Chapter 22: Back To Training

"Cultivating this formation is exactly like cultivating the bodily maneuvers!" Zax exclaimed.

In a sense, although Zax just became aware while who knows about his Master, Raroen and Grandmaster Kartion, but the bodily maneuvers were indeed a sort of formation, a bodily formation.

It was even more evident when Zax remembered how he met Susuya and the feat that she displayed to him as they passed the courts with the Beginner grade students, on their way to Don's office.

That day, the formation the Beginner grade student practiced, Susuya executed with proficiency that far surpassed her peers, yet Zax did no read further, other than thinking that in her age group she was exceptional. Now, though, he saw her feat in a way that backed his suppositions of the bodily maneuver being a bodily formation.

It was as if the formation the Beginner grade students practiced had phases and they all were struggling in the Beginner phase of the formation. On the contrary, Susuya erected the formation per the teacher's instructions, with no effort at all. For this, one can only presume that Susuya was beyond the Beginner phase of the formation. Here lie the similarities to the bodily maneuvers. To Zax, executing the six hundred and fifty bodily maneuvers with accordance to their Beginner phase, was the same as taking a walk, but to someone less proficient it would be nothing short from grueling.

This revelation dawned on Zax and made him feel like his head about to explode from exhilaration. He did not gain a new groundbreaking insight to the bodily maneuvers, no. The essence of what he attained was a better outlook at a method of training he cultivated for several years now, without knowing what it really was.

With this new outlook, with the knowledge of what were the bodily maneuvers, a bodily formation, Zax felt utterly refreshed. Washed from a burden he did not even realize he carried. His new angle at the bodily maneuvers made him wanting to forget everything about soul techniques and soul formations, put aside the remaining five bottlenecks of insight of the soul, and resume his cultivation of the bodily maneuvers with anticipation.

"Are you choosing the soul formation?" The question was practically rhetorical. Anet asked it merely to wake Zax from the buzz.

"Yes". Zax answered decisively with a smile. His new outlook at the bodily maneuvers was a great addition to what he originally wanted to get from the Summit, and regardless if his concentration was now directed at the bodily maneuvers more than strengthening his capabilities with the soul, he still needed a soul technique or soul formation. As for why choosing the soul formation, other than the already given benefit, Zax was in intrigued with its usage more than in the offensive power of the two soul techniques. Not to mention that the soul formation was a phase higher than the soul techniques.

"That's wonderful. Don Ram continuously claims that formations are much more commendable than attack and defense techniques. But because of the complexity of formations in comparison to techniques, I didn't want to affect you choice". Anet admitted.

"You are my girlfriend, if you have an opinion or anything on your mind you can always freely share it with me. I'll also do the same". Zax said in certainty. Actually, as long as it was someone close to him, he would always pay heed to what they have to say.

Anet had the same frame of thought, but now that Zax became her first boyfriend she discovered that she is a bit hesitant. Only when Zax assured her that he care for her opinion did she realize how ridicules she has been and that there are no procedures in girlfriend and boyfriend relationship.

Returning a smile, Anet said. "Then put the scripture of the formation in the casing and back in the deposit box".

"Okay, eh! Why? I want to borrow this soul formation..."

"I know, but I opened the deposit box. If you'll borrow the soul formation, the Summit will register it in my name and it's forbidden. Just put it back and place a finger on the deposit box to open it and register it to your name".

"Oh..." Zax nodded. Doing as Anet told him, he transferred the registration of the Soul Binding formation to his name. Obtaining thirty days till he has to return it, he and Anet left the Martial section of the Summit with a new meaning in their held hands.

...

After returning from Eden Formation, Zax spent the remainder of his time at home with his family and friends. He disclosed the situation of his Martial household with Anet, dismissing only the stuff that were personal to his Master, Grandmaster Kartion and Laivien. Anet grudgingly accepted the fact that in matters of Valgarel, Zax cannot find help in Kingdom Earth. As for the support from Eden Formation and the Dauch family, Zax also omitted that part since he did not know the details and intentions behind this decision of the two bodies.

To cope, Anet made a secret oath with himself. Zax protected her in the past; she will grow strong to protect him, too!

With regards to his family and the rest of Zax friends ... This time around, he could only spend his time at home with Serah and Zushi. The other members of their Earth's Core searching group of eight, his opportunity to meet them will come in other time. Alas, it was even impossible to see Take, his big sister Tal and the first figure in his life he had considered as an older brother.

Arranging a gathering with his extended family did not end up being easier, either. His grandparents were the only people, other than his mom, dad and Liz, that Zax had visited. To meet his aunts, uncles and cousins, like with his friends, Zax could only hope to do so next time he would be home.

Thus, leisure time at home came to a conclusion. These four days were nothing but a break from training, in which the only straining Zax did, was trying to comprehend the Soul Binding formation during night time when everyone but him had to sleep.

...

"Have you spent your time productively?" Was the first thing Kartius asked when Zax met him at the outskirts of the border between species.

Zax was momentarily stumped. Should he answered wrongly and confess that he did not train according to his training regimen for a single day, he feared that his Master will deduct a day or two from his next visit to Kingdom Earth.

"I borrowed an extremely useful soul formation from the Martial section of Eden Formation's library". It was the only thing he could think of that might please his Master.

"Mmm..." Kartius mulled. "But, have you met the girl you like and been with your family?" To Zax's astonishment, his Master sounded as if he placed more importance social time than his training time.

"I- I did". Zax replied, unsure if he understood the productiveness his Master expected him to produce at home.

"Then it's good. Let's head back. You can tell me how you spent your time on the way". Kartius sighed. "Unfortunately, your Martial sister Hagen is in closed doors training. I would like you to meet this training maniac..."

...

Back in Laivien's valley.

Kartius's instructions were simple. To resume Zax' training and strive to detect more bottlenecks of insight with the help of the violet stone and the spiritual knowledge from his subliminal mind. As for when this session of training will be over... ? When Kartius will return and say so.

"Big brother is strict with you for your sake, little Zax. Come, tell me how you did with the little girl you fancy". Laivien's amiable tone and disposition helped in quelling Zax longing for home.