Chapter 10: A Lesson in Precision

  Ray

  "The Elthias family is one of the oldest and most influential royal families in existence, known for their immense wealth and control over vast territories. We've been in their territory all along, a fact that underscores the danger and significance of our situation. Its leader and strongest member is King Albert Elthias. Years ago, he and his eldest son had a falling out, leading Marshall Elthias to abandon the kingdom and create the organization we fought. Marshall is a blessing stealer, much like me. A blessing stealer can absorb and permanently acquire the blessings of others, making them incredibly powerful and versatile, but also feared and mistrusted. One of the blessings he stole, Second Life, saves him from death once a month. He spent the past month indulging in drinking and women, meaning the blessing would’ve been active during our attack. So yes, he’s alive," I explained to my group as we made our way toward the Elthias capital.

  I paused for a moment before adding, "That information came from the muscular man. He traded it to escape, bartering his knowledge for his freedom—while my curse had control of me."

  Taki

  When we began our journey, Ray declared it was time to train. He split us into pairs for practice. Akira and Maki, both skilled in close combat, sparred to refine their unique fighting styles. Benjiro teamed up with Selia to gather resources. While doing so, Benjiro worked to expand the range of his sensory blessing, Wayves. That left me with Ray.

  My blessing isn’t particularly unique—I can manipulate water. Still, the first thing Ray told me was: “Your blessing is special, Taki. You have the potential to become incredibly strong.”

  I stared at him in confusion. “Really? I don’t see how.”

  “I’ll make it simple for you, don’t worry.” He picked up his sword and added, “What makes a sword great?”

  I shrugged. “The sharpness? How solid it is?”

  “That’s a reasonable answer, but not quite the best one.” He walked to a tree and sliced through it with deliberate precision, demonstrating the movement with care and control.

  Then, picking up a sturdy stick, he carved it into the shape of a wooden sword. Returning to another tree, he performed the same slicing motion with the stick. The tree fell just as cleanly.

  “How did you do that?” I asked, astonished.

  “Come closer,” he instructed. “Unfortunately, talent can’t come from mere training. If you’re not born gifted, others will surpass you.” As I approached, I noticed the second cut was cleaner than the first, even though it had been made with a wooden stick.

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  “Does that mean I’m destined to be a great swordsman?” I asked, my excitement bubbling over.

  He shook his head. “No. But you have the potential to do something even I cannot. Do you remember what I told you first?”

  “That my blessing is special?”

  “Exactly. It’s special because it suits you perfectly. Hold out your hands.”

  I obeyed, and he called Benjiro over to do the same. “Do you notice the difference?”

  I nodded, confused. “Benjiro’s hands have subtle, natural tremors. Mine stay perfectly still and controlled.”

  “Your entire body is incredibly stable, not just your hands. That’s a rare gift. Combine that with your water manipulation, and you could create something extraordinary. Water can be as sharp as any blade when controlled with precision.”

  I nodded, determination sparking within me.

  “Now, use your blessing. Imagine the sharpest blade possible and cut that tree,” he directed.

  Closing my eyes to focus, I took a deep breath, feeling the energy flow through me as I summoned a water blade. The cool, fluid weapon shimmered like glass in my grip. My hand, steady and controlled, guided the blade with precision as I slashed at the tree, the sound of slicing water resonating sharply in the air. When I opened my eyes, the cut was astonishing—cleaner than even Ray’s.

  “Great job!” he said, clapping. Embarrassed, I turned away.

  “Look at what you did,” he added.

  I rushed to the tree and marveled at the perfect cut. From that moment, my training intensified. I practiced forming precise water blades and attacking with accuracy. Ray spent most of his time meditating or training alone but always checked on my progress.

  Ray

  Five days later, I challenged Taki to a one-on-one fight. Her improvement was evident, and she was confident, even cocky. The others gathered to watch, curious to see both her progress and my fighting style.

  I started with my sword and enhanced body blessing, deliberately limiting myself. Taki summoned two long water swords, slashing at trees and the ground near me but intentionally missing. I smirked and disappeared from her sight, reappearing behind her.

  “Never hold back against me unless you want to…” I swung my sword in a precise, diagonal arc, cutting her long hair, slashing through her clothes, and leaving a painful scratch across the surface of her back before finishing, …die.”

  The attack was precise—not lethal, but painful. She fell to the ground, groaning in agony. Benjiro muttered, “That’s too much for her,” and Selia moved to intervene, but I barked, “Stay back!”

  Kneeling beside Taki, I growled, “Get up. We’re just getting started.”

  Taki

  The pain was unbearable, but I forced myself to stand. This time, I summoned four water swords and unleashed a barrage of attacks. Ray dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid.

  “Mistake number one,” he said calmly. “You traded quality for quantity. Precision matters. This is the foundation of everything I’ve been teaching you. Without precision, your power is wasted, and your potential is squandered.” He easily deflected my blades.

  Jumping out of range, he continued, “Mistake number two: your long-range attacks lack focus.” He hurled his sword toward me. I dodged, barely avoiding it. Desperate, I formed water bubbles and sent them his way. Most missed, and the ones that hit had no effect. He grinned.

  “Mistake number three: you need to work on your defense,” he said, vanishing from sight. Before I could react, he was behind me. I felt a sharp pain as his blade severed my left arm.

  I collapsed, defeated. Ray threw his sword aside and sat on the grass. “Listen carefully,” he said. “If you don’t stop the bleeding, you’ll die. You need to be able to use your blessing under any circumstance.”

  Pointing at me, he shouted, “TAKI, show me if you’re special. Stand up!”