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The Strongest Transcendent In History Is The Strongest
Chapter 18: You Can't Fake What You're Afraid to Feel
Zettai took a deep breath, his voice steady and serene as he said, "I'd like to teach you. If you truly want to protect your sister from what lies ahead, you'll need more than just brute physical strength." His eyes bore into mine, filled with a mixture of seriousness and concern.
I nodded in agreement, feeling an instinctual respect for this enigmatic mentor. "Yes, sir," I replied calmly, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation for the lessons to come.
Zettai's expression shifted, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Oh, right! There's one more crucial thing you must understand, Kiro." He paused, ensuring that the gravity of his words sank in. "You mustn't use that transformation form too frequently. Each time you tap into that power, I can feel a part of your humanity slipping away. Remember, you're not just battling external foes—you're also waging a war against yourself. Keep your sister close; she will serve as your anchor. She'll help ground you amidst the chaos."
I nodded thoughtfully, absorbing his warnings. His words resonated deeply with me, especially as I began to connect the dots regarding my recent emotional turmoil and detachment.
Zettai broke the silence, his voice calm yet commanding. "Follow me," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
"Understood," I replied casually as I fell in step behind him. We traversed rocky terrain, the ambient sounds of nature enveloping us, and eventually, we arrived at a serene cliff under a blanket of stars, casting a breathtaking scene that provided a stark contrast to the heavy emotions we carried.
Zettai says calmly "Now, I'm going to share with you the vital skill of forging a sword using magic," Zettai announced, his demeanor unwavering and focused.
I say calmly "Let's get started then," I said, ready to delve into this new challenge.
Zettai says calmly "Forging a sword is simple yet profound," Zettai explained, his voice calm and reassuring. "You must connect with your core, extend that energy into your hand, and then allow the sword's essence to manifest. Like this…" He demonstrated, focusing his inner energy, and from his palm, a shimmering sword began to materialize, glowing with ethereal light.
I say calmly guess I'll try I concentrated, channeling my energy towards my core and extending it outward, just as he had shown me. To my utter astonishment, a tangible blade formed in my hand, solid and vibrant. "I did it!" I exclaimed, surprise washing over me.
Zettai says surprised "Indeed, that's amazing," Zettai acknowledged, his voice steady, but then he added, "However, remember this: Even the strongest blade must be forged in silence."
I say calmly as I furrowed my brows in confusion, "What do you mean by that?"
Zettai says calmly his brows knitted together momentarily as if lost in thought, "Oh, it's nothing—just me rambling again. Pay it no mind."
I say calmly "Alright then," I replied, deciding to let it go for now, focusing instead on the task at hand.
Zettai says shocked "Ah, wait! What kind of magic instructor would I be if I didn't also teach you fundamental magic?" he continued, his eyes glinting with renewed purpose. "Let's get started with that!"
I say calmly "Go on," I encouraged, eager to learn.
Zettai says calmly he took a moment, gauging my readiness. "Depending on how well you do, I'll introduce you to more advanced techniques."
I say curiously as I leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "So, what's the first spell?"
Zettai says calmly and smiled, a glimmer of excitement in his voice. "The first spell is called Sūnō Ketsugō. It channels a caster's genuine emotions into magic—merging heart, mind, and body. This spell removes the boundary between thought and power, allowing you to cast not just with intention, but intuitively, fluidly, and with great potency as long as you're feeling something real and raw. It's a volatile yet incredibly potent form of magic. Each emotion you experience shapes its nature, intensity, and even its form. For example, rage can amplify its energy into explosive, high-impact attacks, while love might manifest as healing or protective barriers. Fear can conjure illusions to enhance evasion, and determination can boost your speed and focus or even reinforce your body control."
I say calmly gotcha Listening intently, I could feel a sense of wonder growing within me.
Zettai says calmly the details and intricacies of this spell. "It's unpredictable unless you truly understand yourself," he cautioned. "The spell reacts instinctively, before your conscious mind can even catch up. If you're faced with danger or feel a protective instinct, Sūnō Ketsugō will preemptively conjure a magical response—such as a barrier, a parry, or enhanced movement. Your inner emotional state creates a unique magical aura—a resonance that other magic users can sense. Attacks made with the intent to protect something you care for, like a sibling or a cherished ideal, will hit with far more impact than those cast out of routine or boredom."
I say calmly and nodded slowly, grasping the implications of his words, "And what about false emotions?"
Zettai says calmly "Ah, yes," he continued, a seriousness returning to his tone. "If you attempt to fake an emotion or cast the spell without genuine feeling, it will either fizzle out or backlash on you. This might lead to magical dissonance, confusion, or even temporary memory distortions. Caution is key, for overuse can lead to emotional burnout—using this magic for extended periods may numb your feelings, leaving you cold and hollow until you regain your sense of self. Remember, you can't control that which you refuse to feel. Repressing emotions like guilt, grief, or even love can lead to unstable outcomes or summon what I refer to as 'phantom' effects—unintentional memory projections or collapsing constructs."
I say calmly and take a deep breath, everything he said coming together in my mind, "That makes sense. So, let's start."
Zettai says calmly as he nodded approvingly, "Now," he began as he gestured toward me, "let's practice."
As we embarked on this intense training, I could feel the fatigue weighing down my body; every bruise I bore from the previous practices a reminder of the challenges ahead. With the night air still around us, an aura of tension enveloped every breath I took, particularly after the traumatic event involving my sister, Katsume, and her near-death experience.
I say worried and sat on a stone, my fists clenched tightly at my sides, an embodiment of frustration and anguish. "She almost died... and I couldn't do a damn thing," I murmured bitterly, the weight of my helplessness almost palpable.
Zettai says confidently, observing me from a distance, approached quietly, offering a grounding presence amidst my turmoil. "You did something important," he said softly, emphasizing the strength of the bond I shared with my sister. "You brought her back."
I say thoughtfully and turn suddenly, an expression of astonishment crossing my face "You? But you're— You're meant to be the strongest among us."
Zettai says with a calm demeanor that belies the weight of his words, responds, "Even the mightiest strength is accompanied by its own set of regrets. Holding immense power does not exclude one from feeling sorrow; rather, it can heighten the sense that you could have intervened if only you possessed greater strength."
I say shocked My gaze drops to the ground, a heavy silence enveloping me as the realization sinks in. I say worriedly "Then why does it feel like there's a void inside me when I attempt to harness it? Sūnō Ketsugō... It seems to remain unresponsive to my call."
Zettai says calmly and leans in slightly, attempting to reach Kiro's heart with his words."Because you're pleading with it to save someone—it's already clear that the one who truly longs for salvation is you."
I say sadly as my eyes widen in shock in realization
"I..don't..need..saving..I..can...handle...this...on..my..own..."
Zettai says softly "Don't deceive yourself. Not in this moment and certainly not in this place."
I pause, contemplating Zettai's words, the weight of my past pressing heavily upon me.
"…I was terrified. When I witnessed her get poisoned, a sickening fear gripped my heart. I thought to myself, 'If she succumbs, I will be left with nothing, utterly desolate.' That realization gripped me with dread."
Zettai says softly and with a tone that's almost nurturing "There it is. That honesty is the first step toward healing."
I squeezes my eyes shut, attempting to block out the chaotic thoughts swirling in my mind. The wind around them grows still as I steady myself, acknowledging the conflicting emotions battling within me. With a resolve deep within, I places my palm against the earth, and faint threads of silvery magic begin to spiral around me, wrapping me in a delicate yet powerful embrace.
I say with emotion "Sūnō… Ketsugō." As I speak the incantation, the spell ignites, releasing a gentle light that does not explode but instead envelops me in a calm, soothing glow. My breaths gradually grow more even, and with each inhale, I feels the tension start to release from my body.
Zettai says calmly and watches silently, a quiet pride shining in his eyes as he observes the transformation unfolding before him "That's what it truly feels like… when you stop relentlessly battling against yourself."
I say gratefully and stand still focused on the magical energy surrounding me, speaks without lifting my gaze. "…Thank you."
Zettai says calmly, with the weight of their shared moment hanging in the air, replies, "You don't need to express gratitude for that."
Zettai, embodying an air of tranquility and steady resolve, allows the silence to envelop them, creating a palpable atmosphere before he chooses to respond. His voice emerges softly, barely above a whisper, yet each word resonates with profound significance and purpose. "You don't need to express gratitude for that," he states, his tone laced with a quiet authority that demands attention without overwhelming the moment.
In response, I mirrors Zettai's tranquility, yet his words bear the weight of raw honesty. "Perhaps not," I concedes, pausing to gathering my thoughts, "But… in this moment, you remind me more of a father than mine ever did." my admission hangs in the air, vulnerable yet deliberate, revealing layers of emotion that are both aching and heartfelt.
The atmosphere around them grows still, as though the world has paused to listen. A beat of silence stretches out—delicate, charged with unspoken sentiments, and fragile as glass. Zettai, ever patient, refrains from breaking the silence too soon. When he finally speaks, there's a noticeable shift in his voice; it conveys a warmth that surpasses mere magical prowess, a depth that transcends the obligations of duty.
Zettai gazes thoughtfully into my eyes, his expression softening as he articulates his commitment. "...Then I'll do everything I can… to be worthy of that." The promise he makes is not just a response; it's a pledge wrapped in sincerity, reflecting his desire to forge a connection grounded in trust and understanding. In his heart, he knows this moment may very well lay the foundation for a bond that could transcend their pasts, evolving into something profoundly meaningful and enduring.
To be continued...