The morning sun had barely risen when Kazuki awoke, muscles stiff from the previous day's training. Every joint ached, every tendon sang with fatigue—but the ache was a reminder of life, of movement, of growth. He rubbed his eyes, staring at the thin rays of light cutting through the forest canopy, and smiled faintly.
I'm alive. I survived yesterday. And I'll survive today.
Scene 1: Arrival of the Mentor
As Kazuki stretched near a small clearing, a figure approached: a slightly older sorcerer, calm and composed, but with eyes that seemed to see everything. The aura was strong but measured, radiating a quiet authority.
"You must be Kazuki," the man said, voice gentle but firm. "I've been observing. Your cursed energy… it's raw, untrained, but potent. You have potential, but potential alone is not enough."
Kazuki bowed slightly, a mix of nervousness and respect. "I… I want to learn. I want to master it."
The mentor nodded, seemingly approving of the honesty. "Good. Today marks the first day of real training. You will learn control, timing, and how to survive—not just fight. Mastery is patience, not speed."
Scene 2: Physical Training
The morning was spent in intense physical conditioning. Kazuki's Toji-level body gave him an edge, but the mentor made him focus on precision and balance rather than raw power.
Running through uneven terrain to test reflexes
Jumping and dodging simulated cursed attacks
Strength exercises adapted to control rather than brute force
Every motion reminded Kazuki that even with a god-given body, control was everything. One misstep could lead to injury—or worse, failure against real cursed spirits.
By midday, his muscles burned, and sweat drenched his clothes, but he felt alive. More than that, he felt in control of the raw potential in his body.
Scene 3: Cursed Energy Manipulation
The mentor guided Kazuki through the delicate practice of cursed energy manipulation. He was to focus on directing energy with precision, not force, feeling how it responded to intention rather than brute strength.
Kazuki extended energy to a small rock, trying to lift it without touching. At first, it barely twitched. Then, with patient focus, the rock rose a few inches, trembling in his grip.
"You're learning," the mentor said quietly. "Your control improves when your mind is calm. Fear and anger scatter energy. Confidence and focus bind it."
Kazuki nodded, sweat dripping into his eyes. Calm… focus… control… He repeated the mantra silently as he extended energy to larger objects, practicing restraint and precision over sheer force.
Scene 4: Awakening Sparks of Full Counter
After hours of manipulation training, the mentor introduced a simulation: a low-level cursed spirit moving at random, striking intermittently.
Kazuki's body reacted instinctively. The faint pulse of Full Counter—the first true recognition of the power he had wished for—stirred in his chest. He was not strong enough to reflect fully, but he could redirect minor attacks, forcing the spirit to stagger or miss.
The experience left him trembling, exhilarated, and terrified all at once.
I can feel it… he thought. The Full Counter… it's alive inside me… but I can't control it yet.
The mentor placed a hand on his shoulder. "You did well. You survived, and you learned. That is more than most can claim on their first day."
Scene 5: Emotional Reflection and Determination
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Kazuki sat alone by a riverbank. His body ached, his mind was exhausted, but he felt a quiet satisfaction. Each moment of struggle, each failed attempt, each spark of power was a step forward.
He gazed at the rippling water and whispered, "I will master this… Full Counter, Reverse Cursed Technique, every ounce of strength. I won't let it control me. I will control it. And I will protect those I can."
A small ripple of cursed energy flowed through him, a reminder of the seeds planted long ago by Rob's wishes. They pulsed faintly, waiting for mastery—but Kazuki's resolve burned brighter.
I am alive. I have power. And one day, I will be unstoppable.
The night wind whispered through the trees, carrying the promise of challenges to come. Kazuki clenched his fists.
The long, slow climb toward mastery had truly begun.