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<10/23/1962 – 14:12 | Route 96, Junon, Sprawn Valley>

When the morning came to pass, Kite continued to stand still in silent thought as Danton finally became aware and conscious again. He woke up last night with Mainne's healing orb, but Danton was also dazed and drained after the butt kicking he suffered. There wasn't anything to be said anyway; Danton lost the battle against gradyent Belzer, suffering a defeat worse than Kite did during his match. Everyone here battled Belzer before Danton arrived. The results are always the same.

Danton nearly shivered in his thick uniform from the frigid air around him, but he easily recalled walking around at night after his failed battle against Belzer. He must have slept shortly after, given the position of the bright sunlight on a partially clear day. By the time everything came back to him at once, Danton held his head in shame while seated to the floor.

"Guess you're awake," Mainne called. Brash had a big battle yesterday, so it should be no surprise to why he was tired enough to sleep into the afternoon. But Kite had gone silent, instead of preparing all of his earlier rebuttals to shove that defeat in Danton's face. Even he must be down about this.

Danton didn't bother asking for the details of last night, since he could remember all of it. "I guess I am."

"Brash Danton." Kite finally made his way over to the new recruit, studying the dull look in his eyes. "I guess by now you realize why I knew we weren't going to defeat that guy. Such a method takes years of training, not a few days."

Yeah, just rub it in. Danton wasn't bothered by Kite's insults though. Even his words sounded so empty right now, and he was right all along. There was no chance of beating Belzer.

Kite didn't know what to do now. It's not like Brash is still the idiot he was. He did at least learn his lesson, but now he's slow just to say anything. Facing the harsh reality can do that to anyone. "We're making lunch now." Kite extended his arm down to Brash to pull him back up from the blanket on the ground. "You should eat something after that big battle."

Danton didn't refuse or hesitate to sink into the flow around him. Kite isn't being impolite after all, and Danton was starving by now without eating anything last night. By the time lunch was prepared for everyone, Danton spoke to Kite about the summary of his analysis.

"I can't believe how strong Belzer is. I couldn't even score a single hit of anything."

"And you even knew how to invoke Flame Beam," Kite reminded. "Where did you learn how to use a skill like that?"

"When I was training with the retired gradyent," Danton recalled, "I had access to tons of knowledge on powerful spells, but it took a long time and effort to perfect them. Even then, it just wasn't enough. I guess I'll never become a Leray master at this rate."

After dropping the metal spoon into the clay bowl, Mainne panicked enough words into a sentence. "Don't say that! Any one of us could take Belzer down someday. All we need is the right training!"

Danton didn't understand why Mainne was still hopeful that he could beat that guy, but it isn't worth the breath. "Don't worry about it. There are just some people we can't beat."

"But Brash?"

"And what did I say about that," Danton snapped. "Call me Danton."

"Danton," Mainne continued. "You can't actually tell us that all of your time training was worthless after you and I battled each other. You put everything you had into this."

"And I did the same thing against Belzer."

Kite shut his eyes momentarily to rest the scene before taking another bite of the soup. "Danton's right about that. Just let it go Mainne."

"But..." Mainne wasn't getting through to either of them, and Vanoss nor Gleeon are helping at all. This isn't the Danton she remembered the other night. Even Kite is thrown off by this.

Danton held the food away from him, too sickened to eat anything right now. "Why does it even matter to you Mainne?"

Kite answered that for him, based on his memory of the day Mainne joined Trujima. "Who knows? The day Mainne demonstrated her skills and joined Trujima, I asked her what she wanted out of it, and she told me she was just bored."

Does this really say anything about her? Danton remembered fighting against Mainne. She tried specializing in ice type magic to slow him down, but she was also incredibly quick on her feet. She also fought as hard as she could to win; but was it really for Kite, to keep him in charge?

Kite noticed another similarity he didn't recall before when thinking about it. "It's much like the same reason you challenged me for ownership of my gang, right?"

"What?"

Following Danton's clueless expression, Kite knew he had to be more precise, though this is only a guess. It just doesn't feel like this man cares about who is in charge of Trujima. He just wanted to defeat Belzer more than anything. If the reverse were true, he wouldn't have given into this defeat so easily. "You didn't care about being in charge of anyone. You were just bored, so you challenged the strongest people you could find, aside from somebody else who already kicked you ass." Danton fights out of boredom, and Mainne is just trying to prove something all the time.

He squinted his eyes slightly, but gave up on trying to figure out why. Why would Kite care about that anyway? It worked to make everyone on guard, didn't it?

"Whatever," Vanoss interrupted. "It was more fun before you decided to challenge Belzer again."

Fun? Danton held some of the soup in his mouth, trying to think back. Why would Vanoss say it that way? Did he really have fun being defeated by Danton's blade? It should have been demoralizing, much like his own battle against the gradyent. In another silent second, Danton suddenly remembered a promise he made to Mainne in their last match. He asked Mainne to have fun fighting and showing off her skills. But was it really fun for her?

Danton put the bowl down onto the ground, attraction everybody's focus while he paid them no attention. Danton did challenge the Trujima group out of boredom, and despite losing to Kite, the matches were well worth their time. Mainne probably battles just for the fun of testing her own skills. So then, what is her goal? What does she fight for? If Danton were to ask her about it right now, she would just claim that it's all too personal to share, but there must be a reason for it.

"Danton? Is anything the matter?"

Ignoring Kite, Danton knew he had to figure this conundrum out on his own. Hold on! What about him? Danton knew his goal was to become a Leray master, but what for? What is there to prove? These wasn't ever any grand quest or reason to aim for the top. The only reason he ever remembered getting involved was how inspiring it was to use magic as a kid. Living up to the family name is important, but not when there is nobody left see it happen.

Kite realized this might actually happen, but he never thought it would since it doesn't seem to fit Danton. Watching him lose that battle with Belzer was far more degrading than he initially thought it would be. What to do now?

"It's all about fun..." Having only muttered a rationalization to himself, the others near him were asking to hear what he just said. "How could I be so stupid?!"

"Danton?!" Mainne didn't know what to say to cheer him up. Danton is taking this loss harder than she thought he would.

"I've been fighting the wrong way!"

"What?" Kite didn't believe this, but Danton just stood up so suddenly with a confident grin on his face. Did he remember some sort of special secret to wipe anybody out? Where did this energy come from?

Danton could feel it from before. It wasn't there when he battled against Belzer, when it should have been. "I have to thank you guys for reminding me. No matter what happens, using magic to fight people in a Leray match is never only about getting stronger." Danton didn't need to pause for the others to understand, but finally was this making sense for him. "We fight in Leray battles and experiment with magical spells because it's supposed to be fun."

"It's what?" Gleeon seemed just as confused as Kite and the rest of them.

"Fun?" Mainne didn't get this either, but Danton actually said something similar about the concept before. It was right before she had to face him in a Leray match. Danton told her to have fun in that battle, but even if she did, why would that even matter? Danton doesn't make any sense sometimes.

"We don't need secret knowledge or special tricks to defeat Belzer. All we need to do is train harder and have fun while doing it. If you can't find some way to enjoy a battle, then what else is there to hang onto?"

Danton looks and sounds so fired up! But this is nonsense he is spouting. Simply wanting to win more doesn't make it so. He's already proven that twice now. "I hate to break the news, but fun won't win a battle."

Danton rebuttaled with the clarity in his mind. "But it will inspire us to try harder. Everyone?" Danton eyed every Trujima member on the team, finally at peace with a single idea. "We're going to do some special training. After that, I'll challenge Belzer to battle again tomorrow morning."

"That's crazy talk!" Aggravated again by Danton's repetitive stupidity, Kite stomped his foot in a moment of rage. "Belzer will chew you up and spit you out! You'll just lose to him again. What are you going to do after you put all this time and training into something just to lose, again?!"

"I'll tell you what I'll do," Danton prepared. "I'll train more afterwards, and challenge Belzer again!"

It's like an infinite loop with this kid! Danton doesn't understand that there are people he can't defeat. And he thinks this will work in a two-day period? What's wrong with him?!

This is it! Mainne remembered what she promised Belzer last night after Danton lost. She wanted to train him to try again and do better, but this behavior wasn't in him afterwards. Still, does he really think that having fun battling is the key to success? Whatever the case, this still works out. "That's awesome Danton. I'll teach you everything I know!"

Gleeon's mouth opened slightly in surprise. Mainne is suddenly mimicking Danton's confidence, but that's totally unlike her in every way. She's always so quiet and dark about everything. "You know there's little chance to win. Even if we all put our skills onto you, and you lost, you would still try to win again afterwards?"

Danton decided to make it as clear as he could to the group. "I don't care how many times I have to try. If I lose to him again, I'll just keep trying to get better and win, again, and again, and again!"

Danton sure isn't the typical Leray wielder. Vanoss wondered if Kite's usual attitude would prevent him from helping Danton out. But he really wants to win that badly... "Okay then. I'll help out too."

"Vanoss? You too?" Kite couldn't understand this. Danton's energy just took over everybody again, like some strange form of mind control. They aren't supposed to just jump in like that and side with somebody who has no chance! "Gleeon? You having any of this action?"

"Well, I'll give it a chance. Just look at him Kite." Gleeon referred to that gleaming look in Danton's silver eyes, and his tense limbs itching for action. Just a few moments ago, they would have literally witnessed the opposite, a man totally dead and void of any hope. If fun and hope rejuvenates Danton... "I mean, how can you say no to that?"

"How can all of you jump to him when I'm supposed to be the one making those calls?"

Gleeon knew Kite might be like this, but he hasn't proven anything for himself lately. "I don't see you doing anything to try and get us all out of this sink hole we're in. If Trujima members can't defeat a single gradyent, what future do we have as a gang?"

"Are you serious?"

Gleeon continued to summarize before Kite became derailed. "All Danton is doing is trying his absolute hardest to get better without ever giving up. However, if you were to suddenly start doing that, especially to become stronger than Danton, I'd follow you first any day."

Kite couldn't say anything, on count of Gleeon's unexpected claim. Is he telling the truth? The reason everyone keeps flocking to Danton is only because Kite hasn't done enough to prove how powerful he is? In their eyes, Danton is stronger, but not because of his magical powers, speed, or personal skills. They think Danton is stronger only because he won't ever give up a single challenge. And all I have to do is try...

"Alright!" Danton inflated. "Who's ready for some special training?"

"Hold on a sec."

Not again! "Kite!" Mainne barked. "What is it now? We're doing this, and that's final!"

Kite totally ignored Mainne, since he already knew that was going to be the case. "Vanoss? I have a job for you."

"You do?"

"Belzer is one serious opponent. If Danton really wants to learn to overcome that gradyent, he'll be needing all the skills he can get. That's why I'm tasking you to teach Danton all of the personal sword skills I've taught you."

"Eh," Mainne knew Kite wasn't talking to her, but to see him finally going along with one of Danton's plans is actually a first. What just came over him?

"You've got it! You can count on me!"

Kite wasn't sure at first, but this passion from Vanoss is all the proof he needs. They're having fun training Danton only because they know how hard he is trying.

"Wait a minute," Mainne paused. "What about you?"

Kite thought they might ask him. But if he trains Danton his own skills, which is sort of what Vanoss will be doing anyway, Danton will become the most powerful one, and that just can't happen. "I'll be around. I've got some solo training of my own to perfect."

Kite wants to train now? Mainne was at least accepting of that answer. He does train by himself often, but it's still been weeks before anything like that ever happened. "Fine. Let's all begin."

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Chapter Theme Shift: Confrontation ~ Speed Machine

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After Kite went off on his own to train in secret, the others joined Danton in the middle of the road in Route 96 for special training. Since nobody else volunteered to try and challenge Belzer, Danton was the main subject. It was already made clear that Mainne, Vanoss, and Gleeon would all part their own skills and techniques onto him. Once Danton was certain of the plan, he asked Mainne to help him first.

Without using any Siriean dome, Mainne and Danton were in a faceoff as if to fight each other with magic. Instead, Danton had his blade drawn out again, while Mainne held her wrists at the ready. Danton already knew where this was going. "So Mainne? Those bracelets are an impressive Leray accessory, but your ability to move your arms in the right position every time is your best skill. I'll ask how you do it."

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"You act like there's a secret to it." Mainne projected her voice slightly due to their distance. Danton was going to have to learn all of this in a single night if he is serious about challenging Belzer again tomorrow morning. Gleeon and Vanoss were standing by to watch and listen. They too have not heard of Mainne's special technique, they have only physically observed the result. "All you need is speed and focus." Mainne held her arms up ready to move. Trying to have Danton score a single hit on her would not be an easy task. He isn't allowed to rely on spells to do this either, since that isn't the problem.

"I'm guessing that kind of coordination takes years to accomplish." No wonder Kite is always so wound up to throw in the towel. How can Mainne teach him anything in a day? This might not work out!

"When I want to win badly enough, it doesn't take that long to perfect. All you have to do is watch your opponent's movements the entire time. Don't keep your eyes anywhere on yourself. It isn't necessary."

"Okay..." This isn't any new information. How is this supposed to help him learn how to fight like Mainne?

Mainne suddenly lunged forward into a sprint, forcing Danton to lift his blade in self-defense, and when she closed the gap of distance, Mainne struck her fists and armlets down towards Danton to try and hit him. This was his test.

Danton immediately deflected the first few hits Mainne launched at him, keeping the encounter a physical attack only, but the combination didn't waver for a single moment, and Danton soon had trouble keeping up with Mainne's speed of movement using only one short blade. Wielding only one blade seems to restrict the ability to block every single time, while Mainne has two arms she can use. In the next instant, Mainne scored a direct punch to Danton's gut, forcing him back as his feet slid in the rough terrain. Mainne then back-flipped to keep her distance, stopping short since she proved again that Danton wasn't ready just yet. "Think faster. Be light on your feet! And never leave yourself open to a single strike!"

Danton felt that punch completely, and would continue to do so for a longer time. Mainne talks about not leaving any opening, but how can Danton block without some sort of buckler or metal bracelet? Is she capable of hitting Vanoss or Kite with the same strategy? "How are you better at this?"

"You're supposed to be defending yourself," Mainne explained. "You diverted your eyes again, didn't you?"

"I did?" Danton didn't notice, but then would Mainne even be capable of realizing that? Blocking her attacks happens nearly at the speed of sound! No ordinary person can keep track of what's happening like that, not completely.

"Let's try it again. Eyes on me only!" Mainne went for it again, trying to score another hit on Danton. This training session would not be able to end unless Danton can outlast her unrelenting combination of physical attacks. He needs to be faster, and think faster!

Gleeon and Vanoss watched and listened while Mainne demonstrated one of her best special skills. Recently, he heard that Mainne was trying to change her strategy with ice elemental magic to slow down her opponents instead of speeding herself up. That's not a bad idea, but whatever this is right here, this is the first time Mainne has ever shared this strategy with anyone else. It's not just because she is fast, but also because she can observe her target no matter what else is happening around her. At that speed...

"Mainne sure is something," Vanoss uttered. With Gleeon's attention for an elaboration, Vanoss shared his thoughts about the incredible sight in front of him. The more fired up Mainne becomes, the faster she gets, and right now, her every action is like a blur. "When she and Danton were battling, that was her best tactic against him, her best defense. Even now does it seem to work."

"Perhaps you're simply eager to battle against her again."

He wouldn't be wrong there. "It's been some time since we all had a battle between ourselves. And I mean a real battle; not that crap from last week."

"You think she would win against your sword skills?"

Vanoss grinned and answered, "I doubt it." He paused once more to observe how well Mainne was doing. Even right now, despite Danton going back on the offensive, he still can't hit Mainne anywhere else. "She's really fast, but no single human can possibly attack or defend themself without leaving an opening. Every time you move, there is a small fleeting chance where you become vulnerable to something unexpected. That Harmonic Blast Danton pulled off against Mainne is just an example of that. Danton isn't able to defeat Mainne right now because he isn't allowed to use magic, but if he were to battle Mainne for real, the result would be the same. Since I know about both their battling styles, I'd win against Mainne for sure."

"You sound so confident, though the reverse would be certain for myself."

"Don't sell yourself so short," Vanoss pleaded. "If I were actually battling against you, then I might lose more often than I'd be comfortable with."

By the time Mainne stopped attacking Danton, she noticed how tired he became with his heavy breathing and shortened mobility. It wasn't surprising given how much time had passed. Mainne wasn't even winded. All of her special practices from before gave her this constant equilibrium of stamina with her focus and energy, but getting tired without the use of magic is also natural. If Danton were in better shape, this would be easier for him.

"Well..." Mainne decided that this was as far as she could go. "You still haven't hit me one single time, but I bet you're paying closer attention to where I'm going." Mainne knew this had to be true, because Danton still managed to dodge and block her attacks for the past three minutes without taking a single scratch. "As long as you keep your eyes on the opponent, blocking and dodging will become easy."

"Got it..." Danton puffed and huffed for air after moving around. Mainne moves so fast that it would tire anyone out. Hopefully Belzer won't battle this way.

"Okay then." Mainne glanced back at the two men calling out to them. "Vanoss or Gleeon! One of you two take over now."

"Agh!" Danton felt like falling to the ground to rest. No breaks are apparently part of the rules.

"I'll go," Vanoss accepted. After taking over for Mainne, she joined Gleeon to the side to watch what he could teach Danton. "Come on Danton. You're the one who wants to learn it all in a day. You're going to have to practice everything you learn later tonight anyway."

He isn't wrong. Danton fought to stay standing on his tired legs. This is just supposed to be a warm up, but Belzer is a tough opponent. If Danton can learn all of their secrets and use every one of them in his next battle, this should be enough. Vanoss has a similar strategy, right? "So do we draw swords again?"

Vanoss pulled out his saber, slightly longer than Danton's short blade. Danton copied the same notion and prepared to defend himself. "Must you really ask?"

"I don't understand what about this is different than what Mainne just showed me."

"Well then..." If Danton is so sure, Vanoss knew he would have to taunt him to bring the truth out. "Why don't you attack me then? Whoever scores the first strike with a blade earns a point."

He's turning this into a game? Whatever. This is still the same concept. Danton held his blade up, and spread his feet apart in preparation to charge. Just keep all eyes on Vanoss and his movements. Danton knew this was the way to beat him like before. "Fine by me!" Danton took off as fast as he could, proving how fast he could sprint without losing his balance and with his blade ready to strike and swing any direction.

Just as Danton was about to strike his opponent, Vanoss lifted his sword and immediately deflected the hit from Danton. Shortly after, Danton continued his combination assault, trying to prevent Vanoss from going on the offensive, but he was about as fast as Mainne was with his ability to block, despite holding only a one-handed sword. As this went on for the next twenty seconds, Vanoss knew things were soon to change.

After another deflection from Vanoss, the force pushed Danton back by a few inches. Right there! Danton isn't guarding his left knee anymore! A frontal stab would be impossible to avoid. Trying to deflect the blade turns the motion towards Danton's kneecap too. As Vanoss took his chance slashing at Danton's leg, it caught him by absolute surprise. Danton took the first hit, and backed away in the pain that followed.

Mainne tensed from watching it all. Even after Danton was going along with what she just showed him, Vanoss is still faster. "Look how strong Vanoss has become after all this time."

"Just have a battle some time, will ya?" Gleeon knew they would complement each other's skills forever if not to find out which one of them is better. It's actually annoying to see them learning from each other, when this should have been clear much longer ago.

"One point," Vanoss awarded. "And now—" He shifted his sword around him as Vanoss drifted forward towards Danton, forcing him to go on the defensive again. Much like before, Danton wasn't easy to hit despite having only one blade. But after another ten seconds, Vanoss saw another opening. Every time Danton moves his right arm to deflect a hit, he isn't using his left arm for any purpose, and there isn't enough momentum in his body movements to support proper balance away from his right hand. That's a weak point. "Hrah!" Vanoss went for another side-winding stab forward, this time aiming for Danton's right hand, right where he was holding his own saber hilt. When Danton moved in time to deflect, Vanoss simply shifted his direction, causing his saber to cut through the side of Danton's upper forearm. With another successful strike, the pain that followed for Danton was enough to make him cringe and drop his own weapon. With that, it soon became clear that Vanoss had the absolute upper hand.

"Ouch!" Danton yelled. "How the hell are you faster than Mainne?"

"I'm not." His simple answer made everyone wince slightly, but Vanoss continued to explain what he meant. "All I did was exploit all of your weak points and openings."

"But I thought I wasn't leaving any openings!" Danton couldn't believe this. Mainne turned out to be wrong. She's fast, but Vanoss can still find an opening regardless. No doubt is he much stronger than Mainne, despite Kite's previous rankings.

"Everybody leaves an opening when they move, including me." After having some silence to explain, Vanoss thought about it in his head. Even the way he moves could technically be exploited, though it isn't easy. "Every time a person tries to block, dodge, or execute an attack, no matter what, they always slow down to analyze what is happening in front of them for about point zero-four seconds, assuming they're this quick to analyze. But it is virtually impossible for any human to instantly process in their mind what is happening to them. It makes us pause every time, and that leaves a potential opening."

No way! "You're telling me you can think that fast? I don't believe it!" Danton was hovering on his knees, taken by the surge of pain in his leg and arm.

"It isn't easy. However," Vanoss pointed down at Danton and his curious expression. "You pause for slightly greater lengths of time, so it's even easier to find an opening against you. On top of that, you aren't putting any counter-balance in your body to take away from your right hand when wielding that sword."

Danton gritted his teeth quietly. Vanoss can out-think anybody if he really saw all of that, but Danton wasn't ever aware that his stance wasn't fully correct.

"Simply put, you only have one short blade. Therefore, you can deflect strikes all you like, but you can't defect an attack aimed straight at your hand while it holds the hilt to the saber. It isn't physically possible. The only way around that is to be ready to use your body to jump back from a well-aimed stab, or to use your free arm to block and take damage from that limb instead."

Vanoss, that's incredible! Danton never realized just how talented this man could be. He's got more than sword skills; it's all about observations. Both Vanoss and Mainne can make those so fast, and again with the single-hand blade; it seems to be a bad fit so far. "Perhaps using a staff to amplify my magic spells might be of better fit?"

"It could be." Danton doesn't appear to be very fond of using swords to battle, despite how good he is in close combat. "But we don't have any time to go find a staff. They don't sell any good ones in Gulop either way, so you must learn how to counter your weak points and defeat Belzer. After that, you can change your primary weapon strategy."

"Vanoss..." Danton had a struggle with his stamina being cut so short. Having this kind of battle against Vanoss and Mainne so soon was draining to him. Vanoss then held out his hand to pull him back up. "Thank you for helping me."

"Of course." Danton might have what it takes to get better tonight, but he's already too tired to continue working on proper evasion therapy. "Why don't you let Gleeon take over for a while? His strategy doesn't require a lot of movement, so you should be able to learn and rest at the same time."

"Sounds good." Danton sounded out of breath, but having change tactics from fast to slow was music to his ears. "Gleeon? You ready?"

"Guess so." Gleeon paced forward where Vanoss was standing, still with his arms crossed from boredom. Vanoss wasn't wrong for teaching Danton what he knew, but his ideas are hard to execute because of how much energy they take. Fighting like that up close can score him a lot of hits, but physical slashing damage is small on a scale of power level if they have no magic going into it. "Danton? You might have learned how to prevent openings to yourself, and how to look for ones in your opponents."

"Right?" Gleeon's statement sounded more like a question, but he waited until Vanoss retreated to a safer distance before continuing.

Gleeon lined up in front of the space further behind Danton, allowing Danton to watch beside him while Gleeon prepared his demonstration. "But it can always be better to create your own opening to attack, or use methods that weaken your opponent."

Danton felt frustrated already. What is he talking about? Danton didn't remember all that well what specific strategy Gleeon stuck to during their battle. He seemed to enjoy employing more painful attack spells than usual ones, but what would that have to do with anything?

"Danton?" Gleeon asked. "Do you already know how to use the ability called Dampen Field?"

"No," he answered honestly. "I know about the spell and what it does, but I have yet to learn it. I think Kite used it during our last match."

"Indeed. Dampen Field works well to weaken all incoming damage that is from magic of any elemental properties. It can give any person who specializes in powerful spells a really hard time."

"So I should learn Dampen Field."

"No," Gleeon commanded. "If you already know about the spell, learning how to use it isn't necessary to win. Anti-support auras and alternate spells are put to better use."

"I don't get it."

"Let's say a challenger uses the aura spell known as Solar Regen. Solar Regen uses the power of direct sunlight to quickly regenerate lost health points, which makes the spell incredibly useful for the user. However, not only does Solar Regen take time to fully execute due to the effect of passive regeneration only, it is also a spell that can only be used once every hour. Therefore, if somebody were to waste their opportunity on Solar Regen, use their magic, and fail to heal all in the same moment, it creates two openings of advantage all at once. One, in the moment they realize they can't heal; they are more likely to hesitate. And two, the use of their MP reserves sent to failure will slow them down slightly. It also gives you more time to learn their total strategy."

"But Gleeon?" Danton knew where this was going, but he just skipped over an important detail. "Solar Regen is a support aura from that same user. So how would you be able to interrupt such a thing?"

"It's better if I demonstrate. Go ahead and use a support aura. Try something simple if you like. Anything is fine."

Right here? Danton knew Gleeon wasn't joking, but if anything works, "Okay then. How about Dualcasting!" Danton had to first charge the MP energy needed for the support aura before releasing the colored light around his body, thus there was some delay before the effect was noticeable. Soon, a dark green aura of light encased Danton's entire body, which would affect his invocation speed for more magical spells and speed them up.

"Now then," Gleeon charged MP energy as well, though the scale of power was noticeably different. Before he even said anything, Gleeon's eyes began to glow slightly with a radiant light, the effect of a powerful spell charging for Leray skills. As he aimed his open hand towards Danton, Gleeon chanted the name of his spell to ensure success. "Time to shut this down, with Horrordime!"

Danton was surprised just from the name of the unfamiliar spell, but in less than two seconds, the aura around his entire body flicked quickly until the light died down entirely. Just like that, Dualcasting was rendered useless. It would have taken much longer for that aura to disappear, lasting even longer than usual since Danton wasn't planning to use the aura to invoke additional attack spells anytime soon. "What the? It shut down Dualcast!"

"Of course it did," Gleeon commended. "Horrordime is the ultimate anti-aura spell there is, giving me the power to shut down opposing support auras, no matter which spell causes it."

"Any aura? It can stop any aura from any spell?"

It seems like a normal reaction for Danton to be surprised. Horrordime is a very difficult spell to master, so its popularity is quite low. "As long as my timing gets there first. However, though you can't see it with the absence of my energy scope, this spell requires a high amount of MP energy to properly function for each use. About thirty percent of my Leray energy is consumed for every time I invoke Horrordime, which is almost three times as much as any cost for an ordinary support aura. Therefore, I have to use this spell carefully, and only stop auras that are truly threatening."

Danton was enticed by the explanation and demonstration. Not only is Horrordime cool, but even that spell has a weakness. "So what about an anti-aura with a cheaper cost?"

Does he not understand how things work? "Okay then. Pull out your saber. And before you do, I'll cast Void Edge." Though Gleeon didn't yell the chant of his own support spell, the casing of dark blue light revealed itself around his body. The shade was much darker than usual, but he was still clearly visible. "Go ahead and strike me a few times. I won't attempt to stop you."

Danton didn't understand the mentality. Why would he be asked to slash his blade through Gleeon? Won't that hurt like hell? With a few hesitations, Danton went for it, using his sword to slash through Gleeon's body several times. As usual, the veil of Leray protection prevented Gleeon's skin from bursting open and taking real time damage. Even with that dark shine of an aura around him, the blade was defiantly causing damage for every hit. However, after six strikes towards Gleeon, Danton felt slower on the next hit, and after that, he felt completely drained. This wasn't the same sensation of moving around for too long. His senses became dull and dizziness set in. This isn't right at all. "What's happening?"

Gleeon could easily move around while inside of this aura, and he explained the situation, ignoring the stings of pain coming from those dry slashes of Danton's metal sword. "I'm used to painful attacks, so naturally it won't bother me much."

"Why do I feel so drained?" Danton was slowly getting a headache as the sensation intensified.

"Oh that? This would be the effects of Void Edge. Void Edge is a support spell that actually affects the opponent instead of its user, though only when applied to the spell user. With its effects active, only costing me ten percent of my own magic, the aura goes to work draining increments of MP energy from any hostile who attacks me by any means of physical force or contact. If you so much as touch this aura with your hand, or take swings at me with even with so much as a long range blaster, your own MP will decline with every single strike you score. I can keep this aura going for about forty-five seconds in battle."

"That's incredible! I've never seen a spell like this one before."

Gleeon knew that his partners were aware of this, but the spell isn't as amazing as Danton thinks. "It might be useful for those who don't know about the spell. No matter what your battling style is, any physical contact made from a weapon or a person from any range will be affected by this aura. However—" with Danton's newfound attention, Gleeon laid waste to the glorification of his own support spell while shutting the one he has active down by himself. "The aura is entirely useless against attack spells that use non-physical magical properties from any range. If you were to launch area spells or Fire Bolts at me non-stop, the only MP you would lose would be that going into your own spells. The aura is useless against ranged magical attacks that don't rely on weapons or physical contact."

"Oh. I guess that's a problem if somebody figures that out."

"Precisely."

Horrordime, Void Edge, even Kafire are amazing auras Gleeon can invoke, but they all have some sort of drawback; everything does. Every single magical spell in existence has some sort of drawback. The ones that don't are simply too weak to make a difference against tougher opponents. Fire Bolt for example is impressive for beginners, but would do nothing against Trujima members, or to Belzer. An area attack, while having a high chance to hit also consumes too much MP energy to get all excited about. Any close range attack can be intercepted whether magic is used or not... "Wait a minute. Does this mean that any tactic has some sort of exploit?"

"I think you finally understand what I've been trying to tell you."

"Huh?"

"It is true that my strategy involves creating my own openings mainly using anti-support auras. But if I rely too much on that strategy alone, people will figure it out and find some way around my battling style, much like you did when you ignored my higher tolerance to pain and continued battling regardless of how things looked. All that facade does for me is make me appear to be tougher."

Mainne whispered, "Gleeon?" just under Vanoss's ability to hear her. They were both listening carefully. Even this much is new coming from him.

"There is a counter maneuver for every single skill or spell that exists. And if you think otherwise, it's only because you haven't discovered it yet."

Gleeon is right, about every word. "Every skill can be exploited."

"Every skill," Gleeon repeated. "This includes Belzer, and perhaps the champion himself. All you have to do is learn how your opponent fights, as fast as you can, and counter their strategy."

So this is how Gleeon fights. He's the brains of this gang, and prefers outsmarting opponents, unlike Mainne and Vanoss. "Like Belzer's Earth Glave and Whirlwind." Earth Glave can be used as an attack and for defense at the same time, but even so, the spell is totally bound to the earth, and doesn't have a high attack radius going upwards. An assault from above would go right around Earth Glave. Whirlwind is impressive too for the same reason, but as long as a spell doesn't pass through Whirlwind, it won't be stopped by the wind. Flame Beam was a mistake after all. With the use of ranged magical attacks, no matter how powerful they are, it still gives plenty of time to think of some way to block or avoid the damage entirely. Spells can be used in multiple ways to create barriers. For example, jumping into the air to avoid earth bound attacks also creates your own vulnerability to be open and defenseless while airborne. "I like the way you think."

"Simple, isn't it?" Gleeon was sure about this now. Danton's strategy is incredibly unique. People keep saying he doesn't have a specific strategy or skill, but it isn't true. He's capable of thinking on his feet when he needs to, and the guy has a mental arsenal of powerful spells that can all be made useful, whether they do damage or prevent damage in combat. "All you need is a touch of training with some new ideas, and you can beat Belzer easily."

"You're right," Danton declared. "But I need to put all of that to work right now." Danton glanced over at Vanoss and Mainne, looking bored as usual. "So, who's going to be my sparing partner?"

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Chapter Theme Shift: Time Machine ~ Dominik A. Hecker

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With all of the promise on their shoulders, Danton trained further between all of the other Trujima members, trying to get stronger, faster, and smarter collectively. Danton wasn't the only one learning things, but he was going to be the one challenging Belzer to a duel once more. The heavy training thus went on for hours with minimal breaks, and by the time Danton fared he learned enough for tomorrow morning, he showed his face again.

"So how is it going?"

Danton and the others glanced to the side, watching while the man approached casually with an uncertain expression on his face. It's Kite, come back to check in. "Better than expected actually." Danton knew there was no reason to hold anything against Kite, though it would have been nice if he were here too. "Your members are stronger than we've realized, and now I'm ready for that rematch."

Kite sighed with a mild grin and a nod. "You never change, you know that?"

Holding a clenched fist up high, Danton revealed his prowess to the Trujima leader. "Of course not. I'm going to challenge the champion of Eldora Tower and win. That way, I'll become strong enough to become the Leray master I've always wanted to be."

"And you really think you can pull it off?"

There he is, doing it again. What is with Kite and his uncertainty? He could stand to have a little more faith. Danton knew he was on the right track. This day has been the most fun he's ever felt in a long time, and tomorrow should be even better. "Come on Kite. If all of us five work together training with each other's weak points and fixing our strong points, I know we can pull it off. Taking Eldora Tower will be a cinch!"

He really isn't kidding. The way he talks his game, and the way he holds himself to such a massive promise, it inspires the other members to do the same in return. Danton is all fired up to take Eldora Tower, there's no doubt about that. What an ambitious nuisance. "In that case, I'd say you have more problems to deal with than Belzer."

"Hm? What do you mean by that?" Are there more gradyents in the way?

"I'm talking about Trujima, and the chain of our strength. I realize that you will soon become more powerful like you've been trying to. However, I'm going to keep training and getting better as well. That way, you won't be able to defeat me in battle. If we're really going through with this, it will be I who sustains the title of champion. You will have to fall under."

What? Mainne didn't understand what Kite was going on about. Is he seriously just letting Danton go along with things now?

Oh, now it makes sense. Kite Fargenst, leader of the Trujima gang; he is a powerful warrior. But someday, he won't be on top. "Of course you know that there can only be one champion, and I'm not backing down from your challenge either."

Kite replied with a confident smile in his lips. It felt like having a battle with Danton again right now would be fun, but now isn't the time just yet. "Now that's what I'm talking about. I'm going to hold you to your words. If you really want to become champion, you'll have to become and remain stronger than I am, but I won't let that happen."

"You're on, Kite. I'm not going to lose either!"

Gleeon also had a surprised expression seeing this. Kite is actually being himself again. No, this is still different from when they first met. He really wants to win and be stronger than Danton all of the sudden... Did Mainne do this? She's the one who spoke about a strong rivalry. But for that to actually affect Kite—

"I'll defeat Belzer tomorrow. You'll see. Then I'll be one step closer to the top."

Mainne couldn't resist the warm feeling this brought back from so long ago. Kite really is coming around now, and it's all because of Danton's persistence. He cares too much about being strong, so naturally, Kite won't stand for Danton being better than him. Eldora Tower; it really is a possibility now.

This isn't about a leaderboard. Kite knew it in his gut. This feeling goes far beyond the Trujima gang he founded long ago. Danton is defiantly a powerful warrior, better than anyone he has ever personally trained, but that won't last when the time to challenge him again returns to them.