Spiriture

Chapter four

(Gold Ranked Spirit Stone- space)

Information about the Spirit stone appeared inside Lucas's brain, and he eagerly grasped at the extraordinary energy contained within the stone.

Lucas then began his training, focusing on harnessing Spirit power. Unlike physical training, Spirit power training can be done anywhere, in any position, as long as Spiriture remains still and concentrates on absorbing the Spirit power from the atmosphere without any distraction. Although Spiriture practice could sound relaxing but the process is extremely tedious as you have to keep still for long hours.

Lucas entered a state of continuous training, dedicating the entire afternoon to his practice. He aimed to reach the barrier of Bronze 3. Over hours Lucas finally felt the maximum of Bronze 3. Once he reached that limit, he started absorbing the Spirit Stone he had acquired. As he initiated this process, he sensed a change within the Spirit Stone, realising that it contained a skill. This meant he would acquire another skill in addition to Internal storage and Teleportation.

As Lucas absorbed the Spirit Stone, he felt himself surpassing the barrier of Bronze 3 and advancing to Bronze 4. However, there was still residual Spirit power within the stone. Lucas continued his training, breaking through the barrier of Bronze 4 and finally stopping at Bronze 5.

Lucas could sense his newly acquired skill, which turned out to be a wormhole. He opened a wormhole in front of him and another one in front of his bag. With his hand, he reached through the wormhole, and to his amazement, he saw his hand emerging on top of his bag. Lucas experimented with the wormhole's reach and found that it had a maximum distance of about 2 metres. He realised that this distance and the number of wormholes he could create might increase as his rank ascended.

After increasing his Spirit Power, Lucas consumed all the physicality elixirs he had purchased earlier and adjusted to his new ranking. While absorbing Spirit Stones could rapidly enhance Spirit power, it could also have negative long-term effects on one's fundamental abilities, making it harder to achieve higher rankings. Lucas tested his new skill and then fell asleep, satisfied with his progress.

The following day, Lucas received a call from Michael Brown regarding his scheduled meeting with the renowned Spirit Power professor, Leah Sly. Lucas arrived at school and was led to the school laboratory by Mr. Brown. However, when Lucas entered the room, he was surprised by the unexpected presence of the head of the Spiriture department at Nuanda, Grave. The controller of over ten thousand Spiritures, his rank reaches the Radiant tier.

Following Grave's lead was Professor Sly, who asked Lucas to undergo a series of measurements and investigations. After a thorough examination, Professor Sly concluded that Lucas was ordinary in every aspect except for his exceptional Space control ability. Although Lucas had hoped that they might discover something unique about the system within him, nothing of the sort was found. Professor Sly did note that Lucas had an unusually high level of physical talent, with dense muscle mass for a fifteen-year-old.

After the investigation, Michael Brown led the three into the guest room at the school. Shutting the door, Michael Brown sat down alongside Lucas and Grave then confessed to Grave.

“I don’t think he’s ready for this yet.” Michael stated worriedly.

“Well we could certainly make him try.”

“But over pushing isn’t beneficial for his future development.”

“If he just gained his talent a few weeks ago and he is already Bronze 5 levelled spiriture, then we could surely risk his potential.” Grave said determinedly.

“What do you think of Professor Sly?” Grave finished then asking for professional opinion.

“Although, reaching bronze 5 in a few weeks could be one of the fastest developments in history, but after the research just then, his physical stage is even better than his spirit Power.” Professor Sly addressed the shocking eyes from Michael Brown and Grave. “This means that he has a great foundation although his development is huge.”

“If he could continue to develop with this rate, then maybe he could be good enough to attend the national competition or even the international spiriture war.” Professor Sly said.

After hearing her words, Michael Brown raised both of his hands, compromising, “If he’ll be good enough then that’s fine with me, but in the end it’s his opinion that matters.” Michael Brown said, then looking over towards Lucas seeking his opinion.

Lucas listened intently as he finally comprehended the topic of the discussion. Grave and Professor Sly were deliberating whether he should be allowed to participate in the National Spiriture Competition, an event that took place every two years. This competition was not only about personal achievement but also carried significant benefits for the Spiriture attending and the city they represented.

The National Spiriture Competition was restricted to participants under the age of 18, and it served as a platform to showcase the potential of junior Spiritures who were the future power of the country. Winning the competition not only brought pride to one's city but also determined the national team that would represent the country in the International Spiriture War.

The International Spiriture War was a much more perilous event, held every four years, where death was a real possibility. The death rate in this competition could reach as high as thirty percent, making it a true reflection of a genuine war. In the past, Spiritures had engaged in actual wars with other nations due to the scarcity of advanced Spiriture equipment. These conflicts drained the Spiritures, led to constant international disputes, and ultimately benefited the Mysteriouses.

However, as time passed, people recognized the inefficiency of these wars and the toll they took on Spiritures. In a united effort, the countries of Atlantis decided to put an end to the conflicts and focus their energies on eliminating the Mysteriouses. As a result, the International Spiriture War was established as a way to determine which country would gain control of advanced Spiriture equipment.

Lucas felt the weight of the decision upon him but didn't hesitate for a moment. It had always been his aspiration to become the greatest Spiriture possible and bring pride to Lensland. The national competition and the Spiriture war were crucial experiences on his path to achieving that goal. What was even more significant was that the next International Spiriture War was scheduled for the following year when he would turn sixteen. If he missed out on this opportunity, he might never get another chance in his lifetime.

"I'll certainly try my best," Lucas declared firmly, his determination unwavering. He understood the challenges ahead but was ready to face them.

“That’s great,” Grave said with amusement knowing how beneficial it would be to have a Space talented Spiriture on the team.

“We will provide you with all the best resources, the National Spiriture Competition will begin in six months. We would hope that you could be beyond Silver rank by the time it comes.” Grave said seriously ignoring the astonished expression by Michael Brown.

Lucas absorbed the weight of Grave's words, understanding the challenges that lay ahead. While he had achieved five minor ranks in just a month, he was fully aware that the path to major rank advancement would be significantly more arduous. Going from Bronze to Silver was a crucial milestone for Spiritures, and it was often considered as challenging as progressing from Silver to Gold.

Grave's mention of Space traveller Lu piqued Lucas's interest. The idea of learning from one of his favourite Spiritures, who was not only a fellow Space control Spiriture but also one of the six who had reached extreme rank, filled him with boundless excitement. Extreme rank was the pinnacle of Spiriture achievement, surpassing even the Radiant Prime rank. It represented a level where no further improvements were theoretically possible.

Lucas couldn't contain his excitement about being tutored by Lu. Lu’s mastery of Space control and unlocking its secrets intrigued Lucas’s desire for power.

As the conversation continued, Grave addressed some specific aspects of Lucas's training plan and provided him with ten Gold ranked Spirit stones. Five of them focused on enhancing his physicality, three on improving his speed and agility, and two on increasing his damage. The physicality of Spirit stones, in particular, were crucial for strengthening the fundamentals of a Spiriture, it’s one of the most needed types of Spirit stones ever and Grave's gesture of giving him five at once showed the high regard in which he held Lucas.

With this newfound support and guidance, Lucas felt more determined than ever to embark on this challenging journey towards the National Spiriture Competition and beyond.

Lucas put all ten Spirit stones into his internal storage, then went back to classes.

As Lucas finished school that day, he was going away for additional training and going for a run. But despite him running at an extremely fast pace, he could always feel someone following him from behind. However whenever he looks back no one can be found.

（Mission- ambush the followers. Reward : large amount of Spirit power and physicality level +1)

Lucas felt a mix of confusion and intrigue as he continued to be trailed by an unknown person. The promise of a substantial reward, including a significant boost to his physical power and a large amount of Spirit power, was tempting, but it also came with a sense of danger. Such a generous reward hinted at significant danger lurking ahead.

Acknowledging the potential danger, Lucas instantly reached out to his friends, Pake and Anna, for assistance. He shared his location with them. As he waited for them to arrive, Lucas adjusted his pace, conserving his energy for the impending confrontation.

To improve his odds, Lucas decided to lead the followers towards a more crowded area, where the presence of witnesses might stop them from acting towards him. Lucas jogged in the crowded city waiting for the gradual arrival of Pake and Anna.

With Pake and Anna only a minute away, he then navigates to the side, a silent alley where no one was near.

However, just as he was about to pass through the alley, his path was suddenly blocked by two figures. Lucas came to an abrupt halt, the encircling presence closing in on him from all directions. The situation had taken an ominous turn, and Lucas prepared himself for whatever was about to unfold.

As the figures gradually approached him, Lucas turned back towards the figures recognising one of their faces, Kenny.

Kenny sees Lucas’s vision then says with a smirk on his face. “I warned you Lucas, don’t mess with me.”

Lucas answered with a provocative grin on his face, “It’s not my fault that you are ugly and no one likes you.”

Hearing his words, exasperation exploded in Kenny’s eyes, his vision was like a deadly snake trying to send Lucas to hell. “What are you all waiting for? Beat him!” Kenny yelled at the other two figures, hearing his words, the expression of silver ranked Spiritures dashed towards Lucas. Lucas then teleported through the two Silver ranked Spiritures, appearing behind Kenny then hanging a sword in front of his throat.

Kenny suddenly paused in fright and shock, afraid by the sword on his neck but also not understanding how Lucas instantly appeared behind him. However Kenny ain’t completely useless, wings made of black thick skins grew out from his back, simultaneously with a thick layer of hair filled on top of his neck like a scarf. Two large teeth developed from his mouth, his entire body altered into a bat

As Kenny escaped from Lucas’s grasp, the two Spiriture ran straight into Lucas’s direction, however just when they were about to hit Lucas, a giant fireball crashed into the ground where Lucas was. Pake appeared in front of them slowing the two Spiritures down with extreme heat from fire.

And Lucas teleported behind Kenny again stabbing him right into the heart. However Kenny was also a bronze 9 levelled Spiriture, the sword did not establish significant damage towards him.

As Lucas continued fighting across the air, with Kenny flying on top of the alley and Lucas teleporting through the spaces following right behind him. As Lucas was about to be injured by the two Silver ranked Spiritures at the bottom, a feeling of sudden improvements grew out of his body.

Knowing it was Anna’s zone Lucas purposely left a mistake within his movement causing Kenny to carelessly punch Lucas in the back. But just when the fist was about to contact Lucas a silhouette covered with sacred and bright light kicked right on Kenny’s face. A sword made out of light also waved towards Kenny throwing him to the ground damaging his wings.

Lucas immediately rushed down towards Pake who was reluctantly handling the pressure from two Silver ranked Spiriture but just when his spirit power was about to run out. Lucas dashed behind one of the Spiriture and kicked him towards a fireball. While also creating a wormhole in front of Pake telling him to put everything left into attacking the portal. Pake then created a large fireball with all his powers and shot towards the wormhole. The other side of the wormhole appeared on top of the other Silver ranked Spiriture’s head and clashed down towards him. Although Pake has not yet reached Silver rank, but the giant damage by fire elements ignored the gap between Bronze and Silver.

Although Lucas temporarily overwhelmed the two Silver ranked Spiritures but after Pake’s Spirit power ran out, the lack of offensive methods left Lucas in a passive situation.

Suddenly, Anna held her light sword on top of Kenny's throat then yelled, “Stop or I’ll kill him right now.” attracting their attention they realised that Kenny was covered in all sorts of wounds. Hearing Anna’s voice the two Silver ranked Spiriture paused instantly, although they were exasperated being injured by two Bronze ranked Spiritures. But they are just bodyguards. Kenny's safety was the major role of their job.

“I will give you back Kenny, but you two will need to leave right now.” Anna continued yelling towards the two body guards like an angel warrior flying on top of the sky, shining the sacred lights of a true valkyrie.

Hearing her words the body guards soon stopped their attack then left with Kenny. Kenny has already fallen unconscious, and the three teenagers are obviously one of the most talented Spiritures in Lensland; they didn’t want to create external troubles.

As Pake let out a heavy breath, relieved that the intense battle with two genuine adult Spiritures was finally over, Lucas turned his attention toward Anna. A warm smile graced Lucas's handsome face, his features highlighted by the golden light emanating from Anna's wings. Sweat glistened on his well-defined physique, adding to his allure.

Anna couldn't help but be captivated by Lucas's appearance, and a sense of a favourable impression began to grow in her heart. No matter whether he saved her life yesterday or the trust he gave her today. She felt Lucas’s difference from all the other boys she met. A gentle blush crept across her cheeks as she thought of his action and talent. She found herself drawn to his presence, her heart fluttering with teenage infatuation.

Lucas's smile grew warmer as he thanked her for coming so quickly. "Thank you for being here," he said, his voice carrying through the valley.

Anna, though flustered by her attraction to Lucas, quickly composed herself and responded, "Even if I weren't here today, I'm sure you could have at least escaped them on your own."

A sense of romance grew out in the atmosphere as they looked each other in the eyes, but soon Pake’s voice interrupted their thoughts.

Pake tiredly walked up next to Lucas, then crying. “You know what I gave up to save your a*s?”

“What?” Lucas asked knowing Pake is going to exaggerate how much he sacrificed.

“I was in the middle of a date!” Pake said with an irresistible sadness on his face, “The first one ever in my life!” Pake yelled desperately while trying to cry.

“What with who?” Lucas surprisingly does not know Pake having a single female friend.

“Well it doesn’t matter now, because it’s all gone.” Pake acted even more heart broken.

Lucas raised a suspicious look doubting the reliability of the story, but in the end he still gave Pake one of the Gold ranked spirit Stone that Grave gave him today.

“Gold tier, fire element based!” Pake said shockingly not anticipating Lucas’s present.

“I was thinking of giving you some Spirit stones to make up for you saving me, but it looks like you got enough.” Anna said, also sensing the rank of the Spirit stone.

“Nooo, please don’t I don’t have any at all.” Lucas begged jokingly, naturally waving Anna’s hand to ask for donations.

A flush of pink raised upon Anna’s face again, seeing her hand being holded by Lucas, she then took it away awkwardly and turned back trying to disguise her heating cheeks.

Lucas didn’t realise Anna’s expression but he turned back to leave the alley along with her. Afterwards the three then walked around the street and had dinner. Lucas also asked if Anna found any evidence about who might’ve tried to assassinate her, but Anna told her younger brother to search for evidence but nothing could be found. Even the assassin died peculiarly before Anna even got a chance to see him.

Lucas left a sense of suspicion that there is no chance for the assassin to know exactly where Anna was, also randomly dying after he got caught. All these signs lead to possible suspects in Anna’s family. However Lucas didn’t tell her, he had only just known Anna, he didn’t want to leave a bad impression doubting her family.