Infernal Blade

The soft glow of the fireplace flickered across the room, casting a warm light over the two figures resting on the plush rug. Xavier and Jessica lay side by side, their conversation about their journey to Vice-land Academy having slowly drifted into silence. The crackle of the flames was soothing, and the weight of the day's events settled over Xavier like a blanket. His eyes grew heavy, and soon he succumbed to sleep, his thoughts swirling with anticipation and uncertainty.

When Xavier opened his eyes, he found himself once again in the dream world. The ethereal expanse stretched endlessly before him, but this time, it was different. The dummies that had once crumbled into piles of ash now stood before him clad in polished armor, their presence imposing.

"Ah, young master Soul," Elior's voice boomed, rich with approval. "You've returned. Tonight, we will continue to practice the Infernal Blade of Enlightenment. Be warned: while the first form came to you quickly, the second will challenge your limits. It requires you to harmonize your spiritual energy with your infernal flame. Only by perfecting this balance can you wield its true power."

Xavier nodded, determination etched on his face. He stepped forward, gripping the blade that materialized in his hand. The dummies moved into a defensive stance, their armored forms radiating an aura of strength.

He raised the blade, the faint flicker of flames coiling around it as he attempted to channel both his spiritual energy and the infernal flame simultaneously. The heat surged through his body, wild and untamed. Xavier gritted his teeth, swinging the blade in a sweeping arc. The energy wavered, unstable, and the flames sputtered out before reaching their target.

"Again," Elior's voice echoed, calm yet firm.

Xavier reset his stance, sweat trickling down his brow. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply to steady his nerves. Focus. He envisioned the spiritual energy flowing through him like a river, merging seamlessly with the fire that burned within his soul. As he exhaled, he whispered, "Infernal Blade of Enlightenment, second form."

This time, a roaring tornado of flames erupted from his blade, swirling outward in a violent dance of heat and destruction. The dummies staggered back under the force of the attack, their armor singed, but the flames flickered and vanished before they could fully connect.

Xavier dropped to his knees, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. The exertion left his muscles trembling, but a chime from his holographic system drew his attention.

New skill unlocked: Infernal Blade of Enlightenment (Second Form). Skill level: Beginner.

Elior's voice returned, laced with approval. "You've made progress, young master. Though the form is unstable, you've taken the first step. With time and perseverance, you will wield it flawlessly. Rest now, for there is much more to learn."

Xavier bowed his head deeply, gratitude evident in his gesture. "Thank you, Master Elior, for your guidance."

As his vision faded, Xavier awoke to the soft crackling of the dying fire. The room was warm, the faint scent of embers lingering in the air. Jessica lay peacefully beside him, her breathing steady and calm.

Xavier glanced at her for a moment, his heart steadying as he replayed the events of his dream. The sweat on his body felt almost real, a testament to the grueling training he had endured. Quietly, he sat up and stared into the remnants of the fire, determination flickering in his eyes.

For the first time in his life, Xavier felt like he was walking toward a destiny worth fighting for. The trials ahead would be fierce, but with Jessica by his side and the guidance of Elior, he was ready to face them.

Quietly, Xavier got up, ensuring not to wake up Jessica. Heading to the washroom where he started to prepare a bath and get ready for the day. 

Xavier, now fully dressed and refreshed, made his way to the dining room, still reeling from the awkward encounter in the washroom. His face was slightly flushed, and he rubbed the back of his neck as he approached the table. The rich aroma of breakfast filled the air—eggs, freshly baked bread, and sizzling meats—making his stomach growl audibly.

Jessica was already seated at the long, elegant table. She busied herself by sipping tea, her cheeks still tinged with pink. Their eyes met briefly before they both averted their gazes, the memory of their earlier encounter creating a thick, awkward silence between them.

Xavier hesitated, unsure of how to address what had just happened, but Jessica broke the silence first, clearing her throat. "The staff outdid themselves this morning," she said quickly, gesturing to the feast before them. "You should eat well—today's journey will be long."

Xavier nodded, grateful for the change in topic. "Thank you… this is incredible." He took a seat and began to serve himself, savoring the warm, hearty flavors. Jessica ate quietly across from him, sneaking occasional glances at him before looking away whenever he caught her eye.

Finally, after a few minutes of silence that felt like an eternity, Jessica mustered the courage to speak. "About earlier… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to—"

Xavier waved his hand hurriedly, his face heating up again. "It's okay! Let's just… forget about it, yeah?" He forced a small laugh, hoping to diffuse the tension.

Jessica nodded, visibly relieved. "Right. Forget about it."

The two continued their meal, and gradually the awkwardness began to melt away, replaced by the excitement of the day ahead. As the last dishes were cleared away by the staff, Jessica stood, brushing crumbs from her skirt.

"Once I've bathed, we'll head out," she said, her tone regaining some of its usual confidence. "The carriage is already prepared. It'll take us straight to Vice-land Academy."

Xavier stood as well, smiling despite himself. "Sounds good. I'll wait for you."

Jessica nodded and left the room, leaving Xavier alone to reflect on the surrealness of his current situation. Just days ago, he was a powerless outcast with nothing but dreams of grandeur. Now, he was dining in luxury, training under the guidance of a mysterious mentor in his dreams, and preparing to attend the most prestigious academy in Vice-land. The two left the Vice-land family estate. Getting to the academy in less than twenty minutes.

As Jessica and Xavier stepped into the grand courtyard of Vice-land Academy, the sheer magnitude of the place overwhelmed Xavier. Towering spires, ornate carvings, and an atmosphere brimming with raw spiritual energy were a stark contrast to the quiet, rural life he had known. The air buzzed with the chatter of hundreds of students, all of them exuding confidence and power. Despite their grandeur, Xavier's eyes remained on Jessica, her crimson dress and graceful aura making her seem like a queen among the crowd.

Jessica leaned in, her voice low. "Remember what I said, Xavier. Pick your battles carefully. These disciples will test you, especially knowing you're marked by the Reyes family." Her expression softened as she added, "But I'll be here to support you. You'll do great."

Xavier gave a small nod, his determination swelling as they turned their attention to the old man who stood at the center of the courtyard. The man's aged face bore countless lines, each one seemingly etched by centuries of wisdom and battle. His voice carried effortlessly over the noise of the crowd.

"Greetings, young disciples," he began, his tone commanding absolute attention. "You stand here today because you possess the potential to join Vice-land Academy, a place where only the strongest endure. However, this year, we are limiting the number of outer-core disciples to twenty. To claim your place, you must earn it in the arena."

A collective murmur rippled through the crowd as the stakes became clear. The old man continued, his sharp eyes sweeping over the students.

"There are no rules in this trial. No limits. Your goal is simple: defeat your opponent. You may forfeit if you are overwhelmed, but remember, you only have two chances to lose. Some of you may die." His tone was cold, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.

Xavier swallowed hard, his fists clenching at his sides.

"The trial will take place in three days. During this time, you may cultivate and prepare yourselves, but all mediation compounds and external aids are strictly prohibited. We want to see your true potential. Only the strongest will advance."

With that, the man gestured toward the massive arena in the distance, its towering walls casting a shadow over the courtyard. "Now go. Use your time wisely."

As the crowd began to disperse, the air grew thick with tension and whispers of strategy. Jessica turned to Xavier, her expression serious. "This is your chance to prove yourself, Xavier. Three days may not seem like much, but you've already made strides. Trust your training, and remember what I taught you honey."

Xavier nodded, his heart racing. "I'll give it everything I've got."

Jessica placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Good. But remember, stay under the radar. The Reyes family will be watching, and you don't want to draw their attention until you're ready."

With a final glance toward the looming arena, Xavier steeled himself for the trials ahead. As Jessica and Xavier departed, the two went to their selective barracks rooms. Inside Xavier's room he began trying to cultivate just like the rest of the warriors who were in the courtyard. However, no matter how hard he tried, nothing happened. Minutes became hours and before Xavier knew it, it was already ten at night frustrated at no progress, Xavier decided to go to sleep.

In his dream world, Xavier stood in the vast expanse of swirling mists and ethereal light. His anticipation grew as he gazed up toward the sky, waiting for Elior's presence to make itself known. The warm, familiar voice of his mentor soon filled the air, calm but tinged with a hint of amusement.

"Ah, young Master Soul," Elior began, his tone carrying both wisdom and mirth, "you seem troubled. Tell me, what plagues your heart this time?"

Xavier bowed respectfully before speaking, his frustration evident. "Elior, I've been trying to cultivate all day, but nothing works. I have no resources and no guidance outside of this realm. How can I possibly break through without the tools everyone else has?"

Elior's laughter rumbled like distant thunder. "You are correct, Xavier. It is impossible to break through to a new rank without resources. Cultivation requires energy, and energy must come from somewhere. However…" His voice softened, becoming more thoughtful. "Advancing within your current rank? That is not only possible but an ancient method often overlooked by those reliant on material wealth."

Xavier's eyes lit up with hope. "Really? How can I do that? Teach me!"

Elior materialized before him, his form cloaked in golden flames that flickered like a beacon. "To advance within your rank without resources, you must learn to refine the spiritual energy already present within you. It is a delicate process that requires harmony between your energy and your meridians. You must infuse your spiritual energy directly into your meridians, strengthening them and enhancing their capacity."

Xavier frowned slightly, trying to wrap his mind around the concept. "Infuse my energy into my meridians? How do I even begin to do that?"

Elior raised his hand, and a glowing diagram of a human body appeared, with intricate lines representing the meridians glowing faintly. "Close your eyes, Xavier. Focus on your breath. Feel the flow of energy coursing through you, faint though it may be. It starts as a spark, deep within your dantian. Your task is to guide that spark through your meridians, one by one, cleansing and empowering them."

Xavier did as instructed, closing his eyes and focusing inward. At first, he struggled to feel anything at all, but with Elior's guidance, he began to sense a faint warmth in his core. Concentrating, he visualized the glowing energy moving like a stream, tracing the pathways Elior had shown him.

"Good," Elior said encouragingly. "Do not rush. The key is patience and precision. As you infuse your energy into your meridians, this process is called spiritual connection of the soul and body. Your meridians and spiritual energy will grow stronger, able to hold more energy and channel it more efficiently. This will not elevate you to the next rank, but it will make you more formidable within your current one."

Xavier nodded, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he continued the process. It was exhausting, requiring immense focus, but he could feel a subtle change within himself—a faint but steady growth in strength and clarity.

After what felt like hours, he opened his eyes, breathless but exhilarated. "I… I did it," he said, his voice filled with awe. "I can feel the difference."

Elior smiled, his form flickering slightly as if he were fading. "You have taken the first step, young Master Soul. Remember, true strength is born not from shortcuts or resources but from perseverance and wisdom. Use these two days you have left wisely. Sharpen your focus, and do not falter. The trials ahead will test you, but I believe in your potential."

As Elior's form vanished, Xavier woke with a start, the first light of dawn creeping into his room. He could still feel the faint warmth coursing through his meridians, a sign that his efforts in the dream world had been real. Determination filled him as he prepared to face the day. He would prove his worth, not just to the academy or his peers, but to himself.