The Light That Follows Darkness

Gladdened by Eve's words and still basking in the joy of the birthday surprise and presents, I felt a renewed sense of determination as I decided to ride the coattails of this positive energy and return to my meditation. Today, my focus was on mastering skin chi infusion, a crucial step in my journey towards unlocking the next level of chi mastery.

Taking a deep breath, I settled into the familiar lotus position, ready to embark on this challenging endeavor. The room was filled with a serene ambiance as I closed my eyes and centered my thoughts. With each breath, I could feel the energy of the universe flowing through me, ready to be harnessed.

I began the process of infusing chi into my skin, fully aware of the importance of incorporating chi into every cell. It was a delicate and intricate task, easier said than done. Starting from my toes, I directed my focus and channeled the energy, gradually working my way up my body.

However, the path to success was not without its obstacles. I encountered numerous difficulties along the way. Even the slightest error or mishap during the infusion process caused the delicate chain of infused tissue cells to break, forcing me to start over from the beginning.

Frustration threatened to dampen my spirits, but I reminded myself of the joy and determination that still lingered within me. With each setback, I learned valuable lessons about patience, precision, and the resilience of the human spirit. I refused to let these challenges deter me from my goal.

Hour after hour, I persisted, honing my focus and refining my technique. I embraced the process, understanding that true mastery required dedication and unwavering commitment. The room became a sanctuary of concentration as I delved deeper into the intricacies of skin chi infusion.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a breakthrough occurred. The chi energy flowed seamlessly through my skin, creating a harmonious fusion between my inner and outer self. A sense of accomplishment washed over me as I sensed the transformation taking place within.

However, the real problem had just begun. As I slowly opened my eyes, anticipating a delicate veil of chi enveloping my skin, I was taken aback by the twins' frantic expressions fixed upon me. It wasn't the kind of panic one would experience upon witnessing something novel or extraordinary; it was genuine, unadulterated fear.

Before I could utter a single word, Hana's voice pierced the air, laced with shock and disbelief: "What in the world, Xeno? What has happened to you? Why has your skin changed color? And those patches... what are they? Are you alright? Do you feel any abnormalities?"

Stunned by Hana's reaction, I instinctively examined my own skin, only to be astounded by what I discovered. Patches of flesh gleamed with an ethereal sheen, each radiating a different hue reminiscent of precious metals. It was a sight that would leave anyone dazzled.

Overwhelmed by panic, I turned to Eve, desperately seeking answers: "Eve, what on earth is happening? This is driving me insane."

"Understood, young master," Eve responded calmly. "I have analyzed the composition of your skin and determined that it is no longer comprised of mere tissues. Instead, it consists of various metals and other substances renowned for their durability, malleability, toughness, and strength. This unexpected transformation is linked to the gene modification experiment previously deemed a failure. The drug 'Diamorph,' which was administered to make your skin as resilient as diamonds, has interacted with the introduction of chi into your humanoid form, resulting in an unforeseen success. However, there is no need to panic, young master, as this condition is reversible. By either withdrawing the chi from your skin or adjusting its intensity, you will have the ability to transform your skin into any known substance, with diamonds being the pinnacle. Although diamonds may no longer be considered the toughest material, as your powers evolve, you will unlock even more options."

I stood there, my mind in a haze, trying to process Eve's words. So, in addition to the delicate shroud of chi enveloping my skin, I now possessed the extraordinary ability to alter the very composition of my flesh, transforming it into any metal or substance, with diamond as the ultimate pinnacle. How incredibly fortunate was I? If Eve's claims held true, then this power must be exclusive to me, the sole survivor of the 'Diamorph' experiment, even if it was considered a failure.

Yet, a nagging curiosity tugged at my thoughts. Would administering the drug to others before their awakening, and then awakening them, grant them the same extraordinary abilities I now possessed? And what would happen when I infused my sensory organs and brain? After all, I had already been subjected to another drug called 'Altera,' intended to heighten my senses and unlock a sixth sense, but it too had proven unsuccessful.

Shaking my head vigorously, I attempted to dispel the whirlwind of thoughts swirling within me. I realized I was delving too deeply into the future, overstepping and overthinking. All would reveal itself in due time. I needed to rein in my racing mind and accept that some mysteries were meant to unfold gradually.

I turned my gaze towards the twins, their faces still etched with panic and terror, clearly convinced that something was amiss. With a reassuring smile, I spoke up, determined to alleviate their fears: "Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with me. Remember when I came back with cracked and bleeding skin? Well, that wasn’t supposed to happen. What was actually intended to happen was what you just saw before. Although it was initially a failure, the infusion of chi and my transformation into a humanoid seemed to awaken this ability within me. And the best part? It's reversible."

As I uttered those words, a sense of anticipation filled the air. I began channeling the chi back into my dantian, the energy swirling within me. Instantly, my skin reverted to its normal state, its original texture and elasticity restored.

Turning to the twins, a mischievous grin played across my face, brimming with childlike curiosity. "Guess what time it is?" I teased.

Their eyes lit up with excitement, their voices chiming in unison: "Experiment time!"

Without hesitation, they leaped to their feet and hurried to the center of the room. I instructed them to observe my actions closely, assuring them that they would assist me when the time was right.

Nodding eagerly, they fixed their gaze upon me, their interest and enthusiasm palpable.