Three weeks passed. In that time, I continued to train my body and fighting skills. I had also killed several more Spirit Beasts, obtaining their Spirit Cores. Thanks to having consumed several more Spirit Cores, my physique had been greatly improved, along with the amount and strength of the Ki in my body. However, ever since I had fought that man in the robe, I had been incredibly bored.

"Hmm, maybe it's time I left this forest behind," I thought aloud. "I know this is the cabin that Father made for both of us and where I've lived my entire life, but it's time I move on."

Gathering my things, which wasn't much, I then left the cabin behind me. Taking one last glance backwards, I then headed off through the forest. Due to the wild and fierce aura I gave off, none of the animals came near me for a while. However, about half an hour into my journey, I heard some slight rustling in the underbrush.

"Why don't you just go ahead and come out?" I said loudly. I also summoned my sword into my hand, thought I merely rested the blade against my shoulder. As I watched my surroundings, I saw a small creature I didn't recognize crawl out of a bush.

It looked slightly larger than a squirrel and was covered in pitch black scales. The creature's eyes were bright yellow and looked highly intelligent. It scurried over towards me and stopped right in front of my feet. The tiny creature stared up at me with its large eyes, almost looking like it was trying to seem cute.

"What are you?" I asked, knowing it couldn't respond to me.

I am a pseudodragon, it responded telepathically. But what are you? You don't seem like a beast, but you also don't seem like a human.

"Wow, I wasn't expecting you to be able to actually respond to me," I said, staring in shock at the little scaled animal. "And as to what I am, I don't know. I just always assumed that I was human, like Father. Though, I do know that I was adopted, so it could be that I'm not human."

I see, the pseudodragon replied. Well, if you'd like, I could travel with you. I may not be a true dragon, but I'll still be pretty powerful once I've grown a bit.

"Sure, why not, I could use the company," I said with a shrug. The pseudodragon let out a delighted hiss and crawled up my body. It stopped when it reached my shoulders, perching itself on my left shoulder.

My new friend with me, I began walking again. It wasn't long before I reached one of the barrier mountains surrounding the forest. Looking up the sheer rocky cliff wall facing me, I grit my teeth before shoving my fingers straight into the rock. While it did hurt some, I was able to successfully pierce the rock wall with my fingers.

Doing the same with my other hand, I then hoisted myself up. Repeating this process over and over, I eventually managed to pull myself up to an overlook. Standing up, I looked over the edge to see that I had already managed to climb a little over a hundred feet up the mountain. However, turning around, I saw that I still had most of the way to go.

"So, how exactly am I supposed to get over this mountain?" I thought aloud.

Could I give a suggestion? The little dragon on my shoulder chimed in.

"Uh, sure, go ahead," I said.

Do you know any kind of footwork techniques or movement techniques? It questioned.

"No, I don't. Actually, what are footwork techniques and movement techniques?" I asked.

Hmm, how best to explain...Well, a footwork technique is a martial art technique that helps increase movement speed, mobility, and evasion while in combat, though they can also be used to traverse distances quickly, the pseudodragon began explaining. A movement technique, on the other hand, is mostly used for escaping or evading enemies, or to simply travel long distances quickly, so they're very helpful in situations like this.

"Ah, okay, I see. But I don't know any kind of techniques like that," I replied.

In that case, I can teach you a movement technique I learned once. As a Spirit Beast, I don't need to learn martial arts in order to utilize Ki, but I still picked up some of the basics of a few techniques from my previous owner before his death, the creature told me. It wouldn't be too difficult to teach you what I know.

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"W-wow, that'd be amazing, thank you! And you said martial art techniques allows humans to utilize their Ki? Is that why I've only been able to use my Ki with my sword?" I asked.

I suppose, though that's interesting since you seem somewhat like a human, but not quite, but also like a beast but not quite, my traveling companion replied.

"You keep mentioning that I'm not a beast or that I'm similar to a beast, but what type of beast are you talking about?"

Well, that's the thing. You're so strange and mysterious. You remind me of both a Spirit Beast and a Demonic Beast, but then there's the part of you that feels like a human. However, there's another feeling about you as well, a feeling that's regal and majestic, but also powerful and ferocious. I recognize it, but I can't quite put my claw on what that feeling is, the dragon explained.

"I mean, I am able to safely consume and absorb Spirit Cores without them being refined into pills or elixirs beforehand. Also, instead of it just increasing the amount and potency of my Ki, it also improves my physique, making me stronger and tougher," I told it. The pseudodragon's eyes widened in surprise at this information.

But the violent energy and beast force within the core shouldn't be something you can directly absorb into your body without refining or aid. Not unless your body is naturally able to refine the contents of the core and integrate with your body's own Ki. But only beasts can naturally consume beast cores without any side effects or complications.

"That makes sense, but for some reason, I'm able to consume beast cores. Of course, I've only ever eaten Spirit Cores, so I don't know if I can only consumes Spirit Cores or if I can consume other types of beast cores as well."

Either way, that information should be kept a secret. Humans are incredibly greedy and many of them will do anything for money or power. They could capture you and experiment on you to find out why you're different, in order to replicate it in themselves or others.

"Yeah, I don't want to be experimented on. After all, I'm only ten years old. I've got a lot of life left to live."

You're only ten years old? I just thought you were a small human, not a child. But then, how are you so strong? How were you able to beat my previous owner?

"Wait, the man in the black robe was your previous owner?"

Yes, but do not worry, I have no anger towards you for killing him. First off, he tried to kill you and you killed him in self-defense. The stronger creature won. Secondly, I never really liked him, he always mistreated me.

"Oh, okay, I see. Well, thank you for becoming my companion and being willing to teach me some martial arts."

It was my pleasure. By the way, I do not yet know your name. I am Zinthos. You are?

"My name is Craylad Rawshnick."

The pseudodragon nodded its head in satisfaction. It then unfurled two tiny wings and flew off my shoulder. Landing on the ground in front of me, Zinthos looked me directly in the eyes. Its yellow eyes flared and images flashed through my mind. Once the sensation had passed, I realized that I now knew the basics of the Sonic Footsteps movement technique.

Taking the proper starting stance for the technique, I dashed forward. My speed had increased by several fold, allowing me to actually run straight up the side of the mountain until I could reach another flat surface to stand on. Looking back, I saw that I had crossed a distance of over one and a half hundred feet in an instant.

"Is this the technique that your old owner used to vanish from sight when moving?" I asked Zinthos.

Yes, though he had to train in the technique and learn it to a level beyond just the basic steps to be able to move that fast. It's very impressive that you've already reached a similar level of speed with just the basics, though I'm sure some of that is due to your innately superior physique, Zinthos replied.

Smiling, I was oddly happy being complimented by this small dragon. Readying myself again, I took off at incredible speed. Dashing straight up the side of the mountain, I kept going until I couldn't keep it up anymore. Stopping on another outcrop of rock, I looked up and saw that I was most of the way up the mountain.

Laying on the rock, I gasped for air a little. However, after laying there for just a few minutes, I had already caught my breath and feeling better. Taking some food out of my backpack, I ate a little before standing back up. Stretching, I then took off once again.

This time, however, I was able to reach the peak of the mountain. Looking down, I saw that the other side of the mountain was just as steep and jagged as the side I had just climbed. Taking a deep breath, I then began dashing down. However, as I was running, I lost my balance and began tumbling head over the heels down the mountainside.

Slamming into a flat stretch of rock, I groaned. Staggering to my feet, I looked myself over. There were a few minor bruises, but that was about it. Thankful for my abnormally tough body, I sat down with a groan. Zinthos, who had been flying after me, settled down on my shoulder.

Are you alright? That was quite the tumble, it asked, concern obvious in its mental voice.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine, I just need to sit and rest for a minute," I replied. However, as I sat there, I suddenly heard a familiar screech. A shiver went down my spine when I heard that sound. "Oh, man, it's the phoenix roc! It's not a real phoenix, but due to its bright colors, high intelligence, and unique abilities, it earned that name."

Interesting. What abilities are you referring to? Zinthos asked. I didn't reply, though, because my eyes were glued to the bird-shaped shadow that was growing larger.

"Guess I'm gonna have to fight it," I muttered. Summoning my sword, I readied myself for a fight.