Thirteen grueling days had passed since Dr. Lee first unveiled the arcane world of Aura techniques to Moss. Every waking moment had been a relentless pursuit, Moss immersing himself in the intricate pathways of Arukyo, Aruakinesis, and Kyokai.
The initial days were a brutal trial. Moss wrestled with concepts that seemed to defy logic, his body screaming in protest from the unceasing strain, his mind reeling under the sheer deluge of information. Yet, he stubbornly refused to yield, his resolve to grow stronger burning brighter with each ache and every moment of confusion.
As the days bled into a week, subtle, yet profound, shifts began to ripple through Moss. His aura, once a mere whisper, now pulsed with a vibrant, tangible energy. His physical prowess, too, had ascended; he found himself executing feats of strength and agility he'd once deemed impossible.
But it wasn't until the tenth day that Moss shattered a significant barrier.
While practicing the Ryūjin technique, channeling his aura to amplify his muscular might, an unforeseen surge of raw power coursed through him. His muscles coiled and bulged, his strength multiplying exponentially. With a single, devastating blow, he sent a heavy training dummy hurtling across the room as if it were a mere toy.
The exhilarating rush of that breakthrough was intoxicating. Over the next three days, Moss pushed himself harder, relentlessly honing his burgeoning skills and fearlessly experimenting with new, unrefined techniques.
On the thirteenth day, Moss stood before Dr. Lee, his aura blazing with a fierce, almost untamed intensity. The old doctor's eyes widened, a flicker of genuine surprise in their depths, as he sensed the dramatic evolution in Moss's capabilities.
"Moss, you've made incredible progress," Dr. Lee stated, a hint of grudging pride in his voice. "Your aura is stronger, more refined." His expression then hardened, his voice chilling with disappointment. "But you're still weak in Aruakinesis and Kyokai."
Moss's face hardened, a determined resolve setting his jaw. "Look, doc! Don't expect me to master all three styles! I'm sure even you didn't master all three styles!"
A knowing smile stretched across Dr. Lee's face, his eyes glinting with an ancient, playful spark. "I have no doubt you're stupid to underestimate me to such an extent."
Moss sighed in exasperation, but his attention snapped to the object Dr. Lee tossed him: a gleaming key. Moss recognized it instantly—the same one Arkea had given him for the dreaded R-100 training.
Will Moss seize the R-100 challenge once more, eager to test his newfound power against its brutal trials, or will he buckle under the immense pressure and retreat from the ultimate test of his resolve?
End of chapter 26