The air in the secluded chamber of their inn hummed faintly with Etherion. Eragon sat cross-legged on the floor, his hands resting on his knees, his breathing slow and controlled. Before him, Lunara stood in her beast form, her silver fur glowing faintly as she channeled her energy into the air around them.
"You're close," Lunara said, her voice steady and encouraging. "But the breakthrough won't come without a push. Etherion responds to intent, Eragon. Show it your resolve."
Eragon nodded, his determination unshaken. For the past two days, he had thrown himself into cultivation, following Lunara's guidance and the cryptic advice of the system. The fruits of their efforts were undeniable—his Etherion reserves had expanded, and his control over the energy was more precise than ever.
Still, the barrier between the Fledgling and Adept realms loomed like an unyielding wall.
"Focus on your core," Lunara instructed, her silver eyes fixed on him. "Feel the flow of Etherion, the rhythm of its pulse. Draw it inward, then release it outward in waves."
Eragon obeyed, closing his eyes and letting his mind delve deep into his inner energy. The Etherion within him surged, a golden torrent swirling like a storm. He reached out with his will, commanding it to expand, to break free of the constraints holding it back.
But the resistance was immense, like trying to move a mountain with a single push. Sweat dripped down his brow as he strained against the invisible force.
"You're fighting too hard," Lunara said, stepping closer. "Etherion isn't just about strength; it's about harmony. Let me help."
She lowered her head, her fur shimmering as she released a gentle wave of her own Etherion. The energy enveloped Eragon, soothing his frayed nerves and easing the chaotic flow within him.
"Better?" she asked.
Eragon exhaled, nodding. "Much."
The system's interface flashed in his mind, interrupting the moment.
System Notification:
Quest Update: Break Through to Adept Realm
Reward: Increased Etherion capacity, new skill unlock, and shop access expansion.
The promise of new skills and expanded options reignited Eragon's determination. He shared the update with Lunara, who chuckled softly.
"The system always knows how to motivate you, doesn't it?"
"It's like having a personal cheerleader," Eragon replied with a grin. "But this time, I don't want to just rely on rewards. I want to break through because I need to."
"Good," Lunara said. "Because your next challenge will demand it."
Later that evening, Eragon and Lunara ventured into the outskirts of Velarith, where wild Etherion energy coalesced in dense pockets. It was a place where Beastbinders often trained, testing their skills against lesser beasts drawn to the energy.
As they walked, Lunara paused, her ears twitching. "We're being watched."
Eragon tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his dagger. "Where?"
Before she could respond, a blur of movement darted from the shadows. A lithe, feline beast with shimmering scales and glowing eyes lunged toward them, its claws slicing through the air.
Eragon reacted instantly, summoning a burst of Etherion to form a protective barrier. The beast's claws skidded off the golden energy, and it landed gracefully a few feet away, its tail flicking in annoyance.
"A Prism Panther," Lunara said, her tone wary. "Not an easy opponent."
The beast snarled, its body flickering as it blended into the surroundings. Eragon's eyes darted around, searching for any sign of its movements.
"Focus, Eragon," Lunara said. "Use your Etherion to sense its presence. Trust the flow."
He closed his eyes, letting the energy guide him. A faint ripple to his left alerted him just in time to dodge another attack. The panther reappeared, its fangs bared.
The battle was relentless. The Prism Panther's speed and stealth tested every ounce of Eragon's skill, forcing him to push his Etherion control to its limits. He conjured energy blades to counter its attacks, each strike becoming more precise as he adapted to the beast's movements.
Lunara remained on the sidelines, offering advice but refraining from intervening. "This is your fight," she said. "You're ready for this."
Eragon's confidence grew with each exchange, and finally, he saw his opening. As the panther lunged again, he unleashed a burst of Etherion that enveloped the beast, immobilizing it in a cocoon of golden light.
"Got you," he muttered, his chest heaving.
The panther struggled briefly before relaxing, its glowing eyes locking onto his. Eragon felt a surge of recognition—a bond waiting to be formed.
The system interface appeared once more.
System Notification:
New Beast Detected: Prism Panther
Bond Option Available.
Reward: Etherion Growth Boost.
Eragon extended his hand, his Etherion resonating with the panther's energy. A moment later, the bond was sealed, and the beast's form shimmered, shrinking until a young woman with feline features stood before him. Her eyes glowed faintly as she bowed.
"I am Selene," she said, her voice soft but firm. "Your strength has earned my loyalty."
Lunara stepped forward, her gaze appraising. "You'll be a valuable ally."
Eragon smiled. "Welcome to the team, Selene."
As they returned to the city, Eragon felt the Etherion within him stir more strongly than ever. The battle, the bond—it had all brought him closer to the breakthrough he sought.
That night, as he meditated once more, the golden storm in his core surged with renewed vigor. He was ready.
"I can feel it," he whispered to Lunara. "Tomorrow, I'll ascend."
"And when you do," she said with a proud smile, "your journey will truly begin."