Just around his core, there lay a series of strange and mysterious patterns.
Tom tried to get a closer look at these strange patterns, but it was as if something was preventing him from doing so.
He thought, 'What are these intricate patterns, and what purpose do they serve?' After several minutes of unsuccessful attempts, he decided to leave it for later. Since he had finished observing the changes in his body, Tom felt it was time to test what he could do now.
He cautiously stepped out of the cave, tightly gripping his sword, and scanned the surroundings, fearful of another surprise attack. Thankfully, no enemies were in sight.
The sun had risen, but the forest remained dim due to the towering trees that blocked the sunlight. After waiting a little longer to ensure no creatures or monsters lurked nearby, Tom decided to venture forth.
He didn't want to stray too far from the cave, fearing he might lose his way back. As he explored the vicinity of the cave, he searched for a spacious, open area where he could test his powers without attracting unwanted attention.
After a few minutes of walking, Tom noticed something peculiar about the forest. Despite it being daytime, there was an eerie silence that engulfed the woods, making the atmosphere unsettling.
This discovery puzzled and unnerved Tom. After walking for thirty minutes, he finally found a suitable spot – a small clearing that wasn't far from his cave.
It was spacious enough, but the surrounding trees concealed it from view. The clearing provided a sense of safety, and Tom scanned the area again to ensure it was indeed free of danger. Satisfied, he thought, 'This will do.'
Wasting no time, Tom decided to begin his tests, fully aware that the area's emptiness might not last long.
Tom decided to start by focusing on his agility and speed. He found an open area in the clearing, free from obstacles and potential hazards, where he could perform his tests. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he prepared himself for what lay ahead.
Without wasting time, Tom began to run, gradually picking up speed. He felt a surge of excitement as he noticed the ground blurring beneath his feet. He was faster than he had ever been before, but he also realized that he wasn't yet at the level of the most accomplished Etherians.
As he continued running, he experimented with sudden stops and quick turns, testing his agility. To his surprise, he found himself able to change directions effortlessly, almost as if he were gliding through the air. He couldn't help but smile at his progress, knowing that there was still much room for improvement.
Next, Tom decided to push his endurance to the limit. He began a series of high-intensity exercises, incorporating jumps, sprints, and other physical feats.
As he exerted himself, he felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins, and he marveled at the fact that he didn't tire as quickly as he used to.
His body seemed to respond with newfound stamina and resilience. Although he wasn't yet capable of running long distances without fatigue, he noticed a significant improvement in his endurance compared to before unlocking the first seal.
With newfound determination, Tom continued his training, this time focusing on his strength. He approached a large rock and, with a deep breath, attempted to lift it.
As Tom approached the large rock, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The rock loomed before him, its rough surface challenging him to prove himself.
Placing his hands on the rock's surface, he let the strength within him flow freely, slowly but steadily, he focused his strength from his toes to his arms. The rock trembled slightly, and a spark of hope surged within him. He refused to give in to the weight of the rock, pushing back with all his might. His muscles strained, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead, but he persisted. It was like trying to move a mountain, but he was determined not to be defeated.
A triumphant grin spread across his face as he lifted the rock further. He continued to lift the rock, inch by inch, until it was finally hovering above the ground.
Despite the fatigue, a sense of euphoria coursed through Tom. He had tested the limits of his strength and found that he was capable of more than he ever imagined.
Although he couldn't lift massive boulders like some more seasoned Etherians, Tom was pleased with his progress.
In the tranquil embrace of the forest clearing, Tom steeled himself for the next phase of his training.
He was excited testing his newfound strength with the Etherium, but a sense of uncertainty gnawed at him. After all, he was still a novice Etherian, and the uncharted territory of his powers made him feel like a sailboat adrift in a storm.
As he tapped into the Etherium, he could feel its energy surging through him like a tempest. It was a chaotic and exhilarating sensation, but it also made him feel like he was losing control.
The once seamless flow of power he experienced in his previous test now felt tumultuous, like a wild river threatening to overflow its banks.
Tom took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself, but it was a struggle. He felt like he had unleashed a tempest within himself, and it was difficult to reign in the turbulent power coursing through his veins.
With great effort, he tried to focus on testing his agility and speed, but his movements were erratic. He dashed between trees with ferocious speed, but his control was compromised, causing him to trip and stumble more than once. It was like trying to tame a wild stallion, and he wasn't quite sure if he was the rider or the one being ridden.
Frustration gnawed at him, but he refused to give up. He pushed forward, attempting to bring order to the chaotic torrent of power. Gradually, he began to find some semblance of control, adjusting his movements to synchronize with the Etherium's flow. It was a delicate dance, and he stumbled and fell more times than he could count.
Tom's breaths came in heavy gasps, and his body was drenched in sweat as he fought to master the unpredictable energies within him. He realized that harnessing the power of the Etherium required more than just physical strength; it demanded mental discipline and a deep connection with the source of his abilities.
Next, he focused on testing his endurance. He sprinted through the forest, fueled by the tumultuous power of the Etherium. But as he pushed himself, he felt the surge of energy wane and ebb, leaving him feeling drained and disoriented.
The combination of his unsteady control and the exhaustion he experienced was a dangerous mix. He realized that he needed to be cautious, lest he overexert himself and leave himself vulnerable to potential dangers.
Torn between the desire to push his limits and the need to preserve his strength, Tom struggled to find a balance. He felt like a storm raged within him, and he was fighting to keep it from consuming him entirely.
Tom took a deep breath, trying to calm himself after the evident failure to control the Etherium as well as he desired. Frustration and disappointment gnawed at him, but he quickly resolved to push forward.
'Even if I can't master it today, I'll keep training until I succeed,' he thought with determination. 'But for now, let's put aside the physical training and begin testing the different powers.'