The sky, once clear and radiant, darkened suddenly, as if someone had turned off the light with the flick of a switch.
Amid the mantle of stars covering the newly formed night, an imposing figure emerged: a green Chinese dragon, colossal and majestic, whose presence dominated the firmament.
Kaelor, stunned by the sight, whispered almost unconsciously:
"Shenlong..."
The dragon's deep and serene voice echoed through the air, powerful and unmistakable:
"Yes, what is your wish?"
Recovering from the impact of the apparition, Kaelor raised his eyes to the divine creature and made his request with determination:
"I want to be sent to the planet Yardrat."
Shenlong nodded silently, and his body glowed with an intense golden light.
Before Kaelor could blink, he felt an energy envelop him, and in an instant, he was transported to Yardrat, the home of the mysterious spiritual masters.
In a spacious, enclosed chamber, a short and robust Yardrat stood out among the others.
His friendly features and serene expression revealed a figure of leadership. He observed calmly, exuding authority without needing words.
Outside, amid the vast expanses of a desert, an unusual energy suddenly pulsed, like a wave breaking the silence.
Pybara, the elder of Yardrat, immediately sensed the presence and turned to a tall, slender Yardrat.
With his long limbs, pink skin, and large, expressive eyes, he had a distinctive appearance, typical of his subspecies.
Pybara spoke firmly: "Someone teleported to the Great Rocky Sea. Let's find them and uncover their intentions."
The tall Yardrat nodded, and both focused. As they discussed their next actions, the energy began to wane, growing unstable.
Sensing the risk of losing the trace, they quickly teleported to the site.
Upon arrival, the visitor observed the surrounding scenery. The desert was vast and barren, filled with rocks sculpted by the wind. Nothing there seemed different from a common desert on Earth.
A little anxious, he closed his eyes, expanding his perception to track the Ki of the inhabitants.
Focusing on the north, he sensed the presence of several gathered energies, indicating a city or perhaps a meeting point.
Before he could decide to head in that direction, an energy began to materialize around him.
He stopped, sensing the approach.
A smile played on his lips as he murmured to himself: "So they decided to come to me instead of me seeking them out... Interesting."
A tall and slender Yardrat approached with a friendly gesture and, pointing to the robust Yardrat beside him, said:
"Greetings, stranger. I am Qyra, and this is the great elder Pytara."
Kaelor, always polite and cordial, responded proactively, with a relaxed smile:
"Hey there, all good? My name's Kaelor. I've heard you guys have some interesting techniques around here, so I came seeking guidance."
Pytara, as a peaceful leader, was unfazed by Kaelor's informal tone. His smile was gentle and welcoming.
"Your demeanor reflects a calm heart. It is our pleasure to guide those who seek virtue and the Yardratian way of life."
Satisfied at having found what he was looking for, Kaelor smiled back.
However, before he could say anything further, Pytara stepped closer and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. In the blink of an eye, the two teleported to a raised platform.
Upon their arrival, Kaelor noticed several Yardrats observing with curiosity, while others feigned disinterest.
The lightness and peace of the environment were remarkable. Gradually feeling more at ease, Kaelor unconsciously relaxed.
Qyra then turned and said:
"Follow me, Kaelor." He then guided Kaelor, Pytara, and the others to a large hall, where the soft sound of footsteps echoed in the tranquility of the space.
When everyone settled into the wide hall, a reverent silence hung in the air. Pytara, standing in a prominent position, was about to begin his speech, explaining the situation and what Kaelor could learn under his guidance.
However, before he could utter the first words, Kaelor abruptly interrupted him.
"I want to learn the Instant Transmission technique," Kaelor declared, straightforward and unapologetic.
Pytara raised an eyebrow, surprised by the visitor's impatience. With a thoughtful tone, he replied:
"Very well. But to learn any technique of the Yardrat people, one must first master the control of spirit..."
Before he could finish, Kaelor interrupted him again, leaning slightly forward.
"I already understand what you call control of the spirit. It's just another name for Ki, and I've already mastered it."
There was a brief moment of silence in the room. Pytara sighed lightly, adjusting his posture with an expression of tested patience.
"Very well," he said, measuring his words. "You seem eager to learn. Qyra will be responsible for guiding you."
Qyra stepped forward, maintaining his calm and didactic tone.
"Before we begin, it's important that you understand the foundations of this technique, its dangers, and the requirements for mastering it."
As they walked through an open space in the hall, Qyra began to explain:
"The Instant Transmission technique is not something learned through sheer force or persistence. First, you need a sharp sense for Ki, capable of locating the energy of the person or place you wish to teleport to. This connection is essential, as you can only move to where you can clearly sense the Ki."
He continued, his voice firm yet welcoming:
"Moreover, the energy required for the technique varies. The greater the distance you intend to cover, the more energy you will need. Attempting to transport yourself without sufficient energy can be dangerous or, at the very least, ineffective."
Kaelor listened attentively, absorbing every detail. Qyra then added:
"Now, let's begin with a simple exercise to attune your Ki to the environment around you. Focus and find a fixed point you can clearly identify. This is the foundation for building your Instant Transmission ability."
The lesson had only just begun, but Kaelor could feel his excitement growing.
Finally, he was on his way to mastering one of the most iconic techniques of the Yardrat people.
Kaelor sat in a meditative position in the center of a floating platform, surrounded by an ethereal landscape of pulsating energy that the Yardrats used for training.
The air around him seemed to vibrate with controlled calm, while Qyra, standing before him, watched with attentive eyes and a serene posture.
"The Instant Transmission technique begins with perception," Qyra explained, his voice low and clear. "Close your eyes, Kaelor. Do not see with them. Feel with your Ki. Find the closest presence that resonates like a flame in the void."
Kaelor obeyed, breathing deeply to silence his mind. Gradually, he began to sense something beyond the silence.
There were pulses of energy around him, each unique, like the beats of distant hearts.
He identified Qyra's Ki, near and steady, but also felt others farther away, some signatures vibrating faintly at the edges of his perception.
"Do you feel it?" Qyra asked, leaning slightly. "Ki is both your anchor and your destination. Focus on a point. Visualize it not just as a place but as an extension of yourself."
Kaelor frowned, concentrating on one of the more distant energies. It was like trying to grasp a moving shadow, but he persisted, ignoring the distractions around him.
"Now, connect with it," Qyra instructed. "Let your energy align with its own. Only then can you transport yourself."
Kaelor extended his perception like an invisible bridge, linking his energy to the one he sensed. The connection felt almost tangible, like a fine thread pulling him toward the point of Ki.
"It's time to leap," Qyra said, stepping back. "But remember: it's not just a movement. It's a surrender. You must trust the flow of Ki to guide you."
Kaelor took a deep breath, gathering his energy.
In an instant, he launched himself into the connection.
The world around him warped in a burst of light and sound, as if he were being pulled through an invisible whirlpool.
When he opened his eyes, he was in a new location—a tranquil clearing within the same training environment, with Qyra standing beside him.
"You did it," Qyra said, with a faint smile.
Kaelor was satisfied with himself. He had already mastered Instant Transmission, and in his mind, he had learned everything the Yardrats had to offer.
As he gazed at the horizon of planet Yardrat, with its floating rock formations and vibrant sky, he turned to Qyra with a relaxed smile.
"Well, I think that wraps up my stay here," Kaelor said casually. "Thanks for the lessons. This teleportation technique is going to be very useful."
Qyra, who had remained silent until that moment, stepped forward, crossing his arms with a calm yet slightly amused expression.
"Do you really think we're finished? There's more to learn, Kaelor. Techniques that few outsiders have even heard of."
Kaelor furrowed his brow in confusion. "More? What could possibly be as useful as teleportation?"
Tilting his head, Qyra calmly replied, "The Forced Spirit Fission. It's an advanced technique that allows you to undo spiritual fusions or absorptions, like those performed by beings who assimilate Ki and power from others. It's especially effective against those who rely on stolen energies to grow."
The impact of Qyra's words hit Kaelor like a bolt of lightning. He stood agape, staring at the tall Yardrat. His mind raced.
"Forced Spirit Fission?" he thought, his eyes widening. "This... this wasn't in the original story! Or was it? No, it wasn't. I've never heard of it!"
Crossing his arms in an attempt to maintain composure, his excitement nevertheless overflowed.
"That technique sounds incredible," he said, with a hint of disbelief in his voice.
Kaelor murmured, "You can actually undo fusions? Separate absorptions like Moro's? That's... surreal."
Qyra nodded, his eyes gleaming with peaceful wisdom.
"It's a technique that demands absolute control of the spirit. Those who master it can even undo the deepest connections between spiritual essences. Of course, it requires patience, focus, and a strong heart."
Kaelor couldn't hide his amazement. He clenched his fists and smiled to himself.
"I have to learn this," he thought.
Noticing Kaelor's enthusiasm, Qyra stepped forward and extended his hand in a welcoming gesture.
"Then let's begin. First, you must understand that Forced Spirit Fission is not about strength alone, but about understanding spiritual connections. Come, I will guide you."
With that, Qyra began explaining the fundamentals of the technique, talking about the need to perceive the energy currents that bind one spirit to another.
Kaelor followed every word attentively, his focus completely absorbed in the learning process.