12 Chapter 11: The Blade and The Flame
The clack of wooden swords echoed through the Shimotsuki Village dojo as Noct and Koushirou sparred, the master swordsman finding himself increasingly challenged by the younger man's improving skills. Noct's strikes were more precise, his footwork more fluid, and his anticipation of Koushirou's moves more acute.
With a smile of approval, Koushirou disarmed Noct, the wooden sword clattering to the floor. "Well done, Noctis," he said, his voice filled with genuine praise. "Your swordsmanship has improved considerably."
Noct grinned, retrieving his sword. "Thanks, old man. I guess even a hopeless case like me can learn a thing or two, eh?"
Koushirou shook his head, chuckling. "You're far from hopeless, Noctis. In fact, you're becoming quite the swordsman."
[System Prompt]
Sword Mastery Increased: Level 7
The user's sword skills have greatly improved. Advanced sword techniques are now easier to execute.
Stamina Increased: +40
But swordsmanship wasn't Noct's only focus. In the quiet moments between training sessions, he would steal away to a secluded part of the village, using his free time to secretly grind his Devil Fruit abilities.
He started with the simpler techniques, like "Kagero" and "Enjomo," practicing until he could summon the flames with barely a thought.
[System Prompt]
Devil Fruit Ability Mastery Increased:
- Kagero (Level 3)
- Enjomo (Level 3)
Noct's physical training was just as intense as his sword practice. He would run laps around the village, his legs pumping and his lungs burning. He would climb trees and scale cliffs, building his strength and endurance. And he would meditate under waterfalls, letting the cold water numb his body as he focused his mind.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Noct sputtered as he emerged from under the waterfall, his teeth chattering. "I'm all for getting stronger, but this is just cruel and unusual punishment!"
[System Prompt]
Physical Endurance Increased: Level 3
The user's body has adapted to the rigorous training. Stamina depletion is reduced during intense physical activity.
Stamina Increased: +40
As he grew more confident, Noct began to strategize, planning out the order in which he would unlock and strengthen his abilities. He pulled up his skill tree, studying the web of interconnected powers.
"Alright, let's see here," he muttered, his eyes scanning the screen. "If I unlock 'Enkai' next, I can use that to create some serious fireworks. Oh, this is gonna be good!"
With determination, Noct set out to learn all the locked Devil Fruit abilities. He focused on each technique, practicing tirelessly until he could execute them with precision and power.
[System Prompt]
New Devil Fruit Abilities Unlocked:
- Enkai (Active)
- Hibashira (Active)
- Hotarubi (Active)
- Hidaruma (Active)
- Shinka: Shiranui (Active)
- Jujika (Active)
- Dai Enkai: Entei (Active)
- Kyokaen (Active)
Noct's Devil Fruit training was a trial-and-error process. He would experiment with different techniques, trying to find the most efficient way to link his abilities. Sometimes, this led to spectacular failures, like the time he nearly burned down a section of the forest while practicing "Dai Enkai: Entei."
"Oops," Noct said, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head as he surveyed the smoldering trees. "Guess I put a little too much 'oomph' into that one."
But each mistake was a learning opportunity, a chance to refine his control and increase his power.
[System Prompt]
Devil Fruit Ability Mastery Increased:
- Enkai (Level 2)
- Hibashira (Level 2)
- Hotarubi (Level 2)
- Hidaruma (Level 2)
- Shinka: Shiranui (Level 2)
- Jujika (Level 2)
- Dai Enkai: Entei (Level 1)
- Kyokaen (Level 3)
The days turned into weeks, and Noct's progress was undeniable. His body grew lean and hard, his muscles responding to the rigorous training. And his Devil Fruit powers grew stronger, his mastery over the flames reaching new heights with each intense session.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day, Noct felt a surge of power. His body glowed with an inner fire, the flames responding to his will like never before. With a shout of exultation, he unleashed a barrage of techniques, the flames dancing and twisting in a mesmerizing display of power and control.
"Oh yeah!" Noct exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. "Now that's what I'm talking about!"
[System Prompt]
Level Up!
Noctis D. Stryfe has reached Level 20.
Health: 450/450
Stamina: 480/480
Suddenly, an unfamiliar prompt appeared before Noct's eyes.
[System Prompt]
System upgrade available. Do you wish to proceed?
Noct raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Well, well, well. Looks like this off-brand system is finally getting an upgrade. About time!"
He grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, let's do this. Upgrade away!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, the system responded.
[System Prompt]
System upgrading. User will lose consciousness.
Noct's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Lose consciousness? Hold on a second, I didn't sign up for-"
But before he could finish his sentence, his world went black. He felt his body go limp, and he crumpled to the ground, the cool grass cushioning his fall.
And so, as the stars twinkled overhead and the gentle breeze rustled the leaves, Noctis D. Stryfe lay unconscious, his body and mind undergoing a transformation that would forever change the course of his journey.
[System Prompt]
Character Profile
Name: Noctis D. Stryfe
Nickname: Hellfire Noct (Jigoku no Hi Nokuto)
Level: 20
Experience: 0/2000
Health: 450/450
Stamina: 480/480
Affiliation: Pirate
Crew: None
Bounty: 30,000,000 Beli
Devil Fruit: Mera Mera no Mi
Devil Fruit Level: 10
Sword Style: None
Sword Mastery: Level 7
Skill Tree:
Devil Fruit Abilities:
- Logia Body (Passive)
- Higan (Active)
- Kagero (Active) (Level 3)
- Enjomo (Active) (Level 3)
- Hiken (Active)
- Enkai (Active) (Level 2)
- Hibashira (Active) (Level 2)
- Hotarubi (Active) (Level 2)
- Hidaruma (Active) (Level 2)
- Shinka: Shiranui (Active) (Level 2)
- Jujika (Active) (Level 2)
- Kyokaen (Active) (Level 3)
- Dai Enkai: Entei (Active) (Level 1)
Sword Skill Abilities:
None
