Chapter 8: Into The Cavern

The two entered the cavern, venturing deeper and deeper. If not for the soft glow of light blue crystals scattered across the walls, the darkness would have been absolute. Their eerie luminescence bathed the cave in an ethereal light, casting long shadows as they walked.

After some time, August halted in a spacious clearing. "This will do."

Adrian glanced around. "What's up?"

"I'm going to teach you how to use Source Energy."

Adrian's face lit up with excitement. Ever since he first heard about Source Energy, he had been eager to learn it for himself.

"Okay! What do I have to do?" He could barely contain his enthusiasm, a wide grin stretching across his face.

Without warning, August extended his right arm, placing his hand on Adrian's chest—just above his heart. Then, he clenched his fist and delivered a solid punch to the same spot.

The impact sent Adrian staggering. He immediately dropped to his knees, gasping as the force of the blow knocked the wind out of him. Coughing, he glared up at August in disbelief.

"What the hell was that for?" he demanded, anger flaring in his eyes.

August remained unfazed. "Do you feel it? The flow of Source Energy?"

At first, Adrian was too focused on the pain to notice anything. But as he took a deep breath and allowed himself to relax, he felt it—a sudden shift within him. His body had grown stronger, as though some hidden potential had been unlocked.

"Adrian, do you remember the three forms of Source Energy I told you about?"

"Infuse, Enhance, and Read," Adrian recited.

"Exactly. But there are classifications that further divide them. InEn are those who can Infuse energy into Trinkets and Enhance their physical abilities. InRe are those who can Infuse and Read the flow of Source Energy. And finally, EnRe are those capable of using Enhance and Read. Everyone falls into one of these categories."

"So most people can only use two types of Source Energy? What about you? What classification do you fall under?"

"I'm an InRe. I can Infuse Trinkets and Read the flow of Source Energy in others."

Adrian studied August carefully. "How did you learn all of this? You're not just some ordinary person, are you?"

August hesitated for a moment. "What you're saying is true, but I promise I'm not—"

"You're not a bad person. I know that much." Adrian interrupted, his expression sincere. "Anyone who smiles the way you do could never be evil."

For a moment, August was silent. Then, instead of delivering another punch, he tapped Adrian's chest lightly with his fist and smiled.

"Thanks."

Adrian grinned and adjusted his straw-hat-shaped helmet. August then reached into his pocket and pulled out several leaves, handing one to Adrian.

"What's this for?" Adrian asked.

"This will help determine your secondary attribute."

"Secondary?" Adrian tilted his head slightly.

"Your first attribute is Infuse—I can tell just by observing the flow of Source Energy within your body."

"How is a leaf supposed to reveal my other attribute?"

Instead of answering, August demonstrated. He placed a leaf in the palm of his right hand, then pressed it down with his left. After five seconds, he lifted his right hand and revealed the leaf to Adrian. A zigzag pattern had torn through its center.

"This shape signifies someone who can Read and Infuse," August explained. "By focusing your energy on the leaf, you'll find out which attributes you have."

"I think I get the gist of it." Adrian nodded, mimicking August's actions.

He closed his eyes, calming his mind and steadying his breath. Though he had only seen the technique once, he replicated it flawlessly—something that did not go unnoticed by August.

'He's unnatural… The way he grasps these concepts so quickly is remarkable,' August thought to himself.

Adrian visualized his energy, imagining it as a river flowing from his body to the leaf. He concentrated, directing his Source Energy in a single, controlled stream. When he lifted his hand, the leaf had been torn to shreds.

A wave of concern washed over him. "Is… is this bad?"

August shook his head. "Not at all. It means you're an InEn. The way the leaf tore signifies your battle potential and strength."

"So I can Enhance, too? I can't wait to get started!"

August nodded approvingly. "Now, I want you to visualize your Soul Core."

Adrian did as instructed, closing his eyes once more. Minutes passed, and frustration began to creep in. He clenched his teeth, exhaling sharply before rubbing his temples in irritation.

"I can't do it!" he groaned, using both hands to scratch his head in frustration.

"Relax, Adrian," August said patiently. "Calm your mind. Good things come to those who wait."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Did you come up with that yourself?"

"Nah." August laughed.

With a sigh, Adrian attempted again. This time, he focused on his breathing, silencing his thoughts. Slowly, something took shape in his mind—a small orb of light near his heart. It shined brightly, its silver hue pulsing with energy.

"I see it!" he exclaimed.

"Good. Now, visualize it as a mountain stream. Imagine the energy flowing from the core, branching out to every part of your body."

To master Enhance, one had to understand the nature of a river—how a single source could split into multiple streams. Adrian struggled at first, but after persistent effort, he successfully directed a single branch of energy to his right arm. As the energy coursed through him, his arm felt stronger than ever.

August pointed to a nearby wall. "Try punching that."

Adrian approached the wall, took a combative stance, and clenched his fist. With all his might, he struck. The moment his fist made contact, the wall crumbled instantly.

August smirked. "See? That's your strength. I may not be an Enhancer myself, but I know a thing or two."

"How do I Infuse?"

"The same way you channeled energy into your arm, extend it to your Trinket. That will activate your ability."

Adrian nodded. "I think I understand."

"Good, because now we move on." August's expression turned serious. "As we continue through the cavern, we'll encounter several beasts. You'll use them to hone your skills."

"Got it!"

Adrian had taken his first real steps in mastering Source Energy. He had grown stronger—but was it enough? Deeper within the cavern, an opponent awaited, one unlike any he had faced before.