"That's the spirit…"

Sebastian's voice sounded through the cave as the dust cleared.

When the dust finally settled, Azel could see him standing in the same spot, completely unfazed.

There wasn't a scratch on the man.

He had tanked the punch head-on.

"Come on," Sebastian said, cracking his neck. "You must feel your aura vibrating even more now. Let's see how powerful it is."

Azel clenched his fist and took a deep breath.

His lungs stung, and as he exhaled, tiny drops of blood flew from his nose.

He wiped them away with his sleeve and grinned.

"I feel better," he muttered.

It was strange.

He rarely used aura anymore.

Ever since awakening his magical affinity, magic had felt a lot more special.

Aura was powerful and meant for close combat.

He'd grown so used to spells, runes, and divine magic that he'd forgotten the thrill of pure physical power… even when he was using his aura today, it didn't quite feel like it did now.

"That's what a double multiplier does," Sebastian said, crossing his arms. "Your aura flows everywhere… into your bones, your blood, your muscles automatically. It makes everything stronger. The best part? No side effects during use."

Azel arched an eyebrow. "During use?"

Sebastian smirked. "After a while, the aura point ties itself back up again. Like a muscle that closes on its own. So, enjoy the power while you have it."

Azel nodded slowly.

He was about to reply, but Sebastian continued before he could speak.

"The multiplier isn't the only thing that matters," the man said, planting his hands on his hips. "You also need real martial arts. Using a sword isn't bad, but relying on it all the time? Not knowing how to use your own body properly?"

He clicked his tongue. "That's criminal."

"I do kno—"

Sebastian cut him off immediately. "No, you don't. You'd be surprised at how much you're lacking. I'm a master of martial arts, kid. You could swing that sword all you want, and I'd still take you down bare-handed."

He stepped back and rolled his shoulders. "We've got time to burn. So, feel free to come at me with everything you've got. Let's test your hand-to-hand skills… and keep your aura flowing through your organs while you're at it. It'll help with speed."

Azel exhaled slowly. 'I really don't have a choice, do I?'

He dropped into a stance… something that looked halfway between boxing and desperation.

His feet spread apart and his hands raised near his face.

Sebastian tilted his head. "…That's a stance?"

Azel ignored him.

The ground cracked under his heel as he launched forward, closing the gap in a single bound.

He threw a punch aimed right at Sebastian's jaw.

The older man parried it easily, a small shockwave being produced as their arms met.

"Your form's awful," Sebastian said, blocking another strike. "But your power's not bad. How does that even work?"

Azel ignored the comment, switching tactics.

He spun, kicking upward with enough force to create a gust of wind.

His heel connected with Sebastian's head… finally landing a solid hit.

But instead of stumbling, Sebastian grinned wider, rubbing his cheek like he'd just been complimented.

"Not bad, kid."

They clashed again.

And again.

Azel threw punches, elbows, and kicks with each one being faster than the last but Sebastian dodged or blocked every single attack like it was child's play.

It was infuriating.

The man didn't even look like he was trying.

'He's reading every move,' Azel thought, sweat forming along his forehead. 'Is he predicting my attacks?'

Sebastian finally spoke between parries. "You've got good instincts. I'll give you that. But you're fighting too loud… every motion screams your next move."

Azel swung low, feinting a sweep, then turned it into a jab.

Sebastian sidestepped effortlessly.

"See? Predictable."

'How can you even predict that?'

Azel growled under his breath and pressed forward.

He brought his knee up, spun, and lashed out with a side kick.

Sebastian leaned back just enough for it to graze his chin, then countered with a quick jab to Azel's ribs.

The blow wasn't even full-force, but Azel felt the pain shoot up his side.

He stumbled back a step and wheezed.

Sebastian smiled. "You really don't want to learn, huh? Let me show you something useful."

He raised a single finger. "Do you know how many pressure points exist in a human body?"

Azel frowned. "What kind of question—"

Before he could finish, Sebastian appeared in front of him, faster than his eyes could track.

His fist connected with Azel's stomach.

"Gah—!"

The air was forced from his lungs as he doubled over, coughing violently but he stood back up regardless.

Sebastian leaned, still grinning.

"If your body can use aura, it also has weaknesses that normal humans don't. Extra points of vulnerability. Hit them hard enough, and you'll shut down entirely."

He stood upright, his golden aura glowing around him. "Of course, you can also use those points against enemies… if you learn where to strike."

Azel's breathing was shallow.

He could feel the ache in his stomach increasing with every word Sebastian spoke… He didn't like this.

Sebastian chuckled and raised his hand. "Watch and learn."

He released his aura point.

The golden light around him suddenly intensified, compressing tightly against his body like armor.

The air trembled with the sheer pressure.

Azel could feel the difference immediately.

"See?" Sebastian said calmly. "This is what happens when you fully compress the aura of the first point."

Before Azel could even brace, Sebastian was gone again.

He became a blur of motion.

Pain flared right below Azel's neck.

Sebastian's finger had touched something.

It was a tap.

But that one touch sent a jolt through Azel's entire body.

His nerves screamed… He felt his chest lock up and suddenly he couldn't move his body.

'What the hell—'

His vision blurred instantly. Everything around him tilted. His legs gave out, and he fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

The last thing he saw was Sebastian looking down at him with his arms folded.

"You see?" the man said. "Apply enough force on the wrong point, and even the strongest fighter collapses. Too much pressure…"

Azel's hearing faded.

"…and you die."

Darkness swallowed everything.

He didn't know how long had passed.

It could've been seconds.

Or hours.

When his eyes finally opened again, he was staring up at the same ceiling… the same rough rock formation he'd seen when he first woke up here.

He blinked.

He was completely silent… he didn't know how Sebastian did that… He was just confused.

"I died?"

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