Chapter 383 Whispers
Aion tried to understand what made Malon get hurt… Sailena healed him in no time, so the damage had been only a single strained muscle. Since he didn't experience it, he couldn't be sure, and Malon was too stupid to even try to understand it.
"Straining muscles typically occurs when excessive stress or tension is placed on the muscle fibers, causing them to stretch or tear. There are several ways in which someone can strain their muscles," Aion thought. "Engaging in activities that require repetitive or prolonged muscle contractions, such as lifting heavy objects, performing intense physical exercise, or participating in sports without proper warm-up and conditioning, can lead to muscle strain. Pushing the muscles beyond their capacity or endurance can cause microscopic tears in the muscle fibers… he had been exercising for a while, so that isn't the reason."
Using incorrect form or technique during physical activities or exercises can increase the risk of muscle strain. Poor posture, inadequate body mechanics, or improper execution of movements can put undue stress on certain muscles, leading to strain or injury… that seemed plausible. Malon succeeded in using something by luck, but not in the right way.
Forceful or sudden movements that place abrupt stress on the muscles can result in strains. Examples include sudden twists, jerks, or impacts that cause the muscles to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.
When muscles are tired or fatigued, they are more prone to strain. Continued physical activity without adequate rest or recovery can weaken the muscles, making them more susceptible to strain… this one also seemed possible.
"Considering the options… I would say that this stupid moron used the technique the wrong way because his body was tired," Aion thought. "He will have to evaluate that and try numerous things. I think that he needs to have a clear image of what he wants to do before trying again… let's see if I can influence him again."
Before doing that, Aion also had to learn how he used the mana to be able to pull that off. After thinking for a while, Aion couldn't help but think of what he knew. Malon in the tower said that he got the power to control time after facing countless enemies that had that power… like Siegfried, his body was bathed in their blood, but he didn't specify what he obtained directly.
"I guess it was only the advanced stuff…" Aion thought. "I should have studied more magic, then I would be able to come up with the right hypothesis."
In any case, the next day, the group began to climb the first mountain and they didn't have a hard time against the creatures that attacked them. The best they could do was to use their beaks and use a bit of wind magic…
At the end of the day, Malon had enough energy to use to train once more and then Aion tried the whispering again.
"Focus the same amount of mana on the entire area of your arm, focus on the concentration before the attack," Aion said.
As if he had heard his voice or if Aion's voice had become a thought for Malon, the young swordsman stopped moving and looked at his sword attentively. Eventually, he did the same thing that Aion said… the whispering was real… still, that only made Malon throw his sword upward for dozens of meters.
"What the hell are you doing?" Vaeral asked.
"It is training… shut up, I just made a mistake," Malon said while furrowing his eyebrows.
"Explain to me again how you survived your battle against Tenebres with this guy in the Frontline?" Vaeral asked.
"Well, we fought one of his minions… not him," Sailena said while forcing a smile.
While they were talking, Aion wondered what was going on… he knew that Malon was probably the one who made him be reborn in that world, so how come he was able to influence Malon's past? He could only imagine that the future was splitting because of that and creating another timeline? But how was that possible when he was only supposed to see the memories of Malon?
The questions seemed endless… but it wasn't like Aion had anything else to do aside from thinking. During that time, he tried to whisper to help Malon again and this time he told him to use the mana on his sword as well. Malon was really an obedient guy, so he didn't even try to disobey.
In the end, the sword slash that Malon used to cut the air was something that he didn't see, but he felt it… what he saw was a rock fifty meters away suddenly getting a sword mark on it at the same time.
"I get it now… the quality and concentration of the mana makes his moves happen way faster, but it isn't something that he can do repetitively as he is now," Aion thought and then saw Malon trying the same thing again, but failing at doing so. "Well, his mana should be able to grow by daily training and constant use of magic."
After that, as if it was something that Aion was supposed to see or make Malon do, Aion was able to speed time up until they reached a temple at the top of the third mountain three days later. Aside from Cailena, the others looked pretty tired… Malon had some scratches on his armor because of the attacks of the flying monsters in the area.
As they climbed higher up the mountain, the group could feel the wind picking up and howling through the trees. Finally, they reached the top, where a magnificent temple stood dedicated to the spirit of the wind. Its white marble pillars gleamed in the sunlight, and the sound of chimes and bells echoed through the air. Inside, the walls were adorned with intricate carvings of birds and clouds, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of nature. As they stood there, they could feel the power of the wind all around them, and they knew that this was a sacred place where the forces of nature were revered and respected. It was a truly awe-inspiring experience and one that they will never forget.