Nigel and I stood across from each other. He’d killed his first monster with the group and had gloated about it all morning. I congratulated him, obviously, but it was starting to get old.

  Throughout the morning, we continued with our usual training. Barcus and Garreth corrected our strokes, and we funneled air mana into our cores. After that, we took a break and worked on additional uses and scenarios for Rapture. Finally, before lunch, we ended things with a sparring session.

  “I’ll go easy on you, okay?” said Nigel as he got into a stance. The worst part was that he didn’t even mean his words to be sarcastic. They just felt that way.

  “And I’m going to kick the shit out of you!” I said in a cute, sing-songy voice. “So shut the fuck up and come at me.”

  “Someone’s become very cocky all of a sudden,” noticed Barcus. “Very well.” He snapped his fingers and pointed between me and Nigel. “We’re looking to disarm or check your opponents. No deaths or brutal injuries, please.”

  I stared at Nigel like he was a prime cut of meat. “This is going to be so much fun.”

  Nigel grimaced. “You’re acting weird.”

  “No, I’m just a sore fucking loser, and I’m over it.”

  “Uh…”

  “Begin!” shouted Barcus.

  Nigel readied his practice sword, braced into a stance, and soared at me.

  Rapture? He wants to finish this in one shot, then? Predictable. A pity.

  Water mana channeled in my core. A portion of it fueled and circulated through my weapon. Particles of white mana floated off it, but I cut them off soon after. Going that far was overkill. All I needed was the sensory enhancement.

  Nigel’s speed was nothing to my eyes. He might as well have been jogging. I watched the flat of his blade aim for my hand.

  Finally.

  Using my superior perception, I followed his blade. When he was in range, I placed the tip of my sword on top of his and used its superior reach and build to push him down. The sound of wood rang as his blade forced away from my body and his, creating an opening.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  I quickly released some of the weight, slid the blade up to Nigel’s neck, and held it there.

  Everything was quiet. Nigel stared at my sword as his hands holding his grew limp.

  I relaxed my grip, released Nigel, generated a ball of water in my right hand, and threw it in Nigel’s face. “All done.” I stared at Barcus. “I’m better now.”

  Bydon, Barcus, and Garreth all stared at me.

  Barcus walked over to us. He ushered a surprised Nigel away then glanced at me. “Were you using the Heavenly style?”

  “Yes,” I quipped.

  “When did you learn it?”

  “Last night.”

  “Of course you did. Shit,” muttered Barcus. “Whatever you say, kid.” Barcus rubbed his fingers through his hair, obviously stunned yet very excited. “You’re the best kid I’ve ever taught. I mean, do you know how incredible this all is? Who the hell are you?! Hahaha!”

  “I just think the Heavenly style fits me better, is all.”

  “I can see that! Hahaha! Alright. Screw the Warring style. I’d feel confident calling you a Heavenly Initiate. We’re gonna focus on that. You didn’t use it on Nigel, but I saw mana particles in your weapon for a second. If you can do that without issue and harness your senses, you’re definitely on the right track.”

  “And I can. Easily.”

  “I saw. I’m only a level higher than Initiate, but it takes a lot of effort to reach Expert in any fighting style,” said Barcus. “It is the difference between an average person and a true warrior on the path of greatness.”

  “Just tell me what I need to do. I’m sure I’ll figure it out in a day or two,” I said with a dark smile.

  “Ha! Doubtful, but I’d love to see it.” Barcus grinned evilly. “You want to become an Expert in the Heavenly style? Easy. There’s only one thing you need to do: cut mana.”

  “What?”

  Barcus motioned at himself. “Hit me with some elemental mana. Come on.”

  “But—”

  “Just do it.”

  “Okay.”

  I manifested a rock into my hand. It hovered centimeters in front of my palm. My mana carved into it, shaping one end into a sharp point. Aiming at Barcus, I fired the pointed rock in his direction.

  It should only hit his shoulder.

  Barcus pulled out his sword quickly. His eyes followed my attack, and his sword did as well. Violet particles condensed around his blade thicker than I’d seen myself or Quintin perform. They looked like snowflakes on his blade.

  The blade met my spell.

  Where the sword connected, my spell began to shatter into particles. The entire creation then disintegrated, splattering like mini fireworks where the blade made contact.

  I stared in awe as I examined the endless possibilities of such a skill.

  “Before we leave Sandy Branch, I’m gonna make you learn that,” said Barcus.

  I nodded blankly.

  “Ha, cute.” Barcus stabbed his blade into the dirt and leaned on the hilt. “Here’s why this whole thing is remarkable.” He had a savage grin on his face. “What do you think it means when a highly proficient Externalist can also cancel out other Externalist’s spells?”

  The implication dawned on me. Soon, Barcus and I held the same scary expressions on our faces.