The Primal Energy

Chapter 17: The Primal Energy

Inside the Secret Chamber

Houssem lay unconscious, sprawled on the ground in an eerie stillness. His face, serene like a masterpiece of innocence, mirrored the calmness of a child lost in dreams. His delicate features created a stark contrast to his growing power, making him appear incapable of harming even a fly.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes slowly.

His gaze began to wander cautiously around the space, as if sensing an impending danger. He was surrounded by rocky walls adorned with intricate engravings, telling stories of ancient times. These engravings were no ordinary decorations; they formed a complex network of ancient symbols that glowed faintly as he moved closer.

"Am I in another pit?" he muttered under his breath, adding sarcastically, "It seems this world has a thing for burying me in holes. Is this some kind of special welcome?"

Before he could finish his monologue, something unfamiliar caught his eye.

"What is that?"

In front of him, a book hovered mid-air, spinning gently as if defying the laws of physics. It was enveloped in a radiant light, giving it a sacred and enchanting aura. Suddenly, the light faded as soon as his eyes fell upon it, almost as if the book had sensed his presence.

With a faint smile, he said, "What a classic trick! I've seen this scene plenty of times in anime. It seems my life has officially turned into a real fantasy story!"

He approached the book cautiously, each step leading him closer to unraveling a new mystery. As soon as he grasped the book, he noticed its title, engraved in golden letters: "The Primal Energy." For a moment, he froze, staring at the title in astonishment.

"The Primal Energy?!" he exclaimed, then murmured to himself, "Just the name alone speaks of unimaginable greatness. Primal Energy? Could it be the origin of everything?"

He hesitated briefly before opening the book, and as he did, he was greeted by pages filled with captivating symbols and illustrations.

The deeper he delved into the words, the more he felt like the book was pulling him away from the real world, taking him to unfathomable depths.

The book wasn't just a source of information but a comprehensive encyclopedia on Primal Energy. It described this energy as "the foundation upon which everything in this world is built." This energy permeated all living and non-living entities, acting as the thread connecting the fabric of existence itself.

Primal Energy was divided into four main layers:

1. Vital Energy: The internal force that animates living beings. It flows through the body and spirit and is known in different cultures by names such as "Qi" or "Mana."

2. Elemental Energy: The raw, untamed power of nature, such as lightning or volcanic eruptions.

3. Primal Energy Core: The original form of energy present at the birth of the universe, akin to the force behind the Big Bang.

4. Cosmic Origin Force: The essence of creation, an absolute power that transcends human comprehension, directly linked to the origins of the cosmos.

Additionally, the book hinted at other mythical energies waiting to be discovered.

An hour passed.

"This is incredible!" Houssem exclaimed excitedly as he flipped through the pages. "But why is this book so long? I've been reading for an hour and have only finished a fifth of it! Still… every line is a treasure."

While reading about Vital Energy, he stumbled upon an intriguing explanation. It described Vital Energy as similar to the Mana he had used before but clarified something he hadn't known: Mana wasn't just an external force but an internal expression of the user's soul.

"If Mana reflects the soul, why is it always limited to offense or defense? Maybe it's us who impose boundaries on ourselves."

He continued reading and found an astonishing comparison: "Mana" and "Qi" were essentially the same concept, but their names varied across worlds and civilizations.

Smiling, he thought, "If that's the case, why do worlds reliant on Mana always cap their power at the ninth circle? What if there's a tenth circle?"

This question ignited a new spark of excitement and curiosity in his heart. But he quickly shook his head and said, "Not now. I'll think about this later. My brain needs a break."

After ten hours of diving into the depths of knowledge, Houssem finally closed the book, letting out a deep sigh of exhaustion and satisfaction. His eyes glimmered, and his face radiated a sense of accomplishment mingled with wonder.

He stood up, dusting off his clothes, which had become caked with dirt. The dust clung to every corner of his body as if the pit he had lain in had claimed ownership of him.

Planting his feet firmly on the ground, he focused his energy into his legs and leapt with all his might. In one swift motion, he found himself out of the pit, standing amidst the forest once again.

Looking around, he noticed the remnants of his previous battle. Broken trees and scorched earth stood as silent witnesses to the encounter.

With renewed confidence, he said while gazing into the depths of the forest, "Alright… no holding back now. The adventure is just getting started."

But before he could take another step, he felt something different. The air was charged with an unfamiliar energy, as if something—or someone—was watching him. He turned cautiously but saw nothing.

"Hmm… maybe it's the effect of the book?" he muttered to himself, then continued walking.

Little did he know, this new energy was the beginning of profound changes in his journey.

To be continued...