he room was silent, heavy with the weight of Jade's attack. His body trembled slightly from the strain, but his eyes burned with defiance. He had to be stronger. He had to fight back.
Nebet slowly stepped forward, the sound of his boots echoing in the quiet room. His eyes were dark and full of understanding, as if everything Jade had done so far was nothing more than an amusing display of ignorance.
"You're foolish," Nebet said, his voice low but firm. "You think you can take on all of us? Do you even understand what you're up against?"
Jade's hands clenched into fists. He was exhausted, his body sore, but the thought of giving up was not an option.
Nebet chuckled softly. "You still don't get it. You may have the power of Aetherion inside you, but you're still a child here. You are weak, and you're nowhere near ready to challenge someone like me."
Jade's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean 'weak'? I just knocked your man out, didn't I?"
Nebet smiled, though it wasn't a kind smile. "That was impressive. But it was also the only thing you've done right. You used power, raw energy. That's the problem with you, Jade. You have no understanding of the true power system here."
Jade's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
Nebet raised his hand, and with a slow motion, he gestured to the people behind him. The Eleven. "This world isn't like your old one. Power here doesn't come from simple strength or rage. It comes from the bonds we form, the choices we make. Each of us, the Eleven, has something called Essence. Essence is the foundation of our power. It is born from our will, our desires, and the deepest parts of our hearts."
Jade listened carefully, trying to absorb the words.
"Essence isn't something you can just use by force. It's something you cultivate," Nebet continued. "You're too young, Jade. You don't understand the consequences of using power blindly. And that's why you're still weak."
Jade clenched his jaw, but Nebet wasn't done.
"Essence isn't just about strength," Nebet went on. "It's about control, understanding, and sacrifice. You might be able to unleash raw energy, but that's just the beginning. Until you understand what it means to truly control your power, you'll remain nothing more than a child."
Jade's heart pounded in his chest. The words stung, and the truth of them hit harder than he expected. He wasn't ready. He wasn't prepared. But he couldn't back down. Not now. Not when he had come so far.
"I'll learn," Jade said quietly, his voice steady, but there was a new fire in his eyes. "I'll make you regret underestimating me."
Nebet smiled. "We'll see, Jade. We'll see just how far you can push that child-like power of yours."