"Control my aura? How am I supposed to do that? I just learned what it is," Soren asked, perplexed.
"Don't worry. Controlling aura is the easiest step. Without realizing it, you already know how to hide it. Akyo had to use his own energy to trigger yours — that means you unconsciously hide it. To make it come out, you just need to think of a moment when it appeared, and if you can focus enough on that moment, it will emerge. That's the first step," Tachi explained.
"A moment when it appeared?" Soren reflected.
'When did it… appear? Yesterday, I don't know why, in front of those two attackers, then three more times… in front of that bastard Akyo,' he concluded, then told Tachi:
"I think every time my energy came out, I was filled with anger," he said.
"That's perfect! Think of one of those moments when you were furious," Tachi advised.
"Okay…" He closed his eyes and focused on the anger, that feeling that had almost constantly lived inside him since waking. But nothing happened. It wasn't enough — these events weren't strong enough. He could no longer feel the rage he had seeing those men attacking a defenseless woman, since he had already dealt with the situation. He needed something more present, something that could still trigger him.
"Oh, and if your energy has appeared multiple times for the same reason, think of that — it will be even easier!" Tachi added, thinking, 'I've seen you get extremely angry in front of Akyo, I know you can't stand him yet.'
The same reason? Yeah, I have one, Soren thought.
"Let me try." He closed his eyes, concentrating. For several seconds, nothing happened. Then he realized, 'why am I closing my eyes? He's just there.' He opened them and fixed his gaze on Akyo, thinking of all the moments he had the urge to smash his head. And just like that, Soren's aura began to emerge, rising until it was visible around him.
Watching him, Tachi was pleased. 'Impressive — he really can't stand him.'
"Did it work?" Soren asked Tachi.
"That's it, bravo! Use this method for now, and over time you'll get used to the sensation, and it will come naturally without needing anger. Now we'll move to the next stage, you will learn to actively use your aura.
Right now, it's present, but it's escaping from you. It's like you're discarding it and not revealing your true strength. Visually impressive, yes, but your real power will appear when you learn to use it. And for that, you need more than to see it — you need to feel it. It's that simple — become one with your energy, become one with yourself."
'Become one with myself… how?' Soren wondered, looking at his hands. He didn't know who he was so how could he become one with himself?
Seeing that Soren seemed lost, Tachi spoke again:
"But for that, we'll have to go outside. Follow me!"
What is he going to make me do? Soren wondered.
So Akyo and he followed Tachi. They left the room and walked through the corridors.
"Any idea what he's thinking?" Soren asked.
"He's going to drown you," Akyo replied seriously.
"What? Drown me? What are you talking about?"
"You're Jormungandr, the World Serpent. Tachi may not be sure, but legend says Odin threw you into the sea. He might do the same."
"Oh…" Soren began to panic. 'He really intends to drown me?? And who's Odin anyway? So he asked:
"Tachi, who is Odin?"
"The leader of the Norse pantheon. I've dealt with him before — he's an old bastard."
"Are you going to drown me?" Soren asked suddenly.
"Maybe…" Tachi replied with a chuckle.
'Damn it, Soren thought.'
They finally reached the base entrance. Several soldiers were stationed there.
Tachi and Akyo greeted them — they all seemed to know each other.
"We're going for a little trip outside. I count on you to protect the others. We'll be back soon," Tachi said.
He knew these men wouldn't be able to protect anyone against superhuman entities, but giving them responsibility gave them confidence, showing they were just as important as anyone else be it gods or humans alike.
"Oh, and by the way, the new guy with us is Soren. He's assigned to our base now, so don't be surprised to see him around."
"Understood, sir!"
They approached Soren.
"Nice to meet you," said one of them.
"Glad to have you here!" said the other, both extending their hands.
"Nice to meet you," Soren replied, shaking each hand.
Finally, Soren, Tachi, and Akyo left the complex. The base was on a high hill, which they descended, passing through the forest.
Soren observed everything. Since waking, he had loved all the scenery he had seen. He didn't know why, but these landscapes calmed him.
They walked for about twenty minutes. Akyo, growing impatient, asked, "Hey, are we going to walk like this much longer?"
"We're almost there, don't worry," Tachi replied.
A few minutes later, He announced, "We're here!" Soren, following behind, was the last out of the forest. The sun hit him, and his eyes took a few seconds to adjust.
He found himself on a beach, a small bay surrounded by two mountains with massive cliffs.
Soren took in the scene before Tachi spoke:
"Beautiful, isn't it? This is where you'll reach a new level. Undress and go into the water."
'I'm doomed', Soren thought, beginning to remove his cape and top.
He stepped into the water.
"How far should I go?" Soren asked.
"Up to half your body submerged. I'll follow," Tachi replied, floating above him, of course staying dry.
Soren waded until the water reached above his navel.
"I expected it to be cold, but it feels amazing," Soren exclaimed, enjoying the aquatic environment.
"Is it normal that the water is this warm?" Soren asked. Tachi replied cheerfully, "There you go! Your first special trait: the marine environment suits you perfectly, and you can't feel hostile sensations here!"
'Probably not the hardest thing to discover,' Tachi thought, still floating above Soren.
He continued, "Listen, Soren. I want you to immerse yourself completely in the water and let yourself go. Don't force anything; just focus on what the sea produces — the sounds, the waves, every movement you can feel. Pay attention and let yourself flow."
'When I'm in a strong wind, I feel good. It's because of my nature, and that gentle sensation is the same as when I let my energy emanate. Maybe it's the same for Soren?' Tachi thought, hoping his hypothesis was correct.
Soren took a deep breath. 'Here goes,' he thought, before plunging his upper body into the water. He slowly relaxed his muscles and let himself go. He lost track of time, he didn't even feel the need to breathe. Seconds passed, maybe even minutes. His mind focused more and more, he felt everything around him — the waves brushing him, vibrations caused by the fishes, sounds from the seabed. He felt it all.
'I feel so good… it's like being surrounded by my energy, but much gentler. It feels like home…?' he thought.