Chapter 4: The Next Day

Once the brothers got home, Luo instantly went to his room. In which he sat down on his bed and just stared at his desk.

"I have managed not only to start but also to finish the first stage in my cultivation... The Bone Forging realm took me so long back then... by tomorrow, I should be able to break through to the lower stage of First Element and be able to use some of my weaker techniques to fight..."

"However, no matter how I think about it, I feel as if my body still has some sort of potential or power well hidden which I am unable to reach or even feel properly."

He mumbled, and then he crossed his legs.

"I was naive to think this world would be easy. I thought this world would be peaceful without any threats. I was just too blind. I need to get strong; it seems that these soul reapers are not quite fond of powers they can't quite explain or comprehend... They might keep bothering me."

He thought as he slowly closed his eyes and proceeded to meditate. It was his plan to reach the first stage of the next stage, First Element.

The difficulty and complexity of each realm grew considerable, and as a result, he spent the entire night meditating. Fortunately, thanks to his powers, sleeping was no longer that much of a necessity. 

By the time he had reached the first stage of First Element, it was already morning, and he was quite late already. he slightly stretched his arms and stood up from his bed.

Just as Ichigo said the day before, he needed to go to school; however, no matter how much he hated it, he decided to grab his bag and put his toy blade into it. It was a bit larger. As a result, its guard slightly stuck out of it, but he didn't care.

As he slowly made his way down to the living room, he found no one there, only his father, who was reading the newspaper; however, as soon as he noticed Luo, he jumped up and rushed at him. He wanted to deliver a flying kick to his son; however, Luo was prepared.

He dashed to the side and used his palm to hit his father's stomach, sending him down to the ground. And then, he stepped away.

"Oh, good one, you have improved a lot, Luo! Also, you have slept in quite a bit despite the fact that our house was hit by a truck!"

"A truck? Oh yeah... Anyway, I am going to school; otherwise, I will be late."

Luo said as he quickly left the damaged house and proceeded to walk to school. The further he got from home, the less motivation he had to go to school; however, he had nothing to do. He was in the same class as Ichigo; however, he had long forgotten everybody's name. 

As he slowly sat foot in the classroom, he found out that he was the last one to arrive, and among the many forgotten faces, other than Ichigo's, there was someone who had slightly surprised him.

In the centre of the room, Ichigo and Rukia were standing, and they were shaking hands; both had an awkward grin on their face. Without saying a word, he sat down at an empty seat and took a deep breath.

"Morning, Luo!"

Ichigo spoke up after finally breaking away from that strange handshake, and then he sat down at his desk, not far from Luo's.

"Morning"

Luo replied, and then he leaned onto the desk, covering his head.

"Oh, good morning, Luo Korosaki; my name is Rukia Kuchiki; it is a pleasure to meet you!"

The Soul Reaper stated with an unexpected energy and enthusiasm. It felt as if she was a completely different person; however, Luo could feel that she was acting. As a result, he leaned back and looked at the girl who had her hand extended. He stood up and, with a seamlessly fake smile, shook her hand.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't notice you. You see, I didn't really sleep that well last night, and I am still half asleep! The pleasure is all mine."

He gripped the girl's hand tightly, slightly even cracking it, but once he let go of her hand, he instantly sat down. However, moments later, Ichigo stepped over next to them and grabbed both his and Rukia's shoulder.

"I need to talk to the two of you; follow me!"

Ichigo said and applied light pressure onto Luo's shoulder and slightly pulled him up. After sighing, Luo followed him without asking any questions, just as Rukia did. They walked all the way over to the roof. Once Ichigo closed the door to make sure no one was listening to them, he turned to Rukia.

"Why are you still here? Why haven't you gone back to your Soul Society or what it's called?!"

"Let me guess, you couldn't sleep last night because I gave you nothing to chew on, right? You decided to come and keep analysing me, right?"

Luo said as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. Rukia only shook her head.

"Yesterday, I only meant to lend you a portion of my power, but for some reason, I gave you everything. As a result, I can't yet return. So, in the meantime, you will have to take care of the hollows in my stead. As for you, Luo, yes, if you do not tell me more about yourself, I have no choice!"

Rukia explained; however, suddenly, she received a message, and she took out her foldable buttoned phone.

"Perfect timing, we have work to do!"

She said and put on a red glove; as soon as it was on, she was about to punch Ichigo with an open palm, but Luo grabbed her wrist.

"Don't you think using some sort of soul attack against my brother in my presence is a bit too much? Did you just receive an order to kill him or what?"