Chapter 183: Limbo

Jake always appreciated nature.

It was one of the things he saw glimpses of perfection in, the perfection in the natural products of the world. 

They were too beautiful to behold.

After a whole moment of diligently watching the lake, the two candidates quickly got to business.

Jake brought out all sorts of herbs from his [Spatial Ring] and gave them to Kaleyx. It was what she needed to kickstart the process.

While she took care of some herbs, she gave Jake a detailed explanation, "As I've previously stated, the inspiration behind this theorized practice was the mind."

Using the mortal and pestle given to her, Kaleyx made a concussion out of a group of herbs.

"My mother was naturally just curious. Once she theorized the possibility of such a theory, she dropped it and focused on another. However, while in the egg, I found it interesting and continued working on it," divulged Kaleyx.

She took another group of herbs and made powder out of it.

"I was more knowledgeable than her on the anatomy of living beings. Hence, I could complete the theory. Alas, it's just a theory. I believe you understand that too," stressed Kaleyx.

Jake nodded his head in reply.

There was a possibility of him dying, but Jake was willing to take the risk. The thought of him dying to a mental deterioration wasn't something he would particularly like.

Also, there was a possibility of it leading to his death in future battles.

Getting her reply, Kaleyx went on, "So, what is this theorized practice? It's simple. It's a trip to the mindscape!"

Jake cocked his head at her, "Hmm..." 

He suddenly understood Kaleyx's angle.

A Mindscape existed in everyone. It was their seat of mind…..their mental home.

Jake had visited it when he encountered the mysterious creature in Aztec. Back then, he had started to notice the problem with it. It was damaged.

However, he could never make a second trip back to his mindscape. To do that, required the ability of a [Realm 4].

"Oh, it seems you know about it. The mindscape is a serious topic. From your expression, I reckon you have a few guesses as to how your mental deterioration came about," smiled Kaleyx.

She made a few easy potions and faced Jake.

"My method is what makes this practice theoretically dangerous, but I'm confident in your ability to ignore that," mused Jake.

She took off her jacket, only leaving her inner shirt, and commanded, "Strip!"

"Hmm....," replied Jake.

He wasted no time removing all pieces of clothing from his body.

After he was done, he received further instruction, "Since you said you feel comfortable here, go into the lake."

Jake obeyed.

He dipped his leg into the soothing lake and moved his body inside.

"Surrender yourself to it," said Kaleyx.

She watched as Jake laid in the lake. He floated around the water surface, but eventually, the lake calmed down.

Jake opened himself to it and the lights in his eyes dimmed.

In his mind, he was floating, floating in the endless sea of stars, letting the stardusts carry him to the wonders of the world.

He had always wondered what he would do when he attains perfection, but now, he had found his answer.

He would sleep. Simple Sleep and let the spatial movements carry him, let them float him anywhere they wanted.

As he fell deep into this euphoria, Jake could hear the echoes of Kaleyx's voice ringing in the background.

It wasn't disturbing him. Instead, it felt like the outside voices one hears when they are about to wake up. When their mind can't really respond.

It was a good thing that Jake could still focus a quarter of his mind on understanding the echoes.

"You have entered your immersive state, the semi-conscious state. I know you can hear me. Now, pay attention," informed Kaleyx.

She rolled up her pants and carefully entered the lake, not wanting to shake Jake out of his state.

As soon as she got to the floating Jake, She pointed her hand at the group of prepared ingredients she placed beside the boulder.

Dark silver energy shot out from her finger and lifted the ingredients.

The energy brought them to her as she managed to float them by lingering her energy on them.

After that, she placed her head on his chest, "As I thought, the semi-conscious state is not enough."

She could hear the vigorous beating of Jake's heart. Despite it being significantly weaker than the usual heartbeat, it wasn't enough!

"Listen, I'm going to force you to another state, the state between life and death, Limbo! There are a few warnings I'm going to give you before the inducement," informed Kaleyx.

"One, you have a limited time. I don't know for how long, but just keep that in mind. Two, if you surpass your time and even ur final mental warning, you will die, but your mind will be stuck in the Limbo State, effectively preventing you from passing on to the next life or whatever."

"The third warning is that in your mindscape is the true you. You have to be composed. Its appearance would symbolize your concept. Who you truly are? Just remember that you are always in control," reminded Kaleyx.

She began her inducement process.

'Flux salt, direct one's senses into their body,' analyzed Kaleyx.

She sprinkled the salt on Jake's tongue and left his mouth open.

'Awenip Potion, stops the heart and helps in forcing the Limbo state,' smiled Kaleyx.

She poured the entire content into Jake's mouth.

'Vewive Salve. Keeps the target tethered in the world of the living,' mused Kaleyx.

She then placed a bunch of flowers around Jake and her. The aroma from the flower was too sleep-inducing. Luckily, she had brought a piece of cloth to tie around her neck.

'Blue Chives, the fragrance paralyzes anyone that smells it.'

After that, she proceeded to use other items.

All these items were her product.

She had used her ingenious mind to make potions and salve. It was her first time, but she made not a single mistake. That itself was an extraordinary feat itself.

However, shocking of all, she had no prior knowledge of the herbs and instead prescribed the effects she wanted for Jake, who then brought out a sufficient herb.

When she was done, Jake started shaking rigorously. 

She knew what it meant. It was a sign of ejection!

Worried, she spoke to him, "Seems like you are finding it hard to retain in the state. Try to recite the most soothing words you have ever heard, thereby, calming your mind directly."

It was unknown what Jake did, but, after five minutes, he stopped shaking and stayed still like a dead man.

"It worked," sighed Kaleyx