Chapter 24: New Skills

Xavier and Jessica strolled through the Academy's vast marketplace, where stalls and stores bustled with activity. The air buzzed with excitement as students bartered for cultivation resources and rare treasures.

"Three thousand spiritual herbs," Xavier said to the shopkeeper, handing over a pouch filled with silver coins. His friends' well-being was his priority, and he wasn't going to let them fall behind after the attack they'd endured.

Jessica watched as Xavier continued browsing the shop's shelves. Rows of glowing items displayed their ethereal auras, promising power to those who could afford them. Most of the items didn't catch Xavier's interest until his eyes landed on a gleaming spiritual essence pill nestled in an ornate glass case.

The pill seemed to radiate energy, its soft glow pulsating in rhythm with his heartbeat. He approached it, reading the description:

"A legendary pill capable of enhancing spiritual energy and providing a significant boost toward breaking through to the Earth Rank. Price: 5,000,000 silver coins."

Xavier hesitated, feeling the weight of the decision. He had 9 million silver coins left after purchasing the herbs, but spending more than half his fortune on a single pill seemed reckless. Still, he knew its value.

Jessica noticed his hesitation and placed a hand on his shoulder. "That pill could help you, Xavier. It might be what you need to reach Earth Rank before the mission."

Xavier shook his head. "I don't need it right now. Besides, it's not for me."

Jessica looked at him in confusion as he called over the shopkeeper and placed the coins on the counter. "I'll take the spiritual essence pill," he said firmly.

The shopkeeper bowed and carefully handed him the pill. Xavier turned to Jessica, placing it in her hand.

"This is for you," he said with a soft smile. "You've done so much for me, Jessica. If anyone deserves to break through to Earth Rank first, it's you."

Jessica stared at him in shock. "Xavier, this is too much. You need this more than I do!"

"I'll be fine," Xavier assured her. "I'm confident in my progress, but this will give you an edge in the mission. And honestly, I can't think of a better use for it."

Her eyes glistened with gratitude as she clutched the pill tightly. "Thank you, Xavier. I won't let you down."

After leaving the store with 4 million silver coins remaining, Xavier and Jessica returned to the medical bay. Mara, Eddie, and Felix were still recovering but looked stronger after a few hours of rest.

Xavier placed three small pouches filled with spiritual herbs on the table beside them. "These are for you," he said. "Use them to cultivate. I want all of you stronger before the mission."

Mara blinked in surprise. "Three thousand herbs? Xavier, this is too much!"

Eddie sat up, wincing slightly. "You didn't have to do this. We'll catch up eventually."

Xavier waved their protests aside. "You're my friends, and we're a team. I need you all at your best, and these herbs will help. Don't argue—just use them."

Felix chuckled, taking his pouch. "I guess there's no point in arguing with you, huh? Thanks, Xavier."

Jessica watched the exchange with a warm smile. Xavier's generosity and leadership were evident in moments like this, and it was no wonder people gravitated toward him.

As the group prepared to focus on their cultivation, Xavier stepped outside for a moment to breathe. The moon hung low in the sky, its light casting a serene glow over the Academy grounds.

Jessica joined him, her expression thoughtful. "You're always thinking about others, Xavier. But don't forget to take care of yourself too."

Xavier glanced at her, his lips curving into a slight grin. "I will. I just know that if we're going to face what's ahead, we have to be strong—together."

Jessica nodded, slipping her hand into his. "We will be. And I'll make sure your faith in me isn't misplaced. That pill… it means more than you know."

They stood in silence for a while, the cool night air a welcome reprieve before the chaos that loomed on the horizon.

Xavier turned to Jessica, his expression firm yet kind. "Jessica, you have everything you need now. Go cultivate and break through to the Earth Rank. I believe in you."

Jessica hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching his for any doubt. Finding none, she nodded, determination flickering across her face. "I'll make it happen, Xavier. For both of us."

They shared a quiet moment before she turned to leave, heading toward the cultivation chambers. As she disappeared into the distance, Xavier exhaled deeply, readying himself for the tasks at hand.

Xavier returned to the medical bay where Eddie, Mara, and Felix were sorting through the pouches of spiritual herbs he had given them. Despite their injuries, their spirits seemed higher than before.

"Alright, listen up," Xavier said, his tone commanding but encouraging. "You've all been given a chance to grow stronger, and I want to see you push yourselves. Here's what you need to focus on."

He moved to each of his friends, offering personalized advice:

• To Eddie, who excelled in defensive techniques: "Work on fortifying your spiritual shield. Use the herbs to enhance your endurance so you can hold the line longer during battles."

• To Mara, whose strength lay in precision attacks: "Channel the energy from these herbs into refining your control. Your precision is already sharp—make it deadly."

• To Felix, a speed-oriented fighter: "Combine the herbs' energy with speed training. Push your limits until your movements are nearly impossible to track."

The trio listened intently, nodding with determination.

"You've all got what it takes to rise through the ranks," Xavier said, his gaze sweeping across his friends. "But remember, cultivation isn't just about power—it's about discipline and strategy. Use your strengths wisely."

Eddie grinned. "You sound like a head elder now."

Xavier smirked. "If I did, you'd all be in trouble. Now get to work."

With his friends focused on their cultivation, Xavier made his way to the Academy's grand library. The towering shelves stretched as far as the eye could see, filled with ancient scrolls, techniques, and records of past disciples' accomplishments. The air was thick with the weight of knowledge and history.

Xavier ran his fingers along the spines of several scrolls, searching for something that would give him an edge in the upcoming dungeon mission. His attention was drawn to a section marked "Advanced Combat Techniques." Pulling a thick scroll from the shelf, he unrolled it to reveal a technique titled "Phantom Mirage Blade: Advanced Speed and Illusion Tactics."

The description read:

"A technique designed to confuse opponents by creating afterimages while delivering swift, unpredictable strikes. Requires mastery of both speed and spiritual focus."

"This could work," Xavier murmured, already visualizing how it might complement his existing abilities.

He found another scroll labeled "Infernal Flame Control: Advanced Applications." It contained techniques to manipulate flame-based spiritual energy for both offense and defense, expanding on his existing infernal blade techniques.

Satisfied with his selections, Xavier settled into a quiet corner and began to study. He immersed himself in the intricate diagrams and instructions, committing each detail to memory. Hours passed as he mentally rehearsed the moves, his mind already envisioning how he might use them in combat.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Xavier finally left the library. He carried the knowledge of his newly chosen techniques and a renewed sense of purpose. Tomorrow, he and Jessica would venture into the unknown—a dangerous dungeon with potential rewards that could propel them to new heights.

Xavier glanced at the night sky, the stars twinkling like distant beacons. "I'll be ready," he muttered to himself, his grip tightening on the scrolls in his hands. "Whatever's waiting for us, I'll face it head-on."

The weight of responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders, but he welcomed it. For his friends, for Jessica, and for the future that lay ahead—Xavier knew he couldn't afford to falter.

As Xavier lay on his bed, exhaustion from hours of studying and preparation weighed heavily on him. Closing his eyes, he quickly drifted into the familiar dream realm, where Elior, his enigmatic guide, awaited.

The dreamscape was a vibrant, ethereal plane bathed in shifting hues of gold and violet. Elior stood at the center, his imposing figure glowing faintly with spiritual energy. "Back so soon, Xavier?" he asked, his voice a blend of amusement and curiosity.

Xavier nodded, determination etched on his face. "I've been studying new techniques. Two, to be exact: the Phantom Mirage Blade and Infernal Flame Control. I want to integrate them with spiritual soul energy and make them my own."

Elior's expression turned serious, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Ambitious, as always. Very well. Show me what you've learned."

Xavier began demonstrating the movements of the Phantom Mirage Blade, his form blurring as he tried to create afterimages. Yet, his first attempts were clumsy, his speed inconsistent and the images flickering weakly before fading.

Elior crossed his arms. "Your movements are too rigid. Speed is not just about how fast you move; it's about fluidity and intent. Think less of rushing and more of flowing."

Nodding, Xavier adjusted his stance and tried again. This time, his movements became smoother, his afterimages lasting a fraction longer. However, when he attempted to incorporate spiritual soul energy, the technique destabilized entirely, leaving him gasping for breath.

"It's like trying to balance two forces that don't want to work together," Xavier muttered, frustrated.

Elior approached, placing a hand on Xavier's shoulder. "That's because you're treating them as separate entities. Your spiritual soul energy must become the bridge between your body and the technique. Focus. Visualize the energy flowing seamlessly into each strike."

Taking a deep breath, Xavier closed his eyes and centered himself. He visualized his spiritual energy intertwining with the blade, forming a cohesive flow. When he moved again, his form blurred into multiple afterimages, each one sharper and more distinct than before.

Elior's eyes gleamed. "Better. Now do it again—this time, faster."

Hours passed in the dream realm, with Elior pushing Xavier to refine every aspect of the technique. By the time he succeeded, his movements were almost imperceptible, and his afterimages left a lasting impression.

Next, Xavier turned to the Infernal Flame Control technique. Summoning flames around his hands, he struggled to maintain their shape, the fiery energy flaring unpredictably.

Elior observed silently for a moment before speaking. "Your control is fragmented. Fire is a force of chaos, but you must master it with precision. Channel your will into the flames—make them an extension of yourself."

Xavier concentrated, the flames dimming slightly as he attempted to shape them into a protective barrier. Sweat beaded on his forehead as the fiery energy resisted his commands.

"Think of the fire as alive," Elior said, stepping closer. "It's not about forcing it into submission but guiding it with purpose. Trust your instincts."

Following Elior's advice, Xavier shifted his approach, focusing less on dominating the flames and more on harmonizing with them. Slowly, the chaotic fire settled, swirling around him in controlled arcs.

With practice, he managed to form fiery constructs—a blazing spear, a spinning shield of flames. He even infused the flames into his strikes, enhancing their destructive power.

By the time Xavier finished, his exhaustion was apparent, but the results spoke for themselves. He had not only learned the techniques but had elevated them to the intermediate level, infusing them with his spiritual soul energy.

Elior nodded approvingly. "You've done well, Xavier. These abilities are now part of you. But remember, mastery is a continuous journey. Don't grow complacent."

Xavier grinned, despite his fatigue. "Thanks, Elior. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."

As the dream began to fade, Elior's voice echoed in the void. "Be vigilant, Xavier. The path ahead will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine. Trust in your strength—and your allies."

Xavier woke with the first rays of sunlight streaming through his window. His body felt energized, his mind sharp. Testing his movements, he could feel the power of his new abilities coursing through him.