Chapter 74: Chapter 59: Part I-Power Unleashed
The atmosphere around the group had lightened after their race, but the competitive tension still lingered as they gathered in a wide clearing. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the trees. But beneath that light, there was a quiet weight—a sense that the calm couldn't last forever.
Nogitsune leaned against a nearby tree, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"Enough games for today. It's time to get serious. You've all made progress, but there's more to learn. Time to test the waters."
Yuki raised an eyebrow, half-playful. "Test the waters? What do you mean?"
"You've grown considerably in a short time," Nogitsune replied, his voice steady, commanding. "But before you face what's coming, you need to understand the full extent of your abilities. All of you."
With a single gesture, he signaled for the group to gather. "No more holding back. No more hiding. Let's see who stands where."
Kai stepped forward with a shrug and a grin. "I'm not much of a fighter, but I've got my own tricks."
Haru cracked his knuckles. "Alright. Let's get this over with."
Aiko looked hesitant, but Himari offered her a reassuring nod. "We've got this."
Yuki's heart beat a little faster. He wasn't sure he was ready to show everything yet—but with Nogitsune's gaze on him, there was no backing down.
"Let's start with Yuki," Nogitsune said, a knowing smile tugging at the edge of his lips.
The others stepped back, giving him space.
Yuki inhaled deeply. The air around him shifted as his aura flared to life. A quiet ripple of energy rolled through the clearing, and his body glowed faintly.
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First Power – Super Strength
He clenched his fists. Muscles tensed. With a sudden motion, he lifted a massive boulder and hurled it skyward. It arced through the air and smashed into a distant tree, splintering it on impact.
Ren blinked, impressed. "Superhuman strength. You've definitely leveled up."
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Second Power – Speed and Reflexes
Before anyone could speak, Yuki vanished. In a blur, he reappeared in front of Aiko, who gasped.
"I—I didn't even see you move!" she said, eyes wide.
"I'm still working on controlling it," Yuki replied, grinning.
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Third Power – Regeneration
Yuki raised his hand, revealing a small cut on his palm. In seconds, the wound sealed itself, the skin knitting back together like it had never been injured.
Whispers of awe passed through the group.
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Fourth Power – Aura Manipulation
Yuki closed his eyes. A pressure formed in the air. His aura expanded, rippling outward like a wave. The ground vibrated beneath them, responding to the sheer force of his spiritual presence.
Ren's expression grew serious. "Aura manipulation… strong, but still raw."
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Fifth Power – Shapeshifting
His body shimmered, momentarily warping. Then—poof—he transformed into a small fox-like creature. He trotted in a quick circle, tail swishing, before reverting back to human form.
"Still a bit rough," he said between breaths, "but I'm getting there."
Nogitsune gave a slow nod. "You're adapting. That's more important than perfection."
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Sixth Power – Void Manipulation
Yuki's eyes flickered black. The ground beneath him twisted, a small pocket of swirling void opening at his feet. Dark energy crackled in the air, bending reality at its edges.
"The void is a dangerous tool," Nogitsune said, stepping closer. "It can empower—or consume. You're walking a fine line."
Yuki's hands shook slightly. But with a sharp breath, he pulled the void back in, letting it collapse into nothing.
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Seventh Power – Reality Warping
Then, he lifted one hand toward the sky.
The clouds trembled. The air distorted. A nearby tree twisted unnaturally, stretching taller, then shrinking. For a moment, the landscape shifted like a dream.
And just as quickly, it snapped back to normal.
Sweat ran down his temple.
"This one's the hardest," Yuki muttered. "It drains me fast."
Nogitsune watched him, eyes unreadable. "You've come a long way. But your control is fragile."
"I'll get better," Yuki said, panting. "I have to."
Nogitsune's expression softened just enough to show approval. "That's the price of power. And you've already started paying it."
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