Chapter 18: Near Death Experience

The next morning, the academy grounds buzzed with energy as students whispered and speculated about Xavier's upcoming trial in the Tower of Enlightenment. It was highly unusual for anyone to be sent into the tower so soon after enrolling, let alone with permission to bring others. The elders' decision was both a challenge and a suspicion. They wanted to confirm whether Xavier's rapid advancement was due to sheer talent or something else entirely.

As Xavier and his friends gathered in front of the tower's towering bronze doors, the air was thick with anticipation. The intricate carvings on the doors shimmered faintly, seemingly alive with spiritual energy. Each of them felt the weight of the moment—the tower was not just a test but a crucible, one that could either elevate them further or expose their weaknesses.

Jessica adjusted the grip on her sword, her eyes scanning the faces of their small group. "This tower isn't like the tournament," she said, her voice firm. "The challenges here are tailored to break us. We need to be ready for anything."

Mara nodded, tying back her hair. "From what I've heard, the spiritual dummies get tougher with each floor. They adapt to our strengths and exploit our weaknesses."

Felix adjusted his glasses, his tone calm but serious. "The elders wouldn't allow a group unless they thought we could handle it. But it also means they'll expect us to perform at a higher level. We can't afford to make mistakes."

Eddie cracked his knuckles, a grin on his face. "Mistakes? Nah, we're gonna tear through this thing. Let's show them what we've got."

Xavier placed a hand on the bronze token that would open the door. The carvings seemed to pulse under his touch, and for a moment, he felt the immense energy radiating from the tower. He glanced at his friends, his voice steady but filled with determination. "Whatever happens, we stick together. This isn't about proving anything to the elders—it's about getting stronger. Let's do this."

The bronze doors groaned as they swung open, revealing a dimly lit corridor that seemed to stretch endlessly. The air inside was charged with energy, and the faint hum of spiritual power resonated around them. As they stepped in, the doors closed behind them with an echoing thud, sealing them inside.

The first floor presented them with a dozen spiritual dummies—figures crafted from condensed energy, glowing faintly with spiritual light. They moved with mechanical precision, but their attacks were basic and predictable.

Jessica took the lead, her movements fluid as she deflected their strikes with ease. "These are just warm-ups," she said, slicing through one of the dummies with a graceful arc of her blade.

Eddie and Mara worked together, with Eddie smashing through the dummies' defenses while Mara darted around, delivering precise strikes to their cores. Felix stood back, casting supportive barriers and enhancing the group's speed with his spiritual techniques.

Xavier, however, was unusually quiet. He moved efficiently, his strikes deliberate and his energy perfectly controlled. Yet, there was a subtle intensity in his demeanor, as though he were holding back.

By the time they reached the second floor, the dummies had grown more agile and began working in coordinated formations. This time, it took more effort to defeat them. Mara's speed and Felix's strategic mind proved invaluable, while Eddie's raw strength provided the brute force they needed to break through.

"Not bad," Eddie said, wiping sweat from his brow. "But I can feel them getting tougher."

Jessica nodded, her eyes narrowing. "This is nothing compared to what's coming. Let's stay sharp."

As they ascended to the third floor, the atmosphere changed. The air felt heavier, and the faint hum of energy grew louder. The floor was larger than the previous ones, with twisting pathways and dimly glowing walls. The group moved cautiously, their senses on high alert.

"This is different," Felix murmured, scanning their surroundings. "It feels… wrong."

Jessica frowned. "It's almost like—"

Before she could finish, the floor beneath them shifted. Hidden runes activated, and a wave of energy surged through the room, disrupting their balance. From the shadows, an abnormal spiritual dummy emerged. Unlike the others, this one radiated a dark, unstable energy, its movements erratic and unpredictable.

"This isn't normal!" Mara shouted, dodging a sudden strike. "The dummies aren't supposed to behave like this!"

Eddie growled, blocking a heavy blow. "Someone messed with the tower. They're trying to take us out!"

Jessica and Xavier exchanged a glance, their suspicions confirmed. Someone within the academy had sabotaged the tower, setting a trap for Xavier and his friends.

"Focus on survival!" Xavier shouted, summoning his Infernal Soul Blade. "We'll figure out who's behind this later!"

The battle was grueling. The sabotaged dummies adapted rapidly, countering their every move. Felix struggled to maintain his barriers under the relentless assault, while Mara narrowly avoided a strike that would have knocked her out. Eddie's strength kept them from being overwhelmed, but even he was beginning to falter.

Xavier, tapping into the speed techniques Elior had taught him, darted around the battlefield, striking the dummies' cores with precision. Jessica fought beside him, her movements a blend of power and grace as she deflected attacks and covered the group's weak points.

After what felt like an eternity, they destroyed the last of the sabotaged dummies. The group stood panting, their bodies bruised and their energy drained.

"This isn't over," Jessica said, her voice grim. "If someone's willing to sabotage the tower, they won't stop here."

Xavier nodded, his expression dark. "We'll deal with them. But first, we need to survive this tower."

As they prepared to ascend to the next floor, a cold resolve settled over the group. The challenges ahead would only grow harder, but they were determined to face them together, no matter the cost.

After a while, the group realized 

The group arrived on the seventh floor battered but determined. The air was thick with heat, and the floor glowed faintly like molten lava. In the center of the vast chamber stood a towering spiritual dragon, its scales shimmering with fiery energy and its eyes glowing with intelligence and malice.

"This is no ordinary challenge," Felix said, his voice shaky as he adjusted his glasses. "The dragon is far beyond what should be allowed at this level."

Jessica's eyes narrowed. "This is another sabotage. There's no way this is part of the original trial."

The dragon roared, shaking the chamber and sending waves of oppressive spiritual energy toward them. The group braced themselves, each preparing to fight despite their weariness from the previous floors.

Eddie was the first to charge, his fists blazing with spiritual energy. "Let's take this thing down!" he shouted, slamming his fists into the dragon's side. The impact barely made a dent, and the dragon retaliated with a swipe of its massive tail, sending him crashing into a wall.

"Eddie!" Mara screamed, rushing to his side. She barely dodged a blast of fire from the dragon's maw as she used her spiritual techniques to shield him from further harm.

Jessica and Xavier took the lead, fighting in perfect sync. Xavier used his speed to distract the dragon, darting around it and striking at its weak points, while Jessica delivered precise, devastating attacks with her sword. Felix stayed at the back, creating barriers and launching long-range spells to support the group.

Despite their efforts, the dragon's strength was overwhelming. It moved with a brutal elegance, its fiery breath and tail sweeps forcing them into a defensive position. Mara, trying to heal Eddie, was caught off guard by a sudden strike. The dragon's claws raked across her shield, shattering it and sending her tumbling across the floor.

"No!" Xavier shouted, his Infernal Soul Blade igniting with a burst of fiery red energy. He launched himself at the dragon, slashing at its eyes and drawing its attention away from his injured friends.

Jessica rushed to Mara and Eddie, assessing their injuries. "They can't keep fighting," she said grimly, glancing at Felix. "We need to get them out of here."

Xavier pushed himself to the limit, unleashing everything he had learned from Elior in his dream realm. His speed techniques allowed him to evade the dragon's attacks, and his strikes became more precise and powerful. The dragon roared in pain as he targeted its vulnerable underbelly, but it wasn't enough.

"Xavier!" Jessica called out. "You can't fight this thing alone!"

"I don't have a choice!" Xavier shouted back, dodging another fiery blast. "Get them to safety!"

Jessica hesitated, torn between staying to help and ensuring the safety of their injured friends. But when she saw Eddie's labored breathing and Mara's pale face, she made her decision.

"Felix, help me carry them," she ordered. Together, they moved Eddie and Mara toward the edge of the chamber, where the rewards for the seventh floor gleamed: a set of rare spiritual artifacts and a vial of radiant energy that could restore spiritual power. Jessica grabbed the rewards, her heart heavy as she glanced back at Xavier.

The dragon lunged at Xavier, and he narrowly avoided its jaws, slashing at its throat with his blade. Jessica's breath caught in her throat as she watched him fight, his movements a blur of determination and raw power.

As the others reached the safety of the exit, Jessica turned back to Xavier. Her heart ached at the sight of him standing alone against the dragon, his figure framed by flames and the faint glow of the chamber.

"Xavier!" she called out, running back to him. He turned, his expression fierce but softened by the sight of her.

"You need to go," he said, his voice firm. "I'll finish this."

Jessica shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "You don't have to do this alone."

"I do," Xavier said, his gaze steady. "They need you more than I do right now. I'll be fine. Trust me."

Jessica hesitated, then stepped closer. She placed a hand on his cheek, her voice trembling. "Be safe, Xavier. Don't push yourself too far."

Before he could respond, she leaned up and kissed him, her lips lingering against his for a moment. "I'll be waiting for you," she whispered, pulling away. "Don't make me regret this."

With one last look, Jessica turned and joined the others at the exit. The doors closed behind them, leaving Xavier alone with the dragon.

Xavier took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. He tightened his grip on the Infernal Soul Blade and stared down the dragon, his body radiating with newfound energy.

"Let's finish this," he said, his voice low and determined.

The dragon roared, and the battle began anew. Xavier moved faster than ever, his strikes relentless as he pushed himself beyond his limits. Every lesson from Elior, every breakthrough he had achieved, was brought to bear in this moment.

When the dragon finally fell, its body disintegrating into particles of spiritual light, Xavier stood in the center of the chamber, battered but victorious. He looked up at the staircase leading to the eighth floor, his determination unwavering.

"This isn't over," he muttered, ascending the steps alone, ready to face whatever awaited him.