The days that followed were a blur of practice and quiet contemplation. Kael had chosen to remain secluded in his small corner of the orphanage, away from the other children, to focus on his training. Every morning, he would wake early before the sun had fully risen, feeling the pulse of energy coursing through him like a quiet undercurrent.
Ethereal Insight had become more than just a passive gift; it was a tool, a guide that helped him navigate the vast expanse of his own body and mind. With each passing day, his understanding grew. He could now focus on every muscle fiber, every bone, every nerve. The smallest imperfection in his form stood out like a sore thumb, and with the guidance of his mind, he began to strengthen them, one by one.
The process wasn't easy. His body had been neglected for so long that the initial changes were painfully slow. But Kael was undeterred. He had an unwavering belief in his abilities, especially with Boundless Austerity reducing the effort required for each task. What would have taken others months, even years, he could accomplish in mere days.
But even with the gift of infinite cost reduction, Kael had to take things step by step. His skin was the first to undergo a transformation. It had always been thin, pale, and fragile, a testament to years of malnutrition and harsh conditions. Now, under the effects of his cultivation, it began to thicken and firm up, turning into something much more resilient. The bruises from his previous altercations faded away faster than they should have, his body repairing itself with unnatural speed.
Kael would spend hours every day focused on his skin—stretching, breathing, and forcing it to strengthen. At first, it had been nothing but a dull ache, a sensation like pressure pushing from the inside out. But slowly, his body adapted. The tingling sensation was replaced by a deep, comforting warmth. His skin felt sturdier now, like the bark of an ancient tree. It was still far from perfect, but it was a noticeable improvement.
His appearance, too, had begun to change, though in subtler ways. His once gaunt face, lined with sharp angles and hollow cheeks, had filled out slightly. The sharpness in his features was still there, but it was less pronounced, softened by the changes in his body. His skin, though still imperfect, had taken on a healthy glow—a stark contrast to the ashen pallor of his former self. The transformation was subtle but undeniable.
When Kael looked at his reflection in the cracked mirror hanging on the wall of the orphanage, he didn't see the same fragile boy who had been ridiculed and neglected. He saw someone who was becoming stronger, more capable. The face staring back at him was a little less haunting, a little more alive.
Still, he knew this was just the beginning. Strengthening his skin was only a small part of the process. The true challenge lay in strengthening his muscles, his bones, and eventually his very core. Every step forward was another layer added to the foundation of his new self.
The village of Grey Hollow was beginning to notice his absence. The other children had grown used to his quiet demeanor and solitary nature. They no longer tormented him with the same frequency, though there were still occasional sneers or jabs. But for the first time, Kael didn't feel the sting of their words. He knew he was changing—changing in ways they would never understand. They were still living in their small world, unaware of the potential that was awakening inside him.
One afternoon, as Kael practiced his techniques outside the orphanage, a figure approached him. The tall, imposing form of Jaren, one of the older boys from the village, came into view. Jaren had always been a bully, one of the ringleaders of the group that had tormented Kael for years. His fists had often been the ones that left bruises on Kael's body, and his words had left scars that had run deeper than any physical wound.
Jaren's eyes narrowed as he took in Kael's focused posture. Kael continued with his exercise, ignoring the older boy's presence. He had no time for distractions—no interest in indulging in old rivalries. But Jaren was persistent.
"Hey, freak," Jaren called, his voice carrying a hint of malice. "You think you're special now?"
Kael didn't answer. He didn't even look up.
Jaren snorted, a sound that was more out of irritation than actual amusement. "You've always been weak. You think some little exercises are going to change that?"
Kael took a deep breath and continued with his movements, his body fluid and controlled. He was aware of Jaren's presence, but he refused to let it affect him.
"I'm not interested in your games anymore," Kael said quietly, his voice steady but firm. "I'm done."
Jaren's face twisted with anger. He took a step forward, his fists clenched. "You think you can ignore me, huh? You think you can just get stronger and pretend like you're better than everyone else?"
Kael's eyes remained fixed ahead, his posture never wavering. "I'm not better than anyone. But I will be stronger."
That was all he said.
Jaren, enraged by the calmness in Kael's voice, lunged forward with a growl. He swung a heavy fist toward Kael's face, the blow coming fast and with the intent to hurt. But Kael didn't flinch. His body had changed. He was no longer the fragile boy who had been beaten without resistance. His skin, fortified by days of cultivation, absorbed the impact without even a flinch.
The sound of a crack echoed through the air. Jaren's eyes widened in shock as he recoiled, clutching his hand. His fingers were bent at an unnatural angle, the bones broken from the force of the impact. He stumbled back, his face contorted in pain and disbelief.
"You… you're not the same," Jaren gasped, staring at his hand as if he couldn't comprehend what had just happened.
Kael stood there, unmoving, his expression cold. "No, I'm not. And I won't be the same."
Jaren's gaze hardened as he looked up at Kael, realizing that the boy he had once tormented was no longer the weak, defenseless target he had known. Without a word, Jaren turned and stalked away, clutching his broken hand.
Kael watched him go, his heart calm. He knew this was only the beginning. The world would soon see that he was no longer the outcast, the weakling. He was on a path to strength, to power, and to something much greater.
The first step had been taken.
In this chapter, Kael's journey toward physical and mental transformation continues, as he faces his first test against his old tormentors. His new abilities give him an edge, but it's clear that his path will be filled with challenges, both external and internal.