I woke up from bed ready to start the day.
Brush.
Shower.
Train.
Eat.
What training you might ask? Well, General Thadeus gave me some information regarding the powers I wield.
‘Your Void-Art might be basic, but those are always the most versatile… ‘
I thought back to what he said and decided to start testing my Void-Arts extensively.
Walking into the testing room again I closed my eyes, channeling the energy from my emblem.
‘The energy in your emblem is called void energy, or v-energy for short. Most Freedman are only able to expend that energy for their Void-Arts, but only the talented can truly control it.’
1 hour had passed
“Control… “
My emblem started to flicker white, glowing brighter than ever before after 2 hours.
“Control… “
BOOM
An explosion, two meters away from me formed, one just as strong as the one used to kill the sheltered. My body was inched with sweat, reaching places I never thought possible.
‘Good. After four days I can finally create a proper long-range explosive before departure.’
It’s been six days since I arrived in the stronghold. Every day I trained till my emblem lost its energy completely.
My maximum long-range explosive count is 2. Though that's expected to increase if I can control the strength of every explosion I create.
As for short range that drastically increases to 5. But that comes with the repercussions... like blowing myself away from my own blast.
Looking to my right I see the new metal gauntlets crowned in a silvery material. Placing them on my hands.
“Jarvis”
[ Yes, Sir Arthur ]
“Start Freedman training, difficulty easy - medium.”
Jarvis was the AI built into the training system here. He was the one responsible for my first evaluation.
Once again, a black aura surrounded two figures on the opposite side of the room. Making their way to my position quickly I placed my fists together as if meditating.
VOOM
My emblem started to shine with a white hue. I opened my eyes and started running towards them.
BOOM
I created an explosion directly behind me, propelling myself close to the sheltered.
But that wasn’t enough. The sheltered swung its long arm right at my face threatening to destroy my face.
I brought my body down, sliding under its arm, but met with the second sheltered right after.
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Thankfully, this one wasn’t as prepared.
BAM
Using my built-up momentum I punched its abdomen. But if I was just going to defeat them then this would be too easy.
Today, I wanted to test something.
Without facing my back I dodged to the right, making the sheltered fall in front of me instead of biting my head off.
Getting up both sheltered screamed in a gut-wrenching sound. It sounded as though dead bodies were trying to be burnt alive.
But I smiled My teeth glistening in the light I decided to go more traditional. Bringing my hand towards my body I lifted my fingers, swaying them back and forth.
“Come”
Running my way the sheltered swang their arms wildly.
I swerve between them, blocking some with my fists and others by going under their arms.
But even then I was met with arms to my face.
Bam
Punching my face, the sheltered threw me up into the air, at least 5 meters.
It lifted its face towards me opening its mouth, waiting for me to fall towards its mouth.
‘Let's try it now.’
BOOM
I cast and explosion behind me once again propelling my body into its mouth.
With all my might I punched the monster's mouth, clanking my metal to its bare teeth. I, however, wasn’t finished.
KABOOM
I placed an explosion right behind my arm.
Green liquid splashed everywhere even reaching my mouth.
“Ptou”
I spit it out in disgust whilst locking my eyes with the next sheltered a few meters away.
Trying to lift my arms. I was met with a stinging pain in my right hand. I looked at it to find it completely broken.
‘This is not good’
Testing new techniques always had repercussions, but never one this bad.
‘I still need more physique training.’
I dodged and swerved my way around the last sheltered punching through the opening as well as I could.
Bam
I landed a punch.
Bam
But it just countered right back.
With a rally, we both placed on lives on the line waiting for one to fall.
I twisted my body, I dodged its right arm.
My body felt heavy, the gauntlets weighing me down. I felt as though my endurance had reach its peak.
The world moved in slow motion as I saw its left arm make its way back to my stomach.
Thwack
[ damage threshold met ]
I coughed blood onto the floor, wheezing for a breath.
[ Training Ended ]
I placed my arm on my chest to see a familiar menu screen.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Status:
Level: 9
Name: [Arthur Romanov]
Rank: [Freedman]
Lineage : [Locked] 0.10/100%
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Void-Arts:
Explode: A simple yet effective move. It allows the user to create an explosion in a 2m radius (increases with level)
#####: Locked
#####: Locked
Emblem: [Explosive Genesis]
Reach level 20 to evolve
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The metal door behind me slid open to reveal an agent.
“Mr. Romanov, your transport has arrived. You’re set to depart in 3 hours”
“I forgot it was today… can you help me up, sir?”
He brought his arm forward allowing, pulling my weight up with ease.
“You’ve quite well Mr. Romanov. With this pace, you’ll be ready with your first mission in no time once you arrive in Phalanxus”
“Mission?”
“You’ll be given an overview once you arrive, for now, go pack your bags and get your arm treated”
***
[ Please enter the ship at your convenience ]
‘Jarvis seems to be widely used, even this ship uses him’
I stepped into the large vehicle. It had a long nose with large turbines. Its propellers were large, with four on each corner of its wing.
Situated in the ship, the cargo was strapped and screwed onto the ground. Moving further I found seats lined to the left and right facing each other with men and women wearing black suits as if going to war.
[ Please place your weapons in the storage compartment until arrival ]
After placing my gauntlets in the compartment I made my way to the seats again only to find them all taken.
Except one seat in the far right corner next to the exit door.
With strange looks coming from the other passengers, I made my way to the seat. It was a little uncomfortable.
We took off with grace as I heard the motors working to bring this hunk of metal to the sky. I peered through the windows, deciding to take in the height we were brought to.
Closing my eyes, I decided to doze off until arrival.
CLANG
A loud sound reverberated outside.
The ship shook as if attacked.
I quickly looked outside to see what the commotion was all about.
‘Shit’