Different beasts have different sizes, shapes, and colors of claws. Even their teeth vary. Growing up in the village, I had wandered often and seen many kinds of beasts. There was no doubt about it those were the claws of a Morjin.
"Okay let's get started," Rhapel said.
"Since you got claws, there is no need to be concerned."
It was the first time I sparred with someone other than Father.
After practicing, Father would always spar with me to show me my flaws in the Wind techniques.
"Sigh…"
I need to become stronger.
Swuhhhh—
He was fast.
If I hadn't reacted in time, that would have been fatal.
"Nice reflexes, Gray," Rhapel said.
"You are really something, having that kind of reaction time without using your soul energy."
Bang!
His claws clashed with my staff.
The amount of strength he possessed was on par with mine.
No—it was even more than mine.
I was pushed back several times. Rhapel's claws were sharp, able to put markings on the staff.
"Oh nice, you were able to hold out without using your soul energy," Rhapel said.
"If you keep going like this, you are going to keep getting hurt."
"I have told you before, I can't use soul energy."
Way of the Wind — Spinning Staff of Heavy Gale.
I was able to push Rhapel back. Although this art is not complete, if I was to hold a sword I would have been able to land a hit.
I need to test more of the sword art with this staff.
"Interesting," Rhapel muttered.
"There is really no soul energy in this art."
"I told you I can't use it," I said.
"And besides, aren't you looking down on me too much? If we keep going like this, this fight would not end. Use your soul energy I can handle it."
"Hahaha Gray, you really are something. Fine don't say I didn't warn you…"
Voom—
So fast. He was even faster than before.
Kang!
I was able to block his claw with my staff, but the force coming from each blow was stronger than before.
First attack.
Second attack.
Third attack. I was able to block them, but not able to counter.
Tskkk. He isn't giving me a chance to attack.
If this was a sword…
His claws were beginning to enter my skin. I used the Way of the Wind to move backwards, giving him space.
I tried to attack but with his speed I couldn't keep up. Unfortunately—
Clack!
Rhapel launched an attack that I wasn't able to avoid, making the staff break into two, causing his claws to directly enter into my chest.
"Gray?" Rhapel froze.
"I thought you could take the attack. I'm really sorry, let me go and call the healer."
"No need," I said with a smile on my face.
My injury began healing. The staff was no longer a staff but more like a double sword.
"Let's continue."
"Incredible," Rhapel said.
"Finally got to take a good look of your healing ability."
Swuhhhh—BOOM!
My movement has become faster, as I move with the wind..
Sigh… no matter what, the sword will always be my weapon.
"Ahh… where did this strength come from…"
I didn't give Rhapel a chance to attack. By using the Way of the Wind, I was able to move swiftly and faster.
But unfortunately he caught on… but that is no issue.
I have a trump card.
I threw the double staff up and hit him with a heavy blow.
Boom!
What was that? How can someone have this kind of strength without soul energy? With just a blow I was sent steps backwards. "Seems I have to take this seriously…Gray, I never expected you to throw your broken staffs up."
"Huh?"
His hair was changing color? What is this? Is this spiritual pressure? I can't move?
"Now I'm going to get serious."
Energy began moving around Rhapel. I couldn't even breathe.
Is this the power of soul energy? Now that I have my essence I could see it well… it was beautiful. I wonder how Father's soul energy was…
And then Rhapel moved forward, surpassing the speed of sound. It was so fast that I didn't even know when he placed his claws into my chest…
"Ahhhh…"
"I… lost," I muttered silently.
All those years of training without the use of soul energy—they are all meaningless…
Automatically my body began healing itself, and the scar I left with Master's sword also began healing. I suppressed it, but the claw marks on my chest were too deep and I couldn't suppress it.
"Wow," Rhapel's eyes widened.
"No matter how I look at it, it's incredible. I don't even feel a hint of soul energy."
Sigh… "I'm still weak," I murmured.
"No you are not weak," Rhapel said with assurance.
"No, compared to you I'm still far behind," I replied.
"You could say so, but you are not weak. Look at the ground—your footprint was able to damage the ground. I lost a tooth with just a blow from you, and there was not even a single hint of soul energy."
"Imagine you were able to use soul energy—you would definitely be able to tank my last attack."
◆◇◆
The air was heavy.
Silence covered the place—even the slightest sound felt loud.
This place where no one dared to go.
This place where darkness was as thick as the mist.
The realm above the other fourteen realms.
The realm created for the sole purpose of imprisonment—being capable of not dying.
The Dark Hell. Realm of absolute nothingness.
"Interesting… interesting indeed."
"What is the matter, Eryth?"
"Nothing, my lord. But I just saw a fight between that kid and Rhapel through my all-seeing eyes."
"Is that so? What was the outcome?"
"That kid is really interesting, my lord. Without soul energy he was able to withstand Rhapel…"
"It seems that my disciple has not taught him how to use soul energy."
"My lord, if I may—something strange happened at the fight. During the last attack a small amount of soul energy could be seen. Of course others will not be able to see it except for those who are at a higher level, but that energy was indeed strange."
"Hmm. What do you think of that energy, Eryth?"
"I don't know, my lord, but it was indeed familiar."
"Hmm. There is something special about that boy. His three colors of essence are indeed strange. Keep watching and let me know."
"Yes, my lord."