Aizen followed the masked man deeper into the forest, their footsteps muffled by damp leaves. Soon the air itself began to shimmer, and the world around them fractured like broken glass. The trees, the soil, even the stars dissolved into blackness speckled with golden light.
"From this point onward, this is your training ground," the masked man said, his voice echoing unnaturally. "I will be your tutor until you master your true fighting style."
Aizen frowned, crossing his arms. "Tell me something first. Why me? Why can't the gods just seal or kill that… thing? The one that devours galaxies?"
The masked man tilted his head. "Because their power doesn't touch it. Every strike passes through her colossal body like smoke. Even her twin sister—the Creator—cannot harm her. They are bound to the Void. But you, Aizen Arcime… the Void cannot bind you. You exist outside of its threads. That makes you the only one who can face her."
"Tch." Aizen's golden eyes narrowed. "What about the Vampire Queen? She's older than the Celestials, isn't she? Surely she could—"
The masked man wagged a finger playfully. "Nope. Even she is bound by the Void. Her cousin may be a thousand times younger, but that doesn't matter. She's chained by the same law. You, however, are the anomaly. The loophole."
Aizen clenched his fist. "Fine. I'll train. But on one condition—you protect my family if I fall."
The masked man chuckled beneath his mask. "Easy. For a nerd like me, that's child's play."
---
The Beast Fang
"Now then, let's get to work. Your greatest weapon—the Beast Fang. You've used it, but never mastered it. Right now it drains fifteen percent of your mana each use, and worse, it shreds your insides. That's why you cough blood afterward."
"I know," Aizen muttered. "But it's the only way I can strike enemies beyond their guard."
"Exactly. But listen carefully: the Beast Fang is not a reckless claw swipe—it is the embodiment of a Black Lion's golden gaze. It should flow through you without resistance, like lightning through the sky."
The masked man snapped his fingers. A dozen shadowy beasts appeared, circling Aizen with snarls and snapping jaws.
"Your task: strike each of them with Beast Fang. Not once, but perfectly—without wasting mana."
---
Training
Aizen lunged, his claws glowing black and gold. He slashed the first beast, tearing it apart, but immediately staggered as his chest tightened. Blood rose in his throat.
"See?" The masked man shook his head. "Too much mana. You're forcing it. Again!"
Growling, Aizen wiped his mouth and tried again. He focused on the golden core within him, channeling less power this time. The next slash consumed ten percent mana—better, but still too much.
Hours passed. Again and again Aizen struck, collapsing, then dragging himself back to his feet. His golden eyes burned with determination, even as sweat drenched his body.
Finally, he slowed his breathing. He remembered Vaelith's words echoing in his dreams: Focus on one thing—your enemy. Nothing else exists.
He raised his claw. For the first time, there was no strain, no tearing of his body. A golden-black fang of energy formed, sleek and sharp. He slashed—one clean strike. The beast dissolved instantly.
A quick glance at his core told him the truth: only two percent mana drained.
"…Heh." Aizen smirked, golden eyes gleaming.
The masked man clapped slowly. "Now that's a Beast Fang worthy of your bloodline."
---
Return
"That's all for today," the masked man said. "Rest. A healthy body will make your strikes even sharper."
Aizen nodded, exhausted but proud. He left the strange dimension and walked back toward the palace. The night sky greeted him, moonlight spilling across the rooftops.
When he opened the door to his room, Lyra was already there, sitting patiently by the bedside. She looked up with a smile that made his chest loosen.
"You're back," she said softly.
Aizen gave a tired grin and sat beside her. "Yeah. Training's tough… but I'll master it. For you. For all of them."
(End of Chapter 62)