Chapter 38: The Ultimate Breakthrough

As Xavier and his friends stood near the academy's main courtyard, the atmosphere was filled with a bittersweet mixture of triumph and reflection. Each of them had come so far, enduring trials and forging bonds that felt unbreakable.

Xavier, standing at the center, smiled as he handed each friend an earth pill, his voice calm but full of encouragement. "You've all worked hard to get here. These pills are a symbol of how much faith I have in you. Use them wisely and push yourselves further. This is only the beginning."

Eddie took his pill, gripping Xavier's hand with a firm shake, his usual playful smirk replaced by a rare moment of seriousness. "You're the glue that keeps us together, you know. Don't let the lake change you into some kind of untouchable genius. We still need you."

Felix chuckled as he pocketed his pill. "Speak for yourself, Eddie. I expect Xavier to come out glowing and ready to take down Alexander with one hand tied behind his back."

Mara crossed her arms, smirking at Felix. "Stop inflating his ego. He doesn't need it." She glanced at Xavier, her eyes softer than her words. "But seriously, thank you. Don't let your guard down. Alexander's not the only threat out there."

Jessica, standing by Xavier's side, radiated pride as she watched their banter. Her gaze flickered to the horizon for a moment, worry tugging at her lips, but she quickly masked it.

Finally, Liana, still adjusting to her place within the group, clutched her pill tightly. "I've always worked better alone," she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability, "but being here with you all… it's different. I want to keep up, and I will." She turned to Xavier, her expression unwavering. "So don't think you're leaving me behind either."

The group laughed, the camaraderie lightening the weight of the moment. But as the time to part drew nearer, a palpable sense of change settled over them. One by one, they departed. Eddie and Felix headed toward the training grounds, already talking about sparring strategies. Mara moved toward the med bay to consult with healers about better managing injuries in future battles. Liana lingered for a moment longer, looking back at Xavier and Jessica before finally heading toward her quarters, determined to push herself harder.

Now, only Jessica and Xavier remained by the gates leading to the spiritual lake. The moon cast a gentle glow over them, illuminating Jessica's affectionate gaze. She reached out, taking his hands. "Go. Focus. Become stronger, not just for yourself but for all of us. I'll be waiting right here when you come back."

Xavier leaned in, brushing a tender kiss against her forehead before stepping back. "Three days. I'll be back before you know it."

As he turned and walked toward the gate, Jessica watched him until his silhouette disappeared into the distance. With a deep breath, she turned and made her way to find Lord Cedric, determination gleaming in her eyes.

The courtyard, once lively with laughter, now stood quiet, holding the echoes of their shared moments and the promise of what lay ahead.

Once Xavier was out of sight, Jessica's determined expression returned. Without hesitation, she made her way to find Lord Cedric.

Entering his chamber, she bowed respectfully. Cedric, seated at a desk with a scroll in hand, looked up with curiosity. "Jessica Vice," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Jessica straightened, her eyes burning with resolve. "I want to talk about Alexander's challenge to Xavier," she said.

Cedric's gaze sharpened. "You're worried."

"I know Xavier can handle himself," Jessica admitted. "But Alexander's tactics are underhanded. I need to understand what safeguards are in place. Xavier is the strongest person I've ever known, but I won't let anyone take him from me because of some dishonorable scheme."

Cedric leaned back in his chair, considering her words. "You care deeply for him," he observed.

"I do," Jessica replied without hesitation. "And I will do whatever it takes to protect him."

Cedric's lips curled into a small smile. "Your loyalty is admirable, Jessica. Rest assured, the duel will be conducted under strict supervision. Alexander may be devious, but he knows better than to violate the rules of the academy. If he does, the consequences will be severe."

Jessica nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you, Lord Cedric. That's all I needed to hear."

As she turned to leave, Cedric spoke again. "You've grown stronger, Jessica. Do not underestimate the role you'll play in the battles to come."

Her heart swelled with determination as she exited, silently vowing to support Xavier no matter what lay ahead.

Xavier stepped into the Inner Core Spiritual Lake, his breath steady but his heart pounding with anticipation. The air was thick with spiritual energy, each particle brimming with vitality and power. As he reached the center of the lake, the water began to glow faintly, responding to his presence and the immense potential he carried.

Standing waist-deep in the shimmering lake, Xavier withdrew two earth-grade pills and the spiritual pill gifted by the void god, their combined energy radiating with a force that could be felt even before consumption. Without hesitation, he swallowed them one by one, closing his eyes as the pills dissolved within him, unleashing torrents of raw power.

The surge of energy was instantaneous and overwhelming. The lake rippled violently as flames erupted across its surface, forming intricate patterns that danced and spiraled around Xavier. His dragon eye, glowing more intensely than ever, seemed to connect directly to the flames, guiding their movements with a will of their own. The flames weren't wild; they were precise, controlled, as if they recognized Xavier as their master.

Slowly, Xavier sank deeper into the lake, until only his head remained above the surface. The water around him boiled, creating steam that rose in pillars, yet he felt no discomfort—only a profound connection to the elements around him.

The breakthrough began.

• Earth Rank 1: The initial burst of energy felt like a dam breaking, rushing through his meridians and igniting them with newfound strength.

• Earth Rank 3: His body felt lighter, his movements sharper, his spiritual energy circulating faster than ever before.

• Earth Rank 7: His dragon eye evolved further, its clarity and perception deepening as he felt the ability to perceive even faint traces of spiritual energy within miles.

• Earth Rank 9: His control over the flames intensified, allowing him to shape and command them with ease.

• Earth Rank 11: The peak of his breakthrough brought a storm of spiritual energy around him. The flames grew brighter and hotter, enveloping him completely as his meridians stabilized, fortified to handle the immense power he now possessed.

The entire lake was illuminated by the fiery spectacle, its serene waters transformed into a boiling cauldron of power. The spiritual energy of the lake seemed to bow to Xavier's dominance, converging toward him in streams, feeding his growth.

Finally, as the flames calmed and the lake began to settle, Xavier opened his eyes. His dragon eye gleamed with unparalleled intensity, and his aura radiated authority and strength. He stood at the peak of Earth Rank 11, his meridians humming with the stability and capacity of someone far beyond his years.

Xavier stepped out of the lake, steam rising from his body, the faint remnants of flames flickering around his fingertips. He felt invincible, his connection to his power more profound than ever. But he knew this was only the beginning. With his newfound strength, he was ready to face Alexander and whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Xavier prepared to leave the Inner Core Spiritual Lake, he heard Elior's calm yet commanding voice resonate within his mind:

"You've come far, Xavier, but there's still untapped potential here. It's only been a day—time flows differently within this sacred place. Consume another earth pill if you wish, or save the rest for your friends. Either way, you must refine your skills further while the energy of the lake is still with you. Mastery over your soul energy will elevate you far beyond your current rank."

Xavier paused, contemplating Elior's words. Looking at the faint ripples of the lake and feeling the immense energy still surrounding him, he made his decision. He carefully retrieved another earth-grade pill from his storage ring but decided against consuming more—saving the rest for his friends. Instead, he focused on refining his connection to the lake's spiritual energy.

He sat cross-legged, fully submerging himself until even the crown of his head disappeared beneath the surface. His breathing slowed as he turned his focus inward, reaching for his soul energy—a profound yet volatile force. The world around him grew still, his dragon eye glowing faintly even underwater.

With each controlled breath, Xavier slowed the chaotic flow of his soul energy, taming its turbulence. The process was painstaking, requiring intense concentration. Every time he exhaled, he visualized the energy calming, becoming as natural as his heartbeat. Finally, after what felt like hours, Xavier achieved a new level of control—his soul energy moved seamlessly, as easy and natural as breathing. This newfound mastery filled him with strength far beyond what his rank suggested, making his soul energy an extension of his very being.

Skill Refinement

After stabilizing his soul energy, Xavier focused on perfecting his techniques.

• Infernal Blade, Second Form: Xavier stood waist-deep in the lake, flames dancing around him in perfect harmony. He practiced the second form relentlessly, refining its transitions and building fluidity between movements. The fiery arcs from his blade seemed almost alive, each strike sharper and more precise than the last. By the time he mastered it, the technique's sheer destructive power surpassed even his expectations.

• Infernal Soul Blade: Combining his newly mastered soul energy with his flames, Xavier took the Infernal Soul Blade to a new level. Every swing of his weapon carried both physical and spiritual might, creating waves of force that rippled through the lake. The technique now felt second nature to him, its power magnified by his understanding of soul energy.

• Mirage Step: To round out his training, Xavier worked tirelessly on his movement technique. With his newfound control over his spiritual energy, he enhanced the speed and precision of his Mirage Step, making his movements almost imperceptible. By the time he finished, he could create afterimages so convincing they appeared tangible, further amplifying his unpredictability in battle.

Rest and Stabilization

Finally, Xavier allowed himself to rest, sinking back into the lake to let its energy soothe his body and stabilize his core. The turbulence from his breakthroughs and intense training gradually faded, replaced by a calm, steady strength. His meridians, now reinforced by his newfound mastery, radiated power that even he could hardly fathom.

As the hours passed, Xavier emerged from the lake for the second time, his aura even more commanding. His dragon eye burned with intensity, and his movements carried an effortless confidence born of refined skill and power.

Looking at the serene waters behind him, Xavier gave a small nod. He knew he was ready—not just for Alexander, but for the challenges that would inevitably come afterward. His time in the lake had not only elevated his rank but also solidified his path forward. With a steady breath, he stepped out, the faint embers of his flames lingering as a testament to his growth.