The tension in the room was thick, as Jade's defiance hung in the air. Nebet didn't flinch. He simply stared at Jade, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever.
"You think you can challenge me?" Nebet said softly. "I have seen thousands like you—young, full of fire, thinking they can take on the world. But there's a difference between anger and true power."
Jade's fists were still clenched at his sides. He had to prove himself. If he didn't, then everything would be for nothing.
"I don't care what you say. I'll get stronger, and I'll break through whatever wall you put in my way."
Nebet's eyes narrowed, a small smile curling at the edge of his lips. "Very well. If you insist on challenging me so soon, I'll show you what true power really is."
Suddenly, the room around them seemed to grow colder. Nebet's presence grew heavier, like the air itself was being sucked away. His hand lifted slowly, and the room seemed to distort around him. A dark, swirling energy began to build at his palm, the very air crackling with power.
Jade stood his ground, but his heart raced. What was happening? This wasn't like anything he had ever seen. He had felt power before, but nothing like this. Nebet's essence was... alive. It pulsed, like a living creature, feeding off the energy around them.
With a swift motion, Nebet flung his hand forward, and the energy shot out in a massive wave, engulfing the space between them. The force of it was so strong that Jade felt his breath catch in his throat. He stumbled back, the impact of the wave hitting him like a wall.
He hit the ground hard, his body slamming against the floor. Pain shot through him, but he didn't stay down. He gritted his teeth and stood up, eyes locked on Nebet.
"You see now, don't you? This is real power," Nebet said, his voice almost bored. "And this is only the beginning. You're still nothing more than a child."
Jade struggled to catch his breath. His body felt like it was being torn apart from the inside out. He had never felt this kind of pressure before. His heart hammered in his chest, but one thing burned brighter than anything else: determination.
He would not be crushed here. Not again.
"I'm not finished," Jade spat out, his voice hoarse. "I'll keep going, no matter what."
Nebet looked at him, and for the first time, there was a flicker of something in his eyes. It wasn't pity, but something else. A hint of respect?
"I see. You do have some fight in you." Nebet stepped back, his aura receding slightly. "But remember this: power isn't just about how much you can take. It's about how much you can control. I've seen countless people like you—full of potential but too reckless to use it."
Jade didn't respond. He was breathing heavily, trying to calm the storm of pain and exhaustion in his body. He knew that Nebet was right in some ways. He was reckless, but he had to be. He couldn't just wait for power to come to him.
"I will learn," Jade said, this time more to himself than to Nebet. "And I will be stronger than you think."
Nebet said nothing, but he gave a slight nod. "We'll see how long that lasts. You're still a long way from being ready to face the Eleven."
Jade didn't reply. His mind was already focused on the next step. He had to get stronger. He had to understand this world and its power system. He had to break through the limitations that held him back.
The challenge had only just begun. And Jade was ready to face whatever came next.