Chapter 378: Zach

Chapter 378: Zach

Responsibility

There are many different ways of learning, Zach paused. I am told, at least. Some practice their craft to perfection, making their bodies instruments through which they can channel their knowledge. Other work on mastering their powers, the ways that they can use their abilities, their techniques, or their perks, to a devastating effect. Others still focus on the experience of life, pushing in order to gain better perks.

Hiro looked up at him with great concentration on his face. The young man eager to learn, more than eager really. He had spent years training, practicing with the Wardens, people far more adept at teaching than Zach was. At least more adept at teaching the things that Hiro needed to know and that Zach did not know how to teach. Hiro had done good, despite Zachs assumption to the contrary. He didnt think that the boy would endure. Just another thing that Zach was wrong about.

Hiro probably knew this already. Okim and the others had trained him well, taught him how to fight, how to use his abilities, perks, and skills. The minotaur had told him that Hiro had a bright future ahead of him, that he was good enough to go all the way. Yet the boy had wanted more.

I cannot teach you any of these things, Zach said slowly, raising his sword up and looking at it, feeling the sentiment of approval from the soul inside. Ravallim had taught Zach much, but they were both very aware of their limits. I am a good swordsman, not the best, but I can handle a blade. I practice a style that is ever changing, so much so that it can scantly be called a style at all. A true master would see right through me if we met blades.

Zach turned his eyes back at Hiro, sitting before him in the small grove. What I can teach, is the mastery of Essence. Do you know what that is?

Hiro, to his credit, didnt respond immediately. Mastery of Essence is being able to utilize the Essence type of your powers to their full extent.

Zach chuckled. It was an answer that he had expected. He had been taught by the wardens, and they while good at what they did, favored tangible power over anything else. Zach did not begrudge them that, they didnt have the advantages that some of them had.

No, Zach shook his head. Utilization of Essence can be achieved without its mastery. What I am talking about is a step beyond, a full understanding of Essence as the force of our world. Tell me, what is Essence?

Hiro blinked. Essences are elements that give quality to a persons power, he said uncertainly.

Did the other wardens teach you that? Zach asked.

We did not spend much time on it, Hiro said.

And what did Naha say?

She uh, she doesnt teach with words, she is more practical in her instructions, Hiro answered.

Zach nodded, of course she was.New n0vel chapters are published on

No, that is not what we are training you to be. Though you could, if you want to?

Hiro blinked, then frowned. I whatever you think is best.

Zach sighed, another issue that Hiro had was his blind faith in them. Still, the Lord of Aspects was a way to combat it. It gave him options to focus on, mastering several different styles.

If you had to pick, what kind of Class Evolution would you want to get? Zach asked.

Direct combat one, Hiro said immediately.

Zach smiled. You are thinking about this the wrong way, Zach told him.

The boy tilted his head. How?

You think that what youve been learning until now does not let you be in direct combat? That Naha does not fight in direct combat? Being able to hide effectively, to survive, does not mean that you cannot apply your powers directly.

I I guess that I never thought about it that way.

We are simply giving you tools, you are the one, ultimately that will decide how to use them.

Hiro seemed contemplative, so Zach made a decision. Well, youve done as weve asked, and now youve come to learn from me. Your first lesson is going to be to decide on an Aspect that you wish to study, and eventually master. Think about it carefully, try to see what it would mean for you in the future, and what all it can do. You dont need to do it on your own, of course. Talk with others, talk with Naha, come and talk with me again.

Hiro nodded slowly, then stood up and walked away. The boy had a lot to think about.

Zach turned around as a person that had been waiting there out of sight walked out.

Can we talk? Bera asked.

Zach gave her a long look, already suspecting what she was here to talk about, then nodded.