I had succeeded in casting aside all worldly emotions from my former life. The land beneath our feet suddenly dried up, stripped of rain and storm. Only a clear sky accompanied by the beautiful roar of the sea waves remained.
"Now, since you have mastered the weaknesses of your soul, you may proceed to physical training," Gabriel said.
"I am ready. Where shall we go this time?"
Gabriel shook his head. "Not we, but you alone shall embark. In your quest to hone your physical prowess, there exists a being more worthy to instruct you. Seek him within the water-bound pyramid, concealed in the verdant embrace of the forest at the southernmost edge. Only upon completing your trials with him shall I rejoin you."
"Thank you for your guidance, Gabriel. I shall depart at once."
I took the Sword of Blerit and soared away from that island. As I flew above the ocean toward the south, I realized my body was clad in armor forged from light. This special attire was gifted to me by Gabriel to contain the overwhelming power of the Sword of Blerit, preventing me from becoming a being of pure energy.
Soon, I beheld a lush expanse where land met sea. A thick forest loomed before me, its trees twisting and writhing like enormous, curled hair. The leaves and trunks were so dense that traversing on foot seemed impossible. Thankfully, I could fly above them.
In the heart of the forest lay a clearing of forty acres, revealing a unique conical structure. This was the pyramid Gabriel had mentioned. Its walls shimmered with hard, glimmering stones, adorned with swirling patterns of flowing water, as if the very walls were made from liquid.
Before the entrance stood a holy being made of light, resembling Gabriel but entirely encased in brilliant red armor, like the flames of an inferno. He stood firm, wielding a sacred sword that burned with the ferocity of a tempest unleashed from the depths of hell.
I descended above the steps and bowed respectfully.
"You must be Rhinggamana Astolfo," the luminous being said. "I am Michael, the Archangel of War. I have been waiting for you."
"I, the humble one, am ready to be forged by a sacred being such as yourself," I replied, filled with ambition.
"Welcome to Kandradinukha. Come, follow me."
To honor the Archangel of War, I ascended the steps, each step taken with reverence. Michael awaited me at the top, a cool smile gracing his face. Upon entering the pyramid, I found an extraordinary sight. The floor was almost transparent, with flowing water just like the walls. Yet, this space was devoid of furniture or any adornments, just an eerie emptiness echoing my voice.
"I will explain the power of the Blerit Sword. Bring your head closer," he commanded.
I bowed my head, and Michael gently pressed his radiant hand against my forehead. In an instant, my consciousness flooded with profound wisdom concerning the sword and its arcane applications. Once the transfer was complete, Michael continued.
"Let it be known, positive emotions fuel the Blade of Blerit: ambition, joy, love, and hope. There are ten stages you can master, each contingent upon your ability to harness energy. The Sword may contain boundless power, but your own capacity is limited. Overreach, and it may destroy you."
"I understand," I said, acknowledging the gravity of his words.
"Now, our initial training will be to enhance your energy capacity. In your current form, you should be able to access at least seventy percent of your true human potential."
"Only seventy percent?" I gasped, taken aback.
Michael nodded gently. "Humans on Earth possess only two point five percent of their true capabilities. Adam, the first human, held one hundred percent, as he was fashioned directly by the hand of God. Like the Sword of Blerit, he eclipses our angelic forms. And also His descendants, the Four Great Kings, who now spread chaos across every planet they visit."
"No wonder they claim to be gods," I commented.
"Precisely. They take pride in what they possess, blinded by arrogance. Can you defeat them? The answer is no, for now."
"For now?" I asked, perplexed.
Michael shook his head. "Remember, Rhinggamana, there is always a sky above the sky. Right now, you may possess only seventy percent of Adam's potential. Can not be compared to the Four Great Kings. But as I said before, they are merely descendants, not true celestial beings. Thanks to the Sword of Blerit, you have risen to become a super being possessed with the power of the divine, just like Adam himself. With proper training, you can surpass the limits that even the Four Great Kings cannot reach. And that is my purpose here."
"But Gabriel said I would become a pure energy if he didn't restrict my power."
"Only if you cannot control it. That is the price of instant power. Unlike the Four Great Kings, who were born with it, you must undergo special training to master it."
"I understand. I humbly request your guidance."
"Now, I want you to release all that armor. Do not fear; this place can contain your power. I shall return you to your human form."
I removed each piece of armor: chestplate, leg guards, gauntlets, until I stood bare. As I did, a golden aura began to emanate, filling the room with its intensity. An alarm blared, warning of an impending threat, and the doors sealed shut, trapping Michael and me inside. The golden energy from my body caused the very structure to tremble.
My hands and feet began to fade, merging with the molecules of oxygen around me. If this continued, I would vanish entirely.
Before me, Michael stood resolute with his sword, unfazed by the energy I unleashed. His expression was calm, a mysterious smile conveying confidence. With a graceful motion, he raised his fiery sword high. In an instant, a transformation occurred. His form expanded, the armor igniting in a magnificent blaze, creating the illusion that he was reborn from flames. The red sword morphed into a blazing spear, illuminating the room with fiery brilliance.
Michael now appeared as a radiant creature, clad in a shimmering shield. His eyes blazed crimson, as if capable of obliterating any obstacle. His red aura intertwined with my golden energy, creating a cataclysmic explosion that shook the chamber like an atomic blast.
Fire, light, and electricity danced in a terrifying ballet within this enclosed space, as if honoring our combined power. The pyramid withstood the violent tremors of our might, a silent witness to the unfolding drama.
"Prepare yourself, Rhinggamana! Defend against my strike!" Michael's voice thundered, shattering the stillness with an immense resonance, as if countless bolts of thunder raged in my ears. Were I not a celestial being, I would surely have perished from the sheer sound.
I raised the Sword of Blerit high, drawing in a deep breath, focusing all my uncontrolled energy on it. At that moment, my body solidified, returning to human form. The Sword of Blerit blazed with brilliant light. Armed with the knowledge Michael had bestowed upon me, I shouted, "Elysium Light Form."
"Phase Three: Luminous Shield!" I shouted.
A shield of pure golden energy emerged from the sword, enveloping my entire being. Michael launched his fiery spear at me. The air split from its swing, igniting to the core, scorching the very floor and walls in an instant. When it struck my protective barrier, an explosion erupted, rivaling that of the atomic bomb that devastated Hiroshima. The entire island quaked violently, as though gripped by a tectonic earthquake.