04

  "Okay Seiji-kun, time to be a real swordsman," Maekawa-sensei continued, "even though there are different factions across the world, we are all swordsmen. That's how it started with the first swordsman and how it will continue forever."
 
  "Alright, so what do I do now?" I asked.

  I asked because laying out in front of me were several swords. Some long and skinny rapiers, others traditional katanas, and even some short and brute machetes among others.

  "These are all Tier 3 swords," Maekawa-sensei explained. "Pick one up and let your energy flow into it."

  "Sounds easy enough" I shrugged.

  I picked up the first sword and concentrated with all of my heart, might, mind and strength to put some energy into the weapon. I looked up at Maekawa-sensei with awe.

  "Sensei... nothing's happening."

  "Relax relax, you have a strong aptitude for negative energy so just pick up the sword again and take a deep breath. Think that this sword will follow every command you give it. That it will go beyond its capabilities to defend the people around you." 

  I nodded and did as I was told. I picked up the sword again and took a deep breath.

  Inhale.
 
  Exhale.

  I opened my eyes and to my surprise I saw the sword glow for a brief moment, and then the blade shattered. Shattered to oblivion I might add, nothing to clean up; irreparable.

  "Tch. That was new" Maekawa-sensei scowled.

  "Sorry" I apologized.

  "Try again" he said as he turned his head away and closed his eyes. Filled with disappointment I imagine.
  I tried again and each of the next 3 blades shattered as soon as I let my spectra energy flow into them. Just like the first one, but maybe quicker each time? I felt my body coursing with power. I guess this is my untapped spectra energy that I've been holding inside me for who knows how long.

  "Alright stop. I'm losing my precious collectables just looking at you. Two of the four were limited edition" Maekawa-sensei said. "We'll choose your sword later. Right now we have to address the matter at hand. You don't know how to control your spectra energy. That's why all of the blades shattered. You loaded them up with too much energy."

  That made a lot of sense when he explained it to me like that.

  "Okay Sensei, how do I control my spectra energy?" I asked.

  "Stand up and I'll show you" he said. He snapped his fingers and the remaining swords flew to their respective scabbards hanging on the wall.

 
  "With spectra energy nearly everything is possible. What I did just now was imbue all those swords at once and direct them into their scabbards" he replied. 

  Wow. So fast too, and the precision. He moved across the room and looked as if he was squaring me up. Are we about to fight? I'd honestly prefer not too. I don't want anyone to get hurt again.

  "Next, you can enhance your body with spectra energy too. Although the human body does have a limit, you can raise or lower that limit by doing basic exercises and strengthening your body and muscles. Here's a demonstration." He said all that but he was gone from where he was standing across the room from me. 

  He tapped me on the shoulder from behind.

  "!?!"

  "I imbued myself with energy and walked behind you. Of course all in a split second but it didn't feel like that to me" he said with a smile. He then proceeded to shove me from behind. 

  "You're still alive because I've been protecting you with my own spectra energy. That's why you haven't suffered any broken bones or internal bleeding. I'm attacking my own barrier and you're just feeling the repercussions. Get up Seiji. Fight back Seiji. Use your energy, not just your brute force Seiji. Don't worry Seiji, I'll wait" he jeered at me.

 
  "AGGGHHH!!!" I shouted. I couldn't take it anymore. I felt burned out like I had used everything I had on that one punch. That one punch that didn't even make Sensei-sama flinch. 

  I rolled over on the ground and looked at Sensei-sama. Truly a powerful man. Beyond comprehension.

  "Seiji-kun, those that are truly powerful do not rely on something so easily manipulated like rage," Maekawa-sensei looked me straight in the eyes as he declared this, "Do not let it control you, overcome your weaknesses and let yourself make you strong. You are the only one that can change your circumstances. "

  "Wake up." Maekawa-sensei said right into my ear.

  "Woahhh! What the? What are you doing?" I sprang up from the ground and took a karate stance with my hands in the air and one foot raised up ready to strike.
 
  "Says the one sleeping in my practice room. You passed out after you tried to kill me. Get over yourself and pick a sword already" Maekawa-sensei said to me. He looks really impatient. Is there somewhere he needs to be?

  "Seiji-kun, my buddies are waiting for me to log on for the weekly reset in our favorite game franchise. Hurry up," he said again. "Remember this time to not put too much energy into the sword at any given moment. Control and balance will be the name of the game for you."

  I got up and looked at the remaining swords. 3 katanas, 2 machetes, and 1 western style broadsword. I picked up a katana with no distinguishing characteristics except for the blade. When I turned the sword into the light, the edge shined every color as if passing through the color spectrum. It was pretty cool and I didn't want to break it. I took a deep breath and envisioned the sword as if it was part of me. Like a third leg, no third arm? Maybe a longer arm. I let my spectra energy flow and like the first time it glowed, and then shook a bit in my hand and stopped.

  "Nice job, you've reached the basic level of control necessary for a swordsman," Maekawa-sensei praised, "all thanks to your wonderful Sensei of course."

  "Ah, right. Thank you, Sensei," I said.

  "Don't mention it. Actually do mention it every time I look sad. I'd appreciate the reminder of how great I am. Now you have some homework. Read this book on basic sword movements and practice using your sword and your spectra energy. This weekend you, me, and Miyamoto-san are going on a trip!"
 
 "A trip? Where to?" I asked. I looked through the book he handed me. It was full of illustrations of how to use swords and basic techniques. 

  "To the mountains. An eidolon has manifested and been causing trouble for some hikers for a few hours now. We are going to take care of it before the other factions get there! Okay!?"

  "I feel like I'm being told not asked, but Sensei, isn't there a scheduling problem here? You said this weekend, but today is Friday. How am I supposed to study and practice?"

  "Looks like you won't be getting any better-- I mean any rest before the trip. Do what you can but be here at 9 A.M. tomorrow morning. We won't leave without you, but we also won't wait for you" he said.

  "Argh, okay see you tomorrow" I said. How can Sensei-sama be so happy after that brutal training session? I feel bruises and aches all over my body. I'd better ice up and hit the books for tomorrow.

  Look at me. A real swordsman. Using a supernatural power that a very few number of people in the world know about, but affects everyone in the world regardless. Does this make me a hero now? No, of course not. I haven't done anything heroic.