Sparring Match II

Amelia summoned the lightning spirit—a being visible only to its master. In a dazzling display, it launched a torrent of yellow lightning, streaking across the battlefield with lethal intent. Richard swiftly channeled stigma energy, weaving it into a protective barrier.

Observing his kids, Richard marveled, "These kids have improved a great deal. What happened while I was away?" His thoughts echoed in the silent tumult. "You're no pushover, Amelia."

A sly grin danced on Amelia's lips. "Don't underestimate the teachings of Brother Aki,"

"Aki? How intriguing," pondered Richard. "Let's unleash everything we have."

"Noah, let's make this count," Amelia declared.

Noah, nodding in resolute agreement, readied himself for the impending clash.

Meanwhile, concealed amidst the verdant foliage, Akihiro marveled at their remarkable progress, silently longing to reach their heights. "If only I could ascend to their level," he ruminated in quiet introspection.

With a burst of ferocity, Amelia and Noah surged forth. As Amelia aimed a punch at Richard's countenance, Noah struck for his midsection. However, Richard deftly evaded both assaults, seizing Amelia's hand and leveraging it to drive a forceful blow against Noah.

For Richard, Amelia's weight was inconsequential, akin to that of an infant's, as they tumbled meters away, struggling to regain their footing.

"Come now, don't tell me that's all you've got," taunted Richard.

Amidst a fit of coughs, Noah chuckled. "You've yet to see the extent of our strength."

"Voltic Burst!" Noah unleashed a devastating shockwave, a tempest of crackling energy that engulfed Richard and the surrounding area. The trees quivered in tumult as lightning surged through the air, leaving in its wake naught but billowing smoke and residual electrical charge.

"Did it work?" Amelia inquired.

"He's our father; I know he's unscathed," replied Noah, his certainty unwavering. However, his conviction was abruptly shattered when a surge of black lightning lanced forth from the dissipating haze, hurtling toward them with malevolent intent.

"Noah, evade! Lightning spirit, erect an electrostatic barrier!" Amelia commanded. The spirit obediently created a crackling shield of light, yet despite its protective vigilance, the black lightning ruptured the barrier, unleashing a shocking assault that left both Noah and Amelia reeling.

"What in the…?" Amelia shut her eyes tightly as Noah instinctively shielded her, bracing against the impending storm.

As suddenly as it had appeared, the ominous black lightning ceased, dissipating into nothingness.

"You know I wouldn't harm you," declared Richard as he emerged from the dispersing shroud. "I must admit, you've surpassed my expectations, kids. Your potential, honed under Akihiro's tutelage and guidance, is truly remarkable."

Amelia and Noah regained their bearings. "You had us there, Dad, but we have indeed grown," declared Amelia, perspiration glistening upon her brow as the lightning spirit gradually faded from view.

"Brother truly possesses an unparalleled strength. His influence has been pivotal in our growth. He's truly a prodigy," acknowledged Amelia with a note of reverence, sharing an appreciative glance with Noah.

"Given the opportunity, he might even surpass him," mused Richard, appraising their progress and their mentor's impact on them.

While Akihiro observed his family from afar, his thoughts wandered to the depth of his own quest for power. Mostly to himself, he reflected, "I wish I could encounter Stella, the mother of all spirits, once more. Perhaps then, I might unravel the depths of my own potential."

"I'll greet Dad later," Akihiro murmured, his voice trailing off as he departed from the scene, his figure fading into the backdrop.

Meanwhile, Richard found himself pondering the recent turn of events. "What was that? I sensed an unfamiliar energy. Perhaps I'm simply showing my age," he thought to himself.

As Akihiro continued on his solitary journey for 30 minutes, lost in a labyrinth of thoughts and introspection, he found himself grappling with existential questions.

"Why am I unlike the rest of my family? Why do I lack abilities or stigmata, unlike them? Everything about me—my hair, my eyes, and the enigmatic occurrences that seem to orbit my existence—sets me apart. At times, I feel like a cursed enigma, a weight upon their shoulders… They still won't divulge the truth of my origins. I know that I am adopted, yet the shroud of mystery remains. I yearn for answers—clarity amid this unyielding obscurity."

Deep in contemplation, Akihiro pressed forward he unexpectedly found himself face to face with Old Man Tom, A kind smile graced the elder's features as he addressed Akihiro, "Ah, Akihiro. How have you been, my boy?"

Akihiro reciprocated the smile and replied warmly, "I've been well, Old Man. The peace in our corner of the world has been comforting, hasn't it?"

Old Man Tom chuckled softly. "Indeed, my boy. Though things can change in an instant, it's always good to cherish and hold on to the peace we find."

Curious, Akihiro asked, "And how are the others? Crunch, Flex, and Tony? Have they returned from their journey?"

The old man's eyes twinkled as he responded, "Not yet, my boy. They're out selling fruits in the neighboring villages. Working hard, as always."

Akihiro nodded, a sense of reassurance washing over him. "Thank you, Old Man Tom. I'm glad to hear they're doing well. They'll be back soon, I'm sure."

"I see, by the way have you ever heard of an ancient book known as 'The Codex of the Forgotten'?" The old man's surprise was palpable, his eyes widening as if Akihiro had uttered something mythical.

"How do you know that name?"

"I'm afraid I can't say, but it holds great importance to me."

"Follow me then." Old Man Tom motioned for Akihiro to follow him. They entered his quaint house, the shelves lined with books covering a myriad of subjects. Akihiro noticed a hidden door. The old man turned the doorknob and revealed a secret room, covered in layers of dust.

**Cough** Cough**

Coughing on the dust, "I see you haven't been keeping up with your cleaning, Old Man." They shared a hearty laugh as the dust settled. With a sentimental sigh, the old man said, "It's been a long time since I've opened this room no one reads books anymore."

Together, they cleared a space at a small table covered in more dust. Akihiro wiped it clean and took a seat, his eyes fixed on the old man.

"So do you have it," Akihiro asked.

Old Man Tom reached into a cabinet, his hands trembling ever so slightly. He retrieved a small book, its pages yellowed with age.

"This is just a smaller version, what some might call the variant, of 'The Codex of the Forgotten.' It contains a fraction of the information found in the original. That resides in the Akatsuki Manor, but accessing it is no easy feat."

Akihiro felt a chill crawl up his spine at the mention of the Akatsuki Manor, as if a distant memory whispered through his mind.

"That gave Goosebumps, What was that about." He thought to himself.

He swiftly brushed off the sensation, not ready to explore that particular avenue of thought. Curiosity burned within him as he asked the old man about the contents he sought.

"What you seek may be found within its pages. Feel free to explore and enlighten yourself. However, I cannot allow you to leave with the book. Enjoy it within these walls."

With gratitude, Akihiro nodded and settled into the chair, his gaze focused on the aged pages before him. Old Man Tom bid him farewell, leaving Akihiro.

As he delved into the depths of the book.

[The Codex of the Forgotten: 600 B.C ]