Haruto says "Bring it on, Amaru sensei?"
Amaru "Alright, this lesson will be actual practice training, not just theoretical. I will teach you everything I know regarding the Branch of Ritual."
Haruto concentrates on the lesson with a composed and resolute demeanor.
Amaru "Now, I need to start with the basics– about how this Branch of Power works. First this Branch is all about patterns, habits as well as intention in rare cases."
Haruto "Can you clarify?"
Amaru "For example, what I mean about 'patterns' is the sequence of actions one consistently performs– not out of compulsion, but through preserveramce and devotion."
Amaru adds "This could apply in plenty of cases, the possibilities are nearly endless."
Haruto "So, in simpler terms, you are saying that it is a matter of dedication."
Amaru "Precisely– but dedication to what is not something I can determine; the answer lies with you."
Haruto "Thus, it is the cause to which I remain unwaveringly devoted to; the protection of my mother and my elder brother– and of course the pursuit of vengeance against my stupid ass father."
Amaru "You are quick to catch on! That is greatly helpful."
Amaru asks Haruto "Haruto Okabe, what are you willing to fight for? Other than The Silent Abyss? Is it the vengeance against your father?"
Haruto "It is true that I want to avenge my older brother and my mother but I have no intention to kill my father if possible. I want to teach him a lesson and show him that actions have consequences."
Amaru "I see, now let's begin with the pattern part. As you said the pattern part is dedication itself in this context."
Haruto "Speaking of dedication, I have been training for many years and I still do to this very day, ever since my father's attack, does that count?"
Amaru "Absolutely! You saved yourself the trouble to find the pattern, plenty of people struggle to determine what they truly desire and for what purpose they are pursuing what they do."
Amaru adds "So, what is your training? What exactly have you been training?"
Haruto "I have primarily been training my reflexes, in addition to engaging in combat training."
Amaru "That really saves you alot of time and trouble, since 'patterns' are one of the hardest thing to acquire in the Branch of Ritual."
Haruto "But how does it work? Like how does this activate the Branch of Ritual."
Amaru "Surprisingly, it is simpler than you think; when one establishes a pattern– you may call it a ritual, one's ritual energy subconsciously elevates and gets refined. That's only of you possess the power of the Branch of Ritual."
Haruto "So people who have patterns who have no powers do not develop anything right?"
Amaru "100%! In other words these Branches of powers are innate."
Haruto "I think I am the same as Hirata, when you said there is a switch on/off for my powers! Except I am the opposite– unlike Hirata, my power is always off, unconsciously at least."
Amaru "Precisely! You are truly smart, Haruto Okabe."
Haruto "So, I should focus my Ritual Energy to switch the power on, right? Shall we begin the actual training? Though this is actually part of it..."
Amaru "Of course! But first you need to measure your ritual energy!"
Then Amaru pulls out the very same yellow stone that bears Old English Inscriptions that are engraved in a vivid blue hue.
Haruto "It is the same stone that measures Hirata's Linguistic Energy!"
Amaru "And we are going to measure your Ritual Energy using this same very stone."
Then Amaru places the stone in front of Haruto and tells him "Concentrate your Ritual Energy, you need to feel it within you! It is all about visualization."
Haruto places his hands upon the stone, then closes his eyes to concentrate his Ritual Energy upon the stone.
Haruto "Wait... The Law of Structural Intent... that actually makes sense! How have I forgotten about it!?"
Amaru "Precisely!"
Haruto "It is all about the intent, when you actually think about it, it should not difficult at all!"
Haruto then focuses his intent upon the yellow stone, whereupon his ritual energy awakens, enveloping him with aura that surrounds his entire body.
Thereafter, a blue and yellow projection of an energy meter emerges from the stone, and Haruto attains The Second Measure.
Haruto opens his eyes and looks at the result.
Amaru "I expected more than that, Haruto Okabe. You stand at The Second Measure."
Haruto "So I am in the 2nd weakest category!? Can my measure be increased? Please say yes! I can't stay behind like that!"
Amaru "Fortunately, The Branch of Ritual is the most Versatile Branch when it comes to evolution. You have a chance, Haruto Okabe!"
Haruto exhales in relief and says "Oh man! I can't afford to waste my time then! I must remain focused and active, no matter what!"
Amaru "Now that I know your Ritual Energy capacity, I shall assist in your training, Haruto Okabe!"
Haruto "Aye, Amaru Sensei!"
Amaru "You will be fighting me, Haruto Okabe."
Haruto "What? Fighting you? For real?'
Amaru "That is the best way to push you to the maximum– to awaken your full potential and go beyond."
Haruto "Alright, how do I start then?"
Amaru "I want you to start with the pattern, or rather the moves that you have been using for the training."
Haruto then closes his eyes– preparing to begin his first move.
Haruto inhales, then proceeds to perform jumping jacks and deliver a series of punches.
Haruto proceeds to excute a series of flips, incorporating kicks seamlessly within the movements themselves.
Amaru then interrupts Haruto and says to him "Good, now I want you to redo these moves! But with your Ritual Energy on!"
Amaru points at a rock and instructs Haruto to shatter it using the same exact movements, accompanied by his ritual energy.
Haruto nods and positions himself directly in front of the rock. He closes his eyes and imbues his fists with his ritual energy, executing the same exact movements as before; with the first punch the rock begins to crack, and when he flips and delivers a mid-air kick, the rock shatters in half.
The rock shatters with a resounding, stony crack. Haruto then opens his eyes and beholds the damage he inflicted upon it.
Haruto in an enthusiastic and astonished manner "DID YOU SEE THAT? The rock literally split in half!"
Amaru talks to himself in his head "Oh my... this guy has a lot of potential! I think I am training monsters at this point."
Amaru talks to Haruto with his usual cold tone "Good work, Haruto Okabe. You have grear potential if you fully devote yourself to what you intend, Haruto Okabe."
Haruto responds "Thank you Amaru sensei! I can't express how thankful I am for real! Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Amaru "You may thank me later, once we have vanquished and eradicated the threat known as The Silent Abyss, Haruto Okabe."
Amaru assumes a battle-ready stance, prepared to push Haruto Okabe even further in his training.
Amaru speaks to Haruto in a calm, cold, yet resolutely serious tone "I will not go easy on you, Haruto Okabe! You better be prepared for this training– stay in one piece."
Haruto "Bring it on, Amaru Sensei! I am getting fired up!"