Spirits of Tempest I: Rising Storm

Chapter 2: Preliminary Testing

Ryan Tempester POV

Before I realized it, about a three weeks had passed since I went with Janson to the Academy grounds. I had basically mastered the fundamentals of using energy and how to channel it. Incorporating it into my own ability was pretty easy for me since all it took was simply picturing how to concentrate my energy. Outputting the attacks ended up being a simple task.

I had found out I was especially skilled in learning and adapting new skills. It was more or less my strong suit. I was able to concentrate energy and use electricity to supercharge my attacks. Kicks and punches were the more powerful skills in my arsenal. Weapons wouldn't cut it out for me, as I was more experienced in hand to hand combat, credits to all the fighting I did with Ryder as over the years. Hell, even my body was more physically toned from all the fighting as well.

Still though, despite my training, I still wasn't near the full extent of my ability. I had some mistakes where my energy output backfired and I was hurt as a result. But, I had completely mastered the basics and started using my own ability to its full extent.

"That's very good Ryan Tempester, keep that up and all the attacks you do will be done subconsciously."

Janson was watching over my training. He had less responsibilities, which was strange since I assumed being Headmaster was one hefty job. "What do you mean by that?"

And so Janson lectured me on the whole subject he mentioned. "With enough training, muscle memory builds in and pretty much allows you to do it just by having the determination to enact it. So in order for you to get that into your head, I think sparring will suffice."

I was taken aback by the whole suggestion he added. I had a bit of confidence in myself. I was very good at fighting but I had come under the assumption that since Janson had risen to become Headmaster, he was more well trained over the years while I had been doing this for a fraction of his age.

"I'm sure you're confused, but I won't go that hard. After all, this is to get you a feel of how you'd use your ability to its fullest. So come at me with the intention of attacking."

As he readied himself for the sparring match, I got into the stance I had always gotten into back in my street fighting days. I put my back leg behind me and my hands were in front of me, ready to defend myself. As the air quickly settled and relaxed, he began his approach. Before he could land an attack, I had safely dodged the first strike. I then went forward and tried to land a punch on him. His hand caught my fist, and he tossed me in the air, then jumped high and got me right into the chest. I feel on the ground, recovering my breath. It was strange, I had been punched so I should be feeling something. But then I realized my body reinforced itself with energy to soften the blow.

"So now you see then? I had delivered an attack and your energy reinforced your body. Now let's do this a few more times." Janson exclaimed after going through the first bout with me

And so for the next 3 to 4 days, I had trained hard sparring with Janson, learning how to concentrate my energy and how to harness my innate ability I had now begun to get used to. Until the day of the exam came.

My knowledge had grown exponentially, my mind had begun to clear as my objective had been introduced. I needed to get through the exam so that I could get into Osiris Academy. But my doubt began to grow within myself. I was in my hospital room packing what things I had. I walked down the hall into the nurse's office, and as I walked to the front desk, there was a letter on top of the table most likely written by Ms. Yuki.

"Dear Ryan, I'm currently at the exam site as I have some work to do there. I want to wish you the best of luck at the test and I'm sure you will pull through. Sincerely, Rei Yuki."