Chereads / The Inner Beast / Chapter 16 - Ways of the Jade Dragon

Chapter 16 - Ways of the Jade Dragon

The individuals who had stood beside Jade as he lay unconscious had already fled into hiding; it was the first time they had ever witnessed such a profound transformation.

As the dust settled and the echoes of destruction faded, Jade found himself standing amidst the wreckage, the remnants of the dragon's rage still smoldering within him. However, beneath the subsiding adrenaline rush and clearing mind, a profound wave of guilt and horror washed over him. He finally comprehended the extent of devastation he had caused and the lives lost due to his uncontrollable anger.

In that moment of clarity, Jade resolved to make amends and undo the irreparable damage he had wrought. Yet, before he could take action, an unfamiliar sensation enveloped him. It felt as though he was being summoned to another realm, an unexplained compulsion urging him elsewhere.

Without warning, Jade vanished, leaving naught but confusion and chaos in his wake. His friends and allies scoured the surrounding area in search of him, yet he remained elusive. Rumors circulated of a mysterious figure, glimpsed in the distance—a shadowy presence with glowing red eyes and scales adorning their skin.

Whispers spread, some suggesting that Jade had succumbed to the dragon's influence, consumed by its power and eternally lost to the darkness. Others believed he had selflessly sacrificed himself to redeem those he had harmed, atoning for his sins. Nonetheless, the truth behind Jade's enigmatic disappearance remained shrouded, a clandestine narrative murmured amongst those who had witnessed the havoc he had unleashed.

As Jade opened his eyes, he discovered himself in an eerie, desolate landscape, barren of life and color. The land beneath his feet appeared ashen and cracked, stretching infinitely in all directions. No signs of flora or fauna were present; it appeared devoid of all vitality.

Confusion and fear gripped Jade as he recognized that he had arrived in a reality entirely unlike any he had ever experienced before. There was naught but an oppressive stillness, no sounds, no movements; an unsettling silence weighed heavily upon him.

While aimlessly traversing the desolate expanse, an overwhelming sense of hopelessness began seeping into Jade's being. How had he ended up in this desolate void? Was it a punishment for the devastation he had wrought upon his own world?

Yet, as Jade persisted in his exploration, subtle shifts in his surroundings caught his attention. Shadows danced at the edges of his vision, whispers echoed through the emptiness, and enigmatic symbols materialized and vanished within the air.

Gradually, realization dawned upon Jade that this dimension harbored secrets beyond its apparent lifelessness. It existed as a realm of malleable realities, where the boundaries blurred between dreams and wakefulness, past and present.

Brimming with newfound determination, Jade embarked on a quest to navigate this peculiar dimension, tirelessly pursuing a means to return to his own world. As he delved deeper into its mysteries, he unearthed concealed truths about himself and the dormant power residing within his core. Slowly but surely, he began comprehending that this dimension was not a prison but rather a crucible for transformation and awakening.

Amongst the desolate landscape, an emerald radiance suddenly drew Jade's attention. His gaze locked onto a majestic jade dragon with scales shimmering amidst the dim light. The dragon's eyes exuded tranquility and wisdom as they met Jade's.

"You have come seeking answers, Jade," the dragon spoke in a deep, resonant voice. "I am the guardian of this realm, and it was I who brought you here. Within you lies a power you have yet to grasp. I am here to train you in the ways of the jade dragon, so you may unlock your true potential."

Jade stood awestruck by the dragon's words, an undeniably curious and intrigued spark vitalizing his spirit. Nodding, he accepted the dragon's offer of tutelage.

And so, beneath the watchful gaze of the dragon, Jade embarked upon his training. The dragon taught him to harness the energy of the earth and elements, guiding him in channeling his inner strength and sharpening his focus. Through rigorous physical exercises, meditation, and mental challenges, Jade unearthed latent abilities and powers he never knew existed within him.

As the duo traversed the dimension's mysteries, the dragon shared tales of ancient battles, valiant deeds, and the utmost significance of balance and harmony in all aspects of existence. Jade absorbed not just the physical aspects of combat and martial arts but also imbibed lessons of humility, patience, and respect for all living beings.

Weeks melded into days, and Jade's training advanced steadily. A newfound sense of purpose and confidence engulfed him, as if he had finally stepped into his true self. The jade dragon transformed from a mentor to a companion, inspiring Jade upon a path of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Eventually, as their training neared conclusion, the dragon addressed Jade once more. "You have traversed far, my young apprentice. Your unyielding spirit, courage, and determination have shone throughout. Now, the time has come for you to return to your own realm, armed with the knowledge and skills acquired here. Remember the lessons bestowed upon you, and may the spirit of the jade dragon forever guide your path."

With all Jade had learned so far, the dragon declared, "I shall now impart upon you the three most potent skills the world has ever beheld, and aid you in unlocking the full transformation of the dragon within."

Jade found himself standing in the clearing, ready to embark on a journey of learning the skills that would transform him into a formidable warrior. It was time for the jade dragon to teach Jade his first skill - the Crashing Cascade. This technique would enable Jade to control the might of earth and water, overpowering his adversaries.

The dragon gracefully demonstrated the technique, his claws weaving through the air with elegance. Suddenly, a torrent of water and earth erupted from the ground, cascading down upon an invisible opponent in a display of elemental power.

"Now it's your turn, Jade," the dragon instructed, motioning for him to follow suit. Taking a deep breath, Jade absorbed the dragon's movements and tapped into the elements surrounding him. He felt the earth beneath him quiver and the air crackling with electricity as he unleashed the Crashing Cascade.

An intense surge of water and earth surged forth, colliding with a nearby tree and reducing it to fragmented debris. The sheer strength he had summoned from the elements left Jade in awe.

With pride gleaming in its eyes, the jade dragon nodded approvingly. "Well done, Jade. You have mastered the Crashing Cascade, a skill that few have been able to wield. Remember, great power demands great responsibility. Utilize this technique wisely, and it will serve you well in the encounters that lie ahead."

Jade felt his excitement surge, knowing that he had taken his first step towards true mastery. Guided by the jade dragon, Jade was determined to face whatever challenges came his way armed with the newly harnessed ability of the Crashing Cascade.

As Jade continued his training, the dragon introduced him to another formidable skill - Wave Mastery. This skill allowed Jade to manipulate the flow of energy, generating powerful waves that could stagger opponents and disrupt their attacks.

Demonstrating the technique, the jade dragon's scales shimmered with energy as it channeled its focus into a swirling vortex of power. With a thunderous roar, it unleashed a colossal wave that crashed against the trees, causing them to sway and groan under its immense force.

"Now, it is time for you to learn, Jade," the dragon proclaimed, turning its expectant gaze towards him. Jade steeled himself, channeling his energy and focusing his inner strength. With a swift motion of his arms, he tapped into the Wave Mastery skill, sensing the energy around him respond to his command.

A surge of immense power rippled through the air at astonishing speed. The force collided with a nearby boulder, launching it into the air before it shattered into fragments upon landing. The control and strength Jade possessed over the elements were awe-inspiring.

The jade dragon nodded in satisfaction, a pleased expression on its face. "You have done well, Jade. Wave Mastery is a challenge to master, yet you have displayed remarkable potential. Always remember, true mastery requires dedicated practice. Continuously refine your skills, and you will become an unstoppable force."

Bolstered by newfound determination and confidence, Jade understood that he was prepared to confront any obstacle that lay ahead. Empowered by the elements, he possessed the skills and strength needed to overcome any adversity.

Following his mastery of the Wave Mastery technique, Jade eagerly resumed his training with the jade dragon, eager to acquire even more potent skills. Sensing Jade's unwavering resolve, the wise dragon decided it was time to teach him the intricate and elusive skill of Tricky Power.

Tricky Power demanded a profound understanding of energy manipulation and quick thinking. This skill involved crafting illusions and harnessing light and shadows to confuse and disorient opponents.

Jade listened attentively as the dragon demonstrated the Tricky Power technique. Its scales shimmered and shifted, casting twisting shadows all around. In an instant, the dragon seemed to spawn multiple images, each one moving with fluid grace and unpredictability.

"Now, it is your turn, Jade," the dragon encouraged, its eyes brimming with anticipation. Jade inhaled deeply, centering his energy and concentration. Focusing his power, he skillfully engaged the Tricky Power technique, observing the energy around him resonate with his directive.

Illusions danced and flickered, enveloping him in a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. Jade moved with agility, causing the illusions to twist and gyrate with hypnotic grace. His opponents struggled to keep up, their attacks thwarted by the unpredictable nature of Jade's illusions.

The jade dragon beamed, its face reflecting approval. "Well done, Jade. Tricky Power demands creativity and quick thinking. Your potential for mastering this skill is remarkable. Remember, the key to unleashing the potential of Tricky Power lies in staying ahead of your adversary. Always think several moves ahead."

With an enhanced sense of confidence and mastery, Jade felt invincible. Armed with the combination of Wave Mastery and Tricky Power, he knew he was ready to confront any challenge. The jade dragon stood proudly, observing as Jade continued his tireless training, perfecting the art of illusion and manipulation. Jade was indeed transforming into an unstoppable force.