Chapter 55: Another Change

In the weeks that followed, Xavier threw himself into relentless training. Every waking moment was spent honing his skills, perfecting his movement techniques, and mastering the abilities he already possessed. He pushed his body and mind to the limit, his determination burning brighter than ever.

Despite his progress, Xavier could feel a lingering gap in his capabilities—a need for something more, something ancient and powerful to bridge the gap between his current self and the challenges he knew awaited.

During a brief respite in his training, Xavier sat cross-legged in meditation, entering the dream world once more. The familiar vast skies and shimmering constellations greeted him, and Elior stood as calm and imposing as always.

"Elior," Xavier said, his tone resolute but inquisitive, "I've made progress with my current techniques, but I need more. There's still so much I don't know, and I feel like I'm only scratching the surface of my potential. Do you have any ancient techniques—skills I can learn to become stronger?"

Elior's gaze softened as he studied Xavier. "You've come far, Xavier, but seeking power without control can lead to ruin. However, I can sense your resolve, and I will guide you." He extended his hand, and the stars around him shifted, forming glowing glyphs in the air.

"There are three ancient techniques I can teach you," Elior began, each word carrying weight. "Each is tied to your bloodline and spiritual energy. Choose wisely, as mastering even one will take immense effort."

1. Infernal Dragon Spiral

"A combat technique that harnesses your internal flames and channels them into a spiraling vortex of destruction. It is an unparalleled offensive skill, capable of obliterating anything in its path. However, it consumes a great deal of spiritual energy and requires precision to control."

2. Ethereal Draconic Step

"A movement technique that combines speed and agility with dragon energy. You will move like a wraith, vanishing from sight and reappearing with devastating force. This technique will make you nearly untouchable in battle, but it demands complete synchronization with your bloodline."

3. Soulbind Dominion

"A technique that taps into the ancient bond between your soul and your bloodline, allowing you to create a spectral dragon construct to aid you in battle. It can attack, defend, and even absorb spiritual energy from enemies, but it requires intense focus and drains your soul energy."

Elior looked at Xavier, his expression serious. "Each of these techniques has its risks and rewards. Which path will you choose to pursue?"

Xavier's eyes gleamed with determination as he considered his options, knowing that whichever technique he chose would shape his future battles and bring him closer to unlocking his true potential.

Elior nodded as Xavier declared his choice. "Ethereal Draconic Step is a wise decision," he said, his voice calm yet carrying an undertone of approval. "However, as you are not yet a Mystic Warrior, your body cannot withstand the strain of such a technique. For now, focus on building your foundation. When the time comes, I will guide you through its secrets."

Xavier furrowed his brow in thought before asking another question, his curiosity insatiable. "Elior, what about flight? I've seen powerful warriors soar through the skies as if it were second nature. Do I have the ability to fly? And how does one master the art of flight?"

Elior chuckled softly, his amusement evident. "You already possess the potential to fly, Xavier. The ability to take to the skies is tied to one's spiritual energy and mastery of their cultivation. It requires a deep understanding of your connection to the elements and your bloodline. Flight isn't just about physical control; it's about commanding the energy around you to support your will."

Elior extended his hand, and the dream world shifted. Xavier found himself standing atop a towering mountain, the winds howling around him. "Feel the energy in the air, Xavier. Focus on your core and channel it outward. Flight begins with trust—trust in yourself and in the energy that surrounds you."

Xavier closed his eyes and concentrated. He felt the flames within his body flicker and surge as he extended his spiritual energy outward. Slowly, the ground beneath him began to feel less solid, as if he were being lifted by an invisible force.

"Good," Elior said, his tone encouraging. "But control is key. Without control, you'll exhaust yourself before you even leave the ground."

Xavier practiced tirelessly in the dream world, learning to balance his energy and find harmony with the forces around him. Days turned into weeks in the dreamscape, but in the real world, two months passed as Xavier remained in seclusion, his body absorbing the spiritual energy and healing from his injuries.

When Xavier finally awoke, his senses felt sharper, his energy more refined. He smiled faintly, knowing he had taken another step toward mastering his potential. Though he wasn't ready for Ethereal Draconic Step yet, he now understood the fundamentals of flight. It was only a matter of time before he soared through the skies, a true force to be reckoned with.

As Xavier stood in the stillness of his chamber, an intense pulsing began to radiate from his dragon eye. His vision blurred momentarily, and an overwhelming heat surged from deep within. Fiery energy erupted from his eye, spiraling into a whirlwind of crimson flames that illuminated the room like a blazing inferno. The air grew heavy, crackling with raw power.

But then, something unexpected happened. From the center of the fiery storm, a thin, icy frost began to emanate. The frost crept outward, forming a delicate balance with the raging flames. The two opposing forces swirled together, creating a stunning display of harmonious energy. The fiery whirlwind settled, leaving behind a faint aura of fire and frost that flickered in his dragon eye like an eternal dance of destruction and serenity.

Xavier's body began to change as the energies surged through him. His frame stretched slightly taller, growing to an imposing six-foot-five stature. His muscles became more defined, rippling with newfound strength and giving him an aura of unyielding dominance. His face sharpened, the angles of his jawline and cheekbones becoming more pronounced, yet his features retained a warmth that made him mesmerizing to behold.

His hair, previously jet black, now bore streaks of crimson and silver, reflecting the duality of fire and frost coursing through him. His aura became so powerful that anyone who looked upon him would feel a mixture of awe and intimidation, as though they were gazing upon a demigod descended to the mortal realm.

Xavier clenched his fists, feeling the immense power coursing through every fiber of his being. The flames and frost around him subsided, retreating into his dragon eye, which now shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.

"This power… it's evolving," he muttered, his voice carrying a deeper resonance. He stepped forward, his presence commanding and almost overwhelming. "I've taken another step toward unlocking the full potential of my bloodline."

He gazed at his reflection in the polished surface of the room, marveling at the transformation. Yet, in his heart, he knew this was only the beginning.