Chapter 28: Broken Circuits and Conduits
"Again," D commanded, his voice echoing in the underground chamber.
Grim wiped sweat from his forehead and adjusted his grip on his sword. After nearly two weeks of non-stop training, his body ached in places he didn't know could ache. But he'd never felt stronger.
He took the stance D had drilled into him. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and his sword held at waist level. He drew in a deep breath, and began to gather mana the light mana and the natural energy.
The mixing came easier now. It once felt like trying to blend oil and water. It was now like blended colors in a pot of water. The aurora energy flowed into his sword, causing the blade to glow with shifting colors.
With a sharp horizontal slash, Grim released the energy. A multicolored flash erupted from his blade, hanging in the air for nearly a full second. It lasted four times longer than his first successful attempt. When he ended the slash, his blade returned to its scabbard in one fluid motion.
Chen Xing, who had been watching from the side of the chamber, raised an eyebrow. "His control has improved."
"Barely," D grunted, but Grim could tell he was somewhat impressed. "The Aurora Flash should disorient an opponent for at least two seconds. You're getting closer."
Grim nodded, trying not to show how pleased he was with the praise.
"Now, show me your progress with Sundering Slash," D ordered.
This was the technique Grim still struggled with. He'd spent countless hours practicing the drawing motion, but compressing aurora energy into the blade's edge remained frustratingly difficult.
He put his right hand on his sword hilt. He closed his eyes, focusing on drawing aurora energy and directing it into the sword while it was still sheathed. The challenge was compressing it, forcing it to remain stable until the moment of release.