The following day, clouds filled the voids where the sun's rays once seeped through to refresh the earth with life. The Vargrim Pine Forest was dreadfully desolate; that singular glint of light had vanished after the warm sunbeams were veiled by those dark shrouds.
Takeshi stood tall before Orfin, with about eight meters between them, on the bank of the lake he frequently visited. The lake had lost its beauty and luster, turning somber and dark like the rest of the forest.
"I wanted to wait for better conditions for your training, but time is pressing us," Orfin said, his black robe fluttering against the harsh wind.
Takeshi replied immediately, "Don't worry about it. Just start."
After their alliance, they agreed that Orfin would teach Takeshi how to use Aura, even if only on a superficial level, as time was a luxury they didn't have. Takeshi was plagued by thoughts of what the gang might do with his sword. Would they sell it? He didn't know, but Orfin was confident that the time would be enough for Takeshi to succeed.
Orfin closed his eyes, entering a state of deep focus. He took a deep breath and emptied his lungs with a long exhale; even the wind could not break his concentration.
"This?"
The moment Orfin opened his eyes, a light aura erupted from him. It wasn't as intense or crushing as the one he had unleashed against the Revarge monsters; it was calm, stable, and almost warm. After a few seconds, the emission stopped. Orfin raised his hand, a smile on his face as he gradually approached Takeshi.
"Did you feel it?!"
Takeshi nodded. "Yes, but it was much lighter than the one before."
"I did that intentionally."
Orfin stood beside Takeshi as they both looked toward the gloomy lake. Takeshi broke the silence:
"Old man, stop stalling and explain the Aura to me."
A slight grin appeared on Orfin's face. He pointed toward the lake and said, "This lake, despite having water, has a core that is gloomy because of external conditions. Its water has turned dark. But when those external conditions—like these dark clouds—vanish and the sun shines upon it, the water becomes clear and bright."
Takeshi stared at him without moving his head. He wanted to interrupt, but he let Orfin finish.
"We can call the lake the 'body,' and the water inside that gives it life and stability is the Aura. The external atmosphere is the life a person has lived, along with their emotions."
He sighed and pointed to the bottom of the lake. "That is why some believe Aura is a spiritual energy that accompanies the body; when a person dies, their aura vanishes as soon as their heart stops beating."
He turned to Takeshi, who asked, "Do you mean—?"
Takeshi didn't finish, but Orfin already understood. "Yes. All sentient beings in this world possess an aura surrounding their bodies. Every human has it."
Takeshi remained silent, diving into his thoughts.
"However, the intensity and quantity of the Aura change with the environment the person lives in. In other words, its change is linked to emotions. We can divide the Aura into two basic components:
Yin: Increases with positive emotions like happiness and tranquility.
Ki: Unlike Yin, it is linked to negative emotions like pain and sadness, and it is difficult to develop.
These two components form the Aura. By using them, four types of Aura can be created. What matters to you right now is the Yin Aura, in which you use 100% Yin."
Takeshi scratched his chin. He understood that Yin and Ki increase with experience. He asked, "Why must I learn this specific type?"
"Simply because everyone possesses at least a small portion of Yin," Orfin answered. "While lineage determines the density of Aura, which can be increased with training, genetics play a role in the speed of mastery. But don't worry, I will teach you everything I can in record time."
Orfin gave Takeshi a wide smile. "Now, let's get you ready to use your Aura!"
Moments later, Takeshi stood ten meters away from Orfin. From a distance, Orfin raised his hand and shouted:
"Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Ignore everything around you except my voice—but don't let it make you lose your focus entirely!"
Takeshi obeyed. He closed his eyes and entered a pitch-black void of concentration. He filled his lungs until he felt his ribcage might burst.
"Now, try to think of your heart emitting a warm energy. An energy that reaches every inch of your body. An energy of warmth, strength, and comfort."
Takeshi visualized it. A golden-yellow dot swimming in total darkness. Suddenly, the dot grew into a sphere, then distorted and spread to every part of his body. At first, he thought this was merely a figment of his imagination.
Orfin shouted, "Now imagine that energy exiting your body! Imagine it erupting like lava from a volcano!"
Takeshi's muscles contracted as he visualized the energy. That yellow power desperately wanted to escape. In an instant, it seeped out—not as a thought, but as a pure white, nearly transparent aura. It emitted a slight breeze that was barely felt against the natural winds.
The Aura was dense, vibrating like crashing sea waves. It nearly swallowed Orfin, who could feel it even from the outside. It wasn't harmful; it provided a light pressure that might unsettle the heart if it were stronger.
Seeing this, Orfin's smile widened. His eyes grew large as he felt this slight aura, which didn't compare to his own, but was remarkable for a first attempt.
After only two seconds, Takeshi's strength failed him. His aura vanished, and his mouth fell open in shock. He fell to his knees, gasping for air.
"This... this feeling... it's real!!"
Takeshi panted, struggling to stand. His energy was completely drained. "But it's weak... I couldn't maintain it for long."
Orfin replied with a hint of hesitation, "Ye—Yes! You did well regardless. It will grow stronger with time."
Those were the words he spoke, but his internal thoughts were entirely different:
'On his first try! He successfully manifested his aura! He's never done this before... Takeshi, you! You are gifted! But your talent needs polishing. Merge your gift with hard work, and you will surpass me in no time!'
He stepped toward Takeshi, his thoughts racing. 'Don't be like me, a commoner who gained power only through hard work. And don't be like those nobles who got it through royal blood... Blend them together and forge your talent with your own effort!!'
At the same time, in the City of Chaos, Galleon, a carriage drawn by two exhausted, staggering horses entered the main gate. The sound of its wheels was louder than the thunder above.
Greid, the handsome blue-haired man, was waiting. As the carriage pulled up, he spoke with a cold voice that hid a layer of indirect contempt:
"Welcome back, Yamikaji. You arrived quickly! I see you have performed your task successfully."
Yamikaji jumped from the carriage, his face pale with exhaustion and anger. His fists were clenched as he glared at Greid. "And how would you know that?"
Greid gave a fake laugh and looked at the carriage. "That aura can be felt from miles away. It seems you didn't rest or stop through the night. It's clear on your face, and on those exhausted horses you showed no mercy to..."
He crossed his arms and mocked, "I should probably accompany you so no one intercepts you and takes the sword, especially in your current state. You understand the position our gang would be in, don't you?"
Yamikaji's eyes reddened as he gnashed his teeth. He raised his right hand. "Curse you, you bastard!"
Brown tree trunks erupted from the ground, racing toward Greid. Joso and Fard shouted from the carriage, "Boss, stop!"
The trunks stopped just inches away. At first, the lackeys thought Yamikaji had stopped his own attack, yet the killing intent was still vivid in his eyes.
Suddenly, everyone felt a piercing chill. The temperature dropped below freezing. Yamikaji's trunks froze solid. Yamikaji said, shivering, "You...!"
Solid ice had encased half of Greid's face, covering his left eye and jaw. His slight smile remained.
"Attempting to attack a fellow member without cause... I'll overlook it this once," Greid said. "But if this happens again, your heart will freeze before you die!"