Chapter 70: Practice
In due time, Denzel set out from the house. He walked through town, passing along the bustling streets until he finally arrived at the massage parlor.
He paused before entering.
’I need to make sure I can test out this new ability of mine. Since I can’t control my mental state whenever it’s triggered, the only way I can actually test this skill is with an Elemental that I know.’
With that thought in mind, he pushed open the door.
As soon as he entered, he heard a familiar voice call out, "Hello, welcome to—!"
It was Antonia.
The moment she saw his face, her professional smile vanished, reverting to her usual dull, tired expression.
"Oh, it’s you. Even today, what part of work-free day don’t you understand?" she asked as she walked back to the counter and leaned against it.
"In that kind of mood?" Denzel asked.
"Shouldn’t I? You’re my dear customer," she replied with a light chuckle. "Well, that would be a first."
She lowered herself into a seat while Denzel stepped forward.
’Still a bitch as always,’ he thought inwardly.
"I actually need your help with something."
"My help? That’s a first. Why don’t you go ask your buddy buddy for help? You two seemed really close yesterday."
Denzel frowned slightly.
’Buddy-buddy? Is she talking about Aisha?’
If he had to guess, it sounded a little like jealousy.
Quickly brushing the thought aside, he said, "This is something personal. I need someone who’s actually skilled for it."
"Skilled?" Antonia scoffed. "What would you know about skill?" ƒreewebɳovel.com
"Well, I know you’re an Elemental. Aisha mentioned it yesterday."
"Are you listening to yourself? Such a kiss-ass."
She shook her head.
Denzel stopped for a moment, simply looking down at her. Then he nodded and closed his eyes briefly.
"Listen, I just need a favor. You’re the only Elemental I know that I can ask."
"A favor?" she repeated. "What sort of favor?"
She paused, thinking to herself.
’What does he want? Is this really happening? Am I actually possessed?’
Then Denzel finally said,
"I need you to attack me with your element."
Antonia blinked.
"Attack you?"
***
"That’s right."
Without another word, they waited until the afternoon shift, when everyone could have some time off work.
After their discussion, Antonia had happily agreed to help Denzel. Not exactly because she was kind, but simply because Denzel was basically giving her permission to attack him.
And at this point, that was something she would have loved nothing more than to do.
With everything settled, she and Denzel stepped into one of the massage rooms, shutting the door behind them.
Denzel walked over to the side and let out a short sigh as he thought about what was about to happen.
’Yeah, I’m pretty sure she’s going to enjoy this.’
Antonia glanced at him before shaking her head.
"Yeah, yeah, but you have absolutely no idea."
Then she folded her arms.
"So explain something to me. Why exactly do you want me to attack you?"
"Well, I just need to learn."
"Learn what?"
"Learn how to control mana."
Antonia frowned.
"Yeah, I’m an Elemental."
"That doesn’t matter. That doesn’t matter anymore. Just do what you have to do."
"Always a cocky man, as always."
"And you’re always such a pain."
She rolled her eyes.
"Such a natural liar."
Then she sighed.
"Fine. I’ll ask you one more time, Denzel."
She moved her hand.
Just then, several of the bottles in the room began to tremble slightly. Not all of them, only a few.
They shook for a moment before suddenly popping open.
Denzel’s eyes widened slightly.
"Hold on."
But Antonia ignored him.
"Before I begin, do you really want me to attack you?" she asked. "I might not be the best at offense, but I guarantee you, I always hit my target."
"Just get on with it."
Denzel remained where he was, his mind already focused on his ability.
’Then she’ll use her mana abilities. I have to learn how to control mine. I have to learn how to use it in a way that whenever someone uses mana around me, I can alter it for my own use.’
After thinking for a moment, he suddenly raised a hand.
"Actually, before you attack."
Antonia turned back to him.
"What now?"
"I need you to just take out... just lift the element. I see you’re a water-type user. Could you just raise the water for me?"
Antonia stared at him.
"Isn’t that kind of boring?" freewebnøvel.coɱ
Denzel squinted.
"My type of professional is not your type of stupid."
Only shaking her head, Antonia flicked her hand.
The liquid flowed out from the bottles, streaming through the air as it gathered together.
The separate streams merged into a large spherical ball of water, swirling and folding into itself as it floated in the air before them.
"This is the first thing I need you to explain to me. How exactly do you control mana?" Denzel asked.
The training continued after that.
Although it had only been a short session, Denzel didn’t really get the results he wanted. It was merely the beginning of what he hoped would become proper training.
By the end of it, all he had managed to do was influence both the shape of the water Antonia controlled and the water she launched at him.
Still, it was progress...remarkable progress, some might say.
The downside was that he had been left completely soaked, forcing him to return home and change his clothes.
***
"Ugh..."
Denzel grunted as he shut the door behind him and stepped out of the bathroom, now wearing a fresh set of clothes.
"This training is going to be a huge headache."
He rubbed the back of his neck.
’Hmm maybe controlling the skill will become easier if I learn how to use it better. Maybe if I complete more taboo missions.’
The thought lingered in his mind for a moment.
’Yeah, I mean, it’s still pretty early. But it would be nice to finally complete my disciple class with Aisha...hehe.’
A grin slowly spread across his face.
’How about that? How about I head over there and fuck the living hell out of her?’
The thought echoed through his mind as he stepped forward, moving toward his new goal.