"Gusion-kun, did you understand all the basic theory? With your level of spiritual power, unless you have zero talent for manipulating reiryoku, you should be able to successfully cast Kido."
Aizen led Gusion to an open area. Unlike the other combat classes, Kido class was held outdoors because the spells could be loud, and many also required aiming. Not far away were several targets for students to hit.
"It doesn't sound difficult, but who knows how it'll go in practice."
Gusion mused, then walked up to a target under Aizen's gaze, raised his right hand, softly chanted the incantation written in the textbook, and shouted, "Hadō #4—Byakurai!"
A white light shot from his hand and struck the nearby target, leaving some scorched marks.
He succeeded on his first attempt, but Gusion didn't feel any joy. To him, this basic Kido wasn't hard at all. Once he got the hang of using his soul power—or rather, reishi—he felt he could release most low- and mid-level Kido spells.
He could now see a new skill, "Hadō #4: Byakurai," listed in his personal status under skills.
However, Gusion felt that Hadō seemed... a bit weak.
He glanced at his "soul source" value; releasing Byakurai just now had cost him 1%. According to the rules, if it dropped below 10%, an explorer would feel extreme mental fatigue, and hitting zero meant fainting and subsequent weakness for a while.
From a combat perspective, Gusion thought this supernatural approach wasn't worthwhile—slashing physically with a sword might be even more direct.
"As expected of Gusion-kun, you succeeded in one try. The textbook Kido seems a bit too simple for you—how about trying something a bit harder?"
Aizen smiled, curious to see the limits of Gusion's talent.
"Oh? Like what?"
As first-years, unlike Hakuda and Zanjutsu, Kido was taught with a textbook and in sequence. The highest-numbered spell in the first-year book was Hadō #12: Fushibi.
Standing next to Gusion, Aizen aimed at a target and chanted in his deep, magnetic voice: "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south. Hadō #31: Shakkahō!"
A red light flickered in Aizen's hand. Gusion, standing nearby, felt intense heat. As the crimson glow peaked, a red flame streaked through the air, leaving a long trail.
Boom—!
The target was utterly destroyed, the flames still burning on the pillar.
Gusion was somewhat interested now. Aizen, in class-mode, hadn't used more spiritual pressure than Gusion, but that Shakkahō would've seriously injured or even killed him if it hit.
"Gusion-kun, do you think you can release this Kido?"
Aizen turned to Gusion. He'd chanted slowly so Gusion could sense the reishi flow, serving as a demonstration.
Just as he finished speaking, a large hand fell on his shoulder and the sky seemed to darken. "Aizen-kun, you should warn everyone before casting such a dangerous Kido."
Aizen was calm, stepping slightly aside. "Sorry, Tessai-sensei, I just wanted Gusion-kun to experience the charm of Kido."
Tessai didn't scold further, just looked at Aizen with some admiration. Even many graduates couldn't cast Shakkahō, much less so perfectly. He wondered if he should recruit Aizen to the Kido Corps.
Gusion saw Tessai's expression and could guess what he was thinking. He felt odd—thinking, "You probably don't know that in the future, you'll be exiled to the human world because of this model student in front of you."
"Student, I don't recommend you try. Kido must be learned step-by-step, or you could get hurt. You should start with the single-digit spells."
Tessai looked at Gusion. He knew best how dangerous Kido could be; even in Shinō Academy, accidents happen. Compared to Hakuda and Zanjutsu, the Kido class had the highest casualty rate because some students always try high-level Kido before they're ready.
If you lose control while forming Kido, you're the first to get hurt. For example, if Aizen's Shakkahō failed, it would explode in his hand and leave him in tatters.
"Sensei, I understand the risks. I just want to try a little. If it feels too difficult in the early stages, I'll stop."
Gusion smiled. "And besides, you're right here, aren't you?"
Tessai frowned. He could step in to stop Gusion if he lost control, but he didn't want to encourage risky behavior. If he wasn't around, the student could die.
But having seen Gusion succeed with Byakurai on his first try—a miracle for a beginner—Tessai didn't want to discourage such talent.
"Just this once. If you fail, you'll have to study Kido by the book from now on, or I'll expel you from Shinō Academy."
Tessai spoke sternly.
Gusion knew Tessai was serious, and had the power—he was the Grand Kido Chief, after all.
Gusion focused, stepped left a few paces, and aimed at another intact target.
"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man..."
Unlike Aizen, whose chant was passionate like a recitation, Gusion's was flat and emotionless—a monotone.
But as he chanted, a red light appeared in his palm, illuminating his face and the eyes of both Aizen and Tessai.
"Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south. Hadō #31: Shakkahō."
As the chant ended, a flame, only slightly weaker than Aizen's, streaked toward the target, engulfing it in a roaring blaze.
For a moment, only the crackling of fire broke the dead silence, until finally the students gasped.
"Gusion... released... Shakkahō!?"
"That's Hadō #31—even many graduates can't do that!"
"It was well-formed—I think it was almost as good as Aizen's."
"Is this guy even human? Wasn't he a Rukongai street punk? It's one thing to be good at Zanjutsu and Hakuda, but Kido too?"
"That talent is terrifying. Is he some kind of all-rounder?"
"..."
The students buzzed. Among them, Yoruichi frowned slightly at Gusion—she'd seen geniuses before, but not someone good at everything! She'd thought Gusion was just a brute who only knew how to fight and would embarrass himself in Kido class. She was ready for a laugh, but he succeeded on his first try, and then with Shakkahō...
Kido was out, but in tomorrow's Shunpo class, she was determined to win a round.