Chapter 520 Way Of The Earth
When Dharti the Goddess of Earth entered the time chamber, Max looked practically nothing like what he used to look just a few days ago in the real world when he entered the chamber.
The boyish charm was replaced by a manly black beard and chest hair upto his shoulder level as he looked like a true warrior from the ancient times when personal hygiene was not invented yet.
His otherwise jet black beard showed a few strands of grey in them which were like a proof of his growing wisdom which complimented his intelligent and curious eyes perfectly.
” Mmm, me likey ” the earth goddess said as she was impressed by Max’s charms that was enough to even make her heart which had been stagnant for thousands of years palpitate a little.
Max studied the Earth mother’s visage too, she was wearing a green dress and had a kind face that would surely look beautiful when she smiled.
Having one of those timeless faces, it was hard to correctly predict her age, however, in Max’s mind she was like a mature woman in her late forties who still had a vibrant and glowing skin.
” I’m impressed by your ability to master both wind and water at such a fast pace, however, earth is not a fluid element and will not be something that you can learn equally easily.
It’ll take long years of arduous training to master earth and if you expect fast results you will only be disappointed.
By the way, it’s not like you will have no entertainment while being stuck here with me.
I can only imagine you being stuck here for 3 decades not knowing the touch of a female bodyโฆ.. if you want we can remedy that situation tonight, you can let your frustrations out on me all you want ” The earth mother said seductively as Max felt goosebumps rise all over his body.
Not only was Max tempted by the offer, but he wanted to pounce on it right this instant.
He had now spent more time inside the time chamber than outside in the real world and as a result the outside world was starting to become a blur for him, he was forgetting a lot of normal nuances as his new normal was this mundane world constructed by the god’s.
Despite the temptation Max was able to swallow his saliva as he looked at the fine curves of the earth mother and said ” No, I have a girl I intend to marry back in the real world, I won’t sully her by messing around behind her back ”
Dharti looked a little surprised by this answer but then a teasing smile formed on her face, she seemed to have found a new objective within the time chamber.
Now her objective was not only to teach Max the way of the earth but also seduce him in the process.
” We shall see how long your resolve lastsโฆ ” she said as she bit her nails before starting to explain the nuances of way of the earth.
“The Way of the Earth’s mastery can broadly be divided into three stages – Connection, Adaptation, and Manifestation.”
“The first stage, Connection, is where you need to feel the energy of the earth, the core of our existence. You need to sit still and learn to hear the subtle movements of the earth. You’ll be covered in a mound of earth, surrounded by its essence. While in there, you need to close your eyes and feel each grain, understand its texture, and link your energy with it. This stage could take years, as the Earth’s language is slow, deliberate, and grounding. Once you establish this connection, you will be able to feel the vibrations of the earth, anticipate movements and shifts, and essentially become one with it.”
“The second stage, Adaptation, requires you to adjust your physicality according to the earth. Here, your agility and fluidity from mastering water and wind will help, but it will be a different challenge. The earth is steady, solid, and heavy. You need to reflect these characteristics. I’ll place boulders on you, of increasing weights over time. Your task is to adapt and carry these weights while moving, fighting, even sleeping. Over time, you will develop great physical strength and endurance, the hallmark of the Earth element.”
“The third and final stage, Manifestation, is about projecting your connection and adaptation into actual combat benefits. Once you reach this stage, you’ll be able to manipulate the earth in its many forms, and even be able to create constructs of earth and stone at will. You can form barriers, generate seismic waves, or shape weapons from the earth itself. I will provide you with opponents made of stone and earth. Your task is to overcome these adversaries using your connection, strength, and the raw power of the Earth element.”
Dharti explained the three stages of mastering earth which were slightly different than the methods used to master wind and water as Max mentally made a road map of what his life would be like in the coming decade.
” Do you wish to start now Max? Or perhaps you are too stressed listening to the explanation and need to be relieved before starting training?
I must tell you, I have an excellent tongue when it comes to relieving people ” The earth goddess said as she licked her lips seductively while staring at Max’s package.
” Now is fine! No relieving needed ” Max blurted with shame as he was as red as a tomato after this interaction.
The earth mother was more shameless than he could have ever imagined.
โ———
[ A record of year’s 1-3 spent with the Earth mother ]
The Earth mother had buried Max under a mound of earth, initiating the first stage of the Way of the Earth. It was the beginning of a new chapter in Max’s journey, a journey of resilience, endurance, and unwavering strength.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. Max spent three years buried under the mound of earth, learning to connect with the fundamental element of existence.
In the beginning, Max felt suffocated, like the weight of the world was literally upon him. He missed the freedom of the wind, the unpredictability of the water. But, buried under the earth, he had nowhere to go, nowhere to escape. He was grounded, forced to embrace stillness.
As days passed, Max started feeling a change. He began sensing the minute vibrations of the earth around him, the subtle shifts and movements. He felt the energy of the worms crawling nearby, the roots of plants growing, and the stability of the stones. The earth spoke a language of profound silence, a language Max had never known before.
There were also times of discouragement and frustration. Times when Max felt like giving up, as the progress was too slow and not visible. But then, he remembered his goal, his love waiting outside the time chamber. His resolve hardened, and he continued his journey.
Amidst the hard training, there was Dharti, the Earth Goddess. She found amusement in Max’s determination and unwavering focus. She was intrigued by him and his resolve. Often, she would sneak in during his meditative sessions, touching his rough beard playfully, whispering seductive words in his ears, or sometimes just sitting next to him, silently watching his tranquil face. Yet, Max remained steadfast, acknowledging her presence but not giving in to the temptation.
Over time, Max’s connection with the earth deepened. He could sense a falling leaf’s impact, a burrowing insect’s movement, the slow progression of the roots. The earth beneath him was no longer just an inanimate entity; it was alive, humming with life and energy. And Max was part of it. He was one with the earth. ๐ซ๐ญ๐ธ๐๐๏ผ๐ฌ๐ธ๐
After three long years, the mound of earth covering Max erupted, and he emerged from it, his body covered in a layer of dust and grit. His eyes reflected wisdom, patience, and a deep, unspoken understanding. The boyish charm was now replaced by the stoic demeanour of a warrior.
Dharti looked at Max, her eyes twinkling with admiration and a hint of desire. However, she had to acknowledge his progress. “You have successfully mastered the first stage, Max. I’m impressed,” she said, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Max nodded, acknowledging her praise. He was tired, but his spirit was invigorated. He had successfully traversed the first stage of the Way of the Earth – Connection.
” We must celebrate tonight, say what your place or mine?” Dharti asked as Max rolled his eyes and chose to tacitly ignore this question.
He had grown quite used to the Earth mother’s charm by now, and was feeling immune to it.