The morning sun bathed the ruins in a soft golden light. Mohit adjusted his backpack, feeling the energy from the hidden crystal still pulsing faintly inside him. Today, however, was different. He wasn't training alone.
Aryan was already waiting, seated cross-legged on a flat stone. His aura shimmered faintly, calm and controlled.
"Ready?" Aryan asked with a small smile.
Mohit nodded. "Let's start."
First Team Training
Aryan explained the plan. "We will train together. You will focus on controlling your energy, and I will guide you. Then we'll test your reaction against a minor spiritual beast nearby."
The two began with basic synchronization exercises:
Mirroring Movements: Aryan moved his hands, guiding subtle energy flows, and Mohit mirrored each movement. This sharpened focus and control.
Energy Sharing: Mohit learned to extend a small portion of his aura toward Aryan, keeping it steady. The sensation was new — like letting someone into his own power.
Observation: Aryan made Mohit observe ambient energy patterns, noting the flow through leaves, water ripples, and the air itself.
By mid-morning, Mohit could feel his aura more steady and expansive than ever. He realized that training with another cultivator not only increased his control but also taught him perception and timing.
Encountering a New Beast
After lunch, Aryan led Mohit toward a small clearing near the forest edge. Mohit's senses tingled — he felt a denser, more focused energy than before.
From behind a cluster of bushes, a shadow moved. The new creature was larger than any Mohit had faced: black fur streaked with glowing red veins, eyes like molten gold. Its movements were calculated and fast.
"It's stronger than yesterday," Aryan warned. "But it's still a minor spiritual beast. Observe it before acting."
Mohit nodded, feeling the familiar thrill mixed with caution.
Applying Teamwork
The beast lunged suddenly. Mohit instinctively reacted, sending a small pulse of energy to slow it down. Aryan moved fluidly beside him, creating a counter-energy barrier to redirect the creature without harming it.
Mohit realized the difference: alone, he would have relied on instinct and brute force. Together, they could control, redirect, and manipulate energy efficiently.
After several attempts, the beast retreated into the forest, leaving behind a faint pulse of energy that Mohit quickly absorbed.
Aryan clapped him on the shoulder. "Good. You're learning fast. Control and teamwork matter more than strength."
Evening Reflection
As the sun set, Mohit and Aryan walked back to the ruins. Mohit's chest still glowed faintly with absorbed energy.
"I never thought I could feel energy flowing like this," Mohit admitted.
Aryan smiled. "This is just the beginning. You've learned to control, observe, and share. Next, we'll focus on refining attacks, sensing hidden threats, and mastering energy amplification."
Mohit nodded, feeling excited and determined. The journey was becoming bigger, the world wider, and the challenges real. But now, he wasn't alone. And that made all the difference.