Chapter 8 – 4 Basic Xenova Techniques

The sky that had originally glowed orange was now completely swallowed by the darkness of night. The sun had completely set in the horizon, signaling the end of the first test. Cain, still panting after running through the last obstacle, stood on the deck of the ship with his knees almost giving out.

"The first test is hereby concluded!" The voice of the organizer echoed in the air, bringing relief to some and disappointment to others.

Down below, several newly arrived participants rushed towards the ship with panting breaths. However, the organizers only shook their heads. "The time limit has expired. Those who do not board the ship before sunset... have been disqualified."

Some faces paled instantly showing panic, while others refused to accept reality. Some participants even tried to negotiate, but the decision was final. The organizers showed no mercy.

Meanwhile, on the ship, the atmosphere was far different. Some laughed in satisfaction at having survived, while others simply sat there silently, still processing what they had just gone through. Cain looked around, realizing that there were fewer participants left than he had expected.

He took a deep breath, feeling the fatigue wash over his body. Hundreds of participants had begun this trial, but only a few had made it through. And he, somehow, was among them.

"This is just the beginning," he murmured softly, turning his gaze to the sea that shimmered under the moonlight.

After the small commotion caused by the disqualification of the latecomers, the mood on the ship had begun to calm down. All who remained were now gathered on the deck, awaiting further instructions from the committee. Before them stood a well-built man in the Arcaneum uniform, his eyes sharp as a hawk's as he watched each participant.

"Congratulations to those of you who have successfully passed the first trial," his voice was deep and authoritative. "However, do not be complacent too soon. This is just the beginning of your journey."

Several participants gulped, realizing that greater challenges might await.

"The second trial will be held tomorrow at sunrise," he continued. "Use this night well, rest, recuperate, or prepare. Whatever you choose, make sure you do not waste this opportunity."

Cain silently breathed a sigh of relief. Although his body felt crushed after the first test, at least he had time to catch his breath before facing the next challenge.

"We will not tell you the details of the second test right now," the man continued. "However, one thing you need to remember is that this test will not only measure physical strength, but also your intelligence, strategy, and survival skills. Be prepared."

After giving the announcement, the committee left the deck, leaving the participants to their own thoughts. Some immediately looked for a place to rest, while others began to discuss and analyze the possible tests they would face tomorrow.

Cain, who was still standing where he was, bit his lip softly. If the first test was so brutal, he could not imagine what the second test would be like. However, one thing he knew for sure was that he had to survive.

His thoughts were mixed up, the night that should have been a time for rest was filled with anxiety. However, before he could get any further lost in thought, a hoarse voice broke the silence.

"You're still alive, huh? I thought he had torn you apart," a man said jokingly.

Cain turned his head and saw a thin man in a loose robe that hid most of his body. His face was covered by the shadow of the hood, but from his faint smile, this man seemed to have no ill intentions. This person was the one he had seen earlier in the Arcaneum grounds.

"Him?" Cain frowned, then immediately realized who he meant. "You mean that silver-haired woman?"

The man in the loose robe chuckled. "Who else? I didn't expect anyone to be brave enough to walk beside her without losing their lives."

Cain sighed, realizing that the person in front of him knew the woman. "Do you know anything about her?"

The man didn't answer right away, his eyes scanning Cain for a moment before finally saying, "Her name is Shion Vaelcrest. She's not one to make friends. If she still lets you live, it's because you're still entertaining her."

Cain felt his throat dry up hearing that, remembering everything he had been through. "Entertaining her..."

"She doesn't see people as comrades, but as toys or dolls. If you don't interest her, she'll throw you away... or destroy you. So, if you still intend to stay around her, make sure you keep her attention. Or at least, don't be boring."

Cain recalled their interaction in the forest. The way Shion helped only at certain times, his calm but interested expression whenever he struggled to survive. Now it all made sense that he wasn't just helping him, he was enjoying his suffering, his body shivering as he recalled the scene.

The man patted his shoulder lightly. "Here's my advice, don't get too close to her if you want to live long."

Cain looked at him, thinking for a moment before extending his hand. "I'm Cain. You seem to know quite a lot. Who are you?"

The man paused for a moment, then smiled faintly and shook Cain's hand. "What do people call me? Lyon. Just a guy who likes to watch from the shadows."

Cain felt that although this man had a rather intimidating aura, at least he didn't show any ill intentions. They chatted for a while before Lyon finally left, leaving Cain with his mind filled with more questions.

After his conversation with Lyon, Cain decided not to waste any more time. All the questions about Shion, the second trial, and the other participants he had to put aside for now. Right now, the most important thing was to prepare himself.

He saw some people starting to enter the ship after some conversations with the committee, the participants had been provided with rooms according to the numbers that had been given during the Arcaneum field.

With steady steps, he walked towards the ship's interior and walked along the corridor looking for the room that had been assigned to him, room number 816. When he opened the door, he found a simple room, only containing a bed, a small table, and a lantern in the corner of the room. Nothing fancy, but enough to rest.

Cain sat on the bed, took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. Eliminating all his thoughts and focusing on one thing, he began to meditate.

Slowly, his mind calmed down. The outside world disappeared, and all that was left was himself and the energy flowing inside his body, Xenova. This time, the flow felt different. Lighter, more natural.

So far, Cain had felt as if Xenova was something foreign to his body, like a wild power that he had difficulty controlling. But now, after going through various pressures during the first test, he began to feel it more clearly.

Xenova was not just a power. It was a part of him.

Cain tried to control the flow. He imagined the energy flowing from the center of his body to all parts of his body, following a path that he had determined for himself. Unlike before, when it felt heavy and difficult to control, the flow now moved more smoothly, as if adjusting to his will.

After a while, he tried to channel Xenova into his palms. Little by little, the energy began to be felt, like a warm current flowing under his skin. Although it was still far from perfect, this was great progress.

Cain still sat cross-legged on the bed, letting his mind sink into the flow of Xenova that now felt more natural in his body. At that moment, memories of training with Rin came back to his mind.

Rin had said, "Before trying more complicated things, you must first understand the basics of Xenova. There are four main techniques that every Xenova user must master."

Cain remembered how Rin explained it calmly but firmly.

1. Resonance

"Xenova is like a pulse, like a breath that is always inside you. The first technique you must master is Resonance, which is to feel and align yourself with Xenova in your body."

At first, Cain had difficulty. He often felt Xenova as something foreign, but now, after the various pressures he went through during the first exam, Resonance felt much easier.

2. Control Flow

"Once you can feel Xenova, you must learn to flow it steadily. This is called Control Flow. Without this technique, your Xenova will be wild and uncontrollable."

Rin had once told him to move Xenova from one hand to another, then to his feet, over and over until he could feel the movement of the energy naturally. Although it was difficult at first, the training eventually helped him understand how Xenova worked inside his body, and now he could achieve the second technique well.

3. Materialization Focus

"Once you can control the flow of Xenova, the next step is to use it for real. In other words, you must be able to materialize the effects of Xenova, whether to strengthen your body, speed up your movements, or even create something."

Cain still couldn't materialize Xenova well, but he knew how important this technique was. In battle, the speed and accuracy of using Xenova could be the difference between life and death.

4. Energy Release

"The last technique is Energy Release. This is the most basic form of attack using Xenova, whether in the form of an energy blast, a projectile shot, or something even more complex."

Cain remembered how Rin had shown this technique by easily gathering Xenova into one point, then releasing it in the form of a powerful energy thrust. However, when Cain had tried it before, he had not been able to release Xenova's energy outside his body at all.

"I'm still far from being an expert, but at least I understand the basics."

Cain took a deep breath, still sitting on his bed. The flow of Xenova in his body now felt more stable, but still, compared to the other participants he had met today, he was still far below them.

Shion, who could control everything with just the movement of her fingers. Lyon, who for some reason felt unaffected by the harsh terrain of the first exam. The other participants who had easily defeated the monsters that had almost killed him, even without using Xenova.

Compared to them…

"I'm still weak."

His mind repeated the words, but this time without any sense of despair. He admitted it, he accepted the fact, but he would not give up.

"I'm not the strongest, not the fastest, not the most talented. But I'm still here."

Cain clenched his fists. His failure on the test field earlier, the despair when he fell, even how he was forced to negotiate with the silver-haired woman just to survive were all proof that he could still improve.

"I will squeeze all the energy out of my brain, use everything I have, utilize everything around me. I don't care how hard the next test is. I will move forward."

After ending Xenova's training session, Cain took the small bag on his waist.

Cain opened the small bag that Rin had given him before the test began. From the start, the committee had not taken it, which meant that the items inside did not violate the test rules.

He took a deep breath and began to check the contents one by one.

A water bottle was essential for hydration, especially if the second test was taking place on harsh terrain.

A few energy bars were a practical food source, enough to last a whole day.

A small pocket knife was not a primary weapon, but it could be useful in various situations.

A thin but strong rope, perhaps useful for setting traps or assisting in climbing.

A small black ball, this is the smoke bomb that Rin told me about and how to use it is by pressing the small white button on its surface.

Cain strategized in his mind.

"If tomorrow's exam is a survival or exploration exam, water and food will definitely be the main assets. The pocket knife may not be enough to fight monsters, but it can be used to cut things. The rope can save me in a critical situation. This smoke bomb can be used to escape and block the enemy's view."

His eyes stared at the paper with the strange symbol for a while longer.

"Rin definitely wouldn't give it to me for no reason."

Cain held the blue crystal tightly.

"I have to find out more about this thing before the second exam starts."

He sighed and put his things away carefully. The second exam might be more dangerous than he imagined, and he couldn't waste any of what he had.