A MONSTER IN SIGHT

My first hit complete..... Or not. I felt her hand blocking my fist.

How did she...., I wondered. I see, noticing she was wide open, she increased her speed blocking my attack at the last moment. Tch.. Now that I notice it, this seems like a level up game. Whenever I match her strength and speed,she increases it to the next level. I wonder what her real speed looks like.

I tried to free my hand but she didn't let go. Her strength is insane. She then threw me to the side like a thrown paper.

"That was close but don't underestimate my power", Gladys said motioning with her hand. "Come again".

I lunge forward again giving a jab which she blocked. I then gave a knee kick and a kick to her face consecutively. She blocked the knee attack and moved back to avoid my kick. She then moved with speed and released a combination of punches before throwing me backward.

Pathetic isn't it? I was annoyed. I'm being toyed like nothing. Suddenly I felt what I desired ... power. it was sudden but I could feel strength rejuvenating. I rushed towards her with speed. Now my speed had increased tremendously and it was so fast that she couldn't react. I gave a lead hook punch to her face . She flew backwards crashing at the end of the wall, damaging it. There were cracks on the wall she crashed into. It spread to the floor as well.

"Are you okay?",I asked concerned. "I didn't mean to..."

"I'm fine... I'm fine", She said standing straight coughing. "Your body is evolving faster than usual. How many months do you have left again?"

"Less than six months".

"Hmm then what's with the insane strength",She then asked moving towards me.

"Ohh", I placed my hand in my head. "I guess it's connected to my emotions. It happens if I get angry or in danger. This in turn releases that kind of power".

"You didn't tell me this", Her tone was angry.

"I'm sorry for that slip in information", I said bowing my head down.

"I need to add meditation to your training".

"Meditation?",I said confused." I don't have mana".

"Nonsense",She scoffed. "who said only those with mana need meditation? Anyone can practice it. I will recommend a book for you".

"I see"

She moved towards the wall with cracks and placed her hands on the cracks.

[ Earth Path: Earth Replacement]

The cracks started to disappear and in no time. The wall and floor were the same as usual, devoid of any cracks or debris.

"How many elemental affinity do you have?,I asked completely surprised.

"Why do you ask?"

"I have seen you with more than two so.."

"Ah right", she said checking her clothes for any dusts before looking at me. "I don't want to talk about it. You can leave as you have training practice right beside the instructor needs to mark your attendance".

"Okay",I replied bowing down. "Thanks for the training".

I left her and headed to the path leading to the training hall. "I need to change to my training clothes". I mused while running. "I feel itchy all over and my uniform is soaked. Thank goodness I have two pairs".

Suddenly I felt chills in my stomach and I instinctively moved to the side. A dart passed by me the exact same moment, hitting the ground.

"Oh, I heard a voice say. "I didn't know you could dodge that. You are a bit strong for someone without mana".

I turned around to have a better look and I saw a girl stepping out of the shadow and heading to my direction. Her figure was alluring but her face was fierce. She was taller than me and wore a different uniform in contrast with mine. Though the pattern inscribed in the uniform were the same but the colours were different. I wore a white shirt,a green waistcoat, coat and trousers. She wore a white,a yellow waistcoat,coat and skirt.

Different uniform for different years huh, I thought.

"Who are you?",I asked cautiously.

"Me?",She replied pointing to her face. "Well you can call me the Fear duchess".

What's with the name, I pondered

"And what have you to do with me?"

"Haha", She laughed using her hand to cover her mouth. "I don't have any business with you just...."

Lub-dub Lub-dub

I heard my heartbeat. Was I wary of her? No, this is fear. I can't move. Is this her special talent? To create fear in the heart of others.

"Stay away from Oyin. She doesn't deserve to be seen with the likes of you".

"What does that have to do with you?",I asked stuttering. I'm even surprised my feet are still standing. "What are you? Her guardian?"

More like her personal guard,She answered with a smile. It was a wicked one. "I have wasted my time talking to you".

She headed to the path leading to the second years but before her figure finally vanished,she warned me again to stay away from Oyin.

I could breathe finally after she had gone.

"That was dangerous",I said holding my chest." All these while,I thought I had an edge, not taking into consideration the fact my mind isn't that strong enough. I don't have enough willpower and that's why she got me. I need to find an artifact that prevent those kind of stuffs".

I left where I was reaching the training center in few minutes. It was still the same as different first years were still practicing, though the number had reduced. I'm late again. I marked my attendance with the instructor and changed to my training clothes. I picked up a pistol and trained with it. It was a bit stiff while using it due to the fact that I hadn't trained with gun in a while but I got used to it after a while and hit the targets perfectly. I had read the books the last instructor gave me so implementing what was written down wasn't a problem. I moved on to bigger guns. Too bad I didn't see the last instructor who taught me. I forgot to ask his name. I picked an AK- 47. It was quite a big gun. I asked the instructor on ground for help and he taught me all I need to know about it. I then positioned myself and shot.

Bam Bam Bam.

The recoil was hard for the first few rounds but it lessened after a while. I practiced on moving targets and managed to hit one perfectly.

"Where were you?",I heard a familiar voice ask me while I was getting ready for another round.

"Oh Kofi",I faked a smile watching my group move towards me. "I was training".

"Training by yourself or with someone?",Anikka asked covering her ears

"I have a training with my .... teacher and I can't tell you who that is",I answered wondering whether I should call the huntress teacher or mentor in front of them. Teacher sounded right. "I'm sorry if I wrong your hearts by leaving you guys and can we move away from this place? The noise is affecting our conversation".

"Yeah".

"Sure".

I returned the gun to its normal position and thanked the instructor. I didn't forget to ask for his name and left with my group. We moved from there to the swords room. Few people were there practicing.

"What did I miss?",I asked wanting to know what happened at the dueling hall today.

"Kwami and Aluna reach the second round despite being part of the last five",Kofi answered patting the back of Kwami.

"That is an amazing achievement",i replied congratulating them. "Congratulations for reaching the second round".

"Thanks".

"What about the next fight?",I asked again

"It's not yet announced",Aluna answered with her eyes closed. She's kinda cute.

"What if you two fight against each other in the next round?"

"Huh"

"What"

Both Kwami and Aluna were a bit shocked. I guess they had no thoughts about that.

"It could happen", I continued nodding my head. "So what are you going to do about it?"

"I don't believe that can happen", Kwami answered looking at Aluna. "And if it did, I would like to have a nice fight with her".

"Same here".

"So Femi", Kwami said picking a longsword. "You said you were training right? Can you have a duel with me to see how far you are good with the sword?

That was hand to hand combat not a sword training, I cried within me.

"Ok no problem"

I took a longsword also. We moved to the dueling stage. Taking both our stances,I moved first reaching his side before raising my sword in a vertical motion bringing it down on him. He parried it, pushing me backwards. I striked again with an horizontal slash,he came with a vertical slash.

Clank. Clank.

We both attacked and parried,creating small sparks from both swords clashing.

"Such strength and speed",I heard Kofi say. "Femi has improved. Kwami also".

Kwami used his leg to kick me,catching me off guard. I staggered backwards striking my sword on the ground to slow down my movement. I then moved with speed reaching Kwami within a second. He was shocked to see me move that fast. Not only him but the other watching the duel were taken aback as well. Though the speed was less than the one I pulled up while fighting the huntress,I was still fast. I saw light gather at his sword but I couldn't attack because my eyes were foggy. Soon enough, I fainted.

I woke up in the infirmary afterwards and I felt weak.

"It's the second time I have seen you here. I just hope you aren't regular here",A woman said while checking my vitals. Besides,I haven't introduced myself to you. I'm Becky.

"I...", I tried to speak but it was hard

"Don't talk", She said maintaining a clear tone. "Your body is still weak for now. Just have a good rest today. You will be fine. I couldn't find anything wrong with you but I heard you fainted while training. We are checking your blood samples just in case so take it easy while training.

She left after making sure I was okay. It's understandable they couldn't find anything. My cells were just exhausted since I had used too much strength than usual. I can feel it showing signs of hunger. It hungers for mana. What happened to less than 6 months. Tch.... I just need to finish my mock and I will be able to go find the potion.

I had searched for the potion already with my map and I found one. One in an F rank dungeon nearby at that. The map was detailed to the core and the chance of people finding it was 0.1 percent. It was sealed.

I heard movement and turned my head to the side. I saw the guys entering and moving towards my bed.

"Are you okay?",Annika asked concerned. Her eyes showed everything.

I nodded

"I'm sorry for asking for a duel while you were a bit stressed",Kwami apologized. "Pease accept my apology".

I nodded again as that was the only thing I could do. He didn't need to apologize. I really enjoy the fight.

They stayed with me for a while before leaving. I was discharged the next day and told to take it easy with my body.

Ah crap, I ended up not completing my daily exercise.

I got to my room and sent a message to the huntress, explaining what had happened. I also told her I won't be available for the training. We had exchange contacts before starting the training and she had already sent the book[ A Guide To The Art Of Meditation] to me. Switching off my watch,I lied on my bed. Soon enough I fell asleep.

***********

"I have no use for him. Kill him".

"As you wish",Carl replied making James float and moving him closer to his face.

< A Quest has been triggered. You and your friend have been captured by an underground boss. Escape and defeat the boss.

Rewards: a random reward

Penalty: Matilda death.>

"This is going to be a problem", James sighed

[Gravity: Compression]

The gravitational force around James compressed as it tried to squash him while in the air. It was like a crane crushing a car.

"System what's the rank of Carl?", James asked pretending to be hurt.

<The same rank as user>

"Oh", James smirked while the force tripled. "That's why I'm not feeling any pressure. The gravity here is normal for me. My skill [ Decrease] had lessen his attack so I don't feel any pain. Should I continue to fake it?"

"Stop", Matilda said moving closer to the fat boss. Carl had dismissed the skill he had casted unconsciously as he wondered why James didn't have any injuries.

" Don't kill him. He's my most valuable person so if you kill him you lose everything".

"What's she saying",James thought as he fell to the ground once again.

"Silence",The fat boss roared. "You are in no position to negotiate".

"I know you are trying to prevent us from releasing the drug by kidnapping me", Matilda continued not showing any fear. "But that's the dumbest thing to do".

"What!"

"Matilda",James said making a warning tone.

"Don't worry I will be fine", she whispered touching his hands with her hands covering the chains. "You remember my gold heart".

"Gold heart?"James pondered before remembering.

It was one of his mother's favorite chains. Even his sister had no access to it even though she had skillful hands and could find and break into secret vaults in the house. His mother had placed a lot of seals and barrier over her chain especially to prevent her from taking it. A day came when Matilda visited and saw the chain on his mother's neck and she asked her to give her as a present in advance for her coming birthday and she did. How Matilda did it then was a mystery to him till she told him that it was her skill [ Persuasive words]. It allowed the words that came out of her mouth to compell her targets to do her bidding. She had used it a lot of time during different strategic meetings with her father.

"It might work", James smile as he saw Matilda talking with the boss.

System, is there anyway to break free from this chains.

< Like I said user,you need to find the keys but fret not. It seems Matilda has found a way>

"That's right apart from being knowledgeable in potions and drugs", James chuckled inwardly. "She's also a forger and a good one at that".

< User, the [CHAINS OF RESTRICTIONS] has been lifted for one hour. You can use your strength and mana now>

"When did she... I see, the moment she touched my chains, she had set everything in motion. As expected of her, she used her experience to remove the restriction for an hour. Now I just have to wait for her signal".

Soon they got to know his name. Frank Spade was leader of an underground lair where they deal with the trading of mana burn potions to slave traders in order to cause pain to their victims.

"Now what do you propose?", Frank asked staring at Matilda with an evil face. "We don't want the potion to be out in the market. If it did, how will the lion's den be able to supply to the slave traders if there's already a cure for the burns".

"You should surrender", Matilda smiled rubbing the chains with her hand.

"Huh"

James was shocked but he quickly kept his emotions in check.

"What",Frank stood slamming the desk. "Are you mocking me".

[Lightning chains]

A chain made out of lightning manifested and bond itself to the Frank's hand causing him pain.

Carl was stunned seeing this.While this happen,James had used his speed to defeat the other man in the room. A critical hit in the neck with his hand did the job.

Carl, on seeing he had failed to protect his boss and that his partner had been defeated stretched out his hand causing a gravitational push towards Matilda

"How dare you do that to my master"

"Matilda", James screamed running towards Matilda to save her. While he running,he activated his skill in order to move faster.

[Flashy Steps Second Form: Blinding Speed]

It was a skill which allowed one to enhances his legs with mana and move at the fastest speed possible surpassing the speed of sound by far. Flashy Steps as it's called is a skill that enhances the legs of the user making it possible to move in a fast and snazzy manner.

He rushed and save Matilda who had been thrown from the push, taking her away from the room.

"Find them and kill them",Frank bellowed to his gangs that had appeared because of the commotion before breaking the chain. "I will show her father her corpse.

James stopped at a secluded room. Putting Matilda down, he sensed movement in his direction

"His gangs are on their way",James said bring out his sword.

"I just removed the restrictions temporarily",Matilda replied taking out her rapier. We should be able to use mana for an hour. We really need the key but it seems the underground is filled with Frank's gangs all around. Tch... they are here already.

Frank's gangs came blocking the entrance of the room

I guess there's a tracking device in our chain, James thought taking his stance.

" If you'd ask me,I think the key will be with the boss, Matilda said snapping James out of his thoughts. "I will take care of them. Go".

"But"

"Just go".

[Flashy Steps First Form: Afterimages]

As he moved, different images of him appeared causing confusion between the gangs. He defeated them, slashing them at a critical point in their body. Hold ing Matilda, he ran to the right path.

"I leave the remaining to you",James said leaving Matilda as he went back to the room where the had seen Frank last.There, he met Carl waiting for him. Frank was nowhere to be found.

"Oh you came back",Carl said grinning. "You are going to die today".

Everything in the room started to float as Carl activated his skill.

"He is making everything floatless",James muttered. "Tch.... I have to use this".

[Revoltz Style: Dispel]

The Revoltz style was a secret technique passed by his father to him after his 10th birthday. It involves moving your sword in a twirling manner, causing disturbance in the mana circulation while improving the offense capability of the sword.

He poured his mana into his sword and rotated it in form of an arc. Soon the gravitational force was back as it was before

"What!",Carl was in a daze when he saw what happened.

James moved towards Carl to strike him with the sword but Carl ducked,tumbling over.

[Gravity Push]

The force of gravity pushed James from where he was and slammed him into the wall.

"That was unexpected", James said dusting the dirt out if his shirt. "But it's nothing".

[Flashy Steps First Form: Afterimages]

"What is this",Carl wondered as he saw multiple images of James moving around and closer to him. "I can't sense the real one. No, it's not clones. He's just fast enough to be at multiple places at one. Then ...."

[Gravity Push]

He did a 360° push driving away every thing around him. James appeared beside him giving a kick to the face which made Carl spin in the air before landing.

"How did he..."

[Fire Art: Snake Fang]

A fire made of a big snake which had huge fangs met him and blasted him away. Carl was wounded but was still able to fight.

"That was close,Carl said holding his wounded chest. "I had thought you were a swordsman and that was my mistake. Seems you are part of those that have duel class. Then..."

[Gravity Decend]

He quadrupled the force of gravity making it hard for even a D rank to move.

"That was a fine move to stop even a D rank", James said smirking. "But since you are fighting me, it's your loss".

He took a step forward causing Carl to be shocked

"He can still move, Carl said moving backwards. "I thought his rank was D rank. What's going on. Then..."

[Gravity force: Compression]

Even though the skill was activated, He saw James still moving towards him. Carl took a dagger from his watch storage seeing his attack failed.

"I can't fight like a swordsman but I am still good with a dagger".

He then rushed to met him positioning his dagger to slash James's chest.The dagger struck James in the chest but it didn't even leave a dent.

"I told you it's useless", James sighed activating his skill.

[Fire Art: Fire Ball]

Fire shaped in the size of a huge ball erupted out of James's hand and blasted Carl off, throwing him a few meters away before hitting a wall. Carl's fate was unknown due to this attack as the wall crashed into his body.

"System can you locate the fat boss", James said as he started walking the opposite path.

< That's a simple thing to do>

<Searching..>

< He has been found. The map will lead you to him>

A map showed in his screen and he followed the map.

What's the rank of Frank, James asked while running.

<D+ rank>

Soon James came across the room where Frank stayed. Opening it, he saw Frank sitting down with a cigar in his mouth.

"Huh you defeated Carl?" Frank uttered while surprised. "Well I didn't expect much from him".

He moved with speed after talking , taking James by surprise. He extended his fists directing a punch to James. James blocked his punch giving him a lead uppercut. The boss moved backwards before seeing a wall of fire around him.

"I have to end this quickly"

[Fire Art: Fire Wall]

He clasped both his hand together making the wall surrounding Frank compress. Frank's scream was heard before James cancelled the skill after a while. He saw the burnt body of Frank on the ground.

< Quest completed: Defeat the boss

Reward: A Stamina potion>

< New quest triggered: Survive the upcoming ordeal

Reward: a random reward>

"Wait what?"

"Nice one kid, Frank said standing up in a staggering manner. "You got me but not any more".

Materializing a potion out of the air, Frank drank the potion causing his body and the area around him to filled with mana. The air was so chaotic that James had to move back.

"Now we can fight kid",Frank said as black fumes came out of his body. "I will show you the true taste of power".

********

"Do you think he will be all right", Annika asked as they left the infirmary.

"He will be",Aluna answered nodding her head. "He is in good hands".

"What do you think happened?", Kofi wondered narrowing his eyes.

"The healer said they are still checking his blood samples", Kwami replied in a calm manner. "But they indicated that stress might be the factor".

"Is it because of his training with his unknown teacher?", Annika asked.

"I don't know",Kwami answered. "He's too secretive'.

"He has always been like that", Kofi replied. "Once you get to know him more you'd like him. I promise".

"Well next time", Aluna said teasing Kwami. "You will learn to be calm and alert while fighting.

"I was surprised at the speed he showed, Kwami said defending himself. "I was about to use my sword art to counter".

"That's interesting", Kofi replied beaming. "You have never fought with your sword art before. I still feel you are ahead of him though".

Ahead huh, Kwami thought as he didn't reply Kofi's comment. While fighting, I felt he was holding back and that if he used his real power .... I would die. Kofi may be right. Maybe it's my imagination.

"Let's go",Kwami said moving to the part of the training hall. "We have a duel to prepare for".

They left moving to the path leading to the training hall for the first years meanwhile Gladys just had a call from the academy healer.

"He's okay", She said after hanging up. "My head still itch even though it's healed already. It was like I was fighting my rival. If I didn't use the invisible water barrier to block at that last moment, I would have been hurt. What happened to six months.

"No", she paused thinking for a while. "His skill had been there already. The seal were just there to keep it from being activated. We have a monster in our hands".

....

....

"Matilda care you explain mana burns to your fans"

Author, I'm not sure I have any fans yet but I will explain. Coupled with some plants and herbs I don't want to mention because of obvious reasons, a dangerous potion is created causing the mana of the victim to be in disarray. The victim will feel his mana burning causing pain an agony. It is mostly used by slave traders and other criminal organization. Now, My father and I created a drug capable of curing mana burn. We want to use it to create a world full of peace and good health. The potions will mostly be delivered to the Hero Organization. Thank you.

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