The energy suits fit perfectly, each one tailored to its wearer's physique and abilities. Alex, Elara, Serena, and Nia stood together in their shared quarters, marveling at the sleek, futuristic designs. The suits glowed faintly with the energy flowing through them, the pulsing lines of light moving with their bodies, hinting at the advanced technology embedded within. The weight of their old scavenger gear was a distant memory. Now, they looked and felt like something more than survivors—something powerful, even if they hadn't fully unlocked their potential.
Elara shifted in her suit, testing its flexibility. The suit moved effortlessly with her, allowing her to stretch and twist without any resistance. "This... this feels incredible," she said, half in wonder and half in disbelief. "I never imagined we'd have anything like this."
Serena stood nearby, her fingers tracing the glowing lines of her suit, her expression thoughtful. "These aren't just normal suits," she said, glancing at Alex. "There's something more to them, isn't there?"
Alex nodded, pleased with their reactions. "They're designed to enhance and channel energy. They'll boost our physical abilities and protect us in ways you can't yet imagine. But the suits are only as good as the person wearing them. That's why we're going to start training today."
Nia, the youngest of the group, bounced on the balls of her feet, her suit glowing faintly with each movement. "Training? You mean like learning to use energy arts, like you?" she asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Exactly," Alex replied, his tone serious but encouraging. "You've seen glimpses of what I can do, but I've only just scratched the surface. If we're going to be ready for what's coming, you'll need to learn how to control your energy. And I'm going to teach you."
Elara, Serena, and Nia exchanged glances. They were eager, but Alex could sense the uncertainty beneath their excitement. Energy arts were powerful, but they were also difficult to master. He had spent countless hours training and honing his abilities with the help of the AI, and he knew that his companions were just beginning their journey.
Alex took a deep breath and began. "The first thing you need to understand is that everyone has energy inside them. It's like a current flowing through your body, and learning to control it is the key to mastering energy arts. Today, I'm going to teach you a technique called Energy Rotation. It's the foundation of everything we'll do going forward."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "Energy Rotation? What does that mean?"
"It means learning to move your energy through your body in a controlled, continuous loop," Alex explained. "By circulating your energy, you can expand your reserves, strengthen your connection to it, and eventually use it for more advanced techniques."
He raised his hand, and a soft glow appeared around his palm as he demonstrated the technique. The energy lines on his suit pulsed in sync with the flow of energy, amplifying and guiding it. "It's simple in theory, but difficult in practice. The key is to feel the energy inside you, then guide it through your body in a loop—circulating it from your core to your limbs and back."
Elara, Serena, and Nia watched intently as Alex dispersed the energy, letting the glow fade. He could see the curiosity in their eyes, but he also sensed their hesitation. This was uncharted territory for them.
"Now, close your eyes and focus," Alex instructed. "Feel the energy inside you. It's there, even if you can't sense it right away. Start by visualizing it as a current flowing through your veins."
Elara was the first to try. She closed her eyes, her brow furrowed in concentration. Her hands rested at her sides, and for a moment, there was silence as she focused inward. But after a few minutes, her face twisted in frustration.
"I can't... I don't feel anything," Elara muttered, opening her eyes.
Serena and Nia were faring no better. Serena's usually calm expression was strained as she tried to follow Alex's instructions, but nothing was happening. Nia looked confused, her small hands clenched as she concentrated with all her might.
"It's not working," Nia said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Alex sighed, realizing that this was going to be harder than he had anticipated. Learning to control energy wasn't easy, especially for those who hadn't been trained in it. He had the advantage of the AI guiding him, but his companions didn't have that luxury.
"Don't worry," Alex said, stepping closer to them. "This is normal. It takes time to feel your energy, let alone control it. But I can help."
Elara looked at him, her frustration giving way to curiosity. "How?"
"I'm going to guide your energy for you," Alex said, moving to stand behind Elara. "Sometimes, it helps to have someone channel their energy into you so you can feel how it flows. Once you feel it, it'll be easier to control."
Elara hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."
Alex placed his hands gently on Elara's back, just between her shoulder blades. He could feel the tension in her muscles, the frustration that had built up from her failed attempts. Closing his eyes, Alex focused on his own energy, channeling it through his hands and into Elara's body.
At first, there was nothing—just the faint hum of energy within him. But then, slowly, he began to direct his energy into Elara, sending it through her back and into her core. The lines on their suits pulsed in unison as the energy connected them.
"Do you feel that?" Alex asked softly.
Elara gasped, her eyes widening as the sensation hit her. She could feel the warmth of Alex's energy flowing into her, spreading through her body like a gentle current. It was unlike anything she had felt before—like a new part of herself was awakening.
"I feel it," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "It's... it's flowing through me."
Alex smiled, though his eyes remained closed in concentration. "Good. Now, focus on that feeling. Don't try to control it yet—just let it flow. Feel how it moves through your body, how it circulates."
Elara's breathing slowed as she relaxed into the sensation. The energy flowed smoothly now, moving through her core, down her arms, and back up again. For the first time, she could feel the energy inside her, guided by Alex's touch.
Alex kept his hands steady on her back, maintaining the connection. "Now, I'm going to let go," he said quietly. "When I do, I want you to keep the energy moving. Don't force it—just guide it."
Elara nodded, her eyes closed in concentration. Slowly, Alex began to withdraw his energy, pulling it back into himself. The glow on his hands faded, but the connection between them remained.
For a moment, Elara's energy faltered, like a stream losing its flow. But then, to Alex's surprise, she regained control. The energy began to move on its own, circulating through her body in a steady, rhythmic flow.
"I'm doing it," Elara said, her voice filled with quiet triumph. "I can feel it moving."
Alex smiled, stepping back. "Good. Keep practicing that. The more you circulate your energy, the stronger your connection will become."
Elara opened her eyes, and for the first time, Alex saw a spark of confidence in them. She had taken the first step, and now she was ready for more.
"Thank you, Alex," she said softly.
Before Alex could respond, Serena stepped forward, her expression determined. "I want to try," she said, her voice steady. "Can you help me like you did with Elara?"
Alex nodded, moving toward her. "Of course. Let's get started."
He repeated the process, placing his hands on Serena's back and channeling his energy into her. It was slower this time—Serena's natural control made her more resistant to external influence. But gradually, she began to feel the energy moving, her body responding to Alex's guidance.
One by one, Alex helped each of them feel their energy, guiding them until they could control it on their own. It was a slow process, but by the end of the session, all three of them had taken their first steps toward mastering energy rotation.
As the training session came to an end, Alex stood back and watched his companions. Elara, Serena, and Nia were exhausted but determined. They had struggled, but they had also succeeded, and Alex knew that this was just the beginning.
"We'll continue tomorrow," Alex said, his voice filled with quiet pride. "You're doing well. Keep practicing the rotation technique, and soon it'll become second nature."
Elara wiped the sweat from her brow, her tired smile a testament to the effort she had put in. "I can't believe I finally felt it. Thank you, Alex."
Serena nodded, her face flushed but focused. "This is harder than I thought, but I'm ready for more."
Nia, despite her exhaustion, grinned. "I can't wait for the next lesson!"
Alex smiled at them all, knowing that together, they would grow stronger. And with each passing day, they would be one step closer to mastering the power they would need to survive the challenges ahead.