Michael's ferocious assault was deftly deflected by the shimmering shield of the Blerit Sword. The radiant barrier shielded me from the cataclysmic energy clashing in the air. Yet, the aftermath of his attack sent tremors throughout the entire pyramid complex. Strangely, this place showed no signs of destruction; it seemed all our energies were absorbed into the very walls of the structure.
"Well done. You managed to parry my strike effectively," Michael praised, reverting to his angelic form.
"Your attack was truly brutal. If I had been a moment slower, my body would have been shattered." I wiped the beads of sweat trickling down my face.
Sweat? A moment of confusion gripped me. Upon further inspection, I realized my body had reverted to its original form, no longer aglow with light. Yet, my hair still shimmered with a golden hue, cloaked in radiant energy. Even without the armor Gabriel had bestowed upon me, I could now control my form without reverting to pure energy.
"It seems you're beginning to understand," Michael said, a knowing smile crossing his face.
"I regained my body, but how?" I inquired, bewildered.
Michael then continued. "When I struck you earlier, your survival instincts kicked in. You swiftly channel the uncontrolled energy surging through you into the Sword of Blerit. That's why you were able to revert to your human form. Observe how the sword now radiates with an intensified brilliance, infused with your very essence."
I examined the sword closely. "You're right. It feels much lighter now, as if it has become a part of me."
With a powerful leap, Michael ascended into the air, calling down, "This is not the time for admiration. Your training has only just begun. Look behind you!"
As I turned, a massive catastrophe awaited—an enormous meteor, engulfed in blazing red flames, hurtled toward me!
I quickly summoned my shield once more to block Michael's previous attack, but the meteor struck me with full force. I was sent crashing into the wall near the door, my body covered in burns. Smoke and fire billowed in the air, yet the pyramid's floor remained unscathed.
"How can there be a meteor in a place like this?" I gasped, struggling to rise.
Michael approached, gliding gracefully. "This place was designed to hone your mastery of energy. Equipped with wisdom and knowledge you will need later, it can create any simulation as required, even extreme disasters. From changing the weather to conjuring natural calamities, everything can occur here. And do not be fooled; though it is but a simulation, the experiences here are as tangible as those in the outside world."
I began to grasp Gabriel's intent. "So you mean that meteor collision was the same as a real one?"
"Precisely. I will continue to train you in this place until you break through every barrier that seems unbreakable. From here on, expect suffering, fatigue, and despair. Do not hope for kindness, even if you beg for a second death; I will show you no mercy."
I swallowed hard, choking on my words, "At least can you allow me to wear my clothes again?"
"No. This body will be yours to wear when you carry out your duties on Earth. Training in a state of undress allows your pores to breathe. In time, the energy you release and absorb will accelerate in ways unimaginable. Even if you wear Gabriel's gifts, eventually, that armor will be rendered to dust during your trials."
"I beg your pardon, Michael, but will there be any time for rest during our training?"
Michael replied firmly, "No. In heaven, rest and sustenance are unnecessary. Instead of concerning yourself with such earthly distractions, focus on the peril that lies before you. A monstrous tornado is swiftly approaching. Try not to die for the second time, Rhinggamana."
With that, Michael vanished from the pyramid, leaving me trapped in a duel with impending doom. His jest about a second death was far from amusing, especially when I felt I might truly perish. But all this was necessary for my strength to grow. I could only keep fighting.
Thus, my days in Kandradinukha were filled with relentless training. Thanks to the extreme situations within this pyramid, I began to master the Sword of Blerit. Michael's training was merciless. When he said there would be no rest, he meant it. Every moment was consumed by practice; even when I longed to catch my breath for just five minutes, he would suddenly appear, hurling yet another meteor at me.
The only time I found respite was during the knowledge and wisdom sessions. Michael taught me combat techniques from all living beings across the galaxy, guiding me on which martial arts would best suit my style. I absorbed all the knowledge he imparted, diligently practicing within the pyramid.
No one could fathom how long I trained in heaven with the angel of war. If measured against earthly time, it might have been billions of years.
Finally, when I felt I had mastered all he had taught, Michael approached me, halting our training. For the first time in centuries, the doors of the pyramid swung open, revealing him standing at the threshold, bringing news of great importance.
"Today marks the final session of your training, Rhinggamana," he proclaimed.
"Really?" I exclaimed in disbelief.
"With your current abilities, you possess power equivalent to that of the Four Great Kings. As the final part of our training, I want you to revert to your light form."
"Very well," I concentrated, summoning all the power that had awakened within me, declaring, "Elysium light form!"
In an instant, my body was enveloped in a radiant golden aura, my long hair transforming into strands of shimmering light. Unlike before, when I had changed into my Elysium light form and nearly vanished as pure energy, I could now control it. My form remained solid, yet my aura was denser, no longer dispersing uncontrollably.
"Excellent. Your body maintains its form. Now, I want you to float to the center of the room, accelerating all the energy you possess as intensely as possible. Let this room be filled with your energy. Release everything to your maximum limit without holding back. Ensure your form remains intact; do not revert to pure energy."
"I am ready to obey."
I soared to the center of the room, unleashing every ounce of energy within me. The chamber was soon suffused with a radiant golden aura. The Sword of Blerit also emitted a similar glow beside me, hovering like a loyal companion. Unlike before, when my energy had poured forth destructively, now it flowed gently.
The golden mist illuminated the Kandradinukha pyramid, radiating brightly until it pierced the exterior. The aura enveloping the building sparkled brilliantly, casting a dazzling effect reminiscent of flowing water on its walls. Michael watched intently from the doorway, allowing me to continue for hours without interruption.
When he deemed it sufficient, he commanded me to exit the building as swiftly as possible. I complied.
In less than a second, I found myself soaring above the forest, completely unclothed. Gabriel then called out, "I want you to practice the combat techniques I've taught you. Do so as quickly as you can!"
I increased my speed, executing the intricate strikes and kicks in midair. The movements resembled silat but were unique, swirling in every direction, sometimes performed with open and closed hands. Each kick was anything but linear; all techniques were distinctly different from what I had learned on Earth.
Every movement produced a rumble akin to a tempest, and my hands and feet released a vapor, so concentrated was the energy that it seemed to incinerate the moisture in the air.
These were the combat techniques Michael had crafted for me, named Zanlasva, meaning "Unified Patterns of Nature." This style translated the cosmos into motion. I practiced this silat-like art for three hours without pause.
When Michael finally instructed me to return to the pyramid, I obeyed.
Upon my return, Gabriel awaited me. I immediately bowed before the two divine beings who had guided me through this journey.
Gabriel spoke, "Rhinggamana Astolfo, congratulations. You have successfully completed your training with Michael. Your abilities are now sufficient to undertake the task assigned by the Creator. Today marks your last day in Kandradinukha, and also in heaven."
"I, a lowly being, am deeply indebted for all the guidance you have provided," I replied with the utmost respect.
"Now, wear this."
Gabriel presented me with a different garment. This attire was thicker and silver-hued. It instantly merged with my body, fitting perfectly and undeniably enhancing my stature.
"Now it is my turn to gift you something," Michael stepped forward, presenting a floating vessel shaped like a massive lotus blossom. "This is a Vimana, a vehicle for your journeys. You will travel extensively, Rhinggamana. This vehicle is crafted solely for you; no one else can wield it."
I knelt before these two celestial beings, my gratitude overwhelming.
"I am profoundly grateful for all of this," I said, my voice choked with emotion.
"Rise, Rhinggamana," Gabriel and Michael commanded. "There is a being more worthy of your reverence, and he awaits you outside."
I stood and walked toward the entrance. Upon stepping out, I beheld the magnificent being, indescribably sublime. Unlike Gabriel and Michael, who could still be labeled as beings of light, the entity before me transcended all comprehension.
My mouth trembled at the sight. Tears streamed down my face, a torrent of long-held longing. Finally, I stood before the source of all life. The essence of death itself. The beginning. The end. The true original. The Almighty, possessing limitless power.
Without realizing it, I had already bowed, my forehead pressed to the ground, unable to gaze upon this extraordinary being any longer.
The entity spoke, its voice a symphony of thunder and whispers, echoing through the very fabric of existence. "Rhinggamana Astolfo, go to the west and find Adam."
At the sound of my name, tears cascaded uncontrollably down my face, each droplet a testament to my unworthiness in the presence of such a divinity. How could a full-sin soul like mine dare to stand before this magnificent being?
In a voice quivering with emotion, I replied, "I am ready to fulfill your command."