**The Next Week - Mind Training**

The first rays of dawn illuminated the castle, heralding the start of Jay’s second week of training. Today, his training would take on a new dimension: the mind. Samira awaited him in the courtyard, her expression serious yet encouraging.

Samira met Jay in a quiet, secluded garden within the castle walls.

The air was cool, and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a serene backdrop.

Samira: (smiling) Morning, Jay. Ready to protect that mind of yours?

Jay: (grinning) As ready as I’ll ever be.

What’s first?

Samira: We need to build your mental defenses. Abilene’s powers include mind control and illusions, so we must prepare you for that.

Samira began by teaching Jay meditation techniques to center his thoughts and strengthen his mental resilience. They sat cross-legged on the ground, facing each other.

Samira: Close your eyes, Jay. Focus on your breathing. Imagine a fortress around your mind, impenetrable and strong.

Jay: (eyes closed) A fortress, got it.As Jay meditated, he felt a subtle shift within himself. The book of power he carried began to hum softly, resonating with his mind’s efforts.

MIDDAY ☀️

After hours of meditation, Samira decided to test Jay’s defenses. She had a limited ability to control minds and intended to use it to simulate an attack.

Samira:- Okay now we’ll start by strengthening your mind against illusions, corruption, and mind control. Abilene is a master of these dark arts, and you must be prepared.

Jay nodded, determined. Samira guided him to a secluded part of the courtyard, where the ancient texts and magical artifacts were laid out. She explained the first exercise.

Samira:- I have some skill in mind control. I will attempt to influence your mind, but don’t worry. This is just to help you build your defenses.

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Jay:- (nervously) Alright, I trust you.

Samira’s eyes glowed faintly as she focused her energy, attempting to breach Jay’s mental defenses. Jay felt a slight pressure in his head, but suddenly, the book strapped to his side began to glow with a soft, ethereal light. The pressure vanished instantly.

Samira:- (astonished) The book... it’s protecting you.

Jay:- (relieved) I felt it. The pressure just disappeared.

Samira:- (smiling) This is good. The book has created a barrier in your mind. It’s nearly impossible to break through. Let’s move on to illusions.

She conjured an illusion, the courtyard shifting into a dark, eerie forest. Jay’s surroundings blurred, and he felt a wave of disorientation.

Samira:- Remember, this is just an illusion. Focus and use your sixth sense.

Jay took a deep breath, closing his eyes to concentrate. He could hear the rustling of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, and the soft whisper of the wind. Slowly, he began to discern the real from the false, and with a surge of determination, he broke free from the illusion.

Jay:- (smiling) I did it!

Samira:- (proudly) Excellent. Your reaction speed and sixth sense are improving. But we need to refine this even further.

She explained the next part of the training: the ancient method called frequency training. They placed two bowls, one on each side of Jay’s head. Samira struck the bowls, producing a resonant, harmonious sound that echoed in Jay’s ears.

Samira:- This training serves three purposes. First, it will awaken you during a fight, preventing sleep illusions. Second, it will help you stay calm and fight intelligently. Third, it will train you to hear frequencies and sense your surroundings, even in complete darkness.

Jay closed his eyes, focusing on the sound frequencies vibrating around him. At first, it was disorienting, but gradually, he began to feel a heightened awareness.

Samira:- Imagine you are in complete darkness, surrounded by enemies. Use the frequencies to detect their presence and movements.

Jay concentrated, picturing the scenario Samira described. He could almost see the shadowy figures moving around him, guided by the subtle changes in sound.

Samira:- (softly) Now, move towards the source of the sound. Let your instincts guide you.

Jay moved cautiously, guided by the resonating frequencies. He reached out and touched the source, opening his eyes to see Samira smiling at him.

Jay:- (excitedly) It’s working! I can feel the difference.

Samira:- (nodding) This will be crucial when facing Abilene. She can shroud your surroundings in darkness and distort sound. This training will give you an edge.

The training continued from morning to sunset, each session pushing Jay further. By the end of the week, Jay’s mind was sharper, his senses more attuned to the subtlest changes in his environment.

Samira:- (proudly) You’ve done exceptionally well, my lord. Your mind is now a fortress, and your senses are razor-sharp.

Jay:- (grinning) Thanks to you, Samira. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.

As they walked back to the castle, Jay couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The bond between him and Samira had deepened, and he knew that with her help, he was becoming a formidable force against Abilene.

Jay:- (thoughtfully) Samira, do you really think I can defeat Abilene?

Samira:- (confidently) With your strength, the book’s power, and the training you’ve undergone, I have no doubt. You are destined for greatness, Jay.

Jay:- (curiosity) Oh one more thing how did I came here do you know? When I wake up I saw my shirt was half BURNED! But not a scratch on my body!

And do you know how it's owner ship work? My father gave me this book and I become it's owner?

Samira:- Well if your shirt was burned it's mean you teleported in sky and dropped on ground! And about the owner ship I know very little but it's feel like maybe if your father gave you this book it's mean maybe your father also like you and then he gave you!?

Jay:- But I never saw my father in any mysterious activity and by the question how this book got on my father's hand?

Samira:- We'll how would I know lord!

Jay:- Shit this curiosity is killing me! I will find out one day all of this question's answer "I SWEAR To GOD!

Samira:- (Tiredly) Okay lord for now let's get some sleep then we will! Good night my lord😴

Jay:- Oh yeah get some sleep! Good night!

The setting sun cast a golden glow over the castle and rise of the Moon as they returned to their chambers, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With Zara and Samira by his side, Jay felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. The real battle was yet to come, but he knew he was prepared.