Azure Striker Gunvolt: A different perspective

Chapter 34

Beladim's POV

After my little display of power, nobody moved for several seconds.

Gunvolt gave me a look of thoughtfulness. "Asimov and Juggernaut, both powerful adepts, are evenly matched. You're stronger than that. Why were you holding back when you fought before?"

Perceptive. I sighed, and glanced at Ashton. He gave a half smile.

"You all probably already know about my Muse Septima?" Nodding all around. I went on, "People who have this Septima are subject to a....curse, if you will."

I paused for a moment, holding back the memory. "If we were to use all of our power, it would wreak havoc on our minds, driving us insane. Even a Mind Septima couldn't control that."

Eliese chuckled darkly. "With great power comes great cost...."

Ashton gave me a knowing look. "You've caused disaster before. I see that. It wasn't your fault."

I gave him a tight smile. "Sometimes, people aren't as good as you. It wasn't an accident."

Ashton gave me a pitying look. I ignored it.

I lowered my voice. "If you actually knew everything about me.... you'd despise me."

Eliese's kinder counterpart smiled at me. "Sometimes the good outweighs the bad."

I sighed. "Not this time."

Ashton's POV

Not sure how this works, I spoke aloud.

"Hey uh, Guide? Is there anything to fight against that isn't a powerhouse?"

The Guide spoke up. "Yes. How will you train? Name a Septima or fighting style."

I shrugged. "Give me your best shot."

"I will take that as a challenge."

I smirked. What could a voice do to hurt me?

I entered a glowing blue arena.

"Beginning Master level Septimal training. Mode: Beladim's personal testing program."

I chuckled nervously. "Maybe I take it back..."

The Guide responded, calm as ever, but with a menacing undertone.

"In a battle, you can not take it back."

The Guide continued, "Combatant settings: The Guide. Body setting: Silhouette."

A silhouette than appeared, hanging lifelessly. I relaxed.

"One moment."

The elevator opened, revealing a glowing blue sphere. It floated towards me. I smiled. "So that's what you actually look like."

The Guide floated up, and promptly went in the chest of the silhouette. It woke up.

The Guide gracefully rose to its feet, eyes glowing rainbow. The silhouette spoke.

"I will heal you after I beat you down."

I chuckled. "Bring it."

The Guide stepped forward, swinging down with a fist. I caught it. I punched forward, yet the Guide dissolved into the ground. I blinked.

"Behind you."

I suddenly felt a hard punch hit me right in the neck, and I crumpled down, unable to move.