Power up

Valtor's Point of View

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"These kids are very persistent. I didn't expect to resort to such a summon against them. They're way ahead of their peers in their elemental bending, unlike many of the young ones their age. So this is the Moore Academy's training?" I thought.

"Great Azuryon, majestic Peacock king, please do me a favor and destroy my enemies," I asked the beast.

The beast flapped its wings violently, tearing trees from the ground around it. The two kids had anchored themselves to the earth using their earthbending. Quickly, a massive rain of feathers, about 3 meters long, as sharp as razor blades, rained down from its two pairs of wings, each nearly 100 meters wide. The bird itself was already massive, measuring 150 meters from head to tail. Its two pairs of wings allowed it to attack large areas. This characteristic was exactly what I intended to use for the second phase of my plan. Up until now, I had cast a sonic spell to create a sound barrier around the entire area of the academy, preventing anyone outside from realizing what was going on.

Areyos' Point of View

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A gigantic rain of feathers, about 3 meters long, as solid and sharp as swords, fell upon us.

" 'Flash'," I said, moving dozens of meters in an instant while carrying Erina in my arms like a princess.

"Uh...thanks," she said, slightly embarrassed to be carried like that. "You can put me down now," she added, and I did so.

"Do you have a plan?" Erina asked me, her hair flying wildly in the wind created by the bird's wingbeats.

"I sent a message to Kaiser. He'll alert the army. In the meantime, let's just make sure this beast doesn't make it to the city," I replied.

"That's easier said than done. Just so you know, this is a celestial summon. Our attacks won't have any effect on it unless—"

"Unless you attack with your weapons," I finished her sentence, taking on a more serious tone.

"How do you know that?" she asked, surprised.

"Yoko told me about the different types of weapons, including those with attributes that far exceed the others, and given the design of yours, I assume it falls into that category. I don't have all the details, but I guess it'll do the job. My Chaos Blades were restrained by Barrios; I doubt they'd be of any use against this beast," I explained.

"Ahh, since we're working as a team, I suppose I have to tell you more," Erina said with a sigh. "But I forbid you to repeat any of this to anyone else," she added firmly.

"Understood, but first, come into my arms once again," I said.

"Do you think this is the right time to ask me that?" she asked, confused and blushing. At that moment, a massive blade of wind sliced the building behind us, the one we had taken cover behind after the last attack. Fortunately for us, I had used my 'Flash' technique again, which allows me to move 20 times faster than sound over short distances. Unfortunately, this technique consumes an enormous amount of energy. Once again, Erina was saved, in my arms, carried like a princess, which only made her more flustered.

"I...I thank you. Keep me in your arms, and I'll explain everything you need to know. Just focus on dodging for now," she said.

"We'll do it that way, then. But try to hurry. This technique is draining me," I said.

"Understood," she replied as I dodged another deadly attack from the beast.

"There's a total of three types of special weapons in Baringer, called the Three Treasures of Baringer. The uniqueness of these weapons lies in their ability to manipulate the celestial, an energy almost divine when compared to other energy systems like mana, Ki, or chi. Each of the three types of weapons has a name that distinguishes them from the others. There are the Nemesis, the Magias, and the Regalia.

Only a few people from three different families are capable of forging these weapons. The Magias are forged by the Shelter family, the Nemesis by the Moore family, and the Regalia by the Mendoris family," she said, her face serious.

"I understand, but what's the difference between these weapons?"

"It's both simple and complicated. I'll focus on the Magias, as they originate from my family. By channeling the birth energy, known as Chi, into a weapon, we can use what are called weapon powers. These are various powers that take on the characteristics of the weapon used. The Magias are weapons that allow you to transform this channeled energy into a power that exceeds all other energy systems, a nearly absolute energy when compared to the others—the celestial energy," she explained.

"What!? You have such power!?" I exclaimed as I dodged swirling Orbs that razed everything they touched.

"Yes, we possess such power. That's why I didn't want to be analyzed during Martial art class, because otherwise, they would have discovered I could forge Magias. No one knows how many people have awakened the blacksmith's gift among the Shelter. But we know there are 12 among the Moore and 3 among the Mendoris. And the letter I gave to the director only contained the information the academy needed about my stats, energy systems, and my power level compared to the rest of the class. It mentioned the reason i didn't want to be analysed too."

"That explains why the director looked so flustered the next day. He didn't expect you to have such power so soon, I guess," I said.

"Probably," she replied, a proud smile on her lips.

"But how do weapon powers work? I've infused my chi into a weapon a few times without really knowing it had a name. Are there things I should know about it?" I asked.

"Well, weapon powers are used by infusing chi into a weapon. The element will then take on the weapon's characteristics once launched. For example, using the weapon power of a sword with fire chi would result in launching fire blades because a sword is used to cut or pierce. The weapon power of a bow would be elemental arrows, whether they're fire, lightning, or something else. Likewise, a shield infused with fire would create fire barriers that are as strong as your shield but still carry the properties of fire," she explained.

"That's practical. So, the better the weapon's characteristics, the better the weapon powers, right?"

"Exactly. The stronger and sharper your sword, the stronger the elemental blades you'll launch from it. And if you have a Magias, you'll literally launch celestial attacks."

Erina had just taught me a lot about weapon powers and different types of special weapons, those called the Three Treasures of Baringer. No doubt, with such power, she would be a formidable ally.

"I wonder how long it will be before you run out of energy. I can't even feel your energy anymore, kid," Valtor yelled from the air.

"It's true, Areyos, I can feel your energy has dropped considerably. You must be at less than 5% of your reserve right now," she said, slightly worried. "Please, put me down," she asked.

"Don't worry about me. As long as the moonlight rays touch me, I don't have to fear running low on energy," I said to Erina as I set her back on her feet. "I think I've figured out how your feathered freak attacks," I said to Valtor with a provoking smile.

"feathered freak!? Your arrogance is fascinating, kid. You're not telling me you've already figured out how the Peacock King attacks?"

"After what you've seen from me, do you doubt it?" I replied, maintaining the same provocative tone.

"Areyos, what are you planning with so little energy left?! What's your plan? Does it have something to do with those moonlight rays you just mentioned?" Erina asked me.

"Good deduction as always, Erina. I think it's time to power up, don't you think?" I said. I could see the confusion mixed with astonishment on Erina's face.

Erina's Point of View

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This question troubled me. When he said 'power up,' was he talking about himself, or had he guessed that I could transform? Either way, I had no choice.

"I understand. Areyos, you'd better step back a bit," I said in a firm voice. "I'm going into 'Overcharge mode', and this transformation is not really gentle."

Areyos nodded and moved slightly back, giving me the necessary space. With a piercing look, I released a golden aura that burst from my body with incredible force, sending a shockwave so intense that it cracked the ground beneath my feet. The aura raged, spiraling upwards, sweeping my long hair into its incandescent whirlwind. My pupils turned gold as a bright yellow mark appeared beneath my left eye, crossing my cheek like a scar.

"Let's go, Areyos. I'll distract the creature, and you—" I was saying when suddenly, a veil of moonlight enveloped him, transforming his being. His hair, usually a shimmering light blue, darkened into a deep midnight blue. The outline of his pupils turned ink black, while the inside became pure white, glowing intensely, like a reflection of the moon itself. This white glow, contrasting with the darkness of his pupils, emitted a soft yet piercing light, visible even in total darkness. A thin, icy aura emanated from his body, slipping through the air like a frozen breath trapped in time.

This was clearly not a Metaryon transformation, but I had never seen it before. This transformation was not listed in the academy's manuals, nor even in the black market ones.

" 'Moonlight mode: First form, Crescent Moon'," he said calmly, as if nothing unusual had happened.

"What is that?" Valtor asked, intrigued by this transformation.

"The Moonlight mode, and before you ask me, apart from its multipliers, I have no other information about this transformation," Areyos replied.

"The Moonlight mode? Never heard of it. What are its characteristics?" I asked.

"Like the Metaryons, who have their stats multiplied by 10 in Overcharge mode, the first form of the Moonlight mode simply multiplies all my stats," he replied.

"What!? From which race does this transformation come from!" Valtor exclaimed.

"Are you telling me that this transformation is equivalent to Overcharge mode in terms of multiplier ?" I exclaimed.

"That's right. Also, my natural enhancement from the moonlight is also multiplied, and my energy constantly regenerates as long as the crescent moon's rays touch me," he said, almost as if he didn't realize how powerful this transformation was.

"So you're naturally stronger at night, and this transformation further enhances the power you gain when the crescent moon's rays touch you?"

"Exactly. Also, my water chi is enhanced."

"Aren't you from a water race or something similar? Because now that I think about it, you're able to generate water with your aura, just like the Metaryons can generate earth with theirs. But we know that for other races, like humans or elves, both earth and water require a nearby source. But it's different for you," she pointed out.

"You might be right, who knows? For now, let's focus on Valtor."

"And what's the plan?"

"I'll kill Valtor repeatedly, and while the beast is busy bringing him back to life, you'll need to neutralize its wings."

"Got it," I replied, channeling fire chi on each of my blades. Valtor seemed worried.

" 'Flash blade'," Areyos said, creating an ice sword infused with lightning, and once again, he disappeared in an instant after a brief moment of concentration. Valtor's head was severed from his body once more.

" 'Celestial fire blade'," I said, launching two sharp arcs of fire at the beast. It used its wings as a shield but quickly regretted it, as my celestial fire blades sliced through its wings, which until then had seemed impenetrable. The giant bird let out a cry of pain.

"Well done, Eri," Areyos said. The beast resurrected Valtor as if it couldn't act without him. The resurrected Valtor looked terrified.

"Erina, keep attacking continuously," Rey shouted at me.

"You can count on me," I called back.

"You won't get away with this!" Valtor screamed, just before his head was once again cleaved clean off. Meanwhile, I continued my furious assault against the Peacock King, dodging its attacks with deadly precision. I had levitated rocks all around the giant bird, using them as footholds, which gave me greater freedom of movement and a broader area of attack. Thanks to my enhanced strength, I propelled myself at a very high speed, charging straight to slash the Peacock King, not giving it a chance to counterattack.

The Peacock King, in a desperate defense, released a devastating shockwave that sent me flying back and destroyed the levitated rocks. It then erected an impenetrable wind shield around itself. But I didn't let myself be intimidated. I pointed my daggers in front of me, and like a fiery projectile, I pierced its defense like a glowing tendril. Then, in a whirlwind of flames, I spun at breakneck speed, tracing fiery spirals in the air, before darting to its left side. With a swift and powerful move, I sliced its majestic wings from top to bottom, leaving behind a trail of flames and ash. The bird fell to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust, losing its two left wings.

"This is impossible!!!" Valtor's head screamed from afar. "You're really just students!?" he added before losing consciousness and dying. His head had been severed so cleanly that there was still blood in his brain, containing enough oxygen for him to remain alive for a moment.

"Spectacular techniques. The fiery spiral and the blazing vortex," Areyos praised me.

"I'll keep those names," I said, smiling.

"Cursed fallen ones, you have dared to shed the blood of a divine beast, and furthermore, I, Azuryon, the Peacock King, lord of spirits and time," said a voice seemingly coming from everywhere at once.

"Wait, that feathered freak is talking?" Areyos said, shocked by this.

"How dare you call me that, filthy fallen one," the bird said.

"Shut up, I don't understand a word you're saying, just hurry up and die, already?" Areyos said.

Areyos's Point of View

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If this bird can talk, there's a good chance it can think. But if it's really the king of spirits as it claims, why wouldn't it just control our minds directly to make us surrender? And it should be much stronger than this. Erina's attack was certainly impressive, and she uses celestial weapons, but for her to seriously wound a divine beast... it's odd. And what did it mean by "fallen"?

"Come back to life, Valtor, and make an effort this time. I hope you'll hold out," said the giant bird. Suddenly, Valtor's body, which I had frozen after severing his head, turned into a mass of golden particles, then reassembled with his head. Once again, Valtor was back.

"Tell me, Valtor, how many times will I have to kill you before you stay dead for good?" I asked, indifferent.

The giant bird raised a sphere of wind around Valtor to protect him.

"Do you think that'll stop us?" said Erina. But I had a bad feeling.

" 'Blazing Vortex' ," Erina shouted, propelling herself toward the wind sphere containing Valtor, while spinning, leaving a helix-shaped trail of flames. Suddenly, she veered toward the Peacock King, but he didn't seem surprised.

"Foolish girl. I see the future—what do you think? I am the Lord of Time, after all," said the Peacock King.

He spread his wing, and just as I expected Erina to dodge, I saw her slow down mid-air. A glowing aura enveloped the bird's massive wings, while a green particle sphere appeared around Erina.

"Die, Metaryon," the Peacock King said coldly before striking Erina violently with his right wing, sending her crashing into the ground.

"Erina!!!" I shouted. I used 'Flash' to quickly check on her and found her in the rubble.

"R-Rey... he's so strong... I didn't see it coming," Erina said, trying to catch her breath. She seemed more affected by the strike than by the impact with the ground, as Metaryons are immune to fall damage.

"I think he slowed time for you. That's why you didn't see it," I said.

"Sharp, kid. So you know what that means?" said the giant bird.

"That you can kill us at any moment without us even noticing," I replied seriously, worried.

"Exactly," it said as I felt blood dripping down my cheek. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw a feather embedded in the ground, sharp as a blade. It had deliberately grazed my face to scare me and show that we were powerless against it. It must have slowed time for us, making all its attacks seem like they were moving at the speed of light. For the first time in a long while, I found myself cornered, unsure how to escape. The power of time was simply beyond anything I could imagine, and I had never learned how to counter this kind of ability.

"It's time to die. Don't worry," declared the Peacock King coldly. "I'll make sure you and your little girlfriend rest in the same grave."

With a majestic gesture, it spread its massive wings once more, those on the right side, ready to unleash a rain of deadly feathers upon us. Around us, a massive sphere of glowing green particles shimmered, closing in like a prison. I immediately understood the lethal trap: anyone attempting to penetrate this sphere from the outside would inevitably be slowed.

Inside this barrier, time stretched, each second becoming an eternity. No ally could hope to rescue us without risking themselves being engulfed by the impending cascade of invisible, unavoidable feathers, turning any rescue attempt into a certain death sentence. Barrios would have likely found a solution, but he was on a mission on another continent.

"If I can assimilate its temporal power, I might be able to get us out of this," I whispered to Erina, still on the ground.

"Assimilate? What do you mean?" she asked.

"You'll see. 'Flash'," I said, leaping out of the sphere. Thanks to this technique, which allowed me to travel in a straight line 20 times faster than sound, I managed to escape with relatively high speed despite the sphere's slowing effect.

"You're persistent, but it's pointless—" began the Peacock King before I used Flash a second time to reach its head. Placing my hands on its head, I shouted, "Assimilation!!"

I saw white particles being channeled into my arm at high speed. Suddenly, I found myself in front of Erina, shocked by what I was doing.

"Rey… stop… please…" Erina said weakly.

"What the…!?" I exclaimed, seeing myself strangling Erina as she struggled with the little strength she had left, weakened by her use of celestial weapons earlier and the damage she had taken. I immediately released her, and she quickly caught her breath. "I'm so sorry, Erina, I don't know what happened!" I said, confused and horrified.

"I know. He manipulated you into doing it. Remember, he's also the Lord of Spirits. He controlled you to make you strangle me right after you landed on his head."

I glared furiously at the beast, watching as it spread its remaining wings again, preparing to unleash its feathers once more.

"Rey, if you can do something, now's the time!" Erina shouted.

"I couldn't assimilate its main energy system… The celestial energy is impossible to assimilate, Erina… I'm sorry…" I said. Seeing our current situation and the Peacock King's new traits, I realized victory was out of reach. As I closed my eyes, resolved to die standing against a divine beast, the Peacock King unleashed its attack...

To be continued...