MTLNOVEL Chapter 213: Resonance: Training
The Chosen training grounds were located in a quiet wing of the church building, hidden away from prying eyes of any sort, including other church clergy.
Apparently, no one not Chosen should even be able to get an idea of how the whole thing worked.
But one beneficial thing about it was that it was at the end of the church building. If an overeager Chosen ever destroyed it, it wouldn't bring the entire place down with it.
Ren stood across from Lilith, feeling the familiar hum of resonance vibrating faintly through his bones.
Kevin and Jean stood off to the side, both wearing light training gear that bore the sigil of the Shivering Tree over their hearts.
Kevin clapped his hands once, the sound echoing around the large space. They were the only ones in it
"Alright." Kevin said as he paced in front of them. "You two already know how to summon your Resonant Loops. That much is clear. But summoning is easy."
He paused, staring seriously at them.
"Maintaining a loop, without it breaking or spiraling out of control, is what separates the weak from the strong."
Jean nodded, stepping forward. Her blonde hair gleamed under the training hall's sunlight shafts.
"Most new Chosen are taught in groups, so you're actually ahead. But your bond," she glanced between Ren and Lilith, "is unusually tight. That will make your loops stronger, but also harder to control."
Ren exchanged a quick glance with Lilith, who gave him a playful smirk.
Kevin continued, "First, you have to understand the three commands that govern Resonance Magic. Every Chosen must master them, or they'll eventually burn themselves out."
He raised a finger.
"First command, 'Resonance.' This lets you choose an aspect or material within your loop."
"I control Fire and Jean controls Ice, so it would be easier for me to show you." He turned slightly toward the center of the room and demonstrated.
"Resonance: Heat."
Immediately, the space in front of him shimmered like a desert mirage, the temperature rising noticeably. He'd used the heat from his fire resonance without summoning the flame itself.
Ren nodded, paying close attention. This was not the time to be arrogant. He was not stronger than most of the coming Calamities. He needed all the help he could get.
Kevin glanced back to make sure they were paying attention before continuing.
"Resonance: Light."
A sudden flash exploded from his hand, blindingly bright. Ren squinted, and even Lilith had to shield her eyes for a moment.
Kevin grinned, letting the light fade. "See? I summoned just the light produced by my fire resonance, using it to temporarily blind anyone I fight. You don't have to use everything that your resonance is connected to all at once. You can select."
He raised a second finger. "The second command is 'Loop.' Specifically, 'Loop: Full Release.'"
Jean stepped forward confidently to take over. She lifted her hand, a cold mist forming around her fingers.
"Loop: Full Release."
The mist intensified, surrounding her in a cocoon of shimmering cold.
"This command," Jean explained, "is what unlocks your full access to your loop. It lets your power flow uninhibited. But if you're not in complete control, it can overwhelm you."
Ren nodded slowly, understanding. It was like removing a dam from a raging river. You had to be ready to control the flood or be swept away.
Jean smiled, then lifted a third finger.
"Third and final command, your Resonance-specific command. It starts with the name of whatever resonance you bonded with, and lets you control them in specific ways."
She turned her palm outward.
"Ice: Freeze."
The ground before her exploded with a rush of frost, a sheet of ice blooming across the floor in a spiderweb pattern. It crawled to Ren and Lilith's boots before stopping precisely an inch from it.
Ren couldn't help but be impressed.
Jean turned back to them. "You won't master it today. Maybe not even tomorrow. Resonance magic is more art than science. But don't be discouraged."
Kevin clapped his hands together again. "Alright, now it's your turn."
Ren and Lilith stepped forward, standing opposite each other as instructed.
Kevin grinned. "You'll use a simple command: 'Activate.' Focus only on building your loop and letting it flow gently. No need for fancy stuff."
Lilith's eyes glowed faintly. She gave Ren a playful wink before they both closed their eyes and focused.
Ren could feel it, the familiar thrum of energy between them. Their loops weren't just parallel forces, they danced together, responding instinctively.
He raised his hand and spoke clearly.
"Push: Activate."
Lilith mirrored him. "Pull: Activate."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, a faint shimmering space appeared between them, where invisible forces of push and pull collided. Dust lifted from the ground, hanging suspended between them in perfect balance.
Kevin and Jean exchanged wide-eyed glances.
The stability. The control.
It was perfect.
Kevin let out a low whistle. "By the Creator... their loops are already harmonized."
Jean clapped lightly, grinning. "Exceptional. That usually takes at least a month for most pairs."
Ren blinked as a soft ding sounded in his head.
[Level Up: Resonance Magic Lvl 15.]
He smirked to himself and swiped the system message away.
He looked up to see that Lilith's face was lit with an eager, glowing smile. She was having fun.
Kevin stepped forward, hands on his hips. "Alright, that's enough for now. Cancel your loops."
Ren and Lilith relaxed their breathing, letting the loops fade gently until the charged air dissipated.
"Not bad for a first session." Jean said warmly.
Ren was about to thank her when the doors slammed open.
A Chosen in full armor strode into the training hall, breathless.
"Kevin, Jean, kit up. Now. The city's in chaos."
Everyone froze.
"What do you mean?" Kevin barked, already moving towards the weapons rack.
"Rioters." The Chosen panted. "They're storming the market districts. Blaming the Church. Demanding action against the plague."
Jean cursed under her breath.
Kevin threw a practice sword to the ground, grabbing his real one from the rack. "Full armor. We're being deployed immediately."
Ren exchanged a glance with Lilith, who was already grinning widely. "Finally." She whispered to him. "Something interesting."
Kevin turned toward them, his face grim.
"You two, you're coming with us. Trial by fire. Welcome to Summerhold."
Outside, the church bells began to toll, their peals echoing across the city.
The city of Summerhold was already beginning to burn.