Resistance Training, Or Resistance To Training, One of Them

Simple stretches, make sure the old joints work properly, check.

Grind, vrrt.

A few quick toe raises to make sure movement and balance are as expected, also check.

Nodding to myself, I begin the process of gradually releasing Qi in a flowing manner throughout my body. Long ago my evolutions made it so I didn't have the need for cores or channels, and my energy effectively was able to be contained and manipulated within my body at all times. Lighter fluffier energy like mana got to swirl about, while oddly enough Qi did sort of converge into large watery pools at various points around my body, similar to dispersed Qi cores and nodes. Yet, they never needed to stay in one spot, nor cycle in any particular pattern. It made life easier in that I could just move and manipulate the energy within my body easier, so I could project it outside my body at a rate of speed that seemed near omniscient. Part of this has given me a somewhat skewed view on what energy is, how it can be manipulated, and most importantly how others might react to my abilities.

Feeling loose, limber, and most importantly connected, I begin with a few quick jabs to loosen up the old arm muscles and get the qi points flowing.

Snap, crackle, crack.

"OWWW!"

And like that I broke Raygunnr's right arm. Nope, my strike didn't connect to him directly, but his flimsy Teleiotís shell was apparently not strong enough to withstand the force of my fist.

Robealing.

Fortunately, I am a master of Robealing, the ancient, by about two weeks art of blending together traditional humanoid Healing with Metallurgy to create one new form of magic that will help me fix my new toy, as I break it, in near real time.

"Ahh!" Raygunnr lets out a magical sigh of relief at the sudden decreased strain on his joints as all the damage has been fixed. Better still, I make sure the magic pushes his form to the next level, not healing to how it was before, but to the state it needs to be in order to withstand that slight level of pain.

Once the healing for the right arm is done, I do the same exact thing.

Jab, jab, uppercut.

"Groan."

Again, the uppercut had a slight wince of pain, but no biggie as I again heal that. Finally, I get through a full set of basic movements without Raygunnr moaning at all. That's when I nod to myself, and of course, try the same thing with the left arm.

Snap, crackle, crack.

Seeing that he didn't complain, I begin healing but have to ask the obvious question, "that didn't hurt?"

"It did, but my Pain Resistance skill came in to help."

Hearing that, I perk up as this could be exciting, as getting new skills is always a boon. "Really, that's great, what level did you get it to?"

"One."

At that I slightly cringe, realizing I was the reason why Raygunnr had just unlocked the Pain Resistance skill, but to be fair, that is a great bonus for just working out in the morning.

A few more sets with the left arm, going through functional movements and basic strikes later, I nod and proceed to immediately flow into kicks.

Kick, pop, tear.

"OOOOHHHHHH!" Raygunnr drops to the ground and immediately grabs for his crotch area. Or the area where his human crotch would have been. I'd hate to break it to him, but the Teleiotís aren't so poorly developed that their reproductive organs are that exposed. But then decide that arguing with a regressor about what they feel, and think they should feel is hard to separate.

Still, I do shake my head disappointedly as I continue to cast Robealing magic all over his affected joints and areas.

This time, we get back to the set position, and I realize that there is a bit of resistance in the level of control that Raygunnr has allowed me over his body. It is odd, not much, but enough to notice that there is a slight resistance. I would almost equate this to being an involuntary flinch, as someone expects a lot of pain to occur from the next movement. Seeing this, I decide to take a moment to talk to Ray, to see if he is truly frightened by this, or if it is just me reading too much into this.

"I take it you had a particularly bad groin injury back in your first life?" I ask.

Hearing the question, Raygunnr's antenna ears perk up and pulse for a moment. This is a movement that most riders wouldn't be able to pick up on, but given my Angel's Sight that allows me to experience the world in full 360-degree vision around me, I pick up on the gesture almost immediately.

"Yes, how did you know?" Raygunnr asked.

"You are flinching, not much, but enough to let me know there will be a delay in your movements." I reply in Mana Language, and out loud. Only after I speak do I realize that listeners can hear what I am saying. Though given that they are only getting my half, it might not be revealing too much to an enemy. Also, I realize that if I want this world to continue for a bit longer, then the more viewers I have and continue to have, the better. As such I need to up my activities and gains.

"Sorry, I realize it is all mental, but I can't stop mentally expecting to feel excruciating pain from those actions." Raygunnr replied.

At that I nod, "would it be easier if you maybe closed your eyes?"

"What? Why would closing my eyes make your life easier, besides wouldn't you need my eyes to project images?"

Hearing Raygunnr speak, I suddenly understood that there was some form of optic crystal relay that went form his eyes, down to a screen that displayed in the cockpit. Or at least there should be, and if I focused with my third eye I'd swear I could almost make out the images. But they were too grainy, almost like an old 80s pixilated action video game images. I don't know, I'm assuming it had something to do with the blending of reality and fantasy. Here the pixels were caused by different individual wires that swerved and bent until projecting at the back of a flat piece of calcite. Maybe the entire string was calcite? I don't know, there was probably some logic in this somewhere, but to me, it looked like an extra organ that was unnecessary. Just like the groping tentacle that was designed to relieve pilots of waste created during their training. Fortunately, that cord is currently wrapped round my right foot, and completely out of the way. That said, much like Raygunnr, I too flinch whenever I see or feel that cord get detached for any reason.

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Being in here and seeing so many useless parts, I can't help but have my mechanical mind go off thinking of ways I could optimize the design of not just all Teleiotís, but Raygunnr especially. Then I realize that would be the equivalent of me trying to redesign the human body by removing organs that I thought were useless. Odd how adding sentience changes the levels of change I'm willing to make.

I know Prankenstein is nearing sentience, at least according to Ship-Ulacrum and Pirate-Ulacrum, but so far there has not been an official change to full sentience. Though she is managing to fly and avoid objects on her own now. Yes, she is female ship, at least that is what Ship and Pirate both swear by. Apparently, she is also temperamental, moody, and sometimes a complete 'peach'.

Of course, peach in this case is a euphemism for something completely unpleasant and derogatory. Not to resemble in any way shape or form what an actual fruit type peach is, rather this is a peach type peach. The type of word that usually rhymes with witch, but less obvious.

I think this, and then I realize there is another definition that I could demonstrate by kicking real hard.

Kick, crackle, pop.

"OHH—OHHH!" Raygunnr collapses from the action.

Yep, likely thinks I broke his peaches. I think to myself.

"I know you didn't break my peaches, but I can't quite stand with a broken piston joint." Raygunnr explains, making sure to stress the word peaches to imply it was a euphemism.

For a moment I pause, as I wonder if I used Mana Language, but then realized that I hadn't. Then going on a hunch, I push, and think. Can he hear my thoughts?

With that we both pause, even while Robealing I begin healing and fixing his broken pistons with magic.

Then I kind of twitch my eyes, almost wondering if I am missing something. Then it happens, my motion all but forces the system to respond.

New Skill Gained: Synergetic Piloting has reached level 1. Synergetic Piloting is a Stregth, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.

Seeing the notification, I pause, then do I quick fist pump in excitement.

Snap, crackle, tear.

"GAH!!" Even with his increased Pain Resistance Raygunnr still cried out from the sudden pain caused by me breaking a few of his socket joints by doing an impromptu fist pump.

Robealing.

Realizing that this skill is likely part of a quest related to our adaptability towards becoming a perfect fighting unit, I am more determined than ever to make sure this works.

Ray, apparently able to pick up on my thoughts now, despite me not using Mana Language just lets out a robotic sigh of exasperation. Which given that he has steam pistons that can be opened or closed at will, means that it is a long slow whistle of impending pain.

"You know, rather than seeming reluctant about this, you could be excited. I mean this is what two new skills for you? Whereas I only got the one. That should be amazing."

"I've also had every external appendage broken at least once, and felt what it would be like to be a paraplegic robot for the past hour." Raygunnr shoots back.

Hearing, well feeling his discontent, I realize that we aren't taking advantage of this new skill that we just got. I mean a full on skill that not only improves every Attribute, well other than Attractiveness, it is a clear bonus that we as a team should utilize. This is a boon.

"You sure about that?"

I pause, realizing that Ray didn't actually state that concern in Mana Language. That was just me picking up on his thoughts.

This is good, not only are we going to get you loose and limber, but I'm going to grind a new skill.

"Why do I feel that is not the only thing that you are going to grind today." Raygunnr thinks.

For a moment I wonder if there is a pervy vibe to that comment, I have been trying to pick up on them more and more recently. Especially after it was pointed out that my child filters might be blocking some of the noted impulses. That of course is when I get an exasperated retort from Raygunnr.

"My gears. I mean you are literally and now figuratively grinding my gears." Raygunnr shouts annoyedly.

Yep, not going to grind this skill with that attitude, I think mentally. Then try to come up with a simple truce as I begin working out with Raygunnr. Well in Raygunnr.

Which effectively means I am trying to take his level 200ish frame and let it be capable of keeping up with and responding to my nearly five thousand attribute points in Dexterity, along with my over four thousand in Endurance, and my over three thousand points in Strength. The difference in our abilities is glaringly obvious, at least it was at first.

Still with each new rip, break, tear, and of course improved Healing. Well Improved Robealing, I think to myself. Then almost as if my thoughts sparked the system to recognize my accomplishment, I get a system message at that point.

New Spell Created: Improved Robealing Mastery (C) [Tier XV]: A spell created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that blends together elements of traditional Healing, Life, and Metallurgy magic to create an advanced form of Healing designed for Teleiotís, and all other sentient mechanoid lifeforms that not only heals broken parts but improves them to the most optimal level.

New Skill Gained: Improved Robealing Mastery has improved to level 1. Improved Robealing Mastery is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.

Seeing the notification I pause and just stare, before being somewhat meh, about the new skill and spell.

Cowering tension.

Only after a moment's pause do I feel the way Raygunnr is basically cringing in fear. It takes me a moment to realize he is expecting another violent fist bump or burst of excitement that would likely break, and then require more repairing magic.

"Don't worry, I'm excited for that second skill, but not quite worth a full fist pump." I think to Raygunnr, trying to think loudly, so I can share my thoughts, while also making sure not to use Telekinesis, as this is a special skill that only a pilot and their mechanoid suit can have, and that means something.

"Can I ask why? It seems like an amazing skill, and I do like the fact that you apparently taught yourself a Mastery level spell for healing me, despite not liking the way you went about learning and apparently perfecting that skill." Raygunnr asked.

Hearing his question in my mind, I paused.

Was I now immune to the little successes afforded by gaining new and unique skills? Apparently I was, as this skill while great, only improved my Mental Attributes, which were by far and away the part of my body that I didn't need to work on that much. Though just having these thoughts could make it seem like I was bragging, which I wasn't meaning to, just trying to be as prepared as possible for what was to come next. I was already nearing my maximums for Mental Attributes, which would be a huge bonus for the contests, especially when our levels will allegedly get reset back to level 1 to help encourage competition.

Thus, my recent focus on not just learning any Skills, but trying to find and level specific skills that will improve my otherwise lacking Attributes. Which is why a skill that improves only Mental Attributes has been devalued in my mind. Still worth getting, still worth grinding out, but not as important as other Skills that would be able to impact me in a broader sense.

"Wow, you think a lot and quickly," Raygunnr declared, putting his hand up to hold his head as if that would somehow relieve the pressure on his processing units. Again, it is odd the way he still relies on his humanoid feelings and reactions, versus trying to accept the new normal. That being that his body is mostly mechanical and the only way to truly relieve stress and pressure on his different body parts is to continuously move about and ensure that the liquids inside are free and clear of debris.

The floating debris, or floating metal shavings might normally be a problem. Particularly if there was no way to clean up the debris caused by my constantly ripping and tearing apart his joints, before healing them. But fortunately, with me being inside of Raygunnr, all it takes is a quick peak of my third eye to help me focus and highlight the metal shavings that would otherwise lead to catastrophic build up and corrosion, and seamlessly blend them into strengthening and widening noted gaps in his body. That is, places that would normally be weaker, can now be strengthened and enhanced.

"Okay, okay, I get it, you can stop, please." Raygunnr again notes as I can feel his mental processors getting close to overloading and frying.

Of course, this sparks the ultimate enlightenment question of how do you turn off your mind. I don't never can, never will be able to. Which seems paradoxical when it comes to my seeming extreme understanding of energy.

Normally, people over think, and can't understand the fundamentals of cultivation. That isn't the problem, thinking is fine, the problem comes when you think about things that aren't part of the process.

And like that, I get into Meditation, well my amended version of Meditation. I focus on the energy, on the way energy flows into and through me. I focus on the way, energy flows from me, directly into Raygunnr. I feel and watch the flow of energy, watching it go out, slightly burn his over worked gears and components, which is fine, as I use this to practice my newly defined Improved Robealing Mastery.

Of course, I am not standing still at this time, but I am letting my body, and by extension Raygunnr's body move and flow to our combined Qi Circulation.

That's when I feel new skills awaken both within me, and within Raygunnr.

"I just got something called Second Wind," Raygunnr exclaims mentally.

"Oh that's good, that's a sign that your body and mind were pushed beyond their limits, but you still continued to improve yourself. Good job."

"Not that I could stop myself," he mutters annoyedly, before stopping his complaints long enough for yet another shared mental ping to come between us. "Oh, I just got another skill called Golden Coreless Qi Meditation."

I pause, realizing that in this case I'm his apparent core. Well his lack of core as he isn't far enough along to get purified golden Qi to a state that would trigger that skill advancement. Still, this is great, as it means I can effectively get all our Teleiotís to have valuable skills that will translate to easier victories.

"Ahh, and here I was thinking I was special to you." Ray thinks, and I almost wonder if that was a joke? I'm confused, as I don't believe he has joked before.

"Oh come on, I always joke. I'm very funny." Ray exclaimed mentally, apparently reading more of my apparently open thoughts. Not an invasion of privacy, just a concession to be made before a possible invasion? I think, trying to see if there was a way to change or alter the normal intrusion of thoughts. Then again, if someone had to read my thoughts, I'd much rather it be Raygunnr, or one of the Teleiotís if I am being completely honest, as together I know we are force multiplier.

I'm finally getting to the point where I can go from one moving Meditative Qi form to the next, when I get another synchronized message.

New Skill Gained: Skill Synchronized Golden Qi Cultivation has reached level 1. Synchronized Golden Qi Cultivation is a Strength X3, Dexterity X3, Endurance X3, Personality X3, Sociability X3, Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3 based skill.

Now that is the jackpot of skills, all Attributes time three, except Attractiveness, that is a no brainer to practice. And before I even realize it, I am emphatically pumping my fist into the air.

Pop-ow.

"GAHHH!" Raygunnr exclaims and I instantly wince, realizing I have caused even more pain to the poor robot.

"Sorry," I exclaim as I already begin using Improved Robealing Mastery, when I hear him speak out.

"HA! Gotcha," he begins, and as he does I feel my heart skip a beat, as I realize he was faking? Was his pain tolerance that high? But if so, then why the act? That is my thought, which was immediately answered by Ray's completely untrue statement.

"Told you I was funny. . ."

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