Book One: The Rise of the Blue-Haired Devil.

      You know, I've never been so wrong before in my life.... I thought the cave of insight and the stones of pain were two metaphors, but damn it, I had no idea the name had a direct meaning. I was taken to a place so dark that it was just empty. I couldn't even feel anything. It was like I was plunged into a very existence that was beyond my comprehension. Neither my sensorics nor my eyes could catch anything in this ominous darkness, but Delta somehow orientated herself in this space. Her eyes flashed before me every now and then as we moved towards the right place. You could say this place was just sucking all the light out. I have no idea how, but I don't care so much at the moment, because I've been unsealed. That's when the heat started... I felt this natural energy... From my first impressions, it could be compared to chaos or a hurricane, defying anything and anyone. And what do you think this snake told me?       - Just try to combine your physical and spiritual energy with the energy of nature. I'll give you a hand if you need it. - that's exactly what Delta said to me after the seal was broken. At first I was glad it was going to go well. After all, Delta wasn't the kind of creature to cheat. But everything happens for the first time. I tried to remain calm the first time, starting to try to combine this hurricane of incredible power with my chakra components. It would have been amazing if I had succeeded right away. I couldn't control the flow of nature's energy in my body, so I had to produce the blending very quickly. Mistakes were inevitable and I knew it. Even before I realised that things had gone badly wrong, a pebble flew into me, knocking all the natural energy out of me. It really hurt. it didn't even hurt. I felt as if something huge had hit me, rather than a small object, knocking me down from a sitting position.... I rubbed the bruised area.       - Get up. You don't have much time. Or you'll get another one. - Delta snapped at me. Her commanding tone made me want to try again. But this time my concentration was severely diminished. I had already realised that nothing would be that easy... Power doesn't come easy. There's a catch in everything, a second bottom that's hard to see at once. In this case, it's a way of learning. cruel and painful. but it's very effective, even if it doesn't work for everyone. Paying for each new attempt with pain is such a hobby. I am literally forced to do everything the first time in the best possible light. To be honest, it was a place where you could forget about time. Each new attempt is a true test of taming the void. I didn't realise this right away, but as soon as I had an epiphany I tried even harder. It is hard to say on which attempt I managed to catch the cherished balance, because at first I was trying to understand how to distinguish between physical and spiritual energy separately. To be honest, it's a pain in the arse.... Ninja use only chakra for the most part, not even realising that the power of its two components separately is also great, albeit with a narrower specification. So far it is difficult for me to judge this issue more accurately, because I rely only on my feelings when dividing my chakra and that's all. All my observations are based on empirical experience and intuition, which is not really peculiar to me. In the end, it turned out to be much more complicated than it may seem at first glance. After all, no one told me the correct ratio of energies. If you think that it is 1:1:1, I hasten to disappoint you.... it's not even close to the right ratio for first attempts. But I actually quickly realised why I wasn't told that. It just makes logical sense. Most likely the minimum from which I can enter this Hermit mode is at a different bar for everyone. What does that depend on? On the amount and density of chakra, naturally. As for the maximum accumulation of natural energy, it is logical to assume that it is already 1:1:1, but it is difficult to talk about it yet. One should at least just learn to combine the three forces in a stable way. It took me a long time to find my ratio, which turned out to be 5:4:1. As it happens, my physical development lags behind my spiritual development, which is not very surprising. After this major breakthrough, a new problem arose. The sen chakra I had been cultivating began to disappear in my seal. It was like someone was shoving it in there. There was nothing to do, so I kept pouring new chakra into the seal. After a while, I was pulled into my subconscious.       I appeared in my old lab from a past life. But there was one oddity, all the furniture was turned upside down. Well, someone must have been angry about something, and it wasn't hard to guess who... I looked around, searching for Morgana. The sorceress was huddled in the farthest corner, her knees pressed to her chest. I snapped out of my seat, realising her condition. She was moving from side to side, delirious.       - What's wrong with you? - I asked with concern in my voice, taking her by the shoulders. Her eyes were sleepy and her skin had turned an ashy poisonous colour. If she were a simple person, I would have thought she was sick, but it was something else. After my words, it was as if Morgana woke up from her long sleep, looking at me with a fully realised look.       - Mi, are you kidding me? Tell me honestly, am I just a toy to you? - She said with some resentment in her voice. I opened my eyes in surprise at such a question. It was too strange and suspicious a question, considering the state she was in. I must have done something seriously wrong for her to talk like that. Honestly, it's the first time I've ever seen her in this state.       - Morgana, what's wrong? I've never abused you, much less treated you as my plaything. - I answered her very seriously, clearly realising that this was important to her.       - Then why didn't you warn me? Why did you leave me alone? - Morgana wheezed with tears in her eyes. There was so much resentment in her voice that my heart clenched involuntarily. I had no idea I was so important to her.       - I'm sorry. - I whispered in her ear, pulling her close and taking her into a tight embrace. - I couldn't do anything. - I added with sadness in my voice. She's silent, just burying her face in my chest. It's hard for her, but I still don't understand why she's reacting the way she is. I don't know how long we sat in this position, but time was not rubber. I needed to hurry, however, I gave her enough time to calm down, and when I wanted to speak, Morgana was the first to start the dialogue.       - I thought you were dead. The world went dark for me. - the girl began to speak slowly. - You just don't understand... If you die, my fate will be far worse than death. Eternal imprisonment in proud solitude without any right to freedom. - she added in a quieter tone. - Promise me you won't disappear again. - She asked finally, looking straight into my eyes with such a pleading look that I couldn't refuse.       - I promise. - I answered her with a slight smile. She smiled back at me too. Eh... I wish it could always be like that....       - Thank you, it's time for you to go back to the real world. You've already entered your Hermit mode. I will accumulate and control the chakra flows in your body, so you don't have to worry about your condition. You have already given me the correct ratio to combine the three energies, but it will have to be adjusted over time because of your chakra. - The girl clarified the situation, already adopting more normal facial features.       - Thank you. - I thanked her, and then disappeared from the space of my inner world. I came to my senses just in time. Apparently, Delta thought that I had fallen asleep or something, and so decided to throw that unfortunate pebble at me again, but this time I was ready for it, just moving away from the stealthy attack. I opened my eyes, which were already seeing in this darkness, which was very surprising.       - And you did well. That was very quick. - Delta praised me, starting to crawl over.       - How long have we been here? - I asked, because it was very important now.       - About three or four days. - The snake said briefly, approaching me. It looked at all of me for a long time and with interest, as if making sure that I had perfectly entered the Hermit mode.       - Very good. - Delta said after she finished her examination. - Let's go to the Sage. I know you're in a hurry, but without this training you would have died in the real world. - She added, turning around towards the only exit. Apparently it was some sort of apology for almost getting pebbles thrown at me. Probably her pride doesn't allow her to say "I'm sorry" or "I'm sorry", so she has to search through a set of words to find such important words. What can I say about the Hermit regime now? Feeling omnipotent.... No, honestly. I'm so energised and light in my body right now, I'm ready to go through any training session light. I can't say anything about powers yet.       - Training's over. - Delta reported when we arrived at the main hall. The white serpent looked at me with interest and satisfaction. He can certainly sense my aura. Even I realise it has changed.       - I see you did well, Delta. Are you in a hurry, Mi kung? - Praised my mentor and asked me a question Sage, still continuing to smoke.       - Unfortunately, yes, I am. But I'll be back as soon as things settle down. - I answered him in a slightly sad voice. I didn't want to leave this place. I needed to finish my training here, but my business won't wait until I'm done with everything here.       - Alright, we'll be waiting for you. - With a slight smile, the White Serpent said. After his words, Delta and I bowed and left his hall. I didn't know how to go back, so I just followed the snake....