I woke up from the sound of people laughing in my room.
They are so noisy, and I still want to sleep. I opened my eyes and looked at who was in my room. I knew it, Ani and Baku. Anan is with them too.
Wait, someone is missing. I hurriedly sat down in my bed. I looked around, but Apo was not there.
Everything that happened last night flashed back. I felt my ear turning red because of the embarrassment.
"Are you okay, Big brother?" Anan asked and moved towards me.
"Yes," I nodded.
Okay, I'll get some water for you. Anan said and stood up.
"I'll go with you," Baku said, and they headed to the door.
After the two left, Ani sat down beside me and looked at me.
"So tell me, Ayari, what's the status with you and Apo?"
"What status?" I said.
I knew where this conversation would go. Did Ani saw us last night? It's impossible, but judging from Ani's expression, she might have seen something.
You know, like. I mean, do you like Apo? She asked straightforwardly.
As expected from Ani, too inquisitive.
I looked down so that Ani wouldn't see my face turning red.
"What kind of question is that?" I said.
"Why are you blushing so much? Look at yourself, Ayari. Haha." Ani laughed.
This girl is so mischievous. I did not answer any of her questions. I stood up and walked towards the window so that I can hide my face.
Why now?
"It's okay, and you don't have to tell me. No problem, I won't tell anyone."
I felt relieved by what Ani said that. Well, I have to trust her. But why would I be afraid? I don't have any feelings for Apo. I'm just confused.
"By the way, if you are looking for Apo, he went outside." Ani chuckled.
"We are back, big brother, and here is your water," Anan said.
Excellent timing Anan, I don't know if how long I can control my emotions from the awkwardness and embarrassment.
I looked at them, and I saw Ani holding her laughter. This girl, ughh.
"Are you okay, Master? Your face is so flushed". Baku asked.
"Yes, I'm good." I smiled at them.
"Okay, let's go and have some breakfast. After that, I'll help you guys train your combat abilities. I already asked permission from the Village Chief, and he agreed." Baku explained.
"Okay, let's go eat."
-
After we rest, we went to the barracks my Father lent us. Baku says he will train us so that we can use our power better. He will teach us the method of fighting by our corresponding elemental energy.
It is also better that someone would train us formally and be prepared adequately for any opponent type. I know I've used my power a few times, but it's okay that I don't rely on pure luck.
I know we need it all, especially since the attacker hasn't been caught in our area yet. Everyone is still cautious from the previous happening, especially the number of people caught in increased.
We quickly started our training. Baku said he would first teach Ester and Ani how to control their spiritual energy. They are not like me, who had no other power at first, so Baku used a different method to train my sister and Ani. He told me that I should stick with what Lakambini taught me since it's already a good way of cultivating my energy.
"Imagine the element that is within you. I know it will be challenging, but focus." Baku said strictly.
The two girls continued training for an hour. They were both talented because they were able to activate their energy flow once. Ani and Ester were able to determine the nature of their energy. Well, it seemed a bit obvious to me that Ani will be a water and wind conjurer while Ester can use dimension magic.
"Focus your energy flowing in your bloodstream."
As soon as Baku said that, the marks on that they have started to glow. Little by little, they were able to manifest the energy from their corresponding diety. Sigils appeared on both of their foreheads, and after that, it formed a tiara.
It's so fascinating because it like a transformation sequence from a magical girl show. I clapped in excitement and was happy for the both of them.
"You look so happy, Yari," Apo said and smiled.
"Yes, I'm glad that they won't undergo such hard training like from the shows I've watched."
"What shows?" Apo looked confused.
"Oh, nothing," I said.
Me and my silly mouth again.
"Time to test your spiritual output. Let the ancient text flow in your thoughts." Baku said.
Baku summoned two wooden dummies and used them as a target.
Ester went first.
Starlight, heed my call.
Gather thy will on my fist.
Strike those Evil with your mighty hammer!
Maximum Impact!
Her spiritual energy gathered around her arm and manifested two bangles. They look familiar like I saw them somewhere. Oh right! Tala's hand ornament. What happened next surprised me. Ester blinked towards the dummy and punched the wooden doll.
Boom!
The dummy shattered into pieces, and the ground shooked. I felt my sweat went cold.
I would never make Ester angry again, or I'm dead meat. I heard Apo laughing at my reaction.
"Good job, Ester," Baku said and clapped.
"It's your turn, Ani."
Gather, o gust that blows away the darkness.
I summon thee.
Great gale, shatter thy souls.
Humming wind!
Wind blades started to appear around Ani. She snapped her fingers, and the wind blades bombarded the training dummy. These guys, I'll make sure that I won't make them angry.
"Both of you exceeded my expectations. Good job." Baku said.
"That's only a little of your abilities. If we train hard, one day we can achieve great results."
Baku spoke like a real trainer. Well, she is a servant of Mayari, so I don't have doubts about him.
I decided to leave the barracks.
"Where are you going?" Apo asked.
"I have some investigation to do."