The next morning, Mohit awoke with a strange mix of exhaustion and excitement. His body still ached from yesterday's encounter with the spiritual beast, but inside, the warmth of the energy flame still lingered. It was faint, but undeniable.
He sat on the edge of his bed, tracing his fingers along the faint shimmer in the air, wondering how to control it. His mind raced with questions:
How strong is this energy?
Can I grow it?
What will happen if I push too far?
He recalled the words from the floating messages in the dark space:
Void Sense – Active
Shadow Step – Locked
Mohit knew he couldn't rely on instinct alone. He needed to understand this energy, his new abilities, and how to cultivate them before the next encounter.
Morning Practice
In the quiet of his room, he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. Slowly, he imagined drawing energy from the surrounding air, feeling it flow like a soft current through his veins.
At first, nothing happened. Then, a faint glow appeared around his hands, barely visible. He gasped and kept concentrating, willing the warmth to expand into his arms and legs. The glow spread slowly, unevenly, like water seeping through sand.
Mohit opened his eyes. His heart skipped. The faint aura pulsed gently, synchronizing with his heartbeat.
It's working…
He continued, practicing simple movements — raising a hand, pushing the energy outward, feeling its weight. Each attempt drained him slightly, but he felt stronger with every repetition.
Understanding the Flow
By late morning, Mohit had made a discovery. The energy wasn't just warmth or light. It was responsive. It reacted to intention, emotion, and focus.
Anger made it unstable, wild.
Calmness made it steady, controllable.
Determination amplified its reach.
He realized his first rule of cultivation:
Control comes from the mind, not the body.
Testing Shadow Step
Mohit focused on the locked ability — Shadow Step. He envisioned moving a short distance instantaneously, imagining the air bending around him. Nothing happened.
He tried again, slower, with deliberate focus. His body tingled. A faint ripple of movement brushed the air around him, almost imperceptible.
I was close…
He exhaled, letting his body relax. Progress came slowly, but it was progress nonetheless.
Afternoon Discovery
After hours of training, Mohit stepped outside. The streets were quiet, yet the subtle vibration of spiritual energy seemed stronger here than inside his room.
He spotted a loose brick at the edge of the sidewalk. Without thinking, he directed a small pulse of energy at it. The brick trembled and wobbled. A small crack appeared.
Mohit's eyes widened.
So I can influence objects…
He experimented more — rocks, dust, even the leaves of a small plant nearby. Everything responded in proportion to his focus and strength.
He realized something exciting: this energy wasn't just for survival. It was a tool. A weapon. A way to shape the world.
Evening Reflection
As night fell, Mohit returned home, exhausted but exhilarated. He sat by the window, looking at the faintly glowing city lights.
Tomorrow, I'll push further. I'll strengthen the aura. I'll be ready for anything… even the spiritual beast.
Somewhere in the distance, a faint echo of glowing eyes appeared, watching, waiting. Mohit shivered, but this time it wasn't fear. It was anticipation.
The world is bigger than I imagined… and I'm ready to step into it.