The Mytho Chronicles: Eclipse Of Faith

Chapter [60]: Sparks of Resonance

Nika Kusakabe stood in the training grounds, her breath steady as she focused on the task at hand. Her eyes narrowed in concentration as she extended her hands, channeling her Mytho energy into the ethereal space around her. The energy resonated through her body, forming a bridge between her physical presence and the spiritual plane. She had named her unique ability Ethereal Resonance—a perfect fusion of Mytho Energy Resonance and Ethereal Projection, allowing her to manipulate both the tangible and intangible aspects of reality.

Before her stood a row of Mytho energy-infused dummies, designed to mimic the movement and strength of actual opponents. They glowed faintly, their surfaces brimming with latent power, waiting to be unleashed.

With a sharp inhale, Nika thrust her hands forward, releasing a wave of Mytho energy that surged toward the dummies. The energy split into multiple tendrils, each one homing in on a different target. The dummies reacted instantly, their forms shifting to evade the attack. But Nika was faster. The tendrils of energy changed direction mid-air, wrapping around the dummies and pulling them back toward her.

In a fluid motion, Nika clenched her fists, and the energy tendrils tightened, shattering the dummies into ethereal fragments that dissipated into the air.

Watching from a distance, Ryota Takeda observed Nika's performance with a sense of awe. Hidden in the shadows, his glowy green eagle eyes tracked every movement she made. Her control over Mytho energy was nothing short of remarkable, and the efficiency with which she wielded her power was, in many ways, superior even to his own. Ryota had always known Nika was talented, but witnessing her in action like this was a different experience altogether.

He couldn't help but admire her—both as a fellow sorcerer and as something more. Their bond, forged during their student years, had grown stronger over time, and Ryota often found himself thinking about her in ways he never had before.

Lost in his thoughts, Ryota almost missed the moment when Nika launched another wave of energy. He decided it was time to make his presence known.

"Nika," he called out, stepping into the light.

Nika, caught off guard, jumped slightly before turning to face him. Her heart raced for a moment, startled by his sudden appearance. "Sensei, you scared me!" she exclaimed, a mix of annoyance and embarrassment coloring her voice.

Ryota chuckled, enjoying the rare sight of Nika being flustered. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. You were so focused, I didn't want to interrupt."

Nika narrowed her eyes at him, clearly unimpressed with his excuse. "Well, you did interrupt. And you know how I get when I'm interrupted during training."

Without warning, she reached out and grabbed one of the remaining dummies, hurling it at Ryota with surprising speed and precision.

Ryota, who had been laughing a moment ago, suddenly found himself dodging the flying dummy. Thanks to his eagle eyes and quick reflexes, he managed to avoid it, but the surprise on his face was undeniable. "Hey! That was uncalled for!" he shouted, though there was a playful edge to his voice.

Nika couldn't help but burst into laughter, seeing the usually composed Ryota caught off guard. Her laughter was infectious, and soon Ryota found himself laughing along with her.

As the laughter subsided, Ryota found himself staring at Nika, his heart beating just a little faster. Her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with amusement—it was a sight he could never get tired of. There was something about her that made him feel... alive.

Nika noticed the way Ryota was looking at her and cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "So, why are you here, anyway? Shouldn't you be resting after that fight with Tetsuya?"