Chapter 58: Sky Rank?

Xavier rose from his seat, his commanding presence instantly drawing the attention of everyone in the room. He picked up a nearby butter knife and lightly tapped it against a wine glass, the soft chime ringing through the hall and silencing all conversation.

With everyone's eyes now on him, Xavier stood tall, his gaze sweeping across his gathered clan members. "Listen closely," he began, his voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. "The time has come for us to prepare for what lies ahead."

He placed the butter knife down and gestured toward Jessica, who stood at his side. "Jessica and I will be entering a period of focused cultivation to strengthen ourselves further. During this time, I expect each of you to do the same. Take advantage of the resources we've acquired. Push past your limits. The challenges we face will only grow greater, and we must all rise to meet them."

The group nodded in understanding, their expressions resolute.

Xavier's tone softened slightly as he added, "I also have an announcement regarding the future of the Soul Clan. Our recent alliance with the Kingdom of Rivendell is not just a partnership; it's a bond that will bring mutual strength and prosperity. King Blaine has agreed to aid us in times of need, and in return, we will honor our commitments to him and his kingdom."

The room erupted in murmurs of approval, excitement, and curiosity. Mara was the first to speak up. "An alliance with Rivendell? That's huge, Xavier. It solidifies our influence beyond our own borders."

Jessica stepped forward, her hand resting lightly on Xavier's arm. "It's more than an alliance," she said. "It's a declaration that the Soul Clan is no longer in the shadows. We're building something bigger—something that will last for generations."

Xavier nodded, his dragon eye flickering faintly as he addressed them once more. "You've all proven your loyalty and strength time and time again. Now is the moment to solidify it further. Cultivate, train, and prepare yourselves. The Realm Tournament is approaching, and the Soul Clan will not be overlooked. We will dominate, not just for ourselves but for the legacy we are building together."

The room buzzed with determination, the weight of Xavier's words settling over the clan like a rallying cry. One by one, the members stood, offering their affirmations and pledging their dedication.

Xavier smiled faintly, pleased by their resolve. With a final nod, he said, "Let's get to work." He turned to Jessica, signaling that it was time to leave and begin their cultivation.

As the two left the hall, the clan members dispersed, each heading to their quarters or training areas, the fire of purpose burning brightly within them.

Xavier opened the heavy door to the private cultivation chamber, its interior glowing faintly with the ambient energy gathered from the clan's reserves. The air hummed with spiritual power, making it the perfect place for their breakthrough. With a playful grin, Xavier gestured for Jessica to enter first.

"My queen," he said in a teasing tone, bowing slightly as she walked past him. Then, with a cheeky smirk, he playfully smacked her on the butt. Jessica gasped softly, glancing back with a mix of mock indignation and affection.

"Behave," she said with a smirk, shaking her head as she stepped further into the chamber.

Xavier chuckled as he followed, closing the door behind them to ensure their privacy. The room was illuminated by faintly glowing inscriptions on the walls, designed to amplify spiritual energy and aid in cultivation. At the center of the chamber, two plush cushions sat waiting for them.

The two took their seats facing each other. Xavier reached into his storage ring, retrieving six pristine spiritual crystals. They shimmered with a captivating brilliance, radiating immense energy. He laid them out carefully in front of them.

"I'm not sure how much energy we'll need to absorb to break through to the mystic rank," Xavier admitted, his tone serious now. "But it's better to be overprepared. These six spiritual crystals hold a tremendous amount of energy. We'll use all of them if necessary."

Jessica nodded, her expression determined. "We've worked so hard to get to this point. Let's not hold back."

Xavier reached out, taking her hands in his. His dragon eye flickered briefly as he spoke. "This breakthrough isn't just for us. It's for the future of the clan, for everything we're building together. Let's give it everything we have."

Jessica squeezed his hands, her confidence unwavering. "Together," she said firmly.

They closed their eyes, focusing their minds and channeling their internal energy. Xavier placed a crystal in each of their hands and positioned the remaining four around them in a circle, creating a perfect flow of spiritual energy.

As Jessica sat cross-legged, focusing on absorbing the immense energy from the spiritual crystals, her body began to radiate a deep, serene blue light. The temperature in the cultivation chamber plummeted as frost spread outward from her, creeping along the floor and walls. The icy energy enveloping her was both beautiful and intimidating, a testament to the tremendous power she was harnessing.

Her breathing grew ragged as she struggled to maintain control over the surge of energy. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, only to freeze moments later. Despite the challenges, her determination never wavered. After two grueling days of unwavering focus, Jessica finally broke through. Her aura flared with icy brilliance, and a sudden wave of cold swept through the chamber as she became a Level 1 Mystic Warrior. Exhausted but triumphant, Jessica opened her eyes, her gaze steadier and more powerful than before.

Xavier, on the other hand, was locked in an entirely different struggle. As he absorbed the crystals, his body emitted waves of fire and ice, clashing and swirling around him like an elemental storm. The opposing forces raged within him, threatening to tear him apart. His dragon eye pulsed wildly, and sweat poured from his brow as he fought to control the chaos.

Suddenly, his system interface appeared before him, the text glowing ominously:

"Would you like to breakthrough to the Sky Rank? Yes/No."

Xavier froze. Sky Rank? He had never heard of such a thing. His mind raced with questions. What was the Sky Rank? Was it a step above Mystic Rank? Why had no one ever mentioned it to him before?

Curiosity surged through him as he considered the decision. His instincts told him this was no ordinary rank, that it represented a transformation far beyond his current understanding. With a deep breath, Xavier made his choice.

"Yes."

The moment he confirmed, the fire and ice within him surged with renewed intensity. The two opposing elements began to merge, their violent clashes transforming into harmonious coexistence. His body became the conduit for this fusion, and the chamber erupted with a blinding light.

A powerful gust of wind swept through the room, lifting Xavier into the air. Suspended by the swirling energy, his figure seemed almost divine, like an angel descending from the heavens. His aura radiated both heat and cold, fire and frost blending seamlessly into a new, balanced force.

Jessica, still recovering, looked up in awe. The sight of Xavier suspended in midair, his power surging to unimaginable heights, left her speechless. The icy tendrils that had once dominated the room now mingled with flames, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.

As Xavier slowly descended, the light around him began to fade. His transformation was complete. Standing tall, he looked more powerful than ever, his presence exuding a sense of mastery and balance.

Still processing what had just happened, Xavier muttered to himself, "Sky Rank… What have I just become?"

Jessica approached him, her eyes wide with amazement. "Xavier, what just happened to you?"

"I wish I could tell you," he replied, his tone laced with wonder. "This… Sky Rank. I've never heard of it before, but I feel stronger—more complete—than I ever thought possible. We'll need to find out more about this. There's something greater at work here."

Jessica nodded, sensing the gravity of his words. Together, they left the chamber, their sights now set on unraveling the mysteries of the Sky Rank.

Xavier gently scooped Jessica into his arms, a playful grin on his face. "You've worked hard," he said softly, carrying her toward the bed. Laying her down gently, he leaned in to give her a warm, lingering kiss. For a moment, the weight of their breakthroughs melted away in the intimacy they shared.

After a moment, Xavier pulled back, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Rest for now," he said with a smile. "I need to speak with Lord Cedric. He might have answers about this… Sky Rank."

Jessica looked at him, her eyes filled with admiration and curiosity. "Be careful, Xavier. Whatever this Sky Rank is, it's clearly something extraordinary."

Xavier nodded, his gaze steady. "I'll be back soon."

As he made his way toward Lord Cedric's manor, Elior's voice resonated in his mind. "What you've become hasn't happened in thousands of years," the spirit said, his tone both awestruck and cautious. "Even I don't know much about the Sky Rank. But if anyone does, it's Cedric. That man is always buried in ancient tomes."

The journey to Cedric's manor was filled with quiet reflection. Xavier's mind raced with questions, his curiosity driving him forward. By the time he arrived, the grand manor loomed before him, its sprawling gardens and towering spires a testament to Cedric's wisdom and status.

A servant led him into the study, where Lord Cedric sat at an ornate desk, surrounded by towering shelves of books. Cedric looked up from his reading as Xavier entered, his sharp, discerning eyes scanning the younger man's form.

"Xavier," Cedric said, setting his book aside. "You've been through something extraordinary, haven't you? I can sense the change in you from here."

Xavier nodded, taking a seat across from him. "Lord Cedric, I need your guidance. I've… ascended to something called the Sky Rank. I've never heard of it before, and even Elior, my spirit guide, has little knowledge of it. What can you tell me?"

Cedric's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Sky Rank, and he leaned forward, his expression serious. "The Sky Rank," he murmured, as if testing the words. "It's a rank shrouded in mystery, one that most consider a legend. Few texts even mention it, and those that do speak of it as a realm of unimaginable power, achieved by only the rarest of individuals."

He rose from his seat and began scanning the shelves, pulling out several ancient scrolls. "If you've truly reached this rank, Xavier, it means you've stepped into a realm beyond even the Mystic Warriors. The Sky Rank is said to be a harmonious state where one's body, soul, and elements become one. You're no longer just a warrior; you're something far greater."

Xavier listened intently, his mind racing. "But why hasn't anyone achieved this in thousands of years? What does it mean for me and my clan?"

Cedric paused, his gaze thoughtful. "The texts suggest that the Sky Rank requires not only immense strength but also a unique balance of opposing forces—like your fire and ice. It's not just about power; it's about harmony. As for what it means… that remains to be seen. But know this: those who reach this rank are destined to shape the world in ways no one else can."

Xavier leaned forward, his curiosity piqued as he asked, "Lord Cedric, has a Sky-Ranked warrior ever defeated a Void God, or is that too ambitious a thought?"

Lord Cedric paused, his expression turning grave. "The Sky Rank is a connection to ancient power, a realm that exists on the precipice of mortal and divine. It's a foundation, an anchor to abilities far beyond what most could imagine. However, no history in any text I've studied suggests that a Sky-Ranked warrior has fully conquered a Void God."

Cedric's tone grew somber as he continued. "There is one story, though—a tale of Rowen, a Level 15 Sky-Ranked warrior who dared to face a Level 1 Void God. Rowen managed to best the god in combat, a feat that stunned even the heavens. But…" Cedric's voice trailed off, and he sighed deeply, "the victory came at an unimaginable cost. Rowen was grievously injured in the battle, his body and soul shattered. He succumbed to his wounds shortly after his triumph."

Xavier's brow furrowed as he absorbed the tale. "So it's possible," he said softly, his voice steady, "but the cost is monumental."

Cedric nodded. "Yes, the cost is often too great. Void Gods are beings of chaos and destruction, their power unparalleled in the known realms. Even for someone of your potential, Xavier, facing one would require not just strength but a mastery over your abilities, unparalleled strategy, and a willingness to risk everything."

Xavier's gaze grew determined, a spark of ambition lighting in his eyes. "Then I'll have to surpass Rowen," he said firmly. "If the Sky Rank is a foundation, I'll make it stronger. If no one has gone further, I'll be the first. For my clan, for this world, and for myself."

Cedric studied him for a moment, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Your resolve is admirable, Xavier. But tread carefully. Ambition without preparation can lead to ruin.