LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 33: Chapter 33
More than a year and few months had passed since Alex had first received the shard and manifested his natal ability. In that time, he had not only adapted to the changes but had also thrived. With each meditation session, he felt his mental strength deepening, a sense of clarity washing over him that made everything else seem trivial.
Seated in his favorite quiet spot by the window, sunlight streamed through the glass, casting warm patterns on the floor. Alex closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and let the world fade away. He entered a state of meditation, where he could feel the currents of energy swirling around him. It was in these moments of stillness that he found peace, a stark contrast to the chaotic environment of his old workplace.
Lately, he had been telling his parents that he was busy with cryptocurrency trading. While it was partly true, he was also spending most of his time in meditation, honing his abilities and ensuring he was grounded before tackling the complexities of the trading world. When he did engage in trading, he would slip into smart mode for just a few minutes, quickly combing through market trends and making precise predictions before retreating back into a calm, meditative state.
Overclocking smart mode could yield impressive results, but the clarity and insight he gained from true meditation far outweighed any benefits he might receive from the enhanced cognition. The peace he found in those moments was invaluable, and he cherished the time he spent disconnected from the frenetic pace of everyday life.
As a gesture of gratitude and love, Alex decided to surprise his family with thoughtful gifts. He wanted them to see that he was making progress in his endeavors, not just coasting by in his newfound freedom. He picked out a sleek new tablet for his father, perfect for his amateur photography. For his mother, he chose a beautiful necklace, its delicate design reflecting her elegance. Lastly, for his sister, he found an art set complete with everything she would need to unleash her creativity.
When he presented the gifts, their reactions warmed his heart. His father's eyes lit up with joy as he examined the tablet, while his mother beamed with pride as she slipped the necklace around her neck. His sister squealed in delight, clutching the art set as if it were a treasure chest of possibilities.
"Wow, Alex! This is amazing! You're really making it big, aren't you?" his sister exclaimed, excitement bubbling in her voice.
"Just working hard and being smart with my investments," Alex replied, trying to downplay his achievements.
His father clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever you're doing, keep it up, son. Your mother and I are proud of you. Just remember to stay grounded and don't let it get to your head."
His mother nodded, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "And keep praying. Good things come to those who believe."
The family's support and encouragement bolstered Alex's resolve, reminding him of why he had embarked on this journey in the first place. They were his anchor, the reason he wanted to succeed and create a better future for them all.
With his family thriving and enjoying his gifts, Alex found himself spending more time with friends. Casual get-togethers turned into regular meetups, filled with laughter and camaraderie. They shared stories of their lives post-college, celebrating the milestones they had reached.
One evening, as they lounged on the couch at a friend's apartment, the conversation turned to relationships. It was there that they learned that one of their college friends, who had recently married, had welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world.
"Can you believe it?" Jane said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We're all grown up now! I mean, someone has a kid!"
"Right? It's wild! Remember when we used to pull all-nighters just to cram for exams?" Alex chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Now we're talking about diapers and baby formula," another friend added, laughing.
As they reminisced about their college days, Alex felt a sense of warmth wash over him