Where are you running?

"Indeed, that's chaos magic," Corazon confirmed, his voice filled with a mix of awe and concern. Like everyone present, he had read about the subject.

"How is this possible? We deliberately avoided studying chaos magic due to its inherent dangers," Winry exclaimed, her voice laced with worry.

"Perhaps John's previous encounter with chaos magic influenced him," Aoto speculated, recalling the events surrounding John's resurrection. It was plausible that the experience had left a significant impact on him.

Arya, who had been ready to strike John, paused and stared at him wide-eyed. Even John himself was taken aback by the unexpected manifestation. He could discern that he had wielded chaos magic involuntarily.

"Put an end to this fight. It's no longer safe," Aoto stood up and shouted. Although the books provided limited information on chaos magic, it was enough to instill caution and keep their distance from it.

'The magic is primarily associated with a crimson color, but at its peak potential, it can take on various hues. It's an immensely dangerous form of magic capable of influencing reality. It must be approached with utmost caution.'

This revelation was enough to make everyone wary and apprehensive about the magic. John's display of chaos magic without even casting a spell was a monumental occurrence for everyone present.

Arya took a step back, observing her brother with a mix of envy and admiration. She recognized that this magic represented a higher form of power, and her brother had already tapped into it, while she remained confined to the basics of normal and runic magic. Despite her envy, she couldn't help but feel happy for her brother's newfound potential.

"Is chaos magic truly as dangerous as it's portrayed?" Winry inquired, her eyes shifting between the ongoing duel and Aoto's plea to halt it.

"It's not inherently bad. No magic is inherently good or evil; it depends on how it's used. You must have come across this knowledge when you began studying magic. However, chaos magic is particularly perilous to learn independently. Since John has shown a talent for it, it's better for him to delve into the books and learn how to control it," Aoto replied, emphasizing the importance of understanding and mastery.

"John, from now you will concentrate yourself into learning chaos magic and eldritch magic. Go and see if you can enter the Chaos magic section." Aoto said. John nodded and walked out of the arena. Everyone followed behind to see of he could really pass through the invisible that nobody before has been able to cross.

Following John, everyone gathered in the library section where the sign of Chaos magic hung proudly, its bold, crimson letters radiating a mesmerizing red light. John took a deep breath and stepped beyond the invisible barrier.

To everyone's astonishment, John's foot effortlessly passed through the wall, unimpeded by any rebound force, unlike previous attempts.

"Yosh!"

"Hurray!"

"Congratulations, John."

"We'll have to catch up to him in knowledge."

"This is amazing."

Excitement surged through everyone as they cheered, their expectations finally realized. Even John himself was overjoyed, repeatedly passing through the border to confirm that it was indeed real. Celebratory cheers filled the air.

"That's wonderful. We must celebrate this joyous occasion. Let's have a barbecue," Aoto declared.

"Of course."

"Absolutely!"

Others chimed in, eagerly embracing the idea. However, Shikuro was the first to interject, turning to Aoto and speaking up.

"We can go after the fight," Shikuro said. Aoto's mood immediately soured at the unexpected remark. All this time, he had been practicing alongside the others, but it was clear from the start that Aoto lacked knowledge in melee combat and didn't excel in magic.

This made Shikuro think again and come to the conclusion that Aoto might be protected by something which was what happened when Danzo faced when they confronted him on the rooftop that day. While Shikuro had guessed certain things over the past few months, it didn't mean he would betray Aoto. Firstly, it was impossible for him to betray Aoto. Secondly, he loved his life now like this. And thirdly, he had a very strong feeling that being with Aoto he would be able to protect Konoha more, especially now when he was learning new magic.

But Shikuro feared that Aoto wouldn't be protected always and he could use the cheat as much as he wanted. Thus, he and Corazon had taken on the task of training Aoto in melee combat. It was a grueling process—Corazon's intense physical conditioning combined with taijutsu training from Shikuro. On top of that, there was the ongoing magic learning.

Aoto's days were packed, filled to the brim with work, studies, and training. He led a strenuous existence, and he secretly wished to avoid the impending fight in the arena. However, it seemed he had been overly optimistic.

Though Aoto could easily cheat his way out using the system from within the store, he couldn't shake the guilt and the desire to improve on his own. He wanted to scream that he didn't want to be beaten up in this battle, but there was no other option. With a sigh, Aoto approached the arena, facing Shikuro on the opposing side.

"Aoto 'Shopkeeper' Yamazaki versus Shikuro 'Blue Insect' Aburame. Let the fight begin," the announcer proclaimed.

Shikuro raised both of his arms, and a swarm of insects emerged. But instead of a chakra-based attack, the insects transformed into vibrant butterflies, soaring straight towards Aoto.

Gasps of awe escaped the onlookers as they witnessed the astonishing sight unfold before them.

"Was that transmutation?" Edward gasped.

"Seems like it. This guy learnt so much over the past few days?" Corazon mumbled. He and Shikuro had also started fighting each other in order to learn and progress more but Shikuro never showed that he knew transmutation magic before. It was a little higher form of magic which he hadn't grasped yet.

This provided with zeal to improve more as he and Shikuro were in a race to see who would enter the advance sections.

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