Form of Growth

'Eh?'

Givale's voice broke through the Link, 'This feels different. . .'

Stars spoke proudly, 'I know this feeling! Akiol has become Second Stage!'

'Really?! Congratulations!'

Akiol eyed the two strands in his palm. They didn't react at all to the Form of Fortification Aura. With a sigh he murmured, "In the end, my path was still chosen for me."

'Akiol?'

"Just clearing my thoughts, though now I have evolved I think it's best we take some time to adjust."

Stars agreed, 'My own power has grown exponentially. It would be best to practice a bit.'

Givale appeared in the air and landed softly. She examined her body and stretched, "I've never felt like this, I feel like I can take on everything!"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"I'll do my best!"

"Alright, since I've already taught you how to get used to your strength, you just have to repeat that. Adjust to this newfound power."

Givale nodded excitedly, "Okay!"

Stars asked, 'Are we going to test out my new strength?'

"Not yet, there's something I have to do."

'Aww, alright then.'

Akiol slipped the sheath off and placed it in front of him. Closing his eyes he revisited the contents that was forcefully implanted in his head.

The Form of Growth. Known to be the strongest form of Aura. By slowly utilizing it, it will grow in amount and power. This process was slow, but paid off more than the other forms.

Still, it seemed a little inefficient. At least the start of the process. It would take a long time to properly start the kindling process, he wouldn't be able to properly use the Form of Growth until at least two months in the future! Even then the usage would be very faint.

So what if he combined the two Forms he knew? The starting process would be significantly enhanced, and the power he would obtain would come much sooner.

To start the path of the Form of Growth, one would have to spend many days looking deep within themselves for that spark of Aura. The process of searching for this Aura was incredibly complex, and could not be demonstrated. Once this spark was found, one would spend their lifetime slowly increasing it. Turning it into a rolling flame.

What Akiol planned to do was to skip this step. Instead he planned to use something as a Catalyst to start his spark.

Think of the difference as someone trying to start a fire with a match and basic kindling versus someone doing it with match and diesel soaked wood. Both would end with the same result, but one was significantly faster.

There might be problems with this, in fact Akiol strongly believed there was. However due to his deep understanding of Form of Growth, the only immediate thing he could tell was that his version would have a much weaker ending. However he would reach his ending far quicker. While doing the normal method could take decades.

The question was, what should he use as the Catalyst? It would tie directly to his Aura, so it couldn't be something fleeting. It had to be constant throughout his time playing A World's Legacy. Without any negative changes.

After a bit of pondering he came to a solution. The best Catalyst he could think of was himself. More specifically, his soul and the Links he had. His being was empowered by a Dragon, and linked to a legendary sword. Such a connection would certainly prove powerful. Powerful enough to serve as the Catalyst.

Closing his eyes he found 'himself', his entire being in the game. He felt the link between himself, Givale, and Stars.

Using the Form of Fortification's method he began to assign his 'being' as the Catalyst. Once the preparation was done he took a deep breath, "Here goes nothing."

Power erupted through his body, like an invasive tidal wave. Givale suddenly snapped out of her concentration and focused on Akiol. Although unsure what was happening, she could feel a change.

Stars himself focused on the change as well. He knew something incredible was occurring, but he wasn't sure what it was exactly. The surge of power calmed, and Akiol could sense it. It was like a fire inside him, though it was almost like it was made of water. It lacked the chaotic movement of a normal flame. It was slow, casual, as if in slow-motion.

Akiol opened his eyes and slowly lifted his hand. A silver Aura extended and hovered in his palm. It had occasional dark blue and purple dots flow in it. Like glitter in putty.

Givale couldn't help but ask, "What is that?"

The Aura vanished and Akiol responded, "A new source of power, something that will help me greatly."

Stars floated and snapped to Akiol's hand. After equipping the sheath Akiol drew Stars, "Alright, let's see this newfound power of yours."

Stars changed slightly after Akiol's ascent to Second Stage. His color turned a shade darker, and Akiol could almost see a glimpse of a few stars in the blade.

The handle felt as comfortable as normal. A perfect fit in his hand. Swinging the sword around in a basic exercise routine, he began to gain a feel for his strength.

Suddenly a voice interrupted, "Yo, Akiol."

Stopping Akiol turned and responded, "Wrock, I see you've recovered."

"Yeah, and I see you. . ."

Wrock glanced at Givale before continuing, "You're in that state again."

"Hm?"

"This emotionless, calculating, and boring state. Whenever something bothers you, this is the result."

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"You're faced with questions you can't answer, problems you can't solve. And I'm sure what started this was the incident with Perina."

". . ."

"I know you, I'm sure you don't doubt that. So I don't know why you're so insistent upon keeping quiet about the things that trouble you!"

". . ."

"We all will follow you no matter what, as long as you aren't trying to take over the world or something. I believe in your ability to make the right choice, but if you find yourself unable to make one. Don't hesitate to ask any of us."

Akiol blinked and then sighed, "Alright, I'll be sure to talk to you guys if that's the case."

"As long as you know."

"In the meantime, could I ask for a spar?"

"What brings this up?"

"Let's just say I need to vent a little."

"And I'm supposed to be a punching bag?"

"No, don't just stand there."

"Well. Let's say you're in for a surprise then!"

"I could say the same."