23 Chapter 15: The Principle of Flowing Energy - Part VI - Projection (1/2)

I climbed of my bed, using the smallest movements trying to prevent myself from making any sound,

I was so focused that I did not notice the doorstep while leaving the room, this made me trip and fall over on the ground with a loud thud.

*thud*

”ouch... I hope Yami is still asleep.”

Not wanting to wake Yami who was already sound asleep. This worried me, as I had made a lot of noise. To my surprise when I stood up to check on her she seemed fast asleep. Relieved I closed the door behind me without a sound, I turned around and sat down on the floor with my back against the door allowing me to take in the scenery. Crystals in all different forms and sizes giving the building a different feel to it at night, seeing everything with the glowing light.

Finally arriving at the bathing place. I prepared for a long dip inside. Cleaning off my body of the accumulated sweat and dirt. Finishing the preparation I made my way to the public bath as it had a large circular shaped stone in the middle of the pool, perfect for calming one's senses and gathering energy.

Entering the premises no one was there, the bath place was so silent that the sounds inside got enhanced, hearing the water stream echoing through the entirety of the room.

This would heighten my senses allowing me to notice the slightest of changes in the water as droplets rippled the water from time to time. Even the slightest movement outside of the water should be noticed.

Taking in the sheer silence of the room, I made my way to the rock in the water. Sitting on top would allow me to stay warm from the water yet, cool down enough for me to stay in place without worry.

I closed my eyes, taking my stance and gently breathing in and out. Just like was instructed during training this week. Doing so calmed me down as I allowed my body to relax. I noticed something slowly approaching me, streaming even. Lighter than the water it began flowing inside of me as my mind took on a state of trance.

In this state I cleared my mind allowing the energy to flow through my entire being, replenishing the energy, I had lost during the day. As this process was coming to an end, I heard the wooden door slide open, followed by light footsteps and a sigh of relief.

*sigh*

”What a day... I am glad I can finally relax. Thankfully nobody followed me here. Or else a goddess like me would never be able to relieve her body of stress, Hihi...”

Not leaving the rock I sat on I tried blending in,

hoping I wouldn't be spotted or that the seemingly approaching female wouldn't mind my presence.

She started cleaning off her entire body before entering the fast and large pool of natural hot spring water. It is said one's fatigue, stress, and wounds would heal remarkably faster after soaking in these waters. I too had concluded this was true, as my energy gathered faster than normal, while my fatigue and stress vanished into nothingness.

The woman finished cleaning herself off as she heads towards the large pool I was sitting at. Upon entering she noticed me sitting in the center and giggled.

*giggle*

”It seems I'm not the only one who couldn't sleep tonight. What might bring you here, boy?”

The woman asked as she gently lowered her voluptuous body into the water. Sitting down with her arms covering the edges of the pool. Leaning back to relax she waited for a reply, which I didn't provide.

To focus on the energy that flowed through me I completely ignored the woman. Knowing I was almost done this took priority. The energy gently twirled around me as entered my body re-energizing all the fiber in my body, muscles, cells... even my breathing felt more calm yet energetic.

I broke my stance lowering my arms when the woman grabbed me from behind. She didn't seem pleased by the fact that she got ignored and tried to grab my attention pulling me in the water.

”Young man... I haven't seen you here before, who might Helena, the goddess of trading and beauty have the pleasure to share a bath with?”

I looked up straight in the eyes of the goddess, Golden... orange and red, burning like the sun, her hair shared the same shining golden characteristics.

At the moment I realized how beautiful she was I felt something soft touching the back of my head,

soft and bouncy. I had to say it felt wonderful,

but knowing what happened the last two times I jumped up trying to avoid escalating the situation.

Trying to escape I rushed out... but before I could even stand up straight the woman grabbed hold off me again.

”Don't be rude Young one... you haven't even introduced yourself yet... not to mention,

are you part of a guild?”

The woman pressed her impressive chest against my back pulling me into the side of the pool. Knowing I couldn't escape I decided it was best to look for an opportunity later.

”I am Michael Shadowfang, lady Helena. It's a pleasure to meet you. But... could you please rev reign from holding me so tightly?!”

Helena licked her lips as a silent laugh escaped her mouth.

What's wrong? Afraid someone might find us?

It is just the two of us dear... no one else...

Not to mention it's rather late. That's why I always sneak out around this hour to enjoy a relaxing hot bath alone, without anyone to bother me.”

”You know... that's exactly why I went for a bath just now. Lucky for you I finished my meditation and energy gathering for the day. I'm good to go for tomorrow haha. By the way what was that you mentioned about being in a guild or more importantly, you being a goddess? Are you serious?!”

Helena closed her arms around me once more, making it impossible for me to escape. As she gently blew air in my ear whispering to me.

”Little boy... I am Helena, the goddess of prosperity and trading. The Spetra guild is looking for recruits like yourself.”

Helena said teasingly lowering her arms.

”I am honored by your offer lady Spetra, but you see I am but a lowly peasant as of now. My goal is to attend the Hunters Examination to become an adventurer and hone my skills and abilities. To find never before seen treasures and even allies along the way. Please... let me think this over. Allow me to honestly answer after the expedition.”

”The expedition? Did they ask you to come along too?”

Helena sounded surprised. She loosened her grip allowing me to break free. Now standing at the edge I turned around as her words had a peculiar ring to it.

”Have you heard of it?”

I asked as my excitement reached a new peak.

Helena shrugged, worried as she was.

”Yes... you see, I was the one who issued the expedition in the first place, hoping to find things that would give this kingdom some more riches.

But... taking you the one who hasn't even finished his training... what to do, what to do?”

Worried Helena left the bath leaving me alone in the cold evening breeze. I went back, hoping to catch some sleep, which had proven to be difficult as her worry sparked interest in me.

Deciding to find out on a later date I turned around in my bed and steadily fell asleep.

The next morning Chiara barged in unannounced pulling me out of my bed, being all excited.

”Get up Michael!! I made the preparations for the last lesson of the training. Before your examination match. It is time we found out what kind of magic dwells within you.”

Chiara pulled me along with all excited about today's lesson. Barely awake, it dawned on me as we entered our training room.

Waiting for us in the middle of the room was a familiar face. It was from Alex, her friend.

”Alex decided to join us today and help with the preparations of the match following tomorrow.

She even offered to guide you through today's lesson.

And as a bonus, we will be having a sparring match to demonstrate the use of projection.”

Alex stood up and walked towards us.

She slammed me on the shoulder excited about today.

*smack*

”Ouch, can't you be a bit more gentle, Alex?”

”Oh, don't worry, I'm just so excited about today and tomorrow. Make sure you show William who is boss.”