Chapter 32: Explaining
"There are five basic skills in the Kame School: Ki Cultivation, Ki Sense, Ki Masking, Ki Release, and Ki Transfer.
Ki Cultivation is the foundation of all the other skills. It focuses on steadily building your own Ki through consistent practice, which also strengthens your body. To advance further, you need a strong body to support your growing Ki.
Ki Sense, as I've mentioned before, lets you perceive the Ki of other living beings around you. The more you develop this skill, the wider your range becomes.
Ki Masking serves as a counter to Ki Sense. It allows you to conceal your Ki, preventing others from detecting it. You can also manipulate your Ki output to mislead your opponents.
Ki Release is about projecting your Ki outward, generating heat and energy for attacks. It forms the basis of all energy techniques. Mastering this skill is essential for advancing to higher levels.
Ki Transfer involves channeling your Ki to another person. It's primarily used to introduce beginners to the concept of Ki, but its most important application is healing exhausted or injured companions. Ki is your life force, and it can significantly enhance the strength and resilience of the wounded. With enough control, you could even use it for medical treatment."
After explaining this, Rex paused to pour himself a cup of water, then continued, "Next, let's discuss the entry-level technique of our school: Jan Ken, or rock-paper-scissors."
"Rock" enhances your punches by enveloping your fist in Ki, creating a force that bursts out on impact. The more focused the energy, the stronger the punch. You once asked me how I defeated those gangsters—this is what I used.
"Scissors" involves concentrating Ki around your fingertips to form a Ki Blade, capable of stabbing or slashing like a sword. The stronger your Ki, the faster and sharper your attack. I demonstrated this technique when I cut the table—it's lethal, so it should be used with caution.
"Paper" focuses Ki in your palm, transforming it into a force that can push, pull, or bind a target. As with the other techniques, the range and strength depend on the amount of Ki concentrated in your palm. This is what I've learned so far."
Rex took another sip of water and added, "As for the more advanced techniques, I'm only halfway there, so I can't share much."
"Wait!" Coulson interjected, frowning. "You've also used a technique similar to a flash grenade that you haven't explained."
"Oh, you're referring to Solar Flair! That's not a traditional Kame School technique, but rather a unique move created by an elder named Tien Shinhan. It focuses Ki on one's head, converting it into a blinding light. Like all techniques, the higher the Ki output, the more dazzling the light becomes."
"Tien Shinhan…" Coulson noted the name, then asked without hesitation, "And you created a Golden Orb of light to heal Colleen Wing?"
Rex shook his head. "That's not a Kame School technique. Sorry, but that ability is forbidden; it's something I shouldn't use, and I'd rather not discuss it."
"Okay." Coulson shifted gears, "So besides those two techniques, you're familiar with everything else you've mentioned?"
"Of course!" Rex replied, clearly enjoying the question. "What I've shared are the basics of Kame School. Only by learning all the fundamental skills and mastering at least one form of Jan Ken can someone claim to be a disciple of Kame School."
Coulson took a breath, incredulous. "So you're saying these are just the basics? You're at the bottom level in Kame School?"
"Yes," Rex said, looking at Coulson as if it were obvious. "I'm only 19, and I'm clearly the least trained of the Kame School disciples. That's expected!"
Coulson stared at Rex for a moment, unsure if he was lying. He paused, processing the new information.
Since meeting Danny Rand, Rex had crafted a detailed and consistent story about Kame Sennin and Kame School. With the experience he'd gained from lying, he almost started to believe his own fabrications. Poor Coulson arrived late, facing precise answers delivered without hesitation.
He dropped any thoughts of verification. Having gathered enough information, he hurriedly left. After instructing the two agents to leave, he found himself wondering why he was in such a rush in the middle of the night.
By then, it was just after 1 AM. After Coulson departed, Rex headed upstairs to sleep. On the second floor, he found two green eyes staring at him, wide with surprise. "Why haven't you slept yet?" he asked.
Lorna turned a blind eye to his casual demeanor and replied calmly, "Agents of SHIELD are at the door. How could I sleep?"
"Don't worry. Right now, they're more afraid, so they'll leave us in peace."
Rex yawned and walked past Lorna toward his room. "Go to sleep. We'll talk tomorrow."
"Wait!" Lorna grabbed Rex's sleeve, reluctant to let him go. "Boss, are you sure they don't doubt my identity?"
"Yes, they definitely don't." Rex turned around, slightly impatient. "You heard Coulson say you're not an ordinary person. That was mainly due to what happened in the Dojo. Their focus has shifted now; they aren't concerned about small fry anymore."
Lorna huffed in dissatisfaction. "How can you say that? I'm small fry?"
Rex looked at her and replied, "Do you want to be noticed or fly under the radar? The big shot is the one being watched here. Aren't you satisfied?"
"Boss, you're being monitored by SHIELD?"
"That's right. I'm the big shot."