Chapter 9 Earth Ability

"I believe we have all been taught how to use all the different kinds of weapons, so let's get to the last part of our training," Master Hong announced.

The students gathered in the training area, anticipation hanging in the air like a charged storm. Master Hong called out Ego and Adam, pointing to the weapons they had just selected. "Ego, you've chosen the Galeblade, Adam, you've selected an axe. You both have distinct strengths, and it's time to put them to the test."

As the rest of the class watched with keen interest, Ego and Adam squared off, each holding their chosen weapon with a sense of determination. Ego had an edge when it came to martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, but Adam's proficiency with weapons was unquestionable.

"Hey, buddy! Remember this is just a training, don't take it too seriously, but do what you must to win," Adam said to Ego.

With a nod from their teacher, the duel began.

Ego moved swiftly, his sword cutting through the air with precision. He circled Adam, looking for an opening, but his friend's axe was a formidable defense. Adam swung the heavy weapon with calculated force, blocking Ego's strikes and keeping him at bay.

The fight was a dance of skill and strategy. Ego's agility and mastery of martial arts allowed him to evade Adam's powerful swings, but the axe wielder's sheer strength made every strike a potential game-changer.

Ego knew he had to rely on his speed and agility. He darted forward, feinting with his sword before pivoting and attempting a low strike at Adam's legs. But Adam anticipated the move and stepped back, avoiding the attack.

The class watched with bated breath as the duel unfolded. It was a battle of wits, with Ego trying to outmaneuver Adam while his friend defended with determination. Ego's blade was swift, but Adam's axe packed a wallop.

Suddenly, Ego saw an opportunity. He feigned exhaustion, lowering his guard just slightly. Adam, ever vigilant, saw the opening and lunged forward, swinging the axe with all his might. But Ego had anticipated this. With a lightning-fast move, he sidestepped the attack and delivered a precise strike with the edge of his blade.

The blade met its mark, and Adam's grip on the axe faltered. The weapon clattered to the ground, and Ego's sword was inches from Adam's chest. Ego's focus was solely on his friend, not realizing that the fallen axe was far from done.

As Ego held his sword close to Adam's chest, all his attention on the victory at hand, the axe he had knocked from Adam's hand began to move of its own accord. It levitated from the ground and shot back into the air, whirling toward Ego. The weapon struck him square in the chest, knocking him off balance and causing him to tumble to the floor.

With astonishing speed, the axe returned to Adam's hand. Ego, lying on the ground, stared at his friend in amazement. "What the hell? How did you just do that? Is that witchcraft or something?"

Adam chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Haha! I used my ability, remember? I can control metals. Don't tell me you don't remember your ability."

Ego, still a bit dazed from the unexpected attack, responded, "Alright, then I won't tell you. I'll just ask: what ability do I have?"

"You can manipulate and control Earth," Adam replied. "And you were very good at it."

Ego's memories stirred. He recalled images of the previous owner of this body using his earth manipulation ability. It had been a formidable power, and now it was his to wield.

In an instant, Ego planted his left hand on the ground and focused. The earth beneath Adam's feet rippled and rose, pushing him several feet away. Adam managed to land on his feet, his axe at the ready.

With a grin, Adam taunted, "Looks like you remember now, huh? But I won't make this easy for you."

Ego nodded, and the two friends, each armed with their chosen weapons and abilities, resumed their duel. The training area became a battleground of earth and metal, swords and axes, as they clashed in a display of power and skill.

Ego and Adam continued their intense duel in the training area. Ego's mastery over earth manipulation allowed him to create barriers and obstacles, which he used to his advantage. He circled Adam with a swiftly rising wall of earth, entrapping his friend within an earthen cage.

Adam, unable to move due to Ego's well-placed barriers, found himself momentarily immobilized. His axe hovered in front of him, ready to strike, but with no clear path to his opponent. Ego seized the opportunity, raising a mound of earth beneath him to give him an elevated advantage.

Master Hong, their martial arts teacher, took a step forward, watching the contest closely. Finally, he called out, "Stop!"

Ego and Adam froze in their positions. Ego released the earth that confined Adam, allowing him to regain his freedom. The two friends exchanged panting glances, their exhilaration from the combat still evident.

Master Hong approached them, his face impassive. "Both of you have shown impressive skills. Ego, your command over the earth is remarkable. Adam, your control of metals is equally formidable, but only one can win so I declare Ego the winner.

"Great job boy, I am very certain you will help us win tomorrow, I just have the feeling," Master Hong said to Ego.