In the main hall, Elder Pybara observed the eager light in Rhode's eyes. The Saiyan's desire for knowledge was a palpable force, a stark and refreshing contrast to the destructive impulses of his race. It was a sincerity that had earned him this audience.
"You may begin learning our techniques," Pybara stated, and Rhode's controlled composure gave way to a flicker of pure, undiluted anticipation. This was the core purpose of his journey to Yardrat.
"These so-called techniques or miraculous abilities," Pybara began, his voice taking on the cadence of a lecturer, "are born from the advanced application of Spirito. They are not random gifts, but the fruits of deep cultivation and study. Theoretically, with sustained practice and intellectual diligence, any form of technique can be realized."
His expression grew solemn, imbued with a profound reverence. "This, of course, is theory. Some races are born with innate affinities. Yet, the most powerful techniques carry great responsibility. They must be approached with respect, for their misuse can unravel the very fabric of order."
He gestured broadly, encompassing their world. "Consider Instant Transmission. It is a fundamental skill here, yet its use is restricted to our planet. Unleashed without constraint across the cosmos, it would breed chaos. Techniques of prophecy, mind-reading, manipulation of time and space… their potential for harm is immense. Power must be matched by wisdom."
Rhode listened intently, his mind already racing ahead. If techniques are advanced applications of ki, born from study... then could my own theories be realized? The thought was electrifying. But first, he needed a foundation—a deep understanding of established principles to fuel his own innovations.
"Rhode," Pybara asked, pulling him from his thoughts, "is there a specific technique you wish to learn first?"
Rhode had done his homework through conversations with Hasky. The array of possibilities was dazzling. "Elder Pybara," he said, ambition clear in his tone, "if possible, I would like to learn them all."
A dry, rumbling chuckle escaped the Elder. "Heh. Each technique is a lifetime of study. To attempt all is to master none. I advise focus. Learn one, perhaps a few. Even with your talent, this will demand significant time. Choose wisely."
Rhode nodded, accepting the wisdom. Arrogance had no place here. He closed his eyes briefly, running through the catalog of Yardratian arts, weighing utility against his own goals.
After a moment of silence, he met Pybara's gaze, his decision made. "Instant Transmission. Forced Spirit Fission. The Recovery Technique. The Multi-Form Clone Technique. And Giantification. I will focus on these five."
His reasoning was swift and tactical. Instant Transmission was essential for mobility, a perfect complement to his own Super Instant Transmission. Forced Spirit Fission was a strategic necessity—a direct counter to absorbers and fusion-based foes. The Recovery Technique was paramount, not just for healing, but as a cornerstone for his own theoretical explorations. The Clone Technique and Giantification represented the pinnacle of Spirito manipulation over form and mass, their principles invaluable for expanding his understanding.
He presented his list not as a demand, but as a petition, his expression earnest. The true study was about to begin.
The logic behind Rhode's choices was sound, and Elder Pybara could see the strategic mind at work behind each selection. The Saiyan wasn't just collecting powers; he was assembling a toolkit, each technique serving a specific purpose in a grander scheme of survival and capability. The glint of deeper, personal research in Rhode's eyes when he mentioned the Recovery Technique did not go unnoticed.
Yet, the ambition to master five such profound arts was staggering. A flicker of astonishment passed over Pybara's serene features.
"I will teach you," the Elder conceded, his tone grave. "But mastery is not guaranteed, nor is the timeline a short one. The Recovery Technique alone took me lifetimes to refine."
In his estimation, even with Rhode's monstrous talent, a decade would be a conservative guess to truly internalize this quintet of skills. The Saiyan was aiming for the summit of five different mountains simultaneously.
"Just point me to the path, Elder. I will walk it."
Rhode's confidence was unwavering, not from arrogance, but from a resource Pybara could not yet fathom. The Hyperbolic Time Chamber, granted by Porunga's wish, was his ultimate ace—a year of study for every passing day. Time, the most precious commodity for any learner, was one he intended to bend to his will.
"So be it," Pybara said, his curiosity now fully engaged. He dismissed Hasky with a nod, the training ground falling into a silence reserved for master and dedicated student. "We begin with the foundation: Instant Transmission."
It was the logical starting point—a technique of Ki movement, a principle upon which more complex manipulations could be built.
"Good."
With that single word of acceptance, Rhode's most intensive training commenced. Days bled into weeks, weeks into months, under the patient, exacting tutelage of the ancient Yardratian master. The principles were dissected, the energy flows visualized and practiced until they became as natural as breathing.
Then, Rhode would vanish for periods, retreating to a pocket dimension where time itself accelerated. Within the stark, white infinity of the Time Chamber, a year of relentless focus, trial, error, and breakthrough would pass, while on Yardrat, only a day had gone by.
A single year on Planet Yardrat's calendar slipped past. To the casual observer, little had changed. But for Rhode, who had experienced the compounded, focused time of centuries within his personal temporal forge, the change was nothing short of metamorphic.
The youth who had arrived with immense power and nascent control now stood with an aura of deep, settled mastery. The earth-shattering change was not in his power level, but in the profound, silent authority with which he now commanded the very fabric of energy and form. The first leg of his journey on Yardrat was complete, and the foundation for something extraordinary had been laid.
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