LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 34: Training
The space-time tore in front of them, opening a passage to their original world. Yumi and Akira crossed the dimensional breach, leaving behind a Earth forever transformed. The colors swirled violently around them during their crossing, before stabilizing to reveal the dizzying architecture of the Ōtsutsuki domain.
Crystalline structures soared towards a sky with violet hues, their shimmering surfaces reflecting the mystical glow of the three moons dominating this world. Floating gardens majestically hovered between the buildings, connected by bridges of pure energy pulsating gently. The air itself vibrated with an ancient power.
"I would have preferred never to see this place again," murmured Akira, his jaw clenched. His voice carried a bitterness that even his newfound power could not mask.
Several Ōtsutsuki interrupted their activities. Murmurs spread like ripples through the domain. Akira's presence was impossible to ignore - his newly acquired divine aura resonated with the environment in a way that only the most powerful of the clan could match.
"I must report to the patriarch," announced Yumi sharply. "You may leave."
She walked away measuredly towards the heart of the domain, leaving Akira to the inquisitive and hostile gazes piercing him from all sides. Some shone with unhealthy curiosity, others with barely veiled jealousy.
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In the council chamber bathed in an ethereal light, the Ōtsutsuki patriarch sat, imposing. Millennia-old, his mere presence was enough to make even the most daring tremble. Yumi knelt respectfully before him.
"The mission was a success," she declared confidently. "Not only was the divine fruit cultivated and consumed, but Akira also eliminated Kinshiki."
A stunned murmur ran through the assembly of elders. The patriarch leaned slightly forward, his interest clearly piqued.
"Kinshiki... Really?" His voice thundered in the room. "Continue."
"The confrontation was brief but of incredible violence. Akira surpassed him in both pure power and tactics. The transformation following the fruit consumption is... remarkable."
The patriarch pondered this information, silence heavy in the room. "Do you think he will pose a threat to our clan?"
"He is still just a child. If properly trained, he will become the perfect tool," replied Yumi, a cold smile on her lips. "His potential is immense, but raw. With proper training..."
"I see," cut in the patriarch. "What do you desire?" he asked, sensing Yumi's expression.
Without hesitation, Yumi went straight to the point. "I request the patriarch's authorization."
"For what reason?" he inquired.
"I intend to take Akira with me for a while to train him," she explained.
"Granted," decided the patriarch after a moment of reflection. "But remember, Yumi - he remains under your responsibility."
"I am grateful," Yumi said, bowing before withdrawing, leaving the patriarch alone with his thoughts.
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The news of Kinshiki's death and Akira's triumph spread like wildfire in the domain, eliciting contrasting reactions.
In the floating gardens, a group of young Ōtsutsuki passionately debated.
"It's a lie!" Momoshiki's voice cracked like a whip, his pale eyes shining with contained rage. "How is that possible?"
"Yet it is the truth," affirmed Jigen as he suddenly appeared. His calm voice contrasted with Momoshiki's fury.
Momoshiki clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms until they bled. His already deep hatred for Akira had found a new abyss to root in. "Damn," he hissed between his teeth, the word laden with promises of vengeance.
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Days passed. Akira gradually grew accustomed to his transformed body, discovering the characteristics of his power little by little. Every morning, he trained until exhaustion, pushing his new limits even further.
"Get ready, we're leaving," she simply announced as she burst into the training room.
Akira turned to her, breathing heavily. "Another mission from the patriarch?"
"No, I obtained his authorization." She paused. "I'm taking you away from here," she revealed with a melancholic smile.
"For how long?"
"A few years, maybe more. The time needed to make you a monster even the gods will fear." A predatory smile brightened her face.
Without another word, Akira withdrew to prepare. He returned transformed: his long hair had disappeared, replaced by a short and precise cut. His new, tailored clothes accentuated his now more imposing silhouette. "I'm ready," he simply declared.
Yumi nodded in approval. With a gesture, she tore through the veil of reality. A portal opened before them, revealing unfathomable depths with impossible colors.
"After you," she murmured.
Akira stepped towards the dimensional breach. The strange light of the portal played on his features, giving them an almost unreal aspect. As he crossed the threshold, followed closely by Yumi, the portal closed with a whisper, erasing their presence from the Ōtsutsuki domain.
This new phase of their journey was just beginning, and with it, Akira's evolution towards a power that even the oldest Ōtsutsuki could not conceive.