Chapter 23: KYREXI AMBASSADOR'S PROPOSAL AND CULTIVATION BREAKTHROUGH
Six months after the Oblivion Protocol defeat, Earth's landscape had transformed dramatically:
- **The Nexus System Emerges**: A mysterious energy field envelops the planet, allowing humans to cultivate supernatural abilities.
- Cities glow with soft, ethereal lights as people discover and harness their inner energy.
Axel Vaughn, Director of Phoenix Initiative, stood in the high-security meeting room, facing Kyrexi Ambassador Xarath.
Xarath's piercing blue eyes locked onto Axel's.
"Director Vaughn, our observations suggest Earth's Nexus system has vast potential. We propose an alliance to share technology and knowledge, accelerating both our civilizations' growth."
Axel raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
"What do you gain from this alliance, Ambassador?"
Xarath smiled.
"Access to Earth's unique Nexus energy signature. Our scientists believe it could enhance our own cultivation methods."
Meanwhile, in the cultivation training room...
Let's dive deeper into the story.
Master Lin stood beside Axel in the cultivation training room, a serene atmosphere enveloping them. Soft blue lights emanated from the walls, infused with gentle Nexus energy that seemed to resonate with Axel's aura.
"Today, Axel, you will attempt to break through to Qi Foundation level," Master Lin declared, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "The Nexus energy has been resonating with your aura for weeks, synchronizing your physical and spiritual bodies. Are you prepared to harness it fully and unlock your true potential?"
Axel nodded resolutely, his determination palpable.
"Yes, Master Lin. I've been training every day, sensing the Nexus energy coursing through my veins like lifeblood. I've studied the ancient cultivation texts you provided, practiced the meditation techniques, and pushed my physical limits to the extreme."
Master Lin smiled, impressed by Axel's dedication.
"Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, Axel. Your aura has grown stronger, and your connection to the Nexus energy is undeniable. Today, we will focus on stabilizing your Qi flow and amplifying your resonance.
Axel closed his eyes, focusing inward as Master Lin guided him through the meditation technique.
"Breathe deeply, Axel... inhale the Nexus energy through your crown chakra, exhale impurities through your root chakra."
Axel's chest rose and fell slowly as he inhaled the soft blue light surrounding him.
His mind quieted, and he visualized the Nexus energy coursing through his meridians like liquid silver.
Master Lin's voice whispered in his mind,
"Now, Axel, imagine your Qi coalescing into a brilliant pearl at your dantian... feel its power growing."
Axel's abdomen glowed softly as he concentrated on the pearl of energy forming within him.
Suddenly, his body began to vibrate intensely - the Nexus energy resonating at a higher frequency.
Master Lin exclaimed,
"Axel, your Qi is surging! Break through to Qi Foundation level now!"
Axel's eyes snapped open, and he unleashed his accumulated energy...
**BREAKTHROUGH ACHIEVED**
Axel's body erupted in a brilliant light as he reached **Qi Foundation** level.
His stats skyrocketed:
- **Physical Strength:** increased by 300% to 4500 lbs of force
- **Agility:** improved by 400% to 120 mph movement speed
- **Durability:** resistant to minor injuries, capable of withstanding 10-ton impacts
- **Qi Capacity:** expanded to store and manipulate 5000 units of Nexus energy
Axel's vision cleared, and he beheld Master Lin smiling proudly.
"Congratulations, Axel. Your breakthrough is remarkable. The Nexus energy resonates strongly with your aura - potential for even greater growth is evident."
As Axel absorbed Master Lin's words, his comms device beeped insistently.
Maya's urgent voice came through:
"Axel, we have a situation. Kyrexi Ambassador Xarath is attempting to leave Phoenix Initiative HQ with a strange device from our Nexus research lab.
Security feeds show him entering the east wing exit with:
Dr. Zhang, our lead Nexus researcher, visibly distressed beside him
Two heavily armed Kyrexi guards escorting them
A small, sleek device emitting a faint Nexus energy signature in Xarath's hand
Axel's instincts screamed warning - he swiftly turned to Master Lin.
"Master, I must attend to this immediately. Xarath's intentions seem hostile."
Master Lin nodded gravely.
"Go, Axel. Protect Phoenix Initiative and uncover Xarath's true motives. Your Qi Foundation breakthrough will serve you well in this confrontation."
Axel sprinted towards the east wing exit, his enhanced speed thanks to Qi Foundation cultivation allowing him to cover distance rapidly.
As he approached the exit doors, they slid open automatically - Axel beheld Xarath standing outside, device still in hand.
"Leaving so soon, Ambassador?" Axel asked calmly, eyes locked intensely on Xarath.
Xarath smiled smugly.
"Director Vaughn. Your... cultivation progress is impressive. But this device - is worth more than all your newfound powe
Xarath's eyes gleamed with intensity as he continued:
"This device, codenamed 'Nexus Harvester,' can absorb and replicate Earth's unique Nexus energy signature.
My empire will use it to enhance our own cultivation systems, surpassing even your planet's potential."
Dr. Zhang, still visibly shaken beside Xarath, spoke up:
"Axel, he threatened to harm my family if I didn't cooperate... this device is catastrophic."
Axel's expression turned icy.
"Xarath, you're not leaving with that device. Phoenix Initiative will destroy it, and you'll face trial for espionage and coercion."
Xarath sneered, nodding to his guards.
"Take him down. Nexus Harvester activation sequence will begin in 3 minutes - once started, it cannot be stopped."
The two Kyrexi guards charged towards Axel, drawing energy swords that crackled with blue-white electricity.
Axel cracked his knuckles, Qi energy swirling around him.
"Bring it on. I've just reached Qi Foundation level - let's see how you handle my new power
Axel unleashed a swift kick, enhanced by his Qi Foundation strength, striking one guard's chest plate with a loud clang.
The guard flew backward into a nearby pillar, crumbling the concrete.
The second guard slashed his energy sword downwards - Axel raised his hand, and a shimmering Qi shield materialized, absorbing the attack.
With a counterattack, Axel punched the guard's jaw with enhanced Qi-infused force - the guard's head snapped back, and he collapsed.
Xarath's eyes widened in surprise.
"Impossible... your cultivation level shouldn't grant such power!"
Dr. Zhang seized the distraction to break free from Xarath's grip and sprint towards Axel.
"Axel, Nexus Harvester countdown: 2 minutes 15 seconds! We must destroy it!"
Axel nodded, turning to face Xarath.
"It's over. Surrender the device."
Xarath snarled, activating a hidden wrist device -
*A blinding flash enveloped the area, and Axel instinctively raised his Qi shield to protect himself and Dr. Zhang.*
When the light faded, Xarath was gone - but a holographic display flickered to life in front of Axel:
**"NEXUS HARVESTER ACTIVATION SEQUENCE INITIATED**
**TIME REMAINING: 1 MINUTE 45 SECONDS**
**SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE ENGAGED - DEVICE WILL EXPLODE IF NOT DISABLED REMOTELY"**
Dr. Zhang's eyes widened in horror.
"Axel, we must hack into their system to disable it - or it'll destroy half of Phoenix Initiative HQ!"
Axel swiftly accessed the Kyrexi frequency using his comms device, connecting with Maya back in the control room.
"Maya, hack into Kyrexi systems - Nexus Harvester remote disable code needed. NOW."
Maya's voice came through urgently.