"..waiting on something is all. He really seemed to dislike you."
"Hmm" Tenzin nods sagely. "The last time Brion and I disputed with each other he shattered his hand on my impenetrable 'Iron Body'. Take it as a lesson student! Not even those who seemingly have giants blood can surpass the ultimate defense that is Tekkai!"
'Well..that's simply not true but...I'll let him have this one.'
It's only about a 20 minute trek to get from our current location to Tenzin's dojo. It's a very sparse and classical design. Sliding doors and tatami mats and all that. By the time we arrive and the man enters to fetch the notes I'm practically vibrating in excitement. Though this brief reprieve from his presence does give me about half a minute to take care of something.
[Inventory]. Gimme those [Skill Disk]'s. It's time for upgrades.
Skill Lv Up! Bullet Time Lv. (4/30) → (5/30)
-Your ability to perceive time at a slower rate while in combat. Slowed perception increased from (12%) → (15%)
'Uno.' Skill Lv Up! Bullet Time Lv. (5/30) → (6/30)
-Your ability to perceive time at a slower rate while in combat. Slowed perception increased from (15%) → (18%)
'Dos.'
I dismiss the screens with no small bit of personal satisfaction. 'Still no sign of those diminishing returns I was worried about but I suppose it wouldn't make sense until the later levels. I wonder how this [Skill] will compliment with Observation Haki should I ever unlock it. Actually, on the subject of [Skill]'s working together how is Tekkai and [Physical Endurance] going to combo? Does the damage reduction come in 'before' or 'after' Tekkai absorbs the blow? For that matter, if Tekkai completely blocks something will it mean that no experience is gained towards leveling up [Physical Endurance]? There's definitely some experimentation I'll need to run when I have the opportunity.' "Student! I have returned!" Tenzin announces as he strolls outside with a chest in his arms. "Please take your pick! Grandfather made sure to make many copies!"
The chest creaks open and I'm greeted by the sight of dozens upon dozens of the same orange booklet stacked on top of each other. I gaze upon the collection and a small twitch forms above my eyebrow, "You...you have more than one?"
"Of course! Why would I not?"
The twitch worsens, "You really implied that you didn't. Why would you need so many if any student you take on needs to run through a gauntlet just to take a look?"
Tenzin looks pensive as he contemplates the question. "Hmm. Hmmmm. Hmmmmmm!"
"Uh never mind! It's really not important. Don't..don't hurt yourself." I reach down to grab one of the booklets and get treated to a pop-up I haven't seen in quite some time.
Ding!
You have obtained a [Skillbook]. Would you like to use it now? [ACCEPT/DECLINE]
'In a minute.' "Tenzin would it be alright if I took an extra one?"
"Hmm whatever for student?"
'Because the first one I'm going to consume for it's knowledge and you never know when having a spare book on Tekkai might come in handy' "I'm just afraid I might spill a drink on it or something. I can be..heh heh..clumsy sometimes."
Tenzin vigorously nods. "That is fine. Please take two! Or three! Whatever you feel is required to help in your training!"
'Well I feel a little bad about it but if the man says 'take three' then I'm gonna take three.' I make a small show of flipping through the first few pages while sneaking the copy the text box is referring to into the innards of my jacket. With a small mental command I [ACCEPT] and feel the weight of the first book dissolve against my chest.
And with it comes the rush of information. The clarity of knowing how.
Ding!
New Skill Acquired!
Rokushiki Technique #2 of 6. (Tekkai). Lv. (1/50)
-One of the vaunted 'Six Powers.' By tensing the body in just the right way, users of this technique are able to harden their muscles to be as tough as iron and gain a momentary massive increase in both defense and density. The strength of the users [Tekkai] is directly proportional to not just their level of expertise with the [Skill] but their physical prowess as well. Masters of this [Skill] can harden themselves far beyond the levels neophytes can, are able to selectively harden only specific pieces of the body, or can even invent their own variations of the technique.
Note: Due to your low level with this [Skill] there is an 80% chance the [Skill] will fail on use.
'Alright. Time to ham it up a bit.' "Master!" I call out, snapping the second booklet shut. "I think I understand now!"
"Outstanding! I would expect nothing less student! Our training begins anew! Tekkai!"
"Like this master? [Tekkai]!"
[Skill] Failed!
"No no student! Like me! Tekkai!"
"Yes sir! Like this? [Tekkai]!" [Skill] Failed!
"Feel it student! Feel your spirit hardening your body! Tek-kai!"
"[Tekkai]!
[Skill] Failed!
"TEK-KAI!"
"[Tekkai]!"
Two Weeks Later, Kivuruk Island
I end the 'Iron Body' technique and give my training partner a light shove. One that's just strong enough to knock him down. "Come on Barker!" I goad. "I know you've got more! Let me have it!"
Barker, Embittered Youth, Lv.15
The teenager at my feet howls in frustration as he jumps to his feet and charges for the umpteenth time. His bandage-wrapped fists go flying outward '[Tekkai]!' and do absolutely nothing as they smash uselessly into my locked frame. Barker snarls at his own inadequacy and rears his right hand back as his teeth gnash.
The [Game] alerts me that his status has updated to [FRUSTRATED] and that both his STR and DEX are subsequently being boosted by 7 points. It's not an impressive boost in and of itself but hey, the last time this happened it was only 5 points! I'm more and more proud of this kid everyday.
His powered-up punch strikes me dead center in the face and just as expected.
-0 HP!
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