Chapter 54: The Whispered Path

Dune left the class, his mind swirling with the weight of what he had just learned. The academy's corridors were wide and ornate, lined with high ceilings and adorned with intricate carvings of mythical beasts and legendary battles.

Sunlight streamed through tall, stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the marble floors. Students moved about in small groups, their hushed conversations a backdrop to Dune's turbulent thoughts.

Once outside, Dune made his way to the academy gardens, a tranquil space filled with vibrant flowers and meticulously trimmed hedges.

He found a secluded bench near a fountain, where the soft sound of water splashing offered some solace. He needed a moment to gather his thoughts and seek answers from within.

"Evelyn, are you here? Is what Damion said true? Can you really advance Neba to a different color through rituals?" he asked his inner creature, his voice a whisper in the peaceful surroundings.

There was silence, a moment of stillness that stretched on until a soft, melodious voice resonated in his mind. "Yes, that's true," Evelyn replied, her tone calm and reassuring. "But it's different for Zetens. Zetens, instead of rituals, must complete their Zeten creature orders to advance. Our case is unique, Dune.

We are already at the peak, but it will be challenging for you to fully control our White Zeten."

Dune listened intently, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Evelyn continued, "There are ten different steps. The first five depend on emotions. Experiencing the peak of an emotion will upgrade your white Neba and boost it by 5% each time.

For example, currently, you're at 1 or 2%. You need to reach 5% mastery, which means you must train and consistently use your Zeten. Once you reach 5%, you need to advance to 10% instantly, which requires you to upgrade from step 10 to 9.

The 10th emotion you need to experience is pain, not physical but emotional. You need to experience loss. That's how you pass the 10th level and advance to 9, upgrading your Zeten to 10% mastery."

Dune felt a knot tighten in his chest as Evelyn explained further. "9 is failure, 8 is Physical Pain, 7 is Loneliness, and 6 is Rage and Anger.

By experiencing these emotions at their peak, you will continue to upgrade yourself. Completing my own Zeten memory scenarios will make it easier for you to advance."

The implications of Evelyn's words weighed heavily on Dune. The path to mastering his White Zeten was not just about physical strength but an emotional journey fraught with challenges and pain.

He had to confront the deepest parts of his psyche, embracing and mastering emotions that could either break him or make him stronger.

He rose from the bench, the serenity of the garden contrasting sharply with the storm brewing within him.

As he walked back towards the academy's main building, the grandeur of the architecture seemed to loom over him, a reminder of the immense journey that lay ahead.

Determined but wary, Dune knew that his path was now set. He would have to confront his inner demons and embrace the tumultuous road of emotional mastery.

The academy and its teachings were just the beginning; the true test lay within the depths of his own soul.

Dune met with his friends Ezra, Liam, Ned, and Atlas in a spacious room within the castle territory.

The room was filled with opulent furniture, dark wooden paneling, and large windows that let in the soft evening light, casting long shadows across the polished floor.

They gathered around a large, round table, the weight of their recent lessons at the academy heavy on their minds.

Atlas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "They aren't going to tell us how to upgrade our own Nebas... but there has to be a way to find the right ritual."

Liam leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "By the way, what are we going to do about the Beast Tournament?"

Ned chimed in, curiosity evident in his voice. "Yeah, we need a plan."

Ezra and Liam spoke in unison, "We already got our beasts."

Liam continued, "We will all join the tournament. Dune, Atlas, Ned, you three should start searching for a beast for yourselves. The tournament is in 50 days. Who knows, We might win."

They all nodded in agreement, the determination clear in their eyes. After their meeting, Dune made his way back to his own home. The familiar surroundings usually brought him comfort, but tonight, his mind was a whirl of thoughts.

How can I get a beast? Should I ask Cel or Damion? My and Cel's training lessons start tomorrow... I'll just ask him then.

Suddenly, his chest began to glow, filling the entire room with a brilliant white light. Dune gasped as a creature emerged from the light, standing four meters tall.

It was Evelyn, a beautiful white being with the sleek body of a cat and majestic wings.

Dune jumped back in surprise. "Evelyn?"

The creature nodded, her form shimmering slightly in the light.

In his mind, her familiar, soothing voice spoke. "Yes, it's me, Dune. Use me to join the tournament."

Dune was both happy and puzzled. "Are you sure, Evelyn?"

Evelyn nodded again, her eyes glowing with a gentle but resolute light. With a sense of relief and newfound confidence, Dune realized he had his beast for the tournament. Evelyn's presence reassured him, filling him with a calm determination.

As the light faded and Evelyn returned to his chest, resting within his heart, Dune felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and purpose.

He climbed into bed, the events of the day swirling in his mind. With Evelyn's power and guidance, he felt more prepared for the challenges ahead.

Dune lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing with questions. As the moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across his room, he decided to seek answers from Evelyn.

"Evelyn," he began in his mind, "I also have Neba, which is much worse than weak green Neba. Do you know if it's possible to upgrade it to green? There was no information about it in the document."

There was a brief silence, then Evelyn's soothing voice filled his mind. "There is a way to upgrade your Neba to green, but I don't know how."

Dune sighed, but this time it was a sigh of relief rather than frustration. "I see," he responded, feeling a surge of hope. He was not sad, but happy.

He now knew that there was a possibility to upgrade his own Neba too.

His eyelids grew heavy, and soon, he drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.