Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 243: Western mountain range [3]

"Ha! Ha! Aah!"

The sun was about to rise in a few minutes.

The echoes of panting and exertion reverberated across the snowy meadow as I persistently tried to land a strike on Yato.

Yesterday Yato had said that we would continue our training tomorrow but after two hours of rest he changed his mind and started to train me again.

That was too cruel a move from him...

Anyway, We pressed on with our training for the whole night, pausing only when my mana reserves or physical strength depleted.

When that happened, Yato offered me some high-grade mana and stamina recovery potions to help me replenish my energy before resuming the training.

I'm gradually starting to get the hang of shrouding my entire body in mana and harnessing its energy to augment the power of my strikes.

No matter how fast my speed is, I can now maintain a near-constant stream of mana and utilise it to cloak my entire figure.

Of course, there are occasional moments when my concentration breaks, causing a temporary disruption in my Mana Coating

Nevertheless, for the most part, I replace myself capable of sustaining it effectively.

As Yato skillfully evaded my Mana Coating-infused punches, he couldn't look more surprised at the alarming rate I was growing.

"Haa!"

Letting out a fierce cry, I stomped my foot upon the ground to acquire a proper footing on the slippery snow and threw a high roundhouse kick.

Fwoo—!!

Yet, with apparent ease, Yato swiftly crouched, allowing my leg to pass over his head unscathed.

Using this chance to swiftly close the distance, he deftly grappled the leg I stood upon before quickly pulling it back.

Thwack—!!

Because of that, I landed on my back with a thud. The cold snow beneath me offered a chilling reminder of the harsh conditions.

Yato, standing a few paces away, raised an eyebrow. "Good attempt, Lucas. But you telegraphed that kick. Keep your movements unpredictable. Mana coating isn't just about power; it's about finesse and control."

Frustration simmered within me, but I knew Yato's critiques were invaluable. I pushed myself up from the snowy ground, determined to incorporate his advice.

The relentless training continued, the freezing winds biting against my coated form. Each strike, each evasion, was a step toward refining my skills.

The sun had now fully risen, casting a soft glow over the snowy landscape.

Yato, with a wide grin on his face, said, "Is that all you can do Lucas? C'mon, I'm getting bored here."

I grit my teeth at his words, first I haven't eaten anything since yesterday and I have to continue training without getting a wink of sleep and he just mocking me now!

Enough is enough!

I look at my shadow who also looks back at me with glair on his face...wait face?

Anyway, my shadow seems to understand my emotions.

It's time for some surprise attacks!

"You should watch your step master!"

"Watch my step?" Yato muttered and looked at his feet.

This is it!

Fwoosh—!!

In a burst of speed, I launched at Yato with my hands pulled back in preparation.

As soon as I closed the distance, I swiftly launched a straight jab directly at him.

However, Yato caught my fist with his hand. Looking at me Yato let out a small chuckle, "That was a nice try to distract me Lucas but too bad I'm not someone who can fall for this kind of trick."

"Is that so?" I said with a smirk on my face.

"...?"

"[Shadow Control:- Shadow Binding.]" I shouted and activated my Shadow Binding.

As my [Shadow Control: Shadow Binding] skill activated, tendrils of darkness extended from my own shadow, wrapping around Yato, and immobilizing him. Of course, he tried to dodge it but our distance was too close for him to dodge.

Caught off guard, Yato struggled against the shadowy restraints, surprise flickering in his eyes. The darkness held him in a vice-like grip, limiting his movements.

"Not bad, Lucas," he admitted, a wry smile playing on his lips. "You're adding some creativity to your tactics."

The bindings held firm, and I took a moment to catch my breath. The freezing air bit into my skin, but the satisfaction of successfully surprising Yato provided a burst of warmth.

But that warmth lasted for only a few seconds

"But those tactics won't work for someone like me." Saying that Yato easily broke my Shadow Binding.

My eyes widened at how easily he broke it!

As Yato effortlessly shattered the shadowy restraints, I couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and frustration. It was a stark reminder of the vast difference in our abilities.

With a casual smile, Yato stepped forward, closing the distance between us. "Remember, Lucas, the strength of your techniques lies not just in their execution but in the element of surprise. I've faced many opponents, and predictability can be a weakness."

His words resonated, and I pondered on the need for more versatile and unexpected tactics. Yato's experience and adaptability were evident, and it was clear I had much to learn.

Soon my shadow attached himself to me and gave me a helpless look.

'You don't have to worry buddy this guy is just too overpowered for us.' I said to my shadow mentally.

"Anyway let's start our training again!" Yato said to me and walked a few distance away from me.

I nodded my head and started expanding mana on my body but nothing happened.

Soon enough I knew a reason for that, it was because I didn't have any mana left at all.

There is one tiny bit left if mana left inside my body, if there was no mana at all I would be unconscious right now.

"What happened?" Yato asked breaking my chain of thoughts.

I let out a small sigh and said, "I don't have any mana left right now."

Noticing the expression etched upon my face, Yato said, "Don't be too hard on yourself, you are learning this over fast I say, so there is no need to rush it. Remarkably, you've come so close to mastering the fundamentals of Mana Coating within just a few hours of practice. It usually takes individuals weeks, even months, to achieve what you've done in such a short period."

"How long did it take you when you were learning it?" I inquired.

"Oh, I never did," Yato answered. "I was naturally able to wield it without any need for practice."

"....."

The words caught in my throat, leaving me utterly speechless.

Just how fucking overpowered is this guy?! Huh?!