Chapter 25: Being Followed

While Xavier was studying and learning how to use his new abilities, Jessica worked vigorously to break through to the earth rank. 

As the moon hung high in the night sky, Jessica sat in the heart of the academy's most advanced cultivation chamber. The room was illuminated by the faint glow of spiritual runes etched into the walls, pulsating in rhythm with her breathing. Her focus was unwavering as she worked to ascend to the Earth Rank—a feat that demanded absolute determination and resilience.

The spiritual essence pill Xavier had given her swirled within her body, its potent energy challenging her control. Jessica clenched her fists tightly, her veins pulsating as if they might burst. "Focus," she whispered to herself, sweat trickling down her face.

The Earth Rank was unlike any level she had achieved before. It wasn't just about harnessing more energy—it required reshaping her spiritual core entirely, forging it into a stronger, more refined form. Waves of energy crashed through her, threatening to overwhelm her.

Jessica's mind flashed to memories of her training, her battles, and her moments with Xavier. These thoughts became her anchor, giving her the resolve to push through the pain.

Suddenly, the temperature around her dropped dramatically as her ice affinity began to manifest uncontrollably. Frost crept across the floor, coating the walls and creating intricate crystalline patterns. The air became so cold it was difficult to breathe.

"No! I have to control it," Jessica muttered, her voice trembling. She struggled to pull the icy energy back within herself, but it resisted, like a wild beast unwilling to be tamed.

For an entire day, Jessica battled with her own spiritual energy, her body trembling under the immense pressure. She endured countless moments where she felt she might fail, where the energy threatened to tear her apart.

But then, something clicked.

Jessica's eyes snapped open, glowing with an intense icy blue light. She exhaled sharply, and a surge of power erupted from her body. The temperature plummeted further, frost bursting outward in a final display of her ascension. For two minutes, the entire chamber was consumed in a deep chill, frost coating every surface as if winter itself had descended.

Then, as quickly as it came, the cold dissipated. The room returned to normal, leaving Jessica kneeling on the ground, breathing heavily but victorious.

Jessica stood slowly, her body radiating newfound strength. She flexed her fingers, watching as ice crystals formed effortlessly at her fingertips. Her affinity for ice had deepened, and her control over it felt natural, as though it were an extension of her very being.

Looking at her reflection in the frost-covered wall, she saw determination in her own eyes. She had done it. She was the first among her peers to break through to the Earth Rank.

As Jessica stepped out of the cultivation chamber, she glanced up at the stars. "Xavier," she murmured, a small smile forming on her lips. "I'll show you just how strong I've become."

Xavier adjusted the strap of his infernal earth-grade spear on his back, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings as he and Jessica approached the edge of the academy grounds. The towering trees of the forest loomed over them, their dense canopies blotting out most of the moonlight. Despite the serene atmosphere, an uneasy tension hung in the air.

"Congratulations on your breakthrough," Xavier said, glancing at Jessica as they walked. "First to Earth Rank among us. Impressive." His tone was light, but his eyes betrayed genuine admiration.

Jessica smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Thanks, but it wasn't easy. That spiritual essence pill helped a lot, but it felt like I was fighting myself the whole time. Ice can be… unruly." She flexed her fingers, allowing a thin layer of frost to coat her palm before dissipating. "What about you? Are you ready for this dungeon?"

"I don't think anyone can ever truly be ready," Xavier replied. "But I'll manage. And I'm glad you're here. One Earth Rank warrior is better than none."

Their conversation was light, but both were on high alert. Every crack of a branch, rustle of leaves, or distant birdcall seemed amplified, feeding into their growing suspicion that they weren't alone.

Xavier slowed his pace, his keen senses kicking in. "Do you feel that?" he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jessica nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Yes. We're being followed. But whoever it is… they're good at staying hidden."

Xavier activated his soul sense, a skill that allowed him to extend his awareness beyond his immediate surroundings. While he could feel faint traces of spiritual energy, the signatures were scattered and indistinct, making it impossible to pinpoint their pursuers.

"Could be Alexander's lackeys," Xavier muttered, his grip tightening on his spear.

"Or worse," Jessica added, her tone grim.

They exchanged a knowing glance but continued forward, their steps quieter, their movements deliberate. Neither wanted to provoke an ambush before reaching the dungeon.

After an hour of tense walking, they reached their destination—a massive cave mouth carved into the base of a rocky cliff. The entrance was shrouded in shadows, with faint traces of spiritual energy leaking from within. The air here was heavier, charged with an unnatural aura that sent a shiver down their spines.

"This is it," Jessica said, her voice barely audible. She stared into the darkness of the cave, her hands unconsciously brushing the hilt of her blade.

Xavier nodded, stepping forward to examine the entrance. Strange markings were etched into the stone, glowing faintly with a soft blue light. The symbols seemed ancient, pulsating rhythmically like a heartbeat.

"These runes," Xavier murmured, "they're some kind of barrier. Designed to keep weaker cultivators out… or maybe keep something inside."

Jessica glanced over her shoulder, her ice-blue eyes scanning the forest behind them. "I still feel like we're being watched."

"Let's not give them the chance to strike," Xavier said, gripping his spear tightly. "Once we're inside, they'll either have to follow us into the dungeon or leave. Either way, we'll deal with it."

Jessica nodded, and the two stepped cautiously into the cave. The moment they crossed the threshold, the runes flared to life, sealing the entrance behind them with a faint hum. The oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon enveloped them immediately, and the faint echoes of distant growls reached their ears.

Xavier glanced at Jessica. "Stay close. This is where the real challenge begins."

Jessica unsheathed her blade, her icy aura radiating in preparation for whatever lay ahead. "Let's do this."

As the two continued into the dungeon the wondering eyes that felt on them slowly faded. Leaving them fearing that what ever is following them is waiting for them to come out. As the two neared an opening in the cave revealing multiple paths Xavier grabbed his head falling to one knee.

Xavier winced, clutching his temple as a sudden, sharp pain pierced through his head. The voice reverberated through his mind, ancient and commanding, carrying a weight of authority that demanded attention.

"Xavier!" Jessica stopped and reached for his arm, concern flashing in her icy blue eyes. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

He steadied himself, the pain ebbing away as the voice faded into an eerie silence. "I'm fine," he assured her, though his expression betrayed his unease. He turned to look down a narrow, dark path to their right, where the voice had instructed him to go.

Jessica followed his gaze, her instincts immediately going on high alert. "What is it?"

"I heard a voice," Xavier said, his voice low and serious. "It said to take this path. Apparently, there's some sort of legacy and ancient treasure at the end."

Jessica frowned. "And you trust it?"

"Not entirely," Xavier admitted. "But it mentioned my dragon bloodline. Whoever—or whatever—it is, it knows about me. That's not something I can just ignore."

Jessica hesitated, glancing between Xavier and the path ahead. The air was heavier in that direction, oppressive and foreboding. "Xavier, this part of the dungeon hasn't been explored for years. There's no telling what could be down there."

"I know," he said, his grip tightening on his spear. "But this could be important—something tied to my bloodline. I have to see it through."

Jessica studied his face, seeing the determination in his eyes. With a resigned sigh, she said, "Then I'm coming with you. No way I'm letting you face this alone."

"Jessica, you don't have to—"

"I know I don't have to," she interrupted, a small smirk playing at her lips. "But I want to. Besides, you'll need me when things inevitably go sideways."

Xavier chuckled softly, grateful for her unwavering support. "Alright. Let's do this."