Arc coming to an end. Another short chapter before a minor fight.
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Akiza woke up. Serph was again next to her, sleeping with his head on her legs and watching over her. There was someone coming.
"So you're finally awake," said Kongming.
"Yes," said Akiza. "How long was I out?"
"A while," said Kongming. "It is almost time for the fog to lift. That means at least a year has already passed since you entered."
"We made it, we survived the year," said Akiza.
"Congratulations," said Kongming. "But you must be careful."
Akiza was confused. "Of what?"
"You still have traces of Dark Energy in you, in addition to that, someone infused your body with Divine Energy as well," explained Kongming. "The two normally clash in your body, but they have not started to. If it ever does happen, take this."
Kongming handed Akiza a colored that was blue, red, yellow, white, and blue.
"What is this?" asked Akiza.
"This is a Five Elements Pill," said Kongming. "If a time arises when either you or a friend cannot handle Divine or Dark Energy in their body, this will forcibly dilute the energy, giving you more time to develop the Divine Energy needed to counteract the Dark Energy."
"Thank you Master," said Akiza.
"One more thing, hand me your West Wind Academy Card," said Kongming.
Akiza took out the card and handed it to Kongming. Kongming applied his Internal Energy to it. Akiza looked at it.
Name: Akiza Himura
Age: 8
Element: Fire
Rank: Apprentice
Room: X-221
Achievements: #1 Arena (Apprentice), Grandmaster's Approval
"What is this for?" asked Akiza.
"This will allow you to get into any restricted area in West Wind Academy and a little bit of influence over the staff," said Kongming. "I suggest you visit the Vault. There's something in there that I want you to have, just follow your senses to find it."
"Thank you Master," Akiza said again.
"But I have a request of you," said Kongming.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
"What is it?" asked Akiza.
"To the North is a Corrupted Land that is being managed by an Immortal like me," said Kongming. "The Immortal built a system in which people are encouraged to help keep reduce the effects of Dark Energy there. Within that land is a Demon Lord that was sealed inside. I must ask of you as a Hero, please defeat the Demon Lord and purify the Corrupted Land."
"I will see what I can do," said Akiza.
"Thank you Hero," said Kongming.
"It is about time for you two to leave as well," said Kongming. "The fog is about to lift."
A while later, the fog did lift. Akiza and Serph felt numerous Internal Energies appear. "That feeling must be members of West Wind Academy," said Serph. "Let's go."
The two headed towards the origin point of the sources of energy.
"Now that I think about it, you feel different," said Akiza.
"You do too," said Serph. "Did you awaken to Divine Energy too?"
"Yes," said Akiza. "I learned that I have both Divine and Dark Energy now thanks to the woman in purple and Akira."
"You're a cheater!" said Serph. "You have so many Spirits now too!"
"Why didn't you get more Spirits then?" asked Akiza.
"I was too busy worrying about you!" shouted Serph.
"More like you spent a year getting your bottom kicked by Spirits while waiting for Kongming to save you," Akiza countered.
Serph had no response to that. He did indeed lose many times and every time Kongming had to save him.
"By the way, did you do anything strange to me while I was asleep?" asked Akiza.
"N-n-n-no," said Serph. "Only what Akira asked me to."
"That sounds like you did something strange you pervert," said Akiza.
There they saw the Gate. It was a new one and in a different location. Had Kongming not given them the medicine and the training, they probably would not have been able to find it. But the two had grown immensely since they arrived. Akiza had two additional Spirits and reach the Lord Stage. Serph had acquired a Spirit and reached the Lord Stage as well.