Air Hero

Purpose of training

Time passed, and it was finally time for lunchtime. Once again, Master Tenshi asked them to catch a game animal for them to eat. This time, Iki decided not to cheat again. Even when they come back with empty hands, Master Tenshi quickly catches a chicken for their lunch. At least this time, they aren’t suffering from punishment again, and they have their meal peacefully.

The lunch they have that day feels more delicious than usual. Maybe it is because their body is more tired than usual, and as they said that hunger is the best seasoning for food. After that, they went through the same routine as yesterday. Balloon training in the afternoon until dinner time and another time to hunt for food. After eating, they have another game of tag with a bracelet, and their schedule finished after that.

Unlike yesterday, they don’t have any energy to talk to each other today. They immediately headed to their own tent and passed out. The same routine continued for three days, yet there isn’t any significant improvement. Everyone seemed as if they are looking at something hidden by a cloud. They almost grasped it, but somehow it always escapes their hand.

Finally, after their game of tag at night, Master Tenshi didn’t return to the cabin but stayed with them. It was as if he has something to say, and everyone is waiting silently while the atmosphere turned heavy and tense.

“What do you guys think of your training so far?”

“Tiring.”

Iki, as if he isn’t afraid of Master Tenshi, gives his honest answer and Master Tenshi also nodded hearing his answer.

“Next, what do you think?”

Master Tenshi pointed at Alan that hiccuped for a bit before deciding to answer.

“I think you’re trying to teach us something, but no matter how much I think about it, I don’t understand.”

One by one, everyone that Master Tenshi pointed answered.

“I realized many of my shortcomings in these few days.” Said Kieran as he saw the limitation of his sound elements.

“I’m weak.” Elica answered shortly and concisely.

“I know that I relied too much on my speed and neglected the other aspect, but I never thought it was this bad.” Giovanni, who took pride in his speed also knows that if he only relies solely on his speed, sooner or later he will hit a wall sooner or later.

As for Max, he gives it a lot more thought before answering.

“I feel frustrated yet happy at the same time. I realize that I am still lacking in many aspects, but I don’t know how to improve.”

His answer seemed to be similar to the others, and Master Tenshi looked at them before nodding again.

“Good, you all realized that you are all very weak, and I am trying to teach you something. There is a reason why the association sent you here. They know that I could help you guys to become stronger. However, don’t you realize why aside from telling you what to do, I didn’t say anything else?”

“Isn’t that because you’re testing us?”

“Fool. What would I get from testing you? Do you know that I am here as your trainer?”

The six of them nodded, but they still didn't understand the flow of the conversation.

“Then, have you ever asked me how to improve or what to do next?”

Realizing the meaning behind Master Tenshi's questions, the eyes of the six teenagers present immediately changed.

“First, tell me, what do you guys think of the training for pushing the ball upwards the slope?”

“Is it to test our power?”

“Fool. You know, pushing the ball uphill seemed to be easy, but there are several aspects that you need to watch for. Firstly, the power that you need to use. The ball itself has some tricks on them. There is a minimum level of strength required to move it, but the most important thing about it is stability. You need to maintain a constant force to make it move. Aside from Power, I want to train your Energy at the same time, but there is also something called stability. The association didn’t put this category into evaluation but let me illustrate this for you.”

This is the first time the six of them learned about stability, so they listened with full attention.

“It’s like filling a bucket with water. On one hand, there’s a stable amount of pouring water coming out from the valve, and the other one is being poured by using a water dipper. Although they could equally fill the bucket, using a water dipper will cause some water to spill. Aside from efficiency, stability can be seen in how the water on the bucket reacts. With a stable valve, the water level on the bucket won’t show a big disturbance. If you poured it using a water dipper, each time a water is poured in, the water will show big movements like a big wave in the ocean. Now, you must be confused at how it related with using your ability.”

The six of them didn’t say anything but just nodded, afraid that they will miss anything from Master Tenshi’s word.

“The amount of the water spilled might be insignificant. But, what if you’re in the middle of a desert and every drop is essential? If you could use ten skills if you used it optimally, you can only use nine skills if your power isn’t stable. In the end, what if that one utilization of skill will be the difference between life and death for you? Not to mention that with stability, the ability that you perform will be stronger than people without stability. Look over here.”

Master Tenshi then summoned two water pillars. One pillar is standing strong and stable as if it was made from solid material. The other one is unstable and keeps on wriggling and squirming as if it could be destroyed anytime.

“I used the same amount of power when making these water pillars. Can you see the differences? This might not be apparent if it was used as an attacking skill, but what if it was used to create a shield to defend yourself? One shield might be able to save your life while the other could be the start of your doom.”

After looking at the example that Master Tenshi show, the six of them realized what Master Tenshi is trying to say.