Behind the Orpheus family's City of Hope estate lay an expansive open field, lush with greenery and vibrant with life.
Jaylen strolled through the field, his eyes scanning for a tranquil spot where he could meditate away from those two troublemakers who wouldn't let him.
The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filled the air, creating a serene backdrop. Relying on his heightened senses, he hoped to find a place where he could immerse himself in nature and find the peace he sought.
After a few moments, he found the perfect location: a secluded area where a small, clear stream wound its way through the field. The soft gurgle of the water flowing over smooth stones added a soothing rhythm to the surroundings.
Jaylen felt a sense of calm wash over him as if the spot itself was inviting him to stay.
He sat down and crossed his legs into a lotus position, taking a deep breath. His exhalation was long and measured, his breathing gradually becoming more rhythmic and controlled as he focused inward.
Jaylen's sea of consciousness was a bright place filled with grey skies. Falling from these clouds were the petals of a platinum rose-tinted with black smoke. Laying in the center of this place was a crystalline sapling pulsating with energy.
Its crystalline structure shimmered, flashing a myriad of colors that seemed to dance in a mesmerizing display. This sapling, his elemental core, was the source of his power.
A projection of Jaylen appeared beside it, a spectral version of himself that existed within this inner realm. The projection's eyes opened, taking in the sight of the radiant sapling.
Drawing his attention to the sapling, Jaylen concentrated deeply, reaching out with his mind.
He sought to communicate with the core of his being, to uncover the secrets that would enable him to harness Chaos energy and move beyond his current limitations.
The crystalline sapling responded to his intent, its colors shifting in response to his focus. Jaylen felt a connection forming, a subtle link between his consciousness and the sapling's pulsating energy.
As he delved deeper into this connection, the world around him faded away. The sound of the stream, the rustling leaves, the chirping birds—all were replaced by the steady rhythm of the sapling's pulse. Jaylen's emotions, a turbulent storm just moments ago, began to settle.
And though it felt like mere minutes had passed as Jaylen communicated with his sapling, in reality, only a second had slipped by in the outside world.
Within the depths of his sea of consciousness, Jaylen's projection opened its eyes with newfound clarity. "I've got it,"
"To advance to the next stage, I need a deeper understanding of one of my techniques. I was already close to a breakthrough. Mastering another technique might push me not just to the next stage, but perhaps even beyond."
The thrill of this revelation coursed through Jaylen, electrifying his every nerve. He finally had a way to improve his cultivation than just digging in the dark and hoping something works.
Now, the challenge lies in choosing the right technique to focus on.
Immediately, he dismissed 'Lightning Blitz.' Though powerful, it was primarily a sword technique aligned closely with the lightning element.
He needed something more intrinsic to his bloodline, something that harmonized with the Chaos energy he sought to wield.
Jaylen sifted through his repertoire, methodically ruling out each sword technique, He had a direction for swordsmanship. Introducing another Dragon sword technique right now would dilute his efforts.
Instead, he turned his attention to his close combat skills—an area that had revealed its shortcomings during his bout with Miss Xirenia.
Determined, Jaylen decided to hone his hand-to-hand combat skills. There were numerous techniques he needed to perfect, but his priority was clear: to find a close combat technique that could synergize with Chaos energy.
Immersing himself deeper into his consciousness, he sought to access the knowledge embedded within his bloodline. Though he could only glimpse a fraction of this ancient wisdom, it was enough to guide him.
As he delved through the archives of his lineage, one technique stood out—'Dragon Fist.' The name alone resonated with primal power, evoking the might and ferocity of his Lineage. Focusing on this technique, Jaylen's mind unraveled its secrets.
Just as Jaylen was going to leave his sea of consciousness a voice called out for him "Operator, Are you just going to leave without saying hi?"
Knowing exactly where the voice came from Jaylen's spectral figure disappeared, before reappearing in a different part of his consciousness.
There in front of him seated in a chair tightly bound by chains was another him or more correctly was his spector a manifestation of his soul.
"Why would I want to greet you" He asked blankly staring down at his spector.
"Aw, come on you come here and don't greet me it's lonely here, you know" His spector complained in mock sadness.
"Don't play with me Proto, I don't have time for your games" Turning on his feet Jaylen began to walk away.
Watching Jaylen walk away a malicious smile grew on Proto's face as his face was overtaken by anger "Walk away I don't care, But just know the next time you put on such a pathic display I'll be taking over."
"Yeah sure" Jaylen brushed him off with a dismissive wave, then, in an instant, he disappeared completely from the vast expanse of his Sea of Consciousness, leaving only a ripple in the still waters of thought.
Returning to the physical world, he opened his eyes, determination burning within them like a newly ignited flame. "Sorry Proto, but that'll never happen"
The clarity he had sought was now his, illuminating the path forward. His emotions, once a tempest of frustration and doubt, had transformed into a steady resolve. The peaceful setting, with the stream flowing serenely beside him, felt like a silent witness to his newfound purpose.
Jaylen stood up, stretching his limbs as he adjusted to the physical realm once more. He knew he needed a different place to practice 'Dragon Fist,' not wanting to disrupt the tranquility of this secluded area.
This spot, he decided, would be his sanctuary for meditation and introspection, a place he would return to when he needed clarity.
As he walked away, the serene sounds of the stream and the rustling leaves gradually faded, replaced by the determined rhythm of his footsteps.
***
A few days later, Jaylen and Brandon were walking together, making their way out of the school to start their weekend.
Brandon had insisted on walking with Jaylen because he had something important to discuss. Sarah had other commitments at school, so she wouldn't be joining them. Jaylen had a suspicion about what Brandon wanted to talk about.
Stopping in a more secluded spot, Brandon initiated the conversation.
"Jaylen, I wanted to let you know something. I don't think you've noticed, but Yuki has been missing more days of school lately. I'd keep my eyes open if I were you. She might challenge you to a fight any day now."
"Really? I hadn't noticed," Jaylen replied, his tone dismissive.
"I've been more focused on things that matter to me, not on someone still stuck in the past." Despite his words, Jaylen knew he was being hypocritical. He too was haunted by the past, bound by its chains tighter than he cared to admit.
Brandon let out a sigh and shook his head. "How confident are you that you could beat her in a fight?"
Jaylen chuckled. "One hundred percent. I don't think she can beat me at all. She never won against me when we were younger, and no matter how strong she's gotten, I've been getting stronger too."
"If you say so," Brandon replied, placing a hand on Jaylen's shoulder. "Let's get out of here. You still have training to do, right?"
As they walked away, they didn't notice the figure cloaked in darkness standing nearby, holding a notebook. The figure's voice echoed softly in the silence, "This is going to be a great scoop."