[ Present Time ]

  Even in the middle of the unrest back in Tristate City, the base was still packed with a lot of soldiers today, as it was training day for the Mobilizers. However, some select people were assigned patrol duty in Tristate City and some were even assigned damage control.

  It was also rigorous training day for the young boy, aiming to become stronger to never need any help from the Great Kamisword himself. 2 months of rigorous training, helped by Jumkou and Sachiel.

  The Great Kamisword had personally ordered some of the Mobilizers to patrol around the city and maintain order, but their numbers were stretched thin. He knew it was time to go back but decided to complete his training for the day.

  Sachiel folded his arms as he looked at the military preparing to take off to their positions. Some soldiers gave a quick bow before leaving, a gesture Sachiel would nod to. After a quick talk with one of the soldiers on patrol duty, he got back to training Flynn.

  "Keep at it, Shotaro. Being tranquil during battle frees you of any worry and fogs of thought. For if you are calm, you increase your likelihood of winning your battles. To an extent, it might be with absolute certainty." He said, folding his arms again as he looked at Flynnigan meditating.

  "Tranquil..."

  "A calm mind equates a calm Soul. Watch." Sachiel manifested a weapon on his finger. A simple but elegant blade, gleaming under the artificial daylight.

  "The connection to your Soul is important. They bend to your will like slaves, but you are also a slave to their wishes. You do not want it to turn into a symbiosis. You want it to be a mutualism."

  Flynnigan opened his eyes, watching the sword Sachiel had manifested. He realized that the blue sword was starting to turn red. It was vibrating vigorously, risking to explode under it's own pressure.

  "If there is an irregularity with the connection to your Soul, or if you fail to control it..."

  The sword shattered in pieces.

  "It will put both you and your Soul in danger."

  "..." Flynnigan watched the shards disintegrate into the air, a silent lesson in the stakes of failure.

  "But... wouldn't anyone crack under pressure? Especially when the heat is tight?"

  "This training is paramount to your survival. Control over your Soul is the only way you're going to survive."

  .:. "Hypocritical, Sachiel. You fail to follow your own words." .:.

  He ignored it. For now, the presence in the back of his head would be a background static, a nuisance he had learned to tune out during the day, even if it screamed at night.

  "I see..."

  Asheera was there as well. A month has followed since the assassination attempt, but that hasn't stopped her from performing her duties as Second-Leader of Testharia. Her wound had healed, thanks to Soraya. She was still given a warning to not exert herself physically for the next few months, which included fighting. A direct order from Soraya, with the backing of Sachiel.

  That didn't mean she couldn't observe.

  But she observed the wrong guy. She was supposed to look at Flynnigan Shotaro, how far he got into his training in just 2 months... She was looking at Sachiel.

  "Is Myrcella here too?" Asheera asked.

  "Myrcella must be in the tower." Sachiel answered, quickly. He turned to Flynn, trying to continue the lesson but her presence lingered. There was clearly a distorted connection between them. Their long pauses and quick-witted answers were awkward. The passive-aggressiveness grinded each other's gears.

  "Is there something, Asheera?" He couldn't ignore it anymore.

  "No. I'll go check up on her. You can proceed with... whatever you're doing with him. Good luck, Flynnigan."

  She acknowledged him for a moment before walking away to her personal transport vehicle, a shuttle comparable in style to Sachiel's. Sachiel stared as the shuttle left.

  "Man, she really doesn't like me."

  "Why do you think so?"

  "A feeling..."

  Sachiel smiled, unfolding his arms. "Feelings are the driving factor of thought process. For a calm and tranquil mind to appear even in dire circumstances, you must block your emotions out."

  Flynnigan was deep in thought. "But... don't feelings give people reason to fight? I thought that was the point?"

  "A weapon can only serve one purpose. To kill." The words were cold, detached. The kind of lesson you'd expect from a king who has sent men to die.

  "That's something a villain would say."

  "I've sent thousands of people to their deaths. It is my duty as Kamisword to bear the weight of my words and actions. And the deaths of my people is on my shoulders. I dwell not on their death but rather remain grateful for their service."

  Sachiel had a look in his eyes. One Flynnigan had never seen before, even when he was sparring with him. For a small moment, he saw the void under his gaze flicker. In that flicker, Flynn saw the soul of a king with the weight of galaxies on his shoulders, and a loneliness so profound it felt like a physical chill.

  The boy fell silent.

  Flynnigan snapped back to when Kaioshun's henchmen attacked him in his town. When it happened, he entered in a zen-like state that allowed him to dodge and weave anything coming to him.

  He become stronger, stronger than anyone could've imagined. That ensured his survival, he wished to perform that once more.

  Maybe that's the innate power he is trying to search from deep within. An unquantifiable source of energy that he is not aware of, yet feels it in every dream, every move he makes.

  That was the thing about Flynn. His ability wasn't one he could consciously activate.

  .:. It's so messed up. I should've been killed there. .:.

  "Emotions transform into physically perceived phenomenon that enemies can exploit. The calmness, the quietness... They shield your mind and your soul from being manipulated." Sachiel said, looking at Flynn now. "Focus."

  .:. "You sound like a fool, Sachiel. This kid will die on the battlefield because of your teachings." .:.

  .:. You've felt it too, Nunri. There is something you know about this kid that I do not. .:.

  .:. "... That boy will kill you." .:.

  .:. Nunri, you always tell the truth to me but this is the first time you've lied. Does this boy scare you? .:.

  .:. "... Perhaps, I am not sure." .:.

  Sachiel clapped his hands, making Flynnigan snap out of his own thoughts.

  "Are you ready for a spar?"

  "A spar?" Flynn's eyes lit up for a bit. A chance to see if he improved. But at the same time, he was scared to fight the Great Kamisword. This is like going against a god. It's insane.

  Sachiel got into his basic combat stance. "It will be an easy spar. No gimmicks. But... you will have to think fast."

  "...Think fa-?"

  Sachiel left his feet from the ground quick. In just a blink of an eye, he was in front of Flynnigan. His face blocked the sunlight that Flynn was enjoying from the other side. He went for a single casual punch, already dealing with him.

  "OW-"

  Flynnigan was on the ground at the same time Sachiel's feet met it.

  "Feel your Soul, Flynnigan. Your Soul will guide you."

  Flynnigan coughed. "The only thing I can feel... is that p-punch..."

  "In battle, the feeling of pain will not matter much. Your Soul will."

  Sachiel darted off the ground, going for a kick this time.

  Flynnigan tried to block it but the kick was so strong that it still made him stumble back. Sachiel was not hesitant, going for punches and kicks that were easy to dodge.

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  Sachiel is a rough teacher when it came to physical evaluations. This is how soldiers became full-fledged warriors that were hard to win against. Ramiel was trained by Sachiel, Myrcella and Asheera were too. They are strong people.

  Flynnigan collapsed onto the ground - out of it and panting. He couldn't take another breath before Sachiel stomped the ground, putting Flynnigan on two feet again.

  "...I'm so out of it..."

  "It is part of training." Sachiel manifested a weapon from his hand. He extended his hand and turned his weapon by 90 degrees, the point aiming at Flynnigan.

  "Perhaps a little push will prove to be efficient."

  "P-push?"

  Flynnigan looked at the weapon.

  .:. Wait... WAIT, JUST WHAT KIND OF PUSH IS THIS!? .:.

  Sachiel did not hesitate even one bit, his kingly but void eyes remained unclear of his actions. He discharged the weapon toward him. He knows that pushing people to a tight corner forces them to think strategically. As he learned this in training himself when Azrael trained him.

  .:. Is he going to kill me!? .:.

  "Connect with your Soul."

  The blade flew through the air like a missile.

  Flynnigan stood frozen in place. He needed to do something... but couldn't move.

  .:. Screw it! .:.

  Flynnigan caught the weapon's hilt - eliminating all of it's momentum. But it was so heavy that it was pulling him down. He kneeled, struggling. He then let go, taking a deep breath.

  "Interesting decision."

  Flynnigan, irritated, shot up to his feet with new determination, ignoring the burn in his muscles and the throbbing in his skull.

  "I had no other choice! Not when a freaking weapon is out to kill me."

  "But there was a choice." The weapon shattered in pieces beneath Flynnigan's feet. "Tranquility allows for freedom of choice. You were panicking there."

  "It was a fight-or-flight situation!" Flynnigan sighed, calming down. "Right... I won't panic this time." He got into stance again, ready. His form was somehow better this time. "I'm still not confident... about what I'm doing."

  "Confidence is not built in a day."

  "..."

  Flynnigan went silent, waiting for Sachiel to launch himself towards him. A few seconds later, the wind around Sachiel moved along with him, a little shockwave that pushed the dirt upward as he kicked the ground.

  Flynnigan put his arms up to block his punch.

  Sachiel smiled, seeing him progress quickly. He went for a right hook, an unprecedented style.

  .:. Strafe right, Flynn! .:.

  Flynn miraculously avoided the right hook, albeit barely. That gave him a bit of a confidence boost.

  .:. D-damn! I avoided the Great Kamisword's hook! .:.

  Sachiel was still going for basic punches.

  "You are gaining momentum, excellent." He said, before roundhouse kicking him. It was blocked out yet forced Flynnigan back, making him stumble.

  .:. That one is really tough. .:.

  Sachiel made it gradually harder to dodge his attacks. He took one step forward to got for a low kick to knock him off balance.

  Flynnigan tripped over.

  .:. Recover! .:.

  Flynnigan quickly pressed his right hand on the ground, performing a mini roll for quick recovery. He was on two feet again, putting his hands up to remain in stance.

  Sachiel decided to change his style to Raum Kunst, clearing the 10 meter distance in just 0.0001 second, one-inch punching him to the ground.

  It hurt.

  "G-" He dropped to the ground but quickly got back up. "That hurt!"

  "You can dodge and continue weaving, but that will prolong imminent danger. Retaliation is also defense."

  "You want me to retaliate?"

  Sachiel nodded.

  Sachiel went in for a powerful strike, moving faster than the eye could see.

  .:. Crap, crap! That is fast! I can't think about this! I will go down! .:.

  But if there's one thing Flynn learned, it's to empty the mind and let the instinct take over. .:. Alright, Mr. Eria. Offense is the best defense. Like this! .:.

  Sachiel went for a simple punch. Flynnigan intercepted this by wrapping his arm around his, elbowing his face and then kicking his arm down to the ground.

  "Hm-" Sachiel jumped up, going for an unavoidable kick.

  Flynnigan swung his fist toward his kick. Thought a very avoidable swing, there were tons of Soul-Energy put behind the punch.

  Sachiel was pushed back by the raw force from the swing. But only by a couple meters. That alone gave Sachiel a reason to be pleased. A boy with no prior fighting experience or knowledge in martial arts can generate that much power. He re-launched himself, moving swiftly and catching an opening on Flynnigan's right hand side.

  Going for a low punch to the stomach, it would surely put Flynnigan out of commission for now.

  However.

  ...

  .:. Crap. .:.

  Flynnigan disrupted Sachiel's flow by moving faster than him - resulting in him catching his fist. Knowing he did that, he let go, letting the punch go through.

  "OW- AH- WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?" He clutched his stomach, breathing heavily.

  "You sure are a fast learner." He smiled.

  .:. D-did I really do that? Move faster than him? .:.

  Flynnigan looked at his own hands, shaking them to see if he still had control. He did, but he was extremely tired. The pain didn't bother him that much now.

  "I felt the amount of Soul-Energy you were outputting in that single punch. I've noticed what you're grappling with." Sachiel said, wiping the dust off his clothes.

  "..."

  "You exert too much power into your punches, to the point you do not have control over it. The very same thing happened when you took a hold of my sword back in the tower. Beware of this. You do not want to accidentally kill a comrade on the battlefield with an unintended move."

  Sachiel's voice was calm, analytical.

  "...Right..."

  .:. That was too close. I really need to know how to control my power... Had I not let Mr. Eria's punch connect, he would've assumed that I do know how to fight. But I have no idea what I'm doing. If I tell him that I feel like my body is fighting for me, it would be unbelievable. .:.

  "Let's call it a day, Shotaro." Sachiel announced, turning around to walk away. "Good work today."

  Sachiel patted his shoulder. Flynn nodded, forcing a weak smile. The muscles in his face ached with the effort. His whole body was screaming for rest. He watched Sachiel walk toward a set of monitors overseeing the training grounds, where a group of Mobilizer officials were waiting for him. The Great Kamisword's presence seemed to suck the energy out of the very air, leaving Flynn feeling cold and isolated despite the midday sun.

  "Mr. Eria, where is the catering!?"

  "Inside of the base, head right and then go forward!" Sachiel pointed in the direction of a large, metallic building behind them. As some of the soldiers started to head off for lunch, he continued.

  "You there," Sachiel called out to a stern-looking Mobilizer captain who was about to walk off with her squad. The woman, her silver hair tied back in a severe bun, immediately stopped and turned.

  "Yes, Great Kamisword?"

  "Ready a convoy. I must return to the tower immediately."

  -

  Asheera was inside the base, getting herself some grub while also looking after Myrcella for her first training day in the Mobilizers Base in so long. Myrcella was actually accompanied by both Maduk and Marin, as the 3 needed some respite while the tower was still under strict lockdown protocols.

  The low hum of conversation and the clatter of cutlery was a good contrast to the military drill noises outside. Asheera overheard Myrcella talking about how her rival was here.

  "So, my rival is here too? Great! I would love to fight him sometime!"

  She could only refer to Flynnigan Shotaro.

  Flynnigan was trying to get food from a Testharian vending machine that he didn't know how to operate. Asheera noticed him struggling but didn't really want to help him. Asheera was in enough scrutiny with Sachiel, and interacting with this stranger may have repercussions for her political standing.

  "Hmph..."

  Asheera walked over to Flynnigan, meeting him face-to-face. She tried to fake a smile, which turned into a slight grimace. Flynn saw her coming. .:. OH CRAP- .:. He tensed, expecting another withering glare or a dismissal. He was exhausted and in no mood for a confrontation. He started pushing random buttons down to downplay his stress.

  "You push that button and then select the food you...................." Asheera pointed to the big red button that said 'Start' in Testharian, but Flynnigan kept pushing random buttons.

  "I knew that! I'm just deciding what I want!"

  "...Oh, alright. You know... if you keep pushing random buttons the vending machine will assume it's getting robbed and-"

  The vending machine shut down.

  "...That."

  "..."

  The silence was agonizing, broken only by the distant whine of a starfighter engine being prepped outside. The air between them felt thick with unspoken judgment.

  "...My food... MY FOOD!" Flynnigan Shotaro, the Call of the Gods... was stunned, collapsing against the vending machine in total shock. He leaned against the vending machine, as if begging this piece of hardware to give him the food he so wanted. A moment later, the machine vibrated.

  "HMPH!" Asheera roundhouse kicked the vending machine, and it miraculously came back to life. It's so stupid.

  "..."

  "Don't push random buttons this time now." She stepped back after pushing the red button.

  "...Yes, Ma'am..." Flynn whispered, now scared to even make another mistake in front of her. Asheera's stern expression softened for a fleeting instant, a flicker of exasperation replacing her usual coldness.

  "Hmph."

  She turned away to return to her table, but Flynnigan spoke again.

  "...Why are you here?"

  Asheera's eyes widened a little bit but hid it quickly. "Come again?"

  "I said, why are you here? You don't talk to me... You don't look me in the eye and suddenly you helped me. I get that you don't really have the best opinion of me but..."

  She stood there for a second. "... You're the guest." She said simply, walking back to her table where Maduk and Marin were. But she stopped in her tracks, feeling something ominous rising from Flynnigan.

  "Do you hate me?"

  "...Flynnigan, please do not raise such stupid assumptions at a time like this." Asheera said, a hint of her professional, Second-Leader-self seeping back for a moment.

  "You can cut the act, Ms. Eria. That kinda stuff can be seen through. I'm not a genius or an all-seeing God but I can tell that you don't like me, you don't like Jumkou and even Sachiel."

  "I said, keep those assumptions to yourself." Asheera walked back. "Sachiel training you is none of my concern. Though him neglecting his duties as the Great Kamisword will bite him back in the future."

  Myrcella, Maduk, and Marin were watching the interaction from afar. Myrcella was giggling.

  "She's scaring the poor kid!" Myrcella whispered to Marin, who was trying her hardest to not burst out laughing.

  "Yer' 14 years ol', Myrcella! Da kid is 19!" Marin retorted back. "Yer' in for a shocker when you fight 'em!"

  The tension rised next to the vending machine.

  "I want to be clear with you." Flynnigan stepped forward. "You don't like that he's facing his attention towards me? Fine. But you don't have to hate me over it."

  "I cannot believe what I am hearing right now." Asheera tried to walk back again but Flynnigan stopped her.

  "I'm sorry to say this but the riots right now shouldn't even be half of what you should be concerned about. The world is in danger. Sachiel knows that and that's why he needs me."

  "He needs no one, you fool!" Since the assassination, Asheera gets angrier faster. It's like the pent-up anger she has is a ticking time bomb, ready to explode.

  "Get it through your thick foreign skull. The more Sachiel neglects the state of our government, the more the people will rebel. I hope you know what happens if another civil war were to happen. If our 'Great Kamisword' does nothing and provides nothing for the people, we're long gone and handed over to the hands of either pro-Lantisuls or the Dark Intrinium!" She put emphasis on the last words.

  "It is because of you and Jumkou that he became fixated on a fairy tale you spit around proclaiming it's divine intervention. You are not God, Flynnigan Shotaro. You're a kid thrown in an otherwise unlucky setting."

  Flynnigan stood his ground. He might not be a fighter like Sachiel, but he has been learning to stand for what he believed in. Even if it's against the Second-Leader of an entire planet.

  "I came to this planet without asking for any of this. I didn't want to be the 'Call of the Gods', but someone out there does."

  "Who, Sachiel?"

  "Yes!"

  Asheera scoffed, the rage inside her building. She laughed it off. "You don't know him like I do."

  "You don't know him like I do either. Because deep down he's still fighting for Testharia with every bit of his heart, Ms. Eria... If you can't see it any other way then I don't know what to tell you."

  "What would an outsider like you know!?"

  Maduk, Marin and Myrcella turned back to see the confrontation escalate. Myrcella, no longer laughing.

  "You've only been here for 2 months and suddenly you know everything about us!?"

  "Hey! What the hell is the problem!?"