Yami and Jayson finished their meal and parted ways, each heading home under the fading light of day. But as Yami arrived at his doorstep, a familiar and slightly chaotic sight greeted him—Sarah and the girls were waiting.
Misami stepped forward first, her hands on her hips. "Oh, there he is!"
Yahiko frowned, crossing her arms. "You're late, mister!"
Sarah chimed in with an amused sigh. "They're right—you are late, Yam."
Yami scratched the back of his neck, casually. "The meeting ran long, and I was starving, so I stopped to eat."
Sarah exhaled, trying not to smile. "Alright, fine. Girls, stay here. Yami and I are going to work on his control."
Yahiko gave a dramatic nod. "It's about time…"
Misami waved lazily. "Alright, just don't be late again."
Sarah turned to Yami, her expression sharpening. "Let's go."
"Sounds goo—"
Before he could finish, Sarah activated a powerful spatial-bending ability. The space between their current location and Olympus warped and folded—bridging the two in an instant. They reappeared in Olympus, within its divine, tranquil chambers.
Yami blinked in awe. "Whoa. What did you just do?"
Sarah stepped forward calmly. "You'll learn that move another time. Right now, it's time to train."
In the sacred Olympus Chambers, bathed in ethereal light, Sarah Vermillion stood before Yami. Her eyes shimmered with divine energy, her presence radiating calm authority.
"Today, we'll hone your control over the crest," she said softly. "Are you ready?"
Yami nodded. Determination gleamed in his eyes.
Sarah gestured to a nearby pedestal. Atop it rested a small, glowing orb.
"Focus your energy on the orb. I'll guide you through."
Yami closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and reached out with his mind. The orb responded to his presence, pulsing faintly. Sarah placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, channeling her divine energy into him.
"Now," she whispered, "visualize a thread connecting your soul to the crest. As you will it, the thread will glow, and the crest's power will begin to flow through you."
Yami's eyes snapped open. A luminous thread of light formed before him, connecting to the crest embedded in his hand. It pulsed, alive with raw energy. Sarah led him through a sequence of focus exercises, each refining his control, each deepening the connection.
The orb began to glow brighter with each success. Finally, Sarah gave him a more complex task—contain the crest's energy within a fragile, crystalline vase.
Yami focused, sweat beading at his brow. The thread of energy trembled but held. Slowly, the vase began to glow. The energy within stabilized—contained.
Sarah's expression brightened.
"Well done, Yami. Your control is impressive. Remember—balance and harmony within yourself is key. The crest's power will follow your will, and with practice… you'll become a true master."
Yami smiled, grateful. "Thank you, Sarah. Your guidance means everything to me... but I still need combat strength."
Sarah considered this with a nod.
"If you're serious about training, stay here. I'll check in tomorrow. Speak to Dagger—he'll guide you in building your base skills. And yes, you can hide your crest now."
"Thanks… for everything."
With a soft smile, Sarah vanished, leaving a faint shimmer in the air. Yami turned, squaring his shoulders.
"Dagger. Appear."
Crimson mist swirled in front of him, forming into a familiar figure. Except… something was different.
Yami's eyes widened. "Why the hell are you a woman?!"
The female version of Dagger tilted her head, smirking. "Sup, Yami. Why so loud?"
"What the hell happened?"
"Oh, this? I was born with the ability to switch genders at will. I'm just back to being a girl again."
Yami stammered, then quickly gave up. "Then—no, never mind. Just… wear something decent."
With a flick of her wrist, Dagger's attire shifted into a long, elegant red dress. "Done. Now, what do you need?"
"I want to learn basic skills. I need your help."
Dagger's expression turned serious.
"Then let's begin."
Olympus Chambers: Training Session Begins
Dagger's spirit took center stage, her aura charged with arcane might.
"Today, you'll unlock four techniques—Shadow Strike, Aurora Guard, Wind Dancer, and Dark Fusion. Ready?"
Yami nodded firmly.
{Shadow Strike} Dagger extended her hand. A dark tendril emerged from the crest, snaking around Yami's arm.
"Feel the darkness. Let it guide your strikes."
The tendril surged, infusing his limb with rapid energy. Yami darted forward, launching a precise combo at the training dummy. The shadows boosted his speed—until the dummy shattered under his blows.
{Aurora Guard} A radiant light burst from the crest, surrounding Yami in a glowing shield.
"Embrace the aurora's warmth. Let it protect you."
He approached a nearby orb, its energy pulsing. Yami reached out and absorbed it. The aura around him flared into a hardened barrier, thrumming with divine defense.
---
{Wind Dancer} A breeze whispered across his skin. Dagger's voice softened.
"Attune yourself to the wind. Let it guide your steps."
Yami stepped onto a floating platform. With a leap, the wind caught him. He danced across the air with newfound grace, gliding from platform to platform with effortless agility.
{Dark Fusion} A vortex of light and darkness swirled around him.
"Harmonize your dual powers," Dagger commanded. "Unleash the fusion!"
Yami closed his eyes. When he opened them, the vortex exploded in a blast of light and shadow, shattering a nearby crystal with a thunderous crack.
Dagger stepped back, impressed.
"Well done, Yami. Your growth is remarkable."
"Thanks for the session."
"Pleasure, handsome~"
Yami narrowed his eyes. "I'll stop you right there."
Dagger pouted before dissolving back into mist, retreating into the crest.
Yami exhaled. "Alright… time to rest."
He wandered through Olympus, eventually discovering a sturdy hammock strung between two marble columns. With a sigh of relief, he lay back under the celestial canopy and drifted off to sleep.