chapter 16: The Art of Speed

After parting ways at the tower's base, Xavier and Jessica walked back toward their respective quarters, the faint glow of the moon illuminating their path. The air between them was calm but charged with anticipation.

"I think we should wait before tackling the tower," Xavier suggested, breaking the silence. "There's no point rushing in if we're not ready. We don't even know if we can attempt it as a team."

Jessica nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. If the tower really tests more than just raw strength, we'll need to sharpen every skill we have. And finding out if we can go in together could change everything."

"We'll ask the head elder tomorrow," Xavier said with a small smile. "For now, let's focus on getting stronger."

Jessica smirked back. "Agreed. Don't slack off, though. You're not the only one aiming to climb higher."

They exchanged a light laugh before heading to their quarters, the anticipation of tomorrow's challenges humming in their minds.

That night, as Xavier lay on his bed, sleep claimed him quickly. The moment his consciousness shifted, he found himself back in the dream realm—a vast, ethereal expanse where the skies burned with hues of gold and crimson. The ruins of ash and flame he had once stood upon had been replaced by an open field of glowing energy, shimmering like liquid sunlight.

Elior, his spectral mentor, stood at the center of the field, his imposing form illuminated by the radiant energy surrounding him. His arms were crossed, but the faintest smile played on his lips.

"You've come far, young master," Elior said, his voice carrying a mix of pride and sternness. "Your breakthroughs in the Spiritual River were impressive, but power without precision is like a sword without a blade. Now, it's time to refine your speed and agility—the essence of outpacing any opponent."

Xavier bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Elior. I know I have a long way to go, but I'm ready to learn."

Elior nodded, raising his hand. A gust of wind rippled through the dream realm, and suddenly, a series of glowing orbs appeared in the air, each one pulsating with energy.

"Speed is more than just physical movement," Elior began, his tone instructive. "It is a harmony of body, mind, and spirit. To truly master speed, you must first master perception—seeing beyond what is apparent and anticipating what is to come."

Xavier stepped forward, his fists clenched with determination. "What do I need to do?"

Elior gestured toward the glowing orbs. "Catch them. Each one represents a fragment of your soul energy, moving at different velocities. The faster you synchronize with their patterns, the more you'll understand the flow of speed."

Without hesitation, Xavier launched himself at the nearest orb, his hand outstretched. But as soon as he touched it, the orb vanished, reappearing several feet away. Another orb zipped past him, and then another, each one evading his grasp effortlessly.

"Focus!" Elior barked. "Do not rely solely on your eyes. Feel their presence. Anticipate their movement."

Xavier closed his eyes, his breath steadying as he tried to sense the orbs' energy. Slowly, he began to pick up on the faint ripples they left behind in the air. He darted forward, his movements sharper and more calculated. One by one, he began to catch the orbs, their energy surging through him as he absorbed them.

"Good," Elior said, his voice laced with approval. "Now, let us see how you handle a moving target."

Elior flicked his wrist, and a spectral figure emerged from the energy field. It was a faceless warrior, its body glowing faintly as it assumed a defensive stance.

"This construct is designed to test your speed in combat. You must outmaneuver it and land a decisive blow. But beware—it will strike back."

Xavier tightened his stance, his heart pounding as the spectral figure lunged at him. Its movements were blindingly fast, forcing Xavier to rely on the instincts he had just honed. He ducked, dodged, and weaved, his speed improving with each exchange.

"Faster!" Elior commanded. "Think not with your feet, but with your spirit!"

Drawing on the soul energy he had cultivated in the river, Xavier pushed himself to his limits. His body seemed to blur as he sidestepped the construct's attacks, his movements becoming almost imperceptible. Finally, with a burst of speed, he landed a precise strike on the figure's chest, shattering it into fragments of light.

Elior smiled, his pride evident. "Well done, young master. You've taken your first step into mastering the true art of speed. But remember, this is only the beginning. The path to greatness is long and arduous."

Xavier nodded, his breath ragged but his determination unwavering. "I'll keep pushing forward. Thank you, Elior."

As the dream realm began to fade, Elior's parting words echoed in Xavier's mind.

"Speed is not just about moving faster—it is about staying ahead of your opponent in every way. Trust in your instincts, and no challenge will be insurmountable."

Xavier's Holographic system opened and showed a new skill. "Soul-Dash" the ability to become a blur to opponents.

When Xavier woke, the first rays of dawn streamed through his window. His body felt rejuvenated, as though his training in the dream realm had translated into real-world progress. He clenched his fists, feeling the newfound sharpness in his movements.

As he prepared for the day, he couldn't help but think about what lay ahead. The Tower of Enlightenment, the Academy's rivalries, and the trials yet to come—all of it felt within reach.

"Let's see what today brings," Xavier muttered to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips.