tell where the forest ends and the mountain begins.
“Is everything alright, my lord?” a sudden, deep, growling voice comes from behind me. I turn around to see the Wolf King sitting behind me.
“Thanks to you, everything is fine!” I reply, smiling.
“By the way, is there any open area around here? Shien said I need to train my body for Aether Lumirith.”
“Hmm... open area?” Wolf King goes deep into thought. “Alright, follow me, Lord Haruto.” He stands up and starts walking into the forest.
We walk for a few minutes deeper into the forest. As we walk, I start to enjoy the forest. I never thought forest would this much calm. Chirping sounds of birds echoing through the forest. Finally, we come upon an open area near a river.
“This is the safest open space we have. I hope this place satisfies your requirements,” Wolf King says, stepping back.
“What is this river? I never knew there was a river in this forest,” I ask, curiosity bubbling inside me.
“This river separates the forest into two parts, and it also connects both the Lunaria and Shinsei kingdoms,” Wolf King explains.
“Then I will go back. We are going to hunt and gather more meat for the winter season,” Wolf King says, padding off through the way we came.
I watch him disappear into the shadows of the forest until there’s no trace left but the faint rustle of leaves. Turning to the open space, I exhale, readying myself. “Alright then, let’s start our first day of training. Shien, where are we going to start?”
Silence stretches out, broken only by the sound of the river’s flow. It feels like I’m speaking to the air.
“Shien… can you hear me?” I ask again, wondering if he’s even there.
“Oh yes, I hear you,” Shien’s voice finally echoes within me, slow and thoughtful. “But I was considering where to begin. I’ve never trained anyone before… hmm…” He trails off, and there’s silence again.
I wait, feeling the weight of his deliberation. Then, his voice returns, more certain. “Alright, let’s start with your senses. I’ve sealed my sight for now—until you can develop enough Aether Lumirith. My sight drains Aether Lumirith as it’s used, so without control, it would only deplete you.”
I sit under a big shady tree near the river, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above. A cool breeze brushes against my skin, refreshing and invigorating. The distant calls of birds and the gentle sound of the flowing river help me concentrate even more.
“OK, now listen. Lumirith is the energy source of every living thing in this world,” Shien explains, his voice steady. “Our bodies absorb this Lumirith and convert it into a form we can sustain. Human bodies, just like yours, depend on Celest Lumirith. But Demons, Wolves, and every other creature living here use Aether Lumirith.”
I nod, absorbing the information. “So, because of my demon half, my body has both Aether and Celest Lumirith?”
“Exactly. Focus the energy within you and distinguish between them. But remember, this is not going to be easy.” Shien’s words echo in my mind, resonating with the weight of the challenge ahead.
I take a deep breath, inhaling the cool, crisp air and exhaling slowly, centering myself. I hear the wind rustling through the trees and the river flowing nearby, but still, nothing tangible comes to me.
“Haruto, first you have to feel the energy and then try to see it,” Shien instructs.
Energy… Energy inside of me… Focus… Suddenly, I start to hear my heartbeat more clearly. At first, it's faint, but it grows louder, more pronounced. I try to focus even harder. A different sensation arises within me; the left side of my body feels a comforting warmth, like a summer breeze. The right side, however, burns hot and sharp, like a wildfire's edge, but without any pain.
“Shien, I feel a comforting warmth in my left side, but my right side is burning like hell. Yet, there’s no pain,” I say, my voice steady despite the chaos within.
“Hmm… it seems your senses are already tasting both Lumiriths. Now you need to feel the flow, the flow of energy,” Shien says, his tone encouraging.
A flow of energy… If there’s a flow, there must be a start. I concentrate even more.
I can still feel the contrasting warmth and intensity, but I need to find the beginning of this flow. I refuse to give up. After everything I’ve been through… No, I can't. I won't stop. I’ll keep moving forward.
As I concentrate, the warmth on my left side feels inviting, yet the heat on my right-side pulses with a fierce energy that seems almost alive. It’s as if each side of my body is waging a silent battle, and I’m caught in the middle, searching for balance. What is this sensation? Why does it feel like something is missing?
Then, I hear it again: my heartbeat. Is it intense or calm? I can’t tell. For a moment, I sense a normal, calm rhythm, but then it suddenly intensifies, quickening like a drum in a frantic dance. The rhythm shifts, and with it, the warmth and heat begin to merge into something more—a powerful surge that feels both daunting and exhilarating.
I focus on this sudden change, following the beat until I see it—the beginning of the flow: my heart.
The right side is covered in something dark, while the left side shines brightly like the sun.
“Shien, can you hear me? I found the beginning of the flow. It’s my heart! My heartbeat seems different than usual!” I say, excitement bubbling within me.
“Good job, Haruto! What you feel is the energy flowing through your body. Your heart is trying to create Celest Lumirith one moment and Aether Lumirith the next,” Shien explains, pride evident in his voice.
“But is there something we can do? Like increasing the conversion rate or something?” I ask, impatience creeping into my tone.
“Calm down, Haruto. If you try to increase the conversion rate, you could die instantly. The only thing we can do is increase your Aether Lumirith capacity and train more to finish a battle before you run out,” Shien says, his voice turning serious.
“Hmm, I see. If I run out of Aether Lumirith in battle, I’ll faint like before, right?” I clarify.
“Not exactly. In the past, you fainted because you used your Celest Lumirith too. Your human body relies on spare Lumirith to function. For humans, it's about maintaining balance. But for Angels and Demons, powers come with their downsides. If we use all of our Aether Lumirith, our bodies enter an inactive state called ‘regeneration period,’” Shien explains.
The first day of training draws to a close with Shien’s words echoing in my mind.
“That’s enough for today, Haruto. Let’s go back and take a break. Tomorrow, we’ll continue your training,” Shien says.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
I open my eyes, slowly pulling myself from my focus. I hadn’t realized how much time had passed—it's already evening. The last rays of the sun touch the world with a soft, warm glow, casting long shadows across the ground. As birds and other creatures return to their nests, I start the walk back to the wolf den, feeling a quiet satisfaction settle within me. Today may have been only the first step, but it’s a step I can feel down to my bones.
When I reach the den, I see the wolves returning from their hunt, carrying the animals they’ve gathered for the day. Wolf King meets me near the entrance, his deep voice a steady rumble against the fading daylight.
“How was your training, Lord Haruto? With that expression, I can tell it’s been a success.”
I can’t help but let a small grin slip through. “Yes, it was a success. I managed to feel the flow of both Lumiriths inside me,” I say, the admission feeling both surreal and satisfying. I’m not yet where I want to be, but the path forward feels clearer.
Wolf King’s eyes flash with approval. “Great! Then go back inside and take some rest, Lord Haruto. I’ll send some meat to your cave.” He bows before returning to the pack.
“By the way, how do you keep the meat fresh? Winter is still far off,” I ask as curiosity takes over.
He nods toward the walls, where a soft glow fills the den from embedded crystals, illuminating the caverns in hues that remind me of the evening sky. I glance down at the wolf cub from this morning, its fur catching the light as it bounds past.
“Do you see those glowing stones, Lord Haruto? They’re made from pure Lumirith. We found an entire chamber filled with them, floor to ceiling. The pure energy they emit keeps anything nearby fresh for much longer than normal.”
I stare, marveling at the crystals’ warm glow. If I’m meant to use Aether Lumirith, these stones feel like distant cousins—quiet but powerful, like a heartbeat all around me.
As I walk to my own cave room, everything is well lit by the crystals’ gentle light. I glance around, noticing the small details of the cave that now feel more like home. Moments later, a wolf appears at the entrance carrying meat on his back. I direct him to a spot to leave it, nodding in thanks. Shien and I prepare a simple dinner, roasting the meat over a small fire.
Finally, I lie down on my raised sleeping spot, the day’s exhaustion pressing down like a gentle weight. My mind is content but alive, replaying Shien’s lessons as if the day hasn’t quite ended. Despite the hard, cold surface beneath me, the lingering warmth from my efforts helps lull me to sleep. Tomorrow’s challenges can wait; for now, the sound of the river in the distance eases me into rest.
I wake up early, eager to continue my training. Moving quietly, I make my way toward the cave entrance, careful not to wake the wolf cubs that sleep peacefully after their playful adventures yesterday. As I step outside, the cold morning wind greets me, crisp against my face. The sun is just beginning to rise, casting a faint glow across the land. I stretch my arms and legs, taking a deep breath, and start walking toward the training ground. I grab a few fruits along the way for a quick breakfast, memories of Gorou’s lessons reminding me to stay energized and focused.
When I reach the training ground, a thin layer of mist blankets the area, making it look almost ethereal. Everything is quiet, the only sound the steady gushing of the nearby river. I feel the stillness settle around me, heightening my anticipation.
“Alright, Shien! I’m ready for the next training!” I call out, feeling excitement bubbling up in my chest.
Shien’s voice resounds in my mind.
“Now that you can feel the Lumirith flow within you, it’s time to take the next step—manifesting it.”
He continues, “Every creature manifest Aether Lumirith differently. My own manifestation is the black fire. From what I understand, Celest Lumirith is just as unique—individual to each user. Because you possess both, perhaps one day, you’ll manifest Celest Lumirith as well.”
I blink, trying to imagine what Celest Lumirith would look like for me. “Manifesting Lumirith…” I repeat softly, letting the idea sink in.
“Why don’t you have a demonstration?” Shien suggests. “Wolf King, show Haruto your Aether Lumirith manifestation.”
A voice sounds from behind me.
“As you wish, Lord Shien.”
Startled, I turn around to see Wolf King standing there, his eyes steady and unreadable. I stare, confused.
“Wait… you can hear Shien?” I ask, trying to make sense of this sudden revelation.
Shien’s voice responds, filling in the gaps.
“Haruto, Aether Lumirith is more than just an energy source. It connects all who wield it. If you focus, you can even communicate mind-to-mind.”
I nod slowly, processing this new understanding. The bond Aether Lumirith creates is more profound than I thought. “So, what’s your manifestation, Wolf King?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
Wolf King stands beside me, his gaze fixed on a tree in the distance. He raises a massive paw and slashes through the air, though he’s nowhere near the tree. Suddenly, the tree quivers, then crashes to the ground, a deep claw mark cleaving its trunk.
“It seems his manifestation is wind,” Shien notes, admiration in his tone. “Like the Wolf King before him, he channels Aether Lumirith into attacks that strike from afar.”
I watch, awe-struck by the sheer power of the move and the precision it requires. “Incredible…” I whisper. I can feel the weight of the challenge ahead as Shien’s words echo in my mind.
“Now it’s your turn, Haruto. We’ll try to manifest my black fire. But remember, as I said yesterday, this will not be easy.”
Day one is harder than I expected. I find myself repeating the same movements, channeling the energy within me, but nothing comes. Shien’s words echo in my mind, urging patience, but with each failed attempt, frustration builds, leaving me drained and empty. By evening, I collapse, muscles aching and spirit bruised.
“It’s normal, Haruto,” Shien reassures me that night, his voice steady as the stars. “Few succeed right away. Give it time. After all, you are trying to accrue something you didn’t have in the first place.”
The following days stretch into a relentless rhythm, each one testing the limits of my endurance. Each morning, I feel the weight of my failures press down on me like a stone, and each night, the strain leaves my body exhausted, but my determination remains unshaken, a flickering flame against the encroaching darkness.
On the third day, while the sun hangs low in the sky, I catch a hint of warmth in my hand—a small flicker, barely a glimmer. It vanishes almost as soon as it appears, but that single moment renews my spirit like a breath of fresh air. By the fifth day, I can feel the energy swirling stronger within me, coalescing into a faint outline of heat. It’s far from a full manifestation, but for the first time, I see hope glimmering on the horizon.
On the sixth day, I arrive at the training ground as usual, heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Standing in the center, I raise my right arm with my palm upward, closing my eyes and focusing on my heartbeat. I visualize the Aether Lumirith flowing through my right side, a current of power just waiting to be unleashed.
“This time I’m doing this!” I whisper to myself, feeling the Aether Lumirith surge into my palm. Suddenly, a painless burn ignites in my right side. I focus harder, heart racing as I push my limits.
“Keep going! Trust in yourself!” Shien’s encouraging words reverberate in my mind. I try to channel the Aether Lumirith into my palm, determined not to break my concentration. Then, in a heartbeat, the burn vanishes. I open my eyes slowly, and there it is—black fire flickering to life on my palm. Shock washes over me as I stare at the flames, shimmering like the night sky.
“I made the black fire. I made it myself.” The weight of countless days of struggle lifts from my shoulders, replaced by exhilaration.
“Congratulations, Haruto! You’ve successfully manifested my black fire.” Shien’s voice fills the air with joy and pride, resonating deep within me.
Closing my eyes again, I try to stop the energy flow to my hand. In an instant, the fire fades away. I let the Lumirith flow back into my hand, and once more, the black fire ignites, dancing with newfound vibrancy.
“Now I can control it. I can control the flow!” I exclaim, joy bubbling over as I realize the power within me.
“Let’s return to the cave,” Shien suggests, his tone calm yet filled with an underlying thrill. “It’s still early afternoon, but you’ve worked hard and completed a task that usually takes months, if not years. You deserve a rest.”
As we approach the cave, the Wolf King steps forward, his presence commanding.
“How was your training, Lord Haruto?” he asks, eyes glinting with curiosity. I recount my journey, sharing everything from the first flicker of hope to my final triumph. When I reveal the black fire, his eyes widen with pride.
“I’m proud of you, Lord Haruto. You mastered Lord Shien’s black fire in such a short time. That’s impressive,” the Wolf King remarks, his gaze fixed on the flames that dance upon my palm.
“Wolf King, is there somewhere I can find a weapon?” I ask, my voice steady. “Even though I can wield Shien’s fire, it’s not nearly as powerful as when he used it. I need a weapon to protect myself until I fully master his abilities.”
“A weapon... hmm...” Wolf King muses, deep in thought, occasionally glancing at me.
“Hmm... there is one. Follow me.” He leads the way, his strides purposeful, as I and a few other wolves trail behind. After what feels like hours, we stop in a vast clearing bathed in the soft glow of dusk.
As I step forward, I behold a great crater in the heart of the forest, and at its center lies something extraordinary.
Wolf King descends into the crater, and I follow, careful and awestruck as the other wolves encircle us, forming a living barrier of anticipation. Peering closer, I see what rests within the crater: a claymore unlike any I’ve ever encountered. The blade is massive, wide enough to shield half my body, nearly as tall as I am. It’s embedded deep into the ground, as though it fell from the heavens with unrelenting force. The handle isn’t centered like a traditional sword; instead, it’s designed for a two-handed grip, one hand on the back hilt and the other midway down the blade. The weapon radiates an aura of raw power, a promise of strength waiting to be claimed.
“This blade has a long history,” Wolf King begins, his voice solemn.
“A long time ago, the wolf king who first discovered the cave we now inhabit fought a great battle here. Legend says that even though the wielder of this weapon was human, he possessed extraordinary strength. In the final moments of their duel, he launched himself and slammed the ground with this blade, creating this very crater. The wolf king seized that opportunity and struck him down. Since then, humans have come to this place seeking to claim this sword, but as you can see, none have succeeded.”
“Do you think I can claim it? What if it’s one of the cursed weapons used to slay angels and demons?” Doubts swirl in my mind like shadows, clouding my judgment.
“You must trust yourself, Haruto. Remember how you ignited the Reikizuna with combined flames? That’s your courage and determination. And don’t worry; I can guarantee this isn’t a cursed weapon, although I’ve never seen it before.” Shien’s words fill me with hope.
I take a deep breath, clearing my mind of doubts and fears. With resolve, I step toward the blade, gripping the back hilt with my left hand and the mid-blade with my right. I position my feet firmly, grounding myself. Closing my eyes, I feel the Lumirith envelop me, flowing within and around me.
With determination, I open my eyes and pull the blade with all my strength, but it doesn’t budge.
“No! I won’t give up yet! If I don’t have the strength now, I’ll train harder until one day I can claim you!” I scream, summoning every ounce of resolve as I pull the blade one last time.
With a sudden jolt, I go flying backward, dropping beside Wolf King. Confused, I look back, and to my utter astonishment, there it is—the blade, now firmly in my grasp!