Entering the room Alexander was met with an array of different spectrums of light.
Each unique ray possessed distinct properties, yet when they flowed around Alexander, they all felt remarkably normal.
Prana
Qi
Mana
Aura
Spiritual energy
These were the fundamental bases for the world.
These energies were the foundation for power, and what yields every path.
Of course, every being within Atheria is birthed with the ability to manipulate these energies at will, it's not so much an accomplishment as it is a natural gift.
Prana, in the context of paths, was a vital, universal energy that flows through the universe and all living beings. Universal controllers, naturalists, healers, and specific cultivators to name a few paths, rely on this energy to comprehend and grasp their given paths. For advancement, exceptional energy manipulation for a person's desired path was essential for growth.
Aura is energy produced when one mixes their mental and physical energies. It is often viewed as a manifestation of one's soul and acts as an extension of one's will, Aura holds no elemental characteristics but rather just the properties of the 'Initial; . With it, a user could unleash devastating attacks on a foe. Naturally, Aura was viewed as the most destructive of energies in Atheria,
Every path which dabbled with Aura caused nothing but destruction, a swordsman would never build or create.
A sword was an object of death.
An overrated stick with a single or duo of razor edges.
Of course, one could object by saying that if used properly a sword could be used to protect loved ones, etc.
While true, said wielder, would inevitably strike their foe if prompted.
Alexander desired to learn from these two energies, one represented death, fear, and destruction and the other was seen as one of life and creation.
Prana,
Aura,
Ignoring the arrays of light coding the room, Alexander walked toward the room's center.
What met his gaze was a large silver cube with sides roughly six meters in length.
The silver cube adorned countless runic inscriptions which channeled the surrounding energy into its core.
A dim muddled colored ethereal glow pulsed through the the silver exterior
Overylayed on the cubic's front was a small council that allowed users to choose their desired setting of difficulty and energy types.
[Setting of difficulty]
[1 - 2 - 3 - 4]
Engaging with the screen Alexander pressed one of the many choices offered by the counsel.
[Difficulty - 1]
[Users desired unit of energy - Qi - Prana - Spiritual Energy - Aura - Mana]
With a bland smile, Alexander contemplated his decision,
From the five choices sprawled before him, Alexander chose the two which he believed that training With would yield the highest results, as well as forging his 'Initial'
[Aura] - [Prana]
'It would be favorable to also train Qi, but already doing this is a risk,'
Anything further would render unnecessary risk to Alex's health, this was particularly due to Alexander's body.
With his current body constitution, Alexander's energy circuits struggled to retain energy for extended durations; pushing beyond this limit would be both difficult and potentially hazardous for his current self.
Alexander's current situation was akin to trying to fill a bucket full of holes with a steady stream of water. For a brief moment, the water might hold its form, but this wouldn't last long. Due to the bucket's porous nature, its contents would quickly drain away, which is precisely why a constant influx of water was necessary.
In general no matter how much of the energy was added to his body; it would always become released into the atmosphere.
This was the current problem with his body.
This caused him to become a tad bit restless, and the given reason why he entered this room in the first place.
[Process is to initiate, 10 → 9 → 8 → …]
"Phew,"
Soothing his mind from its current turmoil, Alexander reminded himself of the foreboding presented by Evelyn.
"Evelyn informed me that if I fail, it could lead to my body being further crippled."
"Damn fate," whispered Alexander.
[3 → 2 →] the machine's timer ticked and its number neared its end
[1]
Finalizing its sequence the silver cube opened countless micro-sized vents from its surface which immediately formed a powerful suction effect, effectively erasing the presence of any energy from the air within the room.
Falling to his knees Alexander started to spasm due to the lack of vitality in the air.
With the absence of energy he felt completely drained, it felt as if his whole being were constantly being suffocated.
The purpose of this room was to isolate a person from the presence of energy until their body was nearly on the verge of death.
As the end of life approached, the algorithm vigilantly tracked the individual's vital signs. When the moment was just right, it would step in, initiating a carefully orchestrated process to gradually infuse the person with the practitioner's preferred energies,
The process was essentially forcing a person's energy circuits to expand, tempering their body to mostly use the desired energy.
The process was inhumanely painful.
Grinding his teeth together Alex forced his body to conduct as trained.
'Remember, though it will feel as if you are dying, you're not, the room's algorithm is constantly monitoring your vitals,'
Alex attempted to recall what Evelyn reminded him, but the pain was just too much to bear!
His mind was filled with nothing but fear, he shivered as his body seemed to lose valor,
Hours passed,
Each grueling second was filled with nothing but the feeling of suffocation with the tearing of muscles and their decay.
"STOP IT!
"PLEASE
"AHHHHHH"
'Kill me!'
'Kill me!'
'Kill me!'
'Kill me!'
'Kill me!'
'Kill me!'
'Kill me!'
Alexander's body withered, and his muscles began to decay and shrivel.
His once flawless white skin transformed, giving rise to a patchy, wrinkled appearance.
The striking emerald eyes that once sparkled with life gradually lost their luster and receded deep into their sockets.
Several more hours passed.
The Algorithm had yet to initiate the introduction of Prana, and Aura..
But it felt as if he was dying!
Yet, he wasn't even close to dying!
Alex's body seemed like a husk, every little movement he made fractured his brittle bones and ripped through his delicate skin.
His chest rhythmically moved per accordance with his each feeble inhale and exhalation.
He no longer bore will to live, suicide would be a more optimal recreation than feeling this pain!
However, his current excuses of limbs just couldn't function that way.
His lower mandible or tongue wouldn't heed any of his commands,
For however long, time seemed to slow relative to his suffering.