Chapter 24- Dreams

Mitchell's mind drifted in and out of consciousness as the sun slowly climbed the sky. The sunlight wrapped around him like a soft embrace, synchronizing with his slow, measured breaths. Time lost its meaning as he sank deeper into his thoughts, reflecting on the day's events—the encounter with Roland, the warmth of Elara's hospitality, and the infectious laughter that ange and her family shared. He gave a soft sigh. It was a stark contrast to the solitude of his cave, yet underneath the comfort lay a potent desire for growth.

In the depths of his mind, where consciousness blurred with the surreal, Jack stirred. The ancient spirit had become a voice in Mitchell's head ever since their first encounter, a guide tethered to his burgeoning powers. "You did well with Roland," Jack's voice echoed in his thoughts. It was both reassuring and firm, a reminder of the journey ahead.

Mitchell sighed, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty. "Did I? I barely held my ground... but do you really think he approved?" Even in the privacy of his semi-conscious state, vulnerability tinged his words.

"Approval is a fleeting sensation," Jack replied, his tone steady and unyielding. "What matters is the strength you gain from these encounters. You faced a formidable opponent today, and while the results may not be visible, the energy you exchanged has nourished your essence."

A gentle warmth pulsed within as he used his soul of consciousness to check his power. Had he truly grown? He attempted to sense the flow of energy through his body, feeling the familiar hum of cultivation awaken. It was subtle but undeniable; a layer of power that had expanded ever so slightly within him. "I… I can feel something," he whispered, surprised.

"Good. A fight with great intensity will always yield growth, even if it's unnoticeable." Jack's voice rang within his ears."But there's more to understand. You are not merely a vessel; you carry a colossal force within you—the Spirit of the Crimson Dragon and the influence of the Purple Moon. Each offers immense potential, yet requires training to unlock."

"The crimson dragon... and the purple moon?" Mitchell repeated, memories flashing through his mind. "I haven't thought much about them since those chaotic visions."

With a hint of gravity, Jack spoke again. "The crimson dragon is a conduit of raw power, symbolizing strength, ferocity, and an insatiable desire to push beyond limits. My purple moon, however, represents tranquility, wisdom, and the cycles of existence. Together, they are your compass, guiding you through cultivation—yet, to access their true power, you must rigorously train and understand their essence."

Mitchell was silent for a moment, letting Jack's words sink in.

"You mean my purple moon now".

Jack nearly coughed out blood even if he was nothing but a left behind consciousness.

"Why this again?". Jack asked.

"You keep on forgetting its my purple moon now, so I will keep on correcting you".

Veins could be seen on jacks spiritual self. "If I had known, I would have died with my purple moon then it would still have been with me in hell. After maybe a thousand years, I would have reincarnated and would still have it with me. But which evil spirit influenced my mind and made me give it to".

Mitchell was silent for a while " You don't even act like a god. Maybe that's why you gave it to me, but anyways what's done is done, you can't change the past."

Jack's ancient presence was gone and he started to talk like normal. "Sigh. Whatever".

Mitchell thought to himself and started circulating his energy.

 The latent potential within him stirred. Perhaps there was a way to not only harness these forces but to grow alongside them. "But how? Where do I start?"

"You already have, you can summon my purple sword already that means you can use most of its power." Jack answers.

"But I haven't used any of the crimson nightmares powers yet".

" I can't teach you anything about that since i have no clue about his divine abilities. But the world is vast and teeming with knowledge. There are academies dedicated to cultivation, where you can learn from seasoned masters and refine your skills more rapidly than you do now," Jack suggested, anticipation lacing his voice. "In such environments, you would not only hone your techniques but also elevate your understanding of the Crimson Dragon and Purple Moon, though I doubt anyone can teach you anything about it".

An exhilarated surge raced through Mitchell. The thought of entering an academy ignited a fire of determination within him. "Do you think I'm ready for that? I'm still not as skilled as I should be."

"Potential lies in your perseverance. The academy will challenge you beyond your current abilities, but the very act of stepping in will initiate greater growth. Every expert was once a novice, Mitchell. You have already demonstrated resilience. The next step is to embrace all that you are—the past, present, and future."

Mitchell could feel clarity washing over him. He opened his eyes, gazing at the bright sky, and the vastness of the universe resonated with his ambitions. Maybe he could find a place where support and challenge merged, pushing him closer to mastering his powers. "I'll do it, then. I'll seek out an academy."

"Good," Jack encouraged. "Remember, the world is competitive, but with the right determination and guidance, you have the potential to achieve greatness. Seek a place where the boundaries of your cultivation can expand, and where other gifted individuals will inspire you."

Reinvigorated, Mitchell rose from his seated position, brushing off the fine dust from the cave floor that had settled on him. The sun felt electric, charged with promise. It was time to put his dreams into action. He recalled the conversations he'd shared with Ange and her family—there had been whispers about training grounds and academies. After dinner, Elara mentioned renowned schools in the wider realms where gifted individuals cultivated their skills.

As he sat atop the cave, the glow of the moon illuminated his thoughts. He glanced toward the horizon, contemplating the path he would take to find one of those schools. The possibilities excited him.

Before he made his descent into the cave, Jack spoke once more. "Be mindful of those who are not as welcoming. and do not tell anyone about the purple moon. Your powers may attract envy. The journey towards mastery is fraught with challenges, both external and internal."

Mitchell nodded, understanding the truth behind those words. It was not just about cultivating his skills; it was also about the potential dangers that lurked in a world filled with ambitious seekers. The prospect of meeting others at the academy was both thrilling and daunting.

As he descended into the cave,I'll need to find a way to communicate my intentions to Ange," he muttered to himself. She might know more about the available places, and her excitement could fuel his determination even further.

His heart raced with fervor, each step sharpening his resolve. Mitchell could almost envision the academy where he could grow, master the powers sealed within him, and perhaps, forge relationships that mirrored the warmth he experienced with Ange's family. He longed for a deeper connection, not only with those around him but with the reverberations of the Crimson Dragon and the essence of the Purple Moon.

Mitchell took one last glance out at the star-studded sky, feeling both exhilarated and grounded. He could finally forge a future beyond the confines of his cave—a future filled with challenges, lessons, and ultimately, the realization of his true power. The world awaited him—an open canvas ready to be painted with his journey of growth and discovery.