Bab 151: Almost
"Lysander, have you ever come across information about an advanced form of Observation Haki?" Jack's voice cut through the silence, his question catching Lysander slightly off guard.
"The ability to glimpse into the future, you mean?" Lysander's eyes widened in realization, intrigued by the direction of Jack's thoughts.
Jack nodded in confirmation. He had heard tales and rumors of Haki users who had honed their skills to such an extent that they could predict events mere moments before they transpired. "I'm talking about that level of mastery. If I could tap into that, we might have a shot at navigating through this trap-laden field."
Lysander's gaze was intense, scrutinizing as he weighed Jack's words. "Jack, training to attain that level of mastery in Haki, and in this environment no less, it's…" He trailed off, the unspoken risks hanging heavily in the air between them.
Jack met his gaze squarely, his deep blue eyes resolute. "Do we really have any other choice? We can't afford to be trapped here, not with what's at stake."
Lysander sighed, running a hand through his hair as he contemplated their limited options. "Alright. If we're doing this, we need to be methodical. Focus on your breathing, center yourself. You need to be completely in tune with your surroundings."
Jack nodded, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath. He could feel the subtle vibrations of the ground beneath him, the faint stirrings of the air around him. He needed to push his senses further, to peel back the layers of deception that masked the true nature of the terrain before them.
The dimly lit expanse stretched out before them, its oppressive silence echoing their cautious steps. The thick atmosphere of the chamber was intensified by their knowledge of the deadly abyssal traps lying in wait. The duo's previous trials seemed child's play in comparison to the vast puzzle before them.
Lysander, always analytical, tried to make patterns out of the floor's seemingly random design, searching for a path that would minimize the risk of triggering a trap. "Jack, the vacuum pockets might have some kind of airflow pattern. We could try detecting the subtle air movement."
Jack, however, had another plan. He sat down cross-legged, the stillness of his body contrasting the storm of focus brewing within. Tapping into advanced Observation Haki was a leap, even for someone of his prowess. To predict the imminent future, he had to tune in to every whisper of the present.
Lysander took a few steps back, giving Jack the space he needed. The cold and calculating fighter, known for his stoic nature, was delving deep into an intimate connection with his surroundings. Lysander couldn't help but marvel at the paradox.
Minutes felt like hours. The silence of the chamber was disrupted only by the occasional drip of condensation from the cavern ceiling. Lysander, meanwhile, kept an alert vigil, his eyes darting around for any signs of danger.
Jack shook his head in frustration, feeling the immense pressure of the situation. "This is going to take a while," he muttered under his breath, his gaze shifting towards the exit they had first entered through. His mind raced through the various options available to them, trying to formulate a plan that would ensure their safety and success.
Turning his back on the silent expanse of the Abyssal Traps, Jack made his decision. "We need to go back to the Temporal Zone," he declared, determination lacing his voice. The memory of the faster time perception and its effects on his body lingered in his mind, but he was willing to take the risk.
Lysander's eyes widened in alarm as he realized what Jack was suggesting. "You can't!" he exclaimed, stepping forward to grasp Jack's arm in a tight grip. "The strain on your body will be too much. It could destroy you."
Jack met Lysander's concerned gaze, his own eyes filled with a resolute determination. "Don't worry about me," he said calmly, shrugging off Lysander's grip. Without another word, he turned and began walking back through the illusion zone, his steps steady and confident.
The chimera's lifeless form lay on the ground as Jack passed by, a stark reminder of the challenges they had already faced. He stepped carefully, mindful of the remaining illusions that could still pose a threat. Finally, he crossed the threshold into the Temporal Zone, immediately feeling the shift in time perception.
His body felt heavier, the movements slower, as his mind worked at a rapid pace. Jack was aware of the strain this was putting on his body, but he pushed the discomfort to the back of his mind. He needed to master the advanced form of Observation Haki, and this was the only way he knew how.
Lysander followed closely behind, his expression tense as he watched Jack carefully. He had seen many fighters push their limits, but Jack's determination was something else entirely. There was a fire in his eyes, a burning desire to overcome the obstacles in their path, and Lysander couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for the younger man.
Back in the Temporal Zone, Jack found a quiet corner and sat down, his legs crossed and his eyes closed. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart as he focused inward. The world around him slowed even further as he tapped into his Haki, searching for the subtle whispers of the future.
Lysander stood guard, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. He knew they weren't alone in Vegapunk's labyrinth, and he needed to stay alert. Every so often, he would glance back at Jack, noting the beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he pushed himself to the limit.
Time passed, the minutes stretching into hours as Jack delved deeper into his Haki. He could feel the potential there, just out of reach, and he pushed himself harder, trying to grasp the elusive ability. He was aware of the strain on his body, the way his muscles screamed in protest, but he pushed the pain aside, focusing only on his goal.
Lysander could see the toll it was taking on Jack, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry. He had seen fighters push themselves too far before, and he knew the consequences could be severe. But he also knew that Jack was their best chance at navigating through the Abyssal Traps, and so he remained silent, his gaze never leaving the younger man's form.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jack's eyes snapped open, his gaze focused and clear.
Lysander looked at him in hope, his eyes searching Jack's face for any sign of success. "Were you able to?"
Jack shook his head, "Almost." He said, and then passed by him towards the field of Abyssal Traps. "Sometimes fear of death is the best motivator."
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