by Daman
“There are some heavenly elements in this world which awaken to children with special bloodlines when they turn eight years of age. I don’t know much about those unique elements, but one thing is for sure, that they are all a domineering power under the heavens!”
Hearing the explanation from Elias, Calron was stunned.
He knew that the Azure Lightning was special, but other then that, he had almost no knowledge about why the lightning chose him or even what it was. However, from Elias’s words, it appeared as if it was due to his bloodline, so that meant that it had to have come from within his family!
“Master, my father was also a fourth rank lightning elementalist, but he did not have the Azure Lightning. Why did I awaken to it?”
Calron curiously asked Elias. His father was the only one in his family that had the lightning element, but he never showed any signs of having a blue lightning.
“I don’t know, Calron. Even in those exalted clans and sects, they might go on for centuries until another child in their family awakens to their bloodline’s unique element. Your ancestors must have once been very powerful, as the Azure Lightning seems to be an element belonging to the special bloodlines.”
Meanwhile, Fatty was at the side listening in on their discussion, as he quietly muttered to himself.
“That blue stuff is that amazing? No wonder big brother was so afraid of others finding out.”
Right then, Fatty rushed towards Calron and grabbed his hand.
“Big brother, no need to worry, even if someone comes looking for you in future, I will take your secret to the grave with me.”
Fatty sincerely proclaimed.
Seeing the expression on Fatty’s face, Calron knew that this was one of the rare moments that Fatty was completely serious, and he felt glad for having a brother like him.
Even if they were not related by blood, for someone who would unquestionably risk their life for another, Calron would gladly call them his brother!
The boy in front of Calron was no longer the same as the one he had once met with a sniveling nose and tears running down his plump face. There was no chubbiness in the boy, and even calling him ‘Fatty’ seemed like a joke, as the current Roran was extremely muscular for an eight year old!
However, to Calron, Fatty was still Fatty. He might have changed in physical appearance, but Fatty’s mannerisms and mischievous personality could never be taken away.
Grabbing Fatty’s hand with his own, Calron smiled as he gazed at his brother.
“Thank you, Fatty.”
The two boys felt an invisible bond tying their fates even closer together as a strong brotherhood was born from that day forth.
……….
Seeing the two boys being chummy with each other, Elias felt his heart warm at the scene in front of him. It made him think of his own brother, Solin. Although Elias had an elder brother by blood, the relationship he had with Solin during his childhood was much deeper than that of any family he had!
Knowing that if he pondered more on his past, his mood would turn somber, Elias slightly coughed as he tried to get the two boys’ attention.
“By the way, Calron, what happened in the source pool?”
Elias suddenly asked in a serious tone.
Elias knew it had something to do with the third layer, as he felt the giant’s energy, but then that would mean that Calron had already broken the second seal, and tried to break the third one as well!
Although the former was a bit surprising, it was the latter that was inconceivable if it were indeed true.
“Uh, you see… I tried to…”
Calron stumbled over his words as he tried to explain, but did not know how to explain everything he saw, as he himself was confused by the events that took place there. Everything had been out of his control, as the Azure Lightning acted on its own and charged into the third seal.
However, Calron did not want to hide anything about the Azure Lightning from Elias, so he started explaining from the beginning on how he accidentally provoked the second seal and the Azure Lightning abruptly rushed out to help him, while destroying the second seal in the process.
Elias had a stunned expression on his face, but he let Calron continue his tale.
Just as Calron was in the middle of explaining when the Azure Lightning absorbed the source energy, Elias felt his hands starting to tremble, however, it was only when Calron finally disclosed the battle between the two beasts, that Elias felt his heart furiously thumping against his chest!
An element that could take the shape of a living beast? Impossible! Essence by itself was something that existed separate from everything else, as even the heavens were subject to it!
“…so after the giant exploded, the blood-red lightning returned back to normal, and I could finally leave the source pool!”
Calron exhaled as he finished his story.
“Calron, do you know what the third layer of the Blood Arts is?”
Elias asked in a low somber voice.
As his Master spoke those words, the atmosphere suddenly turned a bit heavy. The sounds of birds chirping, the howling of the wind and even the critters of the insects seemed to fade away, as if the world waited for the next words of this blind old man.
Calron and Fatty both felt the changes in the surroundings, and unknowingly felt their heartbeat slow down.
“The third layer is special, Calron. It’s not a technique or a skill.”
Every word of Elias seemed to contain an ethereal feeling to it.
A slow and gentle breeze flowed around Elias, as he spoke his next and final words.
“It is a Domain known as the Titan’s Fury!”
Chapter 37 – Preparation
“Titan’s Fury?”
Calron whispered as he heard the name.
“Yes, it is the first domain ability of the Blood Legacy. It will create a special area around you that will trigger a mental suppression of any enemies within that area, and boost your physical strength by a certain factor!”
Elias calmly stated towards Calron.
“Wow! Master, I want it as well!”
Fatty exclaimed as he heard the impressive ability of the domain.
Turning his gaze towards Fatty, Elias strictly said.
“Roran, this domain is not something that either of you can handle right now. Although by some stroke of luck, Calron was able to break through the seal placed on the third step, but under no circumstances are you allowed to activate it. Is that clear, Calron?”
Seeing the firm look on his Master’s face, Calron visibly gulped and responded.
“This disciple understands, Master!”
“Eh? But why can’t he activate it? It sounds so awesome!”
Fatty ignored the look on Elias’s face and continued complaining.
Realizing that he had just taken on a troublesome new disciple, Elias answered with a soft sigh.
“It’s true that the domain will boost your physical strength, and at the early stages, it will increase your power by at least two times, but at its peak, the domain will increase your power by over ten times your original strength!”
Elias stated with a fierce fire in his eyes.
Just as Fatty was about to interrupt, Elias forcibly continued.
“However, it comes at a price. The domain will consume your own blood as soon as you ignite it and the longer you keep it activated, the faster it will consume your blood. Although the Blood Legacy gives you an extraordinary regenerative ability, if it can’t recover enough blood, I don’t think I need to tell you what would happen next.”
Both boys shuddered as they thought of this ability that could directly consume one’s blood!
Seeing the pale looks on the faces of his disciples, Elias shook his head and continued.
“I did not think I would have to talk about this domain this early… logically speaking, Calron should not have been able to break that seal, as it requires the strength of a Vajra stage expert or above
! Once you’re at the Vajra stage, your body would have naturally been able to endure the physical strain of the domain without endangering your life.”
Hearing those words, Calron asked a question.
“Master, I thought the domain only consumed blood? It puts strain on the body as well?”
“Calron, the blood in your body is the essence of life. It sustains your muscles, bones, and your entire existence. If your blood were to slowly drain away, it will affect your physical condition as well! However, if your body was already strong to begin with, you could endure the strain of the blood loss caused by the domain.”
Nodding his head at the response, Calron sincerely replied to Elias.
“Master, unless I’m in a dire situation, I promise I will not activate the domain.”
Knowing that was going to be the best he would get, Elias sighed in resignation.
“Hmm, Master can I also ask you a question?”
Fatty interrupted for the second time with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Seeing the boy’s expression, Elias slightly hesitated, but he knew the boy would not give up until he got his way, so he nodded his head in consent.
“Since I still have a long time until I can break the third seal, big brother will get to enjoy the domain way ahead of me! I only request that my most esteemed Master to show this poor disciple what the domain looks like!”
Fatty finished with an elaborate thump to his chest.
Meanwhile Calron sighed as he shook his head at Fatty’s idiocy.
This kid… He’s already learnt to manipulate people with flattery and praises!
Elias slowly smiled as he pondered these thoughts within his mind.
“Interesting proposition… I have a better idea. I will show you the domain once you master the Formless Fist. I think Calron only took a few days to perfect it, so it shouldn’t take too long for you as well.”
Elias said with a twinkle in his eyes and gave a discreet wink to Calron.
Hearing Elias’s words, Fatty sulked at his failed plans and muttered to himself.
As if suddenly remembering something, Elias interjected.
“I almost forgot! You both will have the Ranking Tournament coming up in a few months, so you need to prepare immediately!”
“Huh? I heard about a tournament for the disciples before, but do we have to participate? I don’t think I can win against the other disciples without using the Blood Legacy or the Azure Lightning… ”
Calron abruptly exclaimed.
Calron had learnt from the recent fight with Chax that it would be extremely difficult to win with merely his physical body. Although Calron had a much stronger constitution than others his age, compared to the immense power other’s elements provided, there was not much of an advantage.
However, things would be completely different if he could use either the Azure Lightning or the Blood Legacy. Within Calron’s entire generation, none would be able to contend with him if he used his true strength!
“Hmm, I think it would be fine if you use the Blood Legacy just a little bit.”
Elias said with a slight upturning of his lips.
“You mean… ”
Calron dumbly stared at his Master!
Was Elias really letting him use his true strength?
“Don’t get me wrong, you are still not allowed to use your complete strength, but I will permit you to use just the Formless Fist. With the current level of control you have over the source energy, I assume you will be able to not leak any more than you should?”
Elias inquired with a raise of his eyebrow.
“YES! I mean, I will follow your instructions, Master”
Calron excitedly shouted before regaining his composure.
Calron could not believe that his Master was actually letting him use the Blood Legacy in front of others! Although he was only permitted to use the Formless Fist, it would still be unmatched against the other disciples his age!
*grumble*
A low stomach growl resounded in the area.
Both Elias and Calron turned towards the source of the sound.
An embarrassed Fatty stood there while furiously blushing.
“What? I haven’t eaten for a few hours and you guys have been continuously talking without involving me, so of course I got hungry! Stop staring!”
Not understanding how their talking would make Fatty hungry, both Elias and Calron let out a combined sigh at the same time and shook their heads.
“Hey! Stop doing that… it’s freaky!”
Both Calron and Elias burst into laughter upon seeing the expression on Fatty’s face.
After a few minutes of bickering back and forth, Elias finally interrupted the two boys.
“You boys should go get lunch before all the food disappears. Oh, by the way Calron!”
Elias shouted just as the boys were about to leave.
“Yes, Master?”
Calron curiously responded.
“We will begin your training in the Blood Mist Step in a few days, so come prepared.”
With that, Elias turned around and quietly entered his hut, leaving behind a stunned Calron.
“Big brother, what’s the Blood Mist Step?”
Fatty questioned as he poked Calron on the shoulder.
“Ah? Fatty, if the Titan’s Fury is the third layer of the Blood Arts, what do you think the second layer is?”
Calron faintly voiced his words.
“You mean…”
“Yes, the second layer is known as the Blood Mist Step!”
Calron confirmed to the astonished Fatty.
“This is so unfair, why does big brother get all the cool stuff!”
As Fatty whined, Calron grabbed him by the arm and started to drag him towards the gathering hall for lunch.
The whole way there, Fatty tried to glean some information as to what the Blood Mist Step was, but Calron simply evaded all his questions and told him to be quiet.
Just as the two boys were walking towards the hall, the nearby disciples all gaped at Calron and Fatty.
Feeling uncomfortable with all the stares, Fatty whispered to Calron next to him.
“Hehe, big brother, it seems you got really famous in a few days!”
What Fatty had not realized was that the disciples were not staring at Calron, but instead were gaping at Fatty himself!
Fatty completely forgot the drastic physical changes he underwent during the Blood Legacy’s transformation!
“You idiot! Look at your current body! The one they’re all staring at is you!”
Calron whispered back, as he smacked Fatty on the back of his head.
“Eh?”
Chapter 38 – A Summer’s Beauty
Ignoring all the stares, Fatty and Calron continued to walk towards the gathering hall.
“Hey, isn’t that the fat kid… wow, look at those muscles… I remember that lightning kid!”
As the nearby disciples whispered amongst themselves, the two boys paid no attention to the gossip, and continued their own conversation.
“Big brother, after we finish eating here, can you bring out that electric snake? Please?”
Fatty excitedly asked Calron in a hushed tone.
“Fatty, I just told you that I have no control over the lightning! Besides, why do you want to see it?”
Calron said in an exasperated voice.
“Uh…I just wanted to see if it looked delicious…”
Calron stopped walking as he dumbly stared at Fatty.
“Fatty… it’s made of lightning… you can’t eat that!”
Calron spluttered as he tried to answer Fatty. He simply did not understand where Fatty got these types of ideas from, or his insane obsession with eating exotic foods.
“Eh? But you said the beast had a physical form, so it definitely must be made of real flesh!”
Fatty argued as he tried to convince Calron.
Knowing that he would never get anywhere in a conversati
on about food with Fatty, Calron just sighed as he responded.
“I don’t even know how to conjure that thing, as it always seems to appear whenever it wants… ”
In truth, Calron simply had no idea as to how the Azure Lightning worked. Only his Teacher seemed to understand it, but with him recovering his soul, there was no way Calron could question him.
Ever since the locket had been given to him, his future seemed to have taken a detour from what would have been a normal life.
“Ah, forget it! Big brother doesn’t understand the passion of exotic cuisine!”
Fatty exclaimed with a shake of his head.
Rolling his eyes, Calron tugged at Fatty’s shoulder.
In front of the boys, bustling crowds of disciples were lined up as they waited to receive their meals. A few of them were already busy eating and chattering away with their friends.