Chapter 4: Breakthrough

As Xavier stepped into the meditation chamber, he was enveloped by a potent spiritual energy that coursed through his being. The fragrant herbs Jessica had provided began to liquefy, seeping into his pores, merging with his essence.

He struggled momentarily against the overwhelming force, but soon found himself suspended in mid-air, his body glowing with a molten radiance reminiscent of lava. 

Surrounding this incandescent light was an eerie black smog, swirling like a tempest. It pulsated with an ominous energy, warding off any who dared approach.

A chilling aura radiated from the chamber, sending a shiver down the spines of those with lesser spiritual inclinations—each step towards the sanctum met with an instinctive retreat.

Within this sacred space, Xavier's mind expanded, transcending the realm of the corporeal. Visions of cosmic truths materialized before him, and he grasped the delicate balance of energy composing the universe.

The meeting of light and darkness within him whispered secrets of existence. In this moment of sublime clarity, he understood: the strongest transformations arise from the heaviest shadows. The world outside faded, leaving only the profound serenity of transcendence.

Xavier was still suspended in mid-air, as he absorbed in a fervent dialogue with himself.

Deep in thought, he sought to understand the elusive concept of stabilizing his core, a crucial step toward elevating his abilities. The desire to match Jessica's prowess flickered in the back of his mind, but he swiftly dismissed it; such aspirations demanded time and patience.

With determination, he steadied his breath, recalling the incantations from his "Body Hardening" class. "Heavenly Fire, First Form," he murmured, believing his affinity lay in flames. To his astonishment, the air ignited with brilliant hues, a stunning display as waves of fire erupted from his eyes.

The system, an ever-watchful presence, queried if he wished to evolve.

"Yes," he replied, the word barely escaping his lips before spiritual energy surged within him, reshaping his very essence. As the transformation ensued, he felt his core stabilize, the barrier that had long confined him shattering before his will.

In that moment, Xavier unlocked a daunting potential, his abilities cascading like the rising sun.

Yet, despite this revelatory change, the seasoned warrior acknowledged that his journey had only just begun. As Xavier closed his eyes he al

Not too far away, in the Reyes family compound, Colby was entrenched in his training, each strike a testament to his resolve.

Though he anticipated a mere formality against Xavier, a flicker of honor guided his every movement. He had built a reputation as a formidable warrior, bullying the weaker yet maintaining a façade of integrity. Thus, he prepared diligently, aware that humiliation was an adversary he could not afford.

As fatigue crept into his limbs, Dean Reyes, his father and headmaster of the Academy, approached. "Now, son," he spoke with a gravity that commanded attention, "retreat to the family chambers. You must breakthrough to level 8, as tomorrow demands your finest."

In Dean's hand, the gleam of Bronze Mana cores caught Colby's eye, a promised aid in his ascension. With a bow, Colby accepted the gift, a smile betraying his restrained excitement.

Tomorrow would mark a pivotal moment, propelling him one step closer to nobility—a legacy torchlit in Vice-land, renowned and revered. In that serene yet charged atmosphere, anticipation burgeoned; both father's will and son's ambition danced harmoniously toward destiny.

Colby stood resolute inside the Reyes Family meditation compound, the golden sun rising behind him, casting a warm glow. Unlike Xavier, who had the ability of fire, Colby was a Sunlight Warrior, channeling the very essence of the sun itself.

With a steady voice, he uttered, "Sunlight beam, first form."

Brilliant rays erupted from his body, illuminating the surrounding landscape. As the ethereal light enveloped him, Colby reached for the Bronze Mana Cores scattered at his feet, devouring them one by one. The rich spiritual energy surged through him, causing his meridians to tremble under the weight of burgeoning power. 

Moments ticked by, and with each pulse of energy, he felt his limits dissolve. A devilish grin spread across his face; he had not merely broken through one level but ascended two.

This mastery was instinctive to him, a reflection of his unwavering determination. While he could not yet manifest projectiles with his hands, the horizon of his abilities stretched infinitely before him.

With the sun at his back and newfound strength surging through him, Colby understood that the path ahead was radiant with promise.

a palpable excitement enveloped the streets as news spread like wildfire: young Colby Reyes had ascended to the esteemed rank of Level 7.

This revelation filled the residents with immense pride, given the esteemed reputation of the Reyes family. Within the walls of Luminary Academy, however, a closely guarded secret lingered—Colby was, in fact, a burgeoning Level 8 Beginner.

Headmaster Dean, eager to unveil the truth, orchestrated a grudge match that would leave the townsfolk astounded. The atmosphere was electric. The grudge match was a mere 3 hours away.

The sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting a warm glow over the makeshift betting center in the village square, where excitement crackled in the air. Villagers, young and old, eagerly placed their bets on Colby Reyes, a talented contender. Laughter and banter filled the atmosphere until whispers of a dark horse emerged. 

Only two dared to wager on Xavier: Lance, whose discreet bet of one hundred copper coins slid unnoticed under the table, and Jessica, whose audacity was unparalleled. She boldly bet a staggering 100,000 silver coins and 20 herbs for cultivation, igniting gasps and mockery from onlookers. 

"Foolishness!" one exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief. Jessica feigned concern as the crowd learned of Colby's rise to the 8th rank of the beginner stage.

Yet, laughter soon trailed from her lips, echoing through the square. 

"Mark my words," she declared, confidence shimmering in her gaze. "Xavier shall be the dark horse of the sentry, and I will bask in spoils alongside my future husband!" 

The villagers exchanged glances, skepticism mingling with intrigue, as the sun set—unbeknownst to them, destiny often favored the bold. In the mist of betting, the crowd noticed a young man standing in the middle of the ring. It was none other than Colby Reyes.

An announcement rang out two minutes before betting was over.

The match will start in thirty minutes, all bets are final. Their will be no more betting at this time please find your seats. Not too far away from the Academy, Xavier was still in the cultivation chamber.

As Xavier opened his eyes, he sensed faint traces of spiritual energy enveloping him. Gently, he felt his body descend towards the ground, a sensation akin to weightlessness enveloping him. His aura, once erratic, began to stabilize, granting him a newfound clarity.

In disbelief, he gazed at the luminous interface before him. "5th Grade Noble Rank?"

The realization washed over him like a tide of empowerment. No longer would he withstand Colby's incessant inquiries about his status. An ability materialized in his mind: *Conjure Fireballs*, marked as "Novice." The system chimed with precision, revealing enhanced attributes that illuminated his potential.

Yet, amidst the triumph, a locked tab lingered at the top of the interface, unanswered and enigmatic. What secrets might it hold? Questions swirled within him: Was it a threshold yet to be crossed, or a power that demanded a significant price?

Determined to uncover the mysteries of his ascent, Xavier resolved to hone his newfound abilities, for within the confines of this locked tab lay the key to his destiny.

As he embraced his formidable energy. Before Xavier could bask in triumph some more, a butler of the Vice-Land family opened the chamber door after sensing Xavier was done cultivating.

Urgently rushing him to head over to the Academy. "Young master, your fight with Colby Reyes starts in thirty minutes. You best get going if you'd like to make it on time." 

Without skipping a beat, Xavier rushed over to the Academy, where he was to confront Colby. The townspeople had not seen Xavier in three days; in that time, he had transformed—stronger, wiser, more disciplined, and undeniably handsome.

As Xavier entered the Academy's courtyard, he overheard Colby boasting to an audience, "If I were Xavier, I would have left town just like his mother did after the Reyes family strong-armed her into surrendering the farm." Colby's laughter rang hollow, punctuated by taunts that further incited the crowd. "You should have seen her face," he continued, relishing the memory. "My butler broke her little arm. I suppose we can say I won."

Dumbstruck, Xavier absorbed the gravity of Colby's words, the palpable tension rising around him. Before Colby could make his exit, Xavier bellowed, "You did what to my mother?" 

In the blink of an eye, Xavier appeared before Colby, his countenance a tempest of rage and determination. The courtyard fell silent, and all eyes turned to the confrontation that would decide the fate of the town—and the legacy of the Reyes family.