The Abysmal Territory

[16]

“Is this my power? I feel that it is flowing inside of me,” Teiko said.

“Yes, that’s your power. You should be able to win a mock battle after attaining that power. But don’t show anyone the drastic change in your power. For now, you shouldn’t train your sword on your own or else you would beat your teacher in an instant,” Saki said.

“Why? I mean that’s the point of us releasing my power, right?” Teiko said.

“I know, but humans would question how a person changed instantly and most of the time if the change is unbelievable, they usually associate it with demons,” Saki replied.

“Okay, I understand but I know that my progress will still be fast so I’ll do what you said,” Teiko said.

“Then let’s go back home,” Saki said.

“Are you not going to teach me how to close my mind?” Teiko asked.

“Relax, we have so much time, Teiko-nii. We will get bored if we finish all of the things today. And your little sister is waiting for you,” Saki replied.

“Yeah, that’s a good point. Then let’s go,” Teiko said.

They went back to the village.

“Brother, you’re early. I thought you’d spend another hour in that forest,” Taiya greeted.

Teiko sat on one of the chairs. He replied, “I just made sure that I didn’t slack off in training and after that, I went here since I also wanted to spend more time with you.”

“Okay! Then, let’s proceed to the house tour! I know you know some of the places here but since our house is so big, let me guide you,” Taiya said.

I mean, I haven’t paid too much attention in this house because I’m too busy training. But a house tour is good so I could appreciate how the other villagers honor our parents.  Teiko thought to himself.

Taiya enthusiastically toured Teiko around the house. They went from the living room to dining, kitchen, bathroom, hot spring, sauna, bedroom, balcony, attic and the basement.

“Brother, we got four bedrooms even though there's just the two of us. But even with that number, I should always be allowed to enter your bedroom and sleep beside you anytime I wanted,” Taiya said.

“Ahm, I-I guessed it’s fine?” Teiko stuttered.

“And that also goes for me,” Saki said.

“Meh, you got the whole forest as your home,” Teiko replied.

“You can’t stop me anyway so I don’t need your permission,” Saki said.

“Hey, upon your years of living, doesn’t anyone talk about consent to you,” Teiko said.

Saki made a sad and pitiful face. She said, “You don’t want to?”

“Saki, stop that. That attitude is also not good, manipulating someone through your emotions. Anyway, I’m not against what you said, stop that,” Teiko said.

“Yay! You already said that, you’re not allowed to take your words back,” Saki cheered.

A week has already passed and Teiko could control some of his power.

“You’re getting the hang of it Teiko, I never thought that you could catch up to everyone in just a matter of days. Maybe your personal training is paying off,” Dalton said.

“I just did what you’re teaching us so you’re the one that deserves praise, Dalton-sensei,” Teiko replied.

Reto heard the conversation and just avoided them.

Dalton gets the attention of everyone. He said, “We will have another sword sparring and archery test in the upcoming week. Don’t overexert yourself or be injured or you won’t be able to take the test.”

The day of the sparring started.

“For our first battle, we got Reto and Teiko against each other,” Dalton announced.

“Ehh? Even if you improve your power cannot be compared to mine,” Reto declared.

Teiko takes a serious stance.

“No response, huh? Don’t blame me if anything happened to you during this,” Reto said.

“Start!” Dalton announced.

Teiko starts running with his sword and strikes Reto.

So much power. “So your improvement is not just a show huh?” Reto said.

Teiko continued to strike and tried to hit Reto’s stomach. But Reto managed to dodge it.

“Too slow!” Reto said. But I need to get serious or else I might be caught up with that attack.

Reto strikes back after making a firm stand. He hit faster than what Teiko did but Teiko could fend all of it.

Everyone watching them was amazed on what’s happening. They never thought they would see Teiko on par with Reto.

I just need to find the opening then strike. And this is the moment. Teiko thought.

Reto sees through it and suddenly backs off on striking Teiko.

Reto made a deep breath. He said, “Hey, stupid Teiko. You badly want to become your father, huh? You also want to die?”

Teiko couldn’t stop himself and lose temper. He exclaimed, “What did you say?!”

Teiko holds his swords firmly against Reto.

“You want me to repeat it? I said, ‘do you want to die like your father?’” Reto said.

Teiko becomes enraged and runs toward Reto. He shouted, “Shut your mouth!”

“Heh? I’m just asking, don’t make that face,” Reto mocked.

As Teiko rushes, he makes a wide upper swing to Reto. However, Reto easily dodged it and made a counter attack. Reto made a quick and powerful swing and strikes Teiko’s stomach.

“Bad decision, my little friend. I’ll make sure you’ll regret being the son of the Hero,” Reto said.

Reto continued to attack even though Teiko was already lying down on the floor. 

“You think you’re a big deal because you're his son? As if your parents are the only one that gave up their lives to save our village. Other people, some elders and some other fathers also died for everyone’s sake but you and your sister are the only ones getting all of the glory!” Reto exclaimed.

He made a large swing and exclaimed, “die!”

Before the sword landed on Teiko, it was stopped by Dalton. Dalton said, “Stop! The match is over. Reto, you’re supposed to stop when you know you already won. I’ll talk to you later after I finish tending Teiko.”

Reto looks at Teiko being unconscious. He replied, “I’m sorry, sensei.”

Taiya runs towards Teiko with other students.

Time passes by and Taiya is sitting beside the bed where Teiko is lying down.

Teiko moves a little that Taiya notices.

“Brother?! Can you hear me?” Taiya asked.

“Taiya? Where am I?” Teiko asked.

“We’re at our house. How are you feeling?” Taiya asked.

Teiko feels his body and it is full of bondages. He cannot feel much pain even though he has many wounds and bruises.

The pain is not that agonizing compared to when I’m unleashing my power. But why did I become unconscious? That did not even happen that time. Teiko thought to himself.

“I got dinner from the village chief. I’m glad that you have already woken up, you've been unconscious for eight hours already,” Taiya said.

“Sorry for making you worry, Taiya. Please, help me with my meals,” Teiko said.

Taiya happily assists Teiko on eating.

Well, I can do this myself but she might think of something if I was able to do that with my current state. Teiko thought.

“Oh! So you’re awake already?” Saki said upon coming into the room.