Role

Chapter 6

"What do you say if someone attacked you?" He suddenly paused and peered intently at
me. His deep blue eyes bore into me, as if interrogating my person. Any lie told will
be made known. Only words of truth.

"I... er, strike him back," I hastily muttered.

Using the end of his pipe, he hit me on the head, showering me with glowing ashes.
"Did I limit you the sands of time? I have many days sitting around here. I can wait
for a better answer. There is no hurry."

"Hmmm," I answered again, as I brushed the ashes from my head and shoulders. "is he a
friend or foe? Does he carry any weapons? Is there a reason for his attack?"

"Well said, lad! These questions going through your mind will determine how you react
to the situation. Paying attention to these details will give you an edge over your
opponent. He could just be a friend, angry over some matters. You do not want to be the
cause of a friend's death, yah?"

"What say if you saw someone kicking my unconscious body mercilessly?"

"I'll rush in and strike him down quickly to save you!"

Ex-Captain Kerias raised his knuckles but stopped. Sighing, he recounted the same
answers he used. "Look here, lad. You've got to put aside your emotions. You will
learn the Illusion of Void, a mental technique to calm your person through breathing.
Even when you walk through the darkest alley, it will be a beacon showing you the
path, the light under your feet."