After hours of pouring everything he had into the Sword of Raigan, Tuziku finally achieved a breakthrough.
"That's perfect, Tuziku!"
"Try to grasp and remember that feeling," Kutcher explained.
"Alright—I'll try..." Tuziku responded.
"Once you've gotten used to it, you should be able to channel your Abyssal ability into the sword at will."
"And after you've mastered that, we can move on to the next step. For now, focus on maintaining that flow."
He's actually amazing!
Kutcher folded his arms and grinned proudly.
I knew he had talent, but I never imagined he'd progress this quickly.
"I think I've finally got the hang of it now, Kutcher."
A long sigh escaped Tuziku's lips as his body relaxed.
Finally... all that effort wasn't for nothing.
"Don't get conceited just yet," Kutcher replied.
Drawing his sword, he demonstrated how to guide Hei through a blade.
"You need to be able to do it whenever you want. Since the blade can't contain all of your power at once, controlling the flow is essential."
He returned the sword to its scabbard.
"Once you've mastered that, we'll focus on releasing your power from the blade."
Tuziku paused and scratched his chin.
"Hold on a minute... there's something that doesn't make sense."
Kutcher tilted his head.
"And what's that?"
"I thought the sword would seal all of my power inside itself. So why can't I just channel everything into it?"
Kutcher placed his hands behind his head.
"Hmm..."
"The sword isn't capable of sealing all of your power for several reasons. First, we don't know how much Abyssal energy is actually stored within you."
"Second, the sword was never designed to contain an individual's entire power."
"Because of that, you'll need to release the energy stored inside the blade regularly while continuing to channel more into it."
"It's your best option. Otherwise, the power building up inside you could overflow and cause you to lose control again."
Realization dawned on Tuziku.
"I get it now..."
"So the next step is learning how to release the stored power?"
"Exactly."
Kutcher clapped his hands.
"At least you're quick to pick things up."
"You're not such a bad teacher, considering we're around the same age," Tuziku replied.
"I think I fully understand how to channel the flow now.
Kutcher grinned as he stepped closer.
"Then it's time to move on to the next stage."
The next stage, huh...
"I'm ready!" Tuziku replied confidently.
"Good."
"For the next step, you have to release the stored acid within the Sword of Raigan in the form of a slash."
"A slash?"
Kutcher patted his shoulder.
"Yep. You heard me."
Taking several steps away, Kutcher drew his sword and inhaled deeply.
Without hesitation—
SWOOOSH!
A slash tore through the air and severed a massive tree nearby.
THUD...!!
The upper half crashed to the ground.
Tuziku stared in amazement.
"Amazing...!"
"That cut was incredibly clean!"
Kutcher sheathed his sword.
"I appreciate the compliment, but that was nowhere near perfect."
He pointed toward another tree.
"Now let's see what you can do."
Tuziku hesitated briefly before approaching a nearby tree.
"A word of advice," Kutcher said. "Keep one leg behind you and slightly bend your front leg. That's a solid stance."
Tuziku adjusted himself and drew his sword.
Once again, he channeled his ability into the blade, causing it to emit a bright green glow.
Holding the sword vertically in his right hand, he angled it toward the left side of his body.
Then he swung.
FWOOOSH!
A violent stream of unstable acid burst through the air.
The attack splashed across the tree and nearby plants, corroding everything it touched.
Tuziku panted heavily before dropping to one knee.
"Damn it! That was nowhere near as good as yours."
"Of course it wasn't," Kutcher replied calmly.
"I've been wielding a sword since before I could speak."
"And besides... it's your first attempt."
Tuziku frowned and lowered his head.
Caw! Caw!
A crow took flight overhead.
Kutcher's gaze settled on the sublime hues of the evening sunset.
"You've been at this since morning."
"Let's call it a day. We can continue tomorrow."
"Yeah..." Tuziku mumbled.
"You go ahead. I'll catch up."
Kutcher studied him for a moment, noticing the disappointment on his face.
"Alright then."
He turned and headed back toward the hideout, leaving Tuziku alone in the forest.
Silence surrounded him.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, only one thought remained in Tuziku's mind.
I have to become stronger.
CHAPTER END