February 28th, 1809

It was a bright yet breezy day, with the leaves rustling in the wind as the birds chirped with wonder from the tree branches.

Xavier, who was in the training grounds within his family's property, was being trained by Alcmena to help him activate RealmHeart at will. But they struggled, they struggled badly as it was still extremely hard for Xavier to even try to maintain it briefly.

Releasing his focus on trying to maintain RealmHeart, Xavier fell to the ground in exhaustion and exclaimed to Alcmena, "This is impossible to do, Master!".

"Stop whining and get back to concentrating", Alcmena retorted annoyed.

But Xavier continued complaining, stating, "We've been at it for weeks now, and even a whole year when we were in that realm of yours. And I still can't even maintain RealmHeart for a few seconds".

Alcmena merely sighed at Xavier's complaining, responding, "I understand how you feel kid, but not everything is going to be easy to obtain in life. So just don't give up, and let's keep going".

Laying flat down on the ground, Xavier exclaimed a bit discouraged that he still couldn't activate RealmHeart, "Can't we think of another method instead of me just trying to forcefully extract the draconic energy from the Dragon seed in my core?".

But Alcmena calmly replied, explaining to Xavier, "There's a reason why I have been trying to use that method".

"And that's because you stink at extracting ethereal energy from your own being, and using it".

"Plus, let's not forget that you don't even have an ethereal core, making it even more complicated and worse for you".

With an irritated expression, Xavier responded, "It's not my fault I'm bad at it! That's just how I was born!".

Taking deep breaths to calm himself down, Alcmena explained to Xavier, "Look kid, everyone is born with an ethereal core. And within them, is a boundless and endless supply of ethereal force".

"But just because there is an infinite source of energy in one's core, doesn't mean they will be able to extract and use it fully".

"And since you don't have an ethereal core, but an endless formless pool of ethereal energy flooding around like a heavy stormy sea in your being, it's incredibly hard for you to extract energy from it like how other people with a core do".

A bit confused, Xavier questioned, "So is this why I am unable to use RealmHeart?".

And Alcmen answered, "Yes".

"What I'm aiming to do is get you accustomed to forcefully extracting draconic energy from your Dragon seed, even if it doesn't succeed. This way, you'll be able to apply the same method and find it easier to extract ethereal energy from that endless pool of yours."

Struggling to admit his mistake due to his dragon pride, Alcmena added with an annoyed expression, "But I must say, it’s a very hard and downright foolish method for me to have given you."

"So don't blame yourself for failing—blame me," he continued.

With a little giggle, Xavier smirked and jokingly said to Alcmena, "Wow! This is the very first time I've seen you put your pride away, Ark".

"And you finally used that all-knowing mind of yours to explain things easier to me".

Flustered, Alcmena exclaimed, "Don't mess with me your brat! Plus, I'm not even all-knowing".

A bit confused, Xavier asked, "What do you mean by that, Master?".

Alcmena answered, "What I meant is that, though I possess the great wisdom since I've lived for so many years, I do not possess the nigh-omniscient level of intelligence I did before".

Xavier questioned, "Oh, so did you become dumb?".

"No I didn't!", Alcmena retorted utterly flustered. "What I meant, was that though I possess all of the abilities of my original body. I am actually at the same level of power and ethereal core stage as you".

"Or to simply put it, I am as weak as you. Plus, only Grand Herrschers are given a nigh-omniscient source of intelligence and power".

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With a frown on his face, Xavier replied, "To bluntly call me weak in my face... it's a bit mean".

Gently petting Xavier's head, Alcmena responded to him, "Don't get all sad kid, I'm only stating the truth".

"You big meanie," Xavier retorted, puffing his cheeks adorably.

Alcmena chuckled, and continued his explanation, "Anyways, I won't say weak for long. As long as you grow in power and advance your core stages, I will grow alongside you until I reach my original strength".

"That's a bit reassuring", Xavier replied. "Means I won't have to worry about being killed by strong enemies in the future, with you by my side".

Alcmena laughed, and said to him, "I'll make sure to get you as strong as possible to fight without me being there".

"I don't want you getting all lazy just because I'm there with you".

Xavier retorted, "You sure know how to bring down somebody's happiness, huh?".

"Don't be like that, Xavier", Alcmena answered. "It's for your own good".

At that moment, Anastasia walked into the immense training ground, carrying a service trolley filled with food and snacks, for both Xavier and Alcmena to eat after Anastasiaeir training.

"Greetings Young Master and Dragon Lord, Alcmena", Anastasia greeted, bowing her head.

"What's up, Miss Anastasia!", Xavier enthusiastically exclaimed, seeing Anastasia.

Anastasia giggled at Xavier's adorable reaction, and replied, "I'm doing great, Young Master".

"Are you still working on mastering that technique you mentioned?" Anastasia asked, her brow furrowing in thought. "What was it called again...? Oh, right—RealmHeart!" she exclaimed, the name suddenly coming back to her.

Alcmena answered, "Well we have been trying for weeks now, but he is still unable to use RealmHeart".

"And I guess the root of the problem lies in his difficulty extracting ethereal energy from his core. This makes it nearly impossible for him to tap into the power of the Dragon Seed, as it's directly tied to his endless pool of ethereal energy."

"That makes sense!", Anastasia exclaimed. "But this the very first time I've seen or heard about someone having extreme difficulties in trying to extract ethereal energy from their core".

"Same for me", Alcmena retorted a bit fatigued.

Overhearing Anastasia and Alcmena's conversation, Xavier's thoughts began to race. "If the issue lies in my lack of control over extracting ethereal energy from my core, then..."

Suddenly, he recalled the book Miss Faelwen had gifted him. That held detailed instructions on how to draw ethereal energy from one's core.

Dashing out of the training grounds without saying a word to Alcmena and Anastasia which left them both puzzled. Xavier returned a few minutes later, holding the book Miss Faelwen had gifted him.

"What's that Young Master?", Anastasia asked curiously peeking at the book.

"This is a gift my teacher, Miss Faelwen Brightmind, gave me", Xavier answered joyfully.

Looking at the book's front page, Alcmena commented, "Ah, one of the many books written by the elven race".

"So it's that elve teacher of yours, who gave you this book, huh?", he continued.

To which Xavier answered enthusiastically, "Yeah! And I'm very grateful for it!".

Opening the book, Xavier quickly skimmed through the first few pages, his cosmic eyes allowing him to absorb the information effortlessly. The text explained that while the flow of energy varies from person to person, the fundamental principles remain the same.

When it came to extracting ethereal energy from one's core, the key was to visualize the process in a way that felt natural and intuitive to the individual. By personalizing this mental image, the act of drawing out the energy would become easier and faster with practice.

As Xavier read the passage, he began to wonder how he could imagine extracting ethereal energy from his coreless body. His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed Alcmena flirting with Anastasia again. But what truly caught his attention was the sight of Alcmena sipping fruit juice through a straw, the drink made by Anastasia.

In that moment, inspiration struck Xavier. He immediately began to meditate, visualizing the process in his mind. He imagined the endless pool of energy within him and saw himself drawing it out just as Alcmena drank the juice—through a straw, effortlessly channeling the ethereal energy from his endless pool of energy into his being.

As he meditated, Xavier finally managed to tap into his Dragon Seed, which surged through him, carried by the stormy waves of ethereal energy. The connection was seamless, and as RealmHeart activated, a powerful, divine dragon-like aura enveloped him.

"Wow!" Xavier exclaimed in astonishment, feeling the newfound energy coursing through him. "My body feels lighter... and stronger!" he added, slowly clenching his fists, marveling at the strength and vitality that now pulsed within him.

Seeing Xavier in his RealmHeart state up close for the first time, Anastasia was stunned by the dramatic transformation in his appearance. His hair had grown slightly longer, turning a pure gold-like color that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. The right side of his body was now covered in intricate rune markings and symbols, pulsing with a mystical energy that seemed to radiate from within him. Anastasia could hardly believe her eyes as she took in the sight, captivated by the powerful aura that now surrounded Xavier.

"He finally did it!", Anastasia exclaimed in excitement.

"Yes, he did," Alcmena replied, a proud smile spreading across his face, his expression resembling that of a proud father.

But then, Xavier fell on his knees, feeling a bit dizzy, as RealmHeart swiftly deactivated itself.

"Are you alright Young Master!", Anastasia inquired stressed out, as she held Xavier up.

"He should be fine", Alcmena reassured Anastasia. "His body is just reacting to the change in ethereal energy it usually receives from Xavier's endless pool of energy".

"We should just give it time to adapt to it. And in the meantime, we'll work on him mastering RealmHeart."

"What do you say kid?", Alcmena asked Xavier, smirking.

"That sounds great!", Xavier retorted excitedly. "Now I can finally be able to use my vector powers properly again!".

Hearing Xavier’s excitement, Alcmena’s expression shifted to a more serious, yet saddened one. A heavy thought crossed his mind: "The reason he’s unable to properly use his powers isn’t because he’s been slacking off for months. It’s because, deep down, he’s subconsciously restraining himself, still haunted by the trauma of his father’s death."

Concluding his thoughts, Alcmena silently resolved, "It’s best not to tell the kid about this. Knowing the truth might only make things worse for him."