Mushoku No Sonzai 無色の存在 (Colorless Existence)

"So, Susumu. What would you like to do first?"

The question was so sudden. I began to think of many things. But I couldn't decide.

"Then, how about getting me out of here?"

He looks at me puzzled.

"You really have zero idea of anything, don't you?"

"Eh? N-No, I do--"

"Hm. You don't. You're thinking it."

"Eh?"

H-How did he know?

"And now you're asking how I knew."

Embarassed, I look away.

"You want to know how?"

I nod.

"Soul Link."

A blue flame appears in his hand. He holds it out to me. The heat is incredible...

"Soul Link allows you and me to transmit any thoughts, emotions, or memories to each other."

He places the flame in my face.

"AHHH!"

"Relax. That flame can't hurt you."

"O-Oh."

"Well. In order for it to ever work, one of us has to put that energy you saw on each other. But since we're here, it's unnecessary."

"Eh?"

"Though, it's not actually fire. Just remember that."

"Then, what is it?"

"Reiki."

Reiki?

"Also known as Divine energy. You have it."

"M-Me?"

He nods and sits down, smiling.

"So use that to escape."

"Y-You're kidding!"

"Haha. I wish I was kidding."

"What do you mean?"

He points behind him. His wings begin spreading behind him slowly.

"I'm an angel. And you are the master."

"Master?"

"But, us angels can't exert any power without the master."

Hm...
I point to myself.

"B-But, I'm here then..."

He smiles at me.

"Yes. I know."

"Wh-What's that supposed to mean then?"

He points at me.

"You're the master. But you only just became one. Until you learn to use your power, I can't exert any of mine outside of here."

"Eh? But.."

Something like that...
What do I do?

He continues staring at me.

"You just need to learn to manifest your power somehow. Using whatever way makes it easy for you."

I clench my fist. So I just need to make energy like he did. Then, maybe..

I aim my fist above, and punch the air with all my might.
...
Nothing happens.

"Well, that obviously didn't work."

I turn away, embarrassed.

"Y-You're not helping either! I don't know how to do it."

He sighs.

"I can't promise I can help much."

He stands up, holding his hand out.

"But, what my last master used to do was hold out their hand anywhere, and think about something growing in their hand. Concentrate, and let your hand manifest it."

I hesitate for a moment. But I see no other alternative. I hold out my hand, and try to concentrate. No. This is uncomfortable. Maybe...another position.

I place my hand on my chest. Hm. Feeling my heartbeat does help...

"Hm."

He looks at me in confusion.

"Wh-What's wrong..?"

"No. That's just a strange way to do it. I've never seen anyone do it like that. But, as long as that helps somehow."

"Anyways, just breathing isn't enough. Imagine the pen. Imagine it spinning in your hand. Imagine it as realistically as possible."

I imagine the black pen in my mind. Concentrate. I take a deep breath, and close my eyes. Concentrate....Concentrate...

"Yes. Like that. Try to concentrate warmth into the imaginary pen. When you feel as much heat as possible, grasp it."

I focus my heat into my hand. This is difficult...Will it really work? I feel a sudden surge of warmth rushing through my palm. Like a warm shower on a rainy day...The heat becomes stronger...My body begins to sweat. What's happening?...Concentrate....Concentrate.....Concentrate...
The heat becomes more intense. The pen in my mind begins spinning, like a wheel. Its becoming unbearable....
The heat begins burning my hand. It felt as if I had touched a boiling pot. I can't....No more...
Concentrate....Concentrate...
Where is that voice coming from?
Concentrate...
The pen moves extremely fast. Its speed, impossible to perceive. Concentrate...
Suddenly, an intense burst of flame explodes