Ascendants

Raiden Alaric

The training chamber was filled with the quiet sounds of controlled breathing and the subtle hum of aura flowing through carefully maintained channels. Sol and I sat across from each other on the polished hardwood floor. We were both deep in meditation, working through our respective forging and tempering exercises.

It had been three days since Sol's introduction to my "ridiculously complicated life," as he'd taken to calling it. Surprisingly, he'd adapted to the mansion's luxury with remarkable ease. Unlike my own overwhelming reaction to sudden wealth, Sol seemed to view it all as an extended vacation at a really fancy hotel. He'd spent yesterday morning having what he called "a philosophical discussion about proper coffee brewing techniques" with Elena in the kitchen. Which was really just him trying to justify adding a shit ton of cream and sugar to it. I was pretty sure he'd already charmed half the staff.

Today was different, though. Today was the day we'd potentially hear back from the Ascendant Association about our academy applications.

I tried to focus on the familiar sensation of being a perfectly filled glass cup, drawing my aura inward and then guiding it through my channels in the careful pattern Chronos had taught me. The forging process felt smoother now, more natural. My body had finally adapted to the enhanced flow.

Breathe in, compress, flow, release. Breathe in, compress, flow, release.

Across from me, Sol was working through his own training with intense concentration. I used a bit of Aura Resonance to get a read on his power level. That steady golden glow was actually slightly stronger than my own in terms of raw power. It made sense, really. Sol had been training for years since his awakening, while I'd only started this year. The gap wasn't huge, but it was definitely noticeable.

He's got a solid foundation. My physical strength usually helps compensate for the aura difference, but it's not always enough.

The gentle chime of my phone broke through our meditative focus. Both Sol and I opened our eyes simultaneously, looking toward where I'd left the device on one of the equipment racks.

"Think that's them?" Sol asked, wiping sweat from his forehead as he came out of his meditation.

"Only one way to find out," I replied, standing up and walking over to check the notification.

As I picked up my phone, Sol's device chimed as well from across the room.

"Looks like we both got something," he said, jogging over to grab his phone.

I opened my notification and immediately felt my stomach drop. The official Ascendant Association seal stared back at me from the top of the email.

OFFICIAL ASCENDANT ASSOCIATION QUALIFICATION RESULTS

Dear Raiden Alaric,

We are pleased to inform you that your Ascendant Association Qualification Assessment has been completed. Your overall performance ranking is as follows:

OVERALL RANK: 1st Place TOTAL SCORE: 2,847 points

Your exceptional performance qualifies you for admission to any Ascendant Academy of your choosing. Below are the official academy offers that have been extended to you based on your results:

I scrolled down and my eyes widened. The list just kept going.

Camelot Academy - Knight's Crucible Program with full scholarship. Traditional weapons mastery and precision dueling in their storied Proving Grounds.

Atlantis Institute - Elite Combat Division placement with full scholarship. Brutal tactical training under Orange Rank instructors with access to the legendary WarForge Arena.

Ne-No-Kuni - Shadow Vanguard Training with full scholarship. Focused on stealth combat and assassination techniques in their mist-shrouded Shadow Dojo.

Elysium Academy - Custom Combat Elective Track with full scholarship. Under Red and Orange Rank guidance, combining combat styles from multiple realms plus exclusive BattleForge courses.

Shangri-La Academy - Ascension Through Isolation program with full scholarship. Inner clarity and metaphysical exploration in their secluded Himalayan peaks, forging wisdom alongside power.

Vanguard Institute - Arena Innovator Program with full scholarship. For developing new combat techniques in their state-of-the-art BattleLab.

Crimson Spire Academy - Blood Crucible Tournament placement with full scholarship. An ongoing combat league for top recruits.

"Holy shit," I breathed, staring at the screen as the list continued.

"You too?" Sol asked, looking up from his own phone with excitement and disbelief.

I nodded, still processing the list. "First place. You?"

"Same here, apparently," Sol grinned, shaking his head. "This is insane."

I went back to the top of the email and started reading through the academy descriptions more carefully. Each offer came with detailed breakdowns of their combat programs, and I could already feel my mind racing with possibilities.

"Man, these all sound incredible," I said, looking up at Sol. "I'm wondering if there are programs that let you study at multiple academies? Like exchange programs or—"

"Absolutely not," Sol cut me off immediately, shaking his head. "The rivalry between these academies is legendary. They barely tolerate each other's existence, let alone share students."

I frowned, going back to the descriptions. "That seems shortsighted."

"Maybe, but that's how it's always been," Sol said, reading over my shoulder. "Though honestly? I think Elysium might be your best bet."

"Really? I was actually leaning toward Atlantis. The Elite Combat Division sounds like it was made for me."

"Sure, Atlantis would be brutal and perfect for straight-up fighting," Sol agreed, "but Elysium's Custom Combat Track lets you build your own program. You could mix their best combat courses with whatever else catches your eye. Plus, those exclusive BattleForge courses? You won't find that anywhere else."

"That's not a bad idea," a familiar voice said from behind us. "Though I'd suggest Elysium as well."

Sol jumped about three feet in the air, spinning around with his aura flaring defensively. "What the—where did you come from?!"

I didn't even bother turning around. "Morning, Chronos. How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough," Chronos replied calmly, walking into view with that slight smile he got when he'd successfully startled someone. "And you must be Sol. I've heard quite a bit about you."

Sol was still trying to get his heart rate under control, looking between me and Chronos with wide eyes. "Does he always just... appear like that?"

"Pretty much," I said with a shrug. "You get used to it. Eventually."

Chronos walked over and glanced at my phone screen, taking in the list of academy offers. "Impressive results. First place, I assume?"

"Both of us, apparently," I said, gesturing to Sol who was still looking slightly shaken.

"Not surprising," Chronos nodded approvingly. "So, what's your thinking on the academies?"

"Well," I said, trying to sound casual, "I'm considering the combat programs. Atlantis focuses on advanced tactical combat, and Camelot has traditional weapons mastery." I paused, then added, "Which one do you think would have the most challenging opponents?"

Chronos raised an eyebrow, clearly seeing through my attempt at subtlety. "Ah, there it is. You're looking for the best fights."

Sol snorted. "Was he being subtle? Because that was not subtle."

"I'm just saying," I said defensively, "if I'm going to spend years at an academy, I want to make sure I'm constantly being pushed. No point in going somewhere I'll get bored."

"If you're looking purely for combat challenges," Chronos said thoughtfully, "Atlantis would give you the most intense physical training. Their combat program is legendary for breaking students. Camelot produces excellent duelists, very technical fighters. Ne-No-Kuni trains some of the most dangerous stealth combatants in existence."

I leaned forward, interested. "And Elysium?"

Chronos's eyes lit up, a rare spark of enthusiasm breaking through his usual calm. "Elysium's faculty is unmatched. They don't just teach combat, they cultivate innovation. Their Research Division lets students like you experiment with aura techniques and combat synthesis, creating entirely new styles under the guidance of Red and Orange Rank mentors. No other academy offers that kind of freedom to redefine what an Ascendant can do."

I raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at my lips. "Okay, hold up. You're selling Elysium hard. Did you sneak into the Ascendant Association's office and type this proposal yourself or something?" I gestured to his hoodie.

Sol snorted, barely containing a laugh, while Chronos's expression didn't budge, though I swore I saw the corner of his mouth twitch. "I'm merely stating facts, Raiden. My hoodie's allegiance is purely coincidental."

"Right, purely coincidental," I said, smirking as I glanced at the Elysium insignia on his chest. "So, what else? You said they've got something the others don't."

"They do," Chronos continued, unfazed. "Elysium's Research Division isn't just about creating new techniques, it's about legacy. Students who excel there get their innovations archived in the Aether Codex, a record of groundbreaking Ascendant advancements. That's a chance to leave your mark on history, something even Atlantis or Camelot can't offer. Not even the Veritas Vault has their information."

Sol whistled softly. "Damn. That's... actually kinda cool."

I nodded, my mind already racing with possibilities. Leaving a mark like that? Yeah, that sounded like something worth fighting for.

"Plus," Chronos added, "Elysium actually hosts transfer students from the other academies for specialized courses. High demand, limited spots, some invite-only. All the Big Five have Yellow Rank headmasters, but Elysium's faculty depth with Red and Orange Rank instructors for regular courses? That's where they set themselves apart."

"Yellow Rank headmasters?" Sol asked, looking impressed. "That's... that's insane."

"That... actually sounds perfect," I admitted. "Combat variety plus access to instruction I couldn't get anywhere else."

Sol grinned. "I knew you'd come around to it eventually."

"Though," Chronos added casually, "it would be wise to apply to all of them anyway."

Both Sol and I looked at him curiously. "Why?" I asked. "If we're leaning toward Elysium?"

Chronos glanced around the training chamber as if checking for eavesdroppers, then lowered his voice slightly. "If multiple top academies show serious interest in you, especially if you're ranked first, it tends to create... opportunities. Guilds, sects, clans, and other organizations start bidding wars to sponsor promising students. The more prestigious your options, the more valuable you become."

He straightened up and added with a slight smile, "But you didn't hear that from me."

Sol's eyes widened. "Bidding wars? Like, they'd pay us to represent them?"

"Among other benefits," Chronos said cryptically. "Just something to consider when making your applications."

"So what would you recommend?" I asked. "How many should we apply to?"

"At least three," Chronos replied thoughtfully. "With multiple serious contenders, powerful groups, guilds, ancient clans, even certain sects, might facilitate access to specialized training through their academy connections. When the academies control the exchange rather than students trying to game the system, it becomes strategic cooperation instead of disloyalty."

"Ah," Sol said, understanding dawning on his face. "So it's all about who holds the power in the negotiation."

"Exactly," Chronos confirmed. "The academies maintain their pride while ensuring they don't lose out on exceptional talent."

"So it goes without saying that we both have good chances at this," I said, gesturing between Sol and myself.

"With first place rankings? I'd say your chances are excellent," Chronos replied.

"When are the entrance exams?" I asked, getting back to practical matters. "And where do they take place?"

"Right before fall semester begins," Chronos replied. "At the academies themselves. Don't worry about transportation, the A.A. maintains Gates that lead directly to each academy during examination periods."

I immediately relaxed. "Oh, thank god. I was already imagining trying to coordinate travel between different realms."

"Are the entrance exams similar to what we just did at the A.A.?" Sol asked.

Chronos shook his head. "Each academy designs their own examinations, and they change them every year. There's no way to cheat the system through preparation." He paused, then added with a slightly sardonic tone, "Unless, of course, you're from a prominent sect or clan that has insider information through their connections."

"Naturally," I said dryly. "The privileged get advantages even in academy admissions."

"That's the world we live in," Chronos shrugged. "Though given your rankings, you shouldn't need any insider knowledge to perform well."

Sol and I looked at each other with knowing grins, competitive energy crackling between us like barely contained lightning.

"Think you can handle whatever they throw at us?" Sol asked, that familiar challenge creeping into his voice.

"Please," I replied with mock confidence. "I'm more worried about you keeping up."

"Oh, it's on," Sol said, his grin widening.

Chronos watched our exchange with an amused expression. "I take it you two are planning to make this interesting?"

The rest of the day passed in a blur of anticipation. Sol and I spent hours discussing our academy strategies, debating the merits of different programs and speculating about the entrance exams. But my mind kept drifting to the training node waiting in my meditation chamber.

I'd been thinking about it since our conversation with Chronos, all those combat programs, all those techniques I could learn. The academies wouldn't start until fall, but there was nothing stopping me from getting a head start on my training right now.

By evening, I couldn't wait any longer.

I stood in my meditation chamber, holding the small metallic training node in my hands. The device was surprisingly lightweight for something so technologically advanced, its surface smooth and cool to the touch.

My family had gone back home earlier in the day, but this time I'd been smart about communication. I'd made sure to let Mom know I'd be using the node and would be difficult to contact.

"I'm leaving my phone with Seraphina," I'd told her. "If you absolutely need to reach me for an emergency, she can get me out of the node."

Mom had appreciated the heads-up, especially after the last time when I'd essentially vanished for hours without warning. It felt good to handle things more responsibly.

"I'll be on standby if you need anything, Master Alaric," Celia said from her position near the door. "Just call out if there are any complications."

"Thanks, Celia," I replied, settling into a comfortable meditation position on the floor.

I closed my eyes and began channeling my aura into the small device. The metal warmed under my touch as it absorbed my energy, and I felt the familiar sensation of my consciousness being pulled inward and down, diving deep into my aether realm.

Time to get serious about academy prep.

When I materialized in my aether realm, the familiar floating interface appeared before me. Time moved differently here. What felt like hours of training might be minutes in the real world, or the reverse. Perfect for intensive study.

The interface displayed the main training categories:

• Combat Techniques

• Aura Manipulation

• Weapon Mastery

• Defensive Arts

• Movement and Positioning

I selected Aura Manipulation without hesitation, and the interface shifted to show more specific options:

• Basic Aura Enhancement

• Aura Resonance and Detection

• Energy Projection Fundamentals

• Aura Concealment Techniques

• Advanced Channeling Methods

• Meditation and Focus Training

I selected Aura Concealment Techniques, my jaw setting with determination. This has been bothering me for a while now. The maids could still detect my rank clear as day despite my suppression attempts, which made sense since they were all Blue and Violet ranked. But knowing the logic didn't make me any less frustrated.

Academy entrance exams are coming up, and I want every advantage I can get.

The Aura Suppression training module loaded, and I dove in with singular focus. The early hours were frustrating, marginal progress, clunky technique, results that wouldn't fool anyone with decent Aura Resonance. But I pushed through the exhaustion, treating it like holding my breath for hours at a time.

Hour 18: "Advanced suppression achieved," the module announced. I could fool equal-rank opponents now, but that wasn't enough. I needed complete concealment.

Hour 47: The module had stopped giving feedback entirely. My aura signature barely registered above background noise, near-perfect suppression by any standard. But I could feel the limitation: my Green rank channels were like trying to thread a needle while wearing thick gloves. Functional, but not precise enough for true seamlessness.

This is my ceiling until Blue rank. The roughness of Green rank channels prevents absolute control.

Against most opponents, this suppression would be undetectable. But I knew I was hitting the boundary of what my current rank allowed. Time to move on to pulse avoidance techniques.

I dismissed the Aura Suppression module and found Aura Resonance and Detection. The module loaded, presenting various scenarios for practicing pulses. But I wasn't interested in standard training. I wanted to test my theory about avoiding detection entirely.

Hour 1: Basic pulses still detected my presence despite improved suppression, though my rank signature was heavily muted.

Hour 7: Something clicked. Rather than fighting the pulse or hiding from it, I started treating it like a wave I could slip between. My aura naturally had fluctuations, what if I could time those to create gaps when pulses passed through?

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Hour 18: Success. I finally managed to let an aura pulse pass right through the space where my signature should be, reading nothing but empty air. It only worked for a split second, but the principle was sound.

I figured it out. It's not about hiding from the pulse. It's about not being there when it arrives.

With my aura concealment work complete, I decided to move on to something I'd been itching to explore.

I navigated back to the main menu and selected Combat Techniques.

The interface loaded, and my eyes widened as an absolutely massive list appeared before me. Martial arts from every conceivable tradition and culture scrolled across the display. Eastern styles, Western boxing, ancient combat forms, hybrid techniques I'd never heard of, even what appeared to be combat styles from other realms entirely.

A large grin spread across my face as I kept scrolling.

The list seemed endless: Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kung Fu, Capoeira, Krav Maga, Sambo...

This is like Christmas morning. Where do I even start?

I kept scrolling, taking in the sheer variety of options, when something at the very bottom caught my eye. Unlike all the other entries with their detailed names and descriptions, there was one that simply read: ????

Curiosity immediately got the best of me. I'd always been drawn to mysteries, and this was definitely that. I selected it without hesitation.

The training space shifted, and an apparition of a man materialized in front of me. Unlike the other combat training modules I'd used before, there were no instructions, no stance demonstrations, no explanatory text.

Just a figure standing there in complete relaxation.

Where his head should have been, dark smoke writhed and coiled upward in lazy tendrils. Occasionally, I caught glimpses of what might have been facial features before they dissolved back into the roiling mist. He wore simple training gear, a dark jacket over a light shirt, practical pants that had seen better days.

His whole stance radiated indifference. Weight shifted to one hip like he was waiting for someone to finish a boring story. Hands loose and unconcerned. The smoky void where his face belonged somehow managed to project the energy of someone checking their watch.

This must be some kind of custom addition. Maybe an experimental module?

I dropped into my fighting stance, raising my guard and settling into the familiar rhythm. The moment I signaled my readiness to fight, I focused intently on the apparition, waiting for it to move. It didn't.

At least, I didn't see it move. The figure stood frozen, hands at its sides, exuding an eerie calm. I stared, tension coiling in my muscles, then decided to strike fir—

Black.

A sickening lurch hit me, like reality itself shattered. I was falling, tumbling through nothing, my senses scrambled. When my vision cleared, I was staring at my own body. A massive hole where my chest used to be, edges cauterized and smoking, blood pooling beneath what was left of me.

I didn't even see it move.

Then the world faded to black.

I was back at the Combat Techniques menu, staring at the massive list of martial arts. My heart was pounding, and I could still feel the phantom sensation of that impossible attack.

I scrolled back down to the bottom of the list, and sure enough, the mysterious entry was still there. But now there was additional text next to it:

???? (Attempts: 1)

The apparition's speed was beyond my comprehension. I was dead before I even knew I'd been attacked.

I stared at the entry, a mix of terror and intense curiosity burning in my chest. Whatever that technique was, it was clearly so far beyond my current level that it might as well have been magic.

Do I try again, or do I pick something more reasonable?

The moment the thought crossed my mind, my heart started pounding wildly. Not from fear, from excitement. Pure, unadulterated excitement.

I tried to convince myself to be smart, to pick one of the hundreds of other martial arts that would actually be useful for my current level. But the more I thought about that impossible opponent, about how thoroughly it had destroyed me without me even seeing it move, the wider my grin became.

A laugh bubbled up from my chest. Then another. And another.

Soon I was laughing wildly, my whole body shaking with barely contained excitement. This was it. This was exactly what I lived for, an opponent so far beyond my capabilities that victory seemed impossible. The kind of challenge that would push me past every limit I thought I had.

I'm definitely trying again. I have to know what that was. I have to figure out how it moves like that.

My finger hovered over the ???? entry, trembling not with fear, but with anticipation.

This is going to be fun.

—

???? (Attempts: 43)

I stared at the counter, my jaw clenched in frustration and determination. Forty-three attempts. Forty-three different ways of being thoroughly destroyed by an opponent I couldn't even comprehend.

I'd tried everything I could think of. Speed attacks, power attacks, defensive approaches, feints, grappling attempts, even trying to attack the moment the simulation started before he could react. Nothing worked. I hadn't landed a single hit. I died in every attempt, each death defying logic, while he stood there, indifferent, unchanging.

The worst part wasn't the dying. It was the complete inability to even see what killed me. Sometimes I'd feel a sensation of movement, other times I'd just suddenly find myself looking at my own corpse. The apparition moved in ways that seemed to violate the basic principles of physics and combat that I understood.

Forty-three attempts and I'm not even close to figuring out what he's doing.

I leaned back in the aether space, my mind racing. This wasn't just about being outclassed, this was like trying to fight a concept rather than a person. But I'd never been one to back down from an impossible challenge, and I sure as hell wasn't starting now.

My eyes drifted back up the massive list of martial arts above the mysterious entry. Hundreds of combat techniques, all neatly organized and labeled. All potentially containing pieces of the puzzle I needed to solve.

Fine.

If I can't figure out what this thing is through brute force, I'll learn everything else first.

An obsessive grin spread across my face as the plan crystallized in my mind.

I'm not leaving this training node until I conquer that bastard. If it takes learning every single martial art in this system, so be it.

I scrolled back up to the top of the Combat Techniques list, my finger hovering over the first entry.

Let's see what you're really made of.

I selected Boxing and launched myself at the apparition without waiting for instructions. Clean jabs, proper form, and predictable combinations demonstrated the opponent's textbook precision. I absorbed everything through direct combat, how it moved, how it reacted, how it defended. Every punch taught me something, every exchange burned new muscle memory into my mind.

Fight after fight, the score climbed: 67%, 74%, 89%, 94%, 96%, 98%, 99%...

Finally: Boxing - 100% Mastery Achieved

Next.

Muay Thai came at me with elbows and knees, clinch work and devastating kicks. I let it hit me, let it teach me through pain and impact. Every technique that connected was immediately catalogued, understood, integrated.

Muay Thai - 100% Mastery Achieved

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ground fighting, submissions, sweeps, transitions. Devoured whole.

Karate. Precise striking, formal techniques. 100%.

Kung Fu. Flowing movements, animal styles. 100%.

My hunger to return to that impossible opponent was driving me beyond any reasonable learning pace. My approach to martial arts wasn't study, but complete immersion; my Origin processed and integrated everything through combat, leading to mastery of each art.

Get to the end. Get back to that thing. Learn everything perfectly and then crush it.

But even as I tore through the martial arts list with obsessive determination, a darker plan was crystallizing in my mind. This wasn't just about the Combat Techniques anymore.

Every category. Everything.

Combat Techniques, then Defensive Arts, then Movement and Positioning. Master it all. Become perfect at everything this node can teach me. Then that monster won't stand a chance.

The thought sent a fevered thrill through me. I wasn't just going to learn a few martial arts and try again. I was going to absorb every single technique, every defensive principle, every movement pattern this training node had to offer. By the time I was done, I'd be a walking encyclopedia of combat knowledge.

100% mastery of everything. Fight. Adapt. Repeat.

—

Seraphina

The evening light filtered through the mansion's tall windows as I made my way toward the meditation chamber. The mansion felt quieter than usual, with most of the staff having retired and the Alaric family having returned home earlier.

It had been three days since Master Alaric had entered his aether realm training session. While I knew he'd warned his family about extended training periods, I couldn't shake a growing sense of unease. Three days was... unusual, even for intensive training.

My routine security sweep earlier was interrupted by a moment of sheer panic when I lost track of him. His aura signature had simply vanished.

My professional composure shattered entirely. I channeled my full Violet Rank aura and conducted a comprehensive search in a single second: enhanced movement, aura sweep extending beyond the estate perimeter, thorough check of every room and exit. For a terrifying moment, I thought he'd died during meditation or been abducted.

When I'd finally reached the meditation chamber, I'd found Celia standing over him in obvious distress, checking his pulse and breathing. Dr. Hartwell confirmed he was in perfect health, his aura simply suppressed to an extraordinary degree.

"Whatever technique he's practicing has reduced his signature to nearly undetectable levels," she'd explained. "It's actually quite impressive, if somewhat concerning from a monitoring standpoint."

I paused outside the meditation chamber door, listening. Nothing but the faint hum of climate control and distant city sounds.

Taking a quiet breath, I knocked softly. "Celia? Are you in there?"

"Yes, Miss Seraphina," came the immediate reply. "Please, come in."

I pushed open the door and stepped into the chamber. The room was dimly lit with softly glowing crystals. Master Alaric sat in perfect meditation posture, the training node resting in his hands. His breathing was steady, his face serene. To any observer, he would appear to be in peaceful meditation.

But I knew better. The tightness in his shoulders, his rapidly changing expressions, and his radiating energy showed he was deep in thought, not relaxed.

Celia sat near the wall, a book in her lap but her attention clearly focused on her charge. She looked up as I entered, worry lines around her eyes.

"How is he doing?" I asked quietly, settling beside her.

She closed her book and sighed softly. "He's been... intense. His aura has been fluctuating constantly. Sometimes it's almost entirely suppressed, other times it flares with what I can only describe as excitement? Fevered energy?"

I studied his face more carefully. Now that Celia mentioned it, I could see the signs. His jaw would occasionally clench, his breathing would quicken before returning to that controlled rhythm, and there was a slight upward curve to his lips suggesting he was enjoying whatever he experienced in his aether realm.

"Has he responded to any external stimuli?" I asked.

"None," Celia replied, shaking her head. "I've tried speaking to him, even touching his shoulder gently. Nothing. He's thoroughly immersed." She paused, then added with concern, "I've never seen anyone maintain this level of focus for so long. Most people need to surface for basic physical needs after a day at most."

I frowned. The training nodes were designed to sustain users for extended periods, but three days was pushing safety boundaries.

"What about his physical condition?"

"Stable, as far as I can tell," Celia said, though she didn't sound entirely convinced. "His vital signs are strong, his posture hasn't degraded, and his aura channels seem to be functioning normally. If anything, he seems to be getting stronger."

"Stronger?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I've been monitoring his base aura output," she explained. "It's been gradually increasing over the past few days. Not dramatically, but consistently. Like he's been conditioning himself through whatever training he's doing in there."

That sounded like sustained forging and tempering exercises combined with aether realm training. Ambitious, but it would explain the steady improvement.

"We should consider pulling him out," I said quietly. "Three days is approaching dangerous territory."

Celia nodded slowly. "I've been thinking the same thing. But... his mother specifically asked us to contact her if there were any emergencies. She seemed to trust that he knew what he was doing."

"From what I've observed, he has a tendency to push training beyond normal limits," I replied carefully. "Mrs. Alaric may not be fully aware of how intensely he approaches these sessions."

As if responding to our conversation, his aura suddenly spiked, flaring with intense energy before settling back. His expression shifted, a brief flash of frustration before returning to that unsettling look of obsessive satisfaction.

"That's been happening more frequently," Celia observed. "The aura spikes, I mean. They're getting stronger each time."

I watched him carefully, noting how his breathing quickened after the spike. Whatever he was engaging with in there was clearly demanding.

"I'm going to give him until tomorrow morning," I decided. "If he hasn't surfaced by then, I'm going to recommend we extract him manually."

Celia looked relieved. "Should I contact Mrs. Alaric?"

"Not yet," I said. "Let's see how he responds to the deadline first."

I stood and walked closer, studying his face. The training node was warm from extended use, its surface gleaming with subtle inner light. His aura carried an undercurrent of something I couldn't quite identify. Intense focus mixed with what almost seemed like anticipation.

"Master Alaric," I said clearly, using the tone of authority I'd employed in previous positions when situations required firm intervention. "You've been training for three days. It's time to consider surfacing."

No response. His breathing remained steady, posture unchanged. But for just a moment, I thought I saw his eyebrows furrow slightly, as if he'd heard me but was choosing to ignore the interruption.

"He's definitely heard you," Celia said quietly. "His aura shifted when you spoke."

I knelt at eye level with him. "Whatever you've found in there, it's not worth risking your health. The academies need you conscious and functional, not exhausted from over-training."

This time, his reaction was more obvious. His jaw clenched, and his aura pulsed with what I could only describe as irritation. The message was clear: he didn't appreciate being interrupted.

"Stubborn," I muttered, standing back up. "Celia, I want you to monitor him closely tonight. If his condition changes in any way, if he shows signs of distress, if his aura becomes unstable, if he so much as shifts position… call for me immediately."

"Of course, Miss Seraphina," Celia replied. "What do you think he's found in there that's captured his attention so thoroughly?"

I looked back at him, taking in the slight smile on his face and the way his aura occasionally flared with excitement. "I honestly have no idea," I admitted. "But whatever it is, it's thoroughly absorbed his attention."

—

The next morning, I returned to the meditation chamber with grim determination. It had been nearly four days now, and my deadline had passed. Whatever he was experiencing in his aether realm, it was time to bring him back to reality.

Celia looked up as I entered, exhaustion evident in her features. She'd clearly maintained her vigil throughout the night.

"Any changes?" I asked quietly.

"His aura activity increased around dawn," she reported. "More frequent spikes, stronger fluctuations. But no signs of surfacing."

I nodded, studying his still form. He remained in that same perfect meditation posture, but there was something different now. A subtle intensity that seemed to radiate from his very presence.

"Lyralei will take over watch duties after breakfast," I said quietly. "You need proper rest."

Celia looked like she wanted to protest, but I gave her a firm look. Blue ranks can usually go days on little sleep, but extended vigils require maintaining alertness.

"Master Alaric," I said clearly, stepping closer. "It's time to return. You've been training for four days."

No response.

I moved within arm's reach, then carefully placed my hand just above his aether core, gently channeling a small amount of my own aura into the area. This was the standard method for safely extracting someone from deep aether realm meditation. A gentle intrusion that would give him the opportunity to smoothly transition back to physical awareness if he allowed the contact.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then his eyes suddenly snapped open.

The moment they did, his aura exploded outward.

The wave of pressure that filled the room was immediate and overwhelming. Not chaotic energy, but something dense, refined, and incredibly concentrated. The air itself seemed to grow heavy as his aura pressed against everything in the chamber.

I took an involuntary step back, my own aura automatically rising in response. Beside me, Celia straightened in her chair, her eyes widening as the pressure washed over us.

The intensity wasn't dangerous to either of us. We were both far too experienced to be truly affected by a Green rank's aura output. But the quality was entirely different from what I remembered. Where his energy had once felt like steady candlelight, this was like compressed lightning barely held in check.

He blinked slowly, his gaze unfocused as he looked around the room. The training node in his hands had gone dark.

"Four days?" he asked, his voice hoarse with confusion. "That's it?"

"That's it?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You've been in continuous meditation for four days straight."

He tried to move and immediately winced, working his neck stiffly. "Felt like weeks," he muttered. "Could I get some water? My throat feels like sandpaper."

"Of course," Celia said, already rising from her chair. "I'll bring some right away."

As she hurried out, he continued stretching, testing his mobility with obvious discomfort. He flexed his fingers experimentally, and I could see small wisps of energy dancing around them. Far more visible than his aura had been previously.

"My aura does feel different," he said, studying his hands with interest.

"It is different," I replied. "Much stronger than before you entered. The pressure when you woke up was... notable."

I studied the visible changes in his aura output, noting the increased density and control. "Have you been using your forging and tempering techniques while in your aether realm?"

He nodded, still flexing his fingers and watching the energy dance around them. "Yeah, I have been. It was really easy to tell when I could do another session while I was in there, but the time between each one was significantly longer since my real body was recovering at a different rate outside the realm."

That explained the steady improvement Celia had observed. Combining intensive aether realm training with physical conditioning techniques over what felt like nearly a week to him would certainly account for the dramatic enhancement in his aura quality.

Celia returned with a glass of water, which he accepted gratefully and drained in several long gulps.

"Thank you," he said, setting down the empty glass. "That's much better." He looked between us, seeming to fully register our concerned expressions for the first time. "I take it four days is longer than you were comfortable with?"

"Considerably," I admitted. "We were preparing to extract you if you hadn't surfaced on your own."

"Probably smart," he said, then slowly pushed himself up from the meditation position. As he stood, his back made a series of loud cracking sounds that echoed through the chamber. "By the celestials, that's better," he groaned, reaching behind himself to rub his lower back.

He continued working at the stiffness, rolling his shoulders and stretching. "I was going through the training node's programs," he explained. "Working on aura manipulation techniques, some combat training modules. Lost track of time pretty quickly once I got into it."

I nodded, understanding now why he'd been so thoroughly absorbed. The training nodes were designed to be immersive, and combined with his apparent intensity when it came to training, it explained both his extended focus and the dramatic improvement in his aura quality.

He moved toward the door, still rubbing his lower back with obvious discomfort. Celia and I walked alongside him as we made our way through the corridors.

"I'll have Elena prepare you a meal," I said, noting the way he continued to work at the muscle tension. "You'll need proper nutrition after four days."

He opened his mouth as if to suggest he could handle it himself, then seemed to reconsider given his current stiffness. "Yeah, that... that would actually be good. Thanks."

I felt a small surge of satisfaction at his acceptance. Something deeply ingrained in my nature as someone trained to provide proper care.

"I could also arrange for a massage therapist," I offered. "Someone skilled in post-training recovery. It would help with the muscle tension from maintaining that position for so long."

He shook his head immediately. "No, that's not necessary. I'm planning to go right back in once I've eaten." He paused in his walking to stretch his back again. "Just wake me for meals and hydration. Otherwise, let me work."

"I insist on the massage therapy," I said firmly. "At least once a week if you plan on doing this for an indefinite amount of time."

He started to protest, but I cut him off. "You're still Green rank. Your body is at base human levels. Extended periods in the same position will cause real damage without proper care."

He looked like he wanted to argue, then let out a resigned sigh. "How dare you be correct," he said with a rueful smile. "Fine. Once a week."

A profound sense of fulfillment washed over me as I successfully cared for someone in my charge. I raised my chin slightly, allowing a warm smile to cross my features.

—

After a week, the meditation chamber had taken on an entirely different atmosphere. Where once it had been a place of peaceful training, it now felt charged with an intensity that made the air itself seem heavier.

His eyes snapped open as I gently channeled aura near his core, but something had changed. The easy confidence and casual demeanor I'd grown accustomed to had been replaced by something more... controlled. Distant.

"Time?" he asked curtly, his voice flat.

"Six hours this session," I replied, watching his face carefully. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine." He stood smoothly, his movements more precise than before, and immediately began stretching. There was no groaning about stiffness, no casual complaints. Just methodical, efficient motion.

"Perhaps you'd like to join us for—"

"Bring my meal here," he interrupted, not looking at me as he continued his stretches. "I'm wasting time leaving the chamber."

I exchanged a concerned glance with Lyralei, who had been maintaining the watch. This was the third time this week he'd made the same request.

"Of course," I said carefully. "But wouldn't it be more comfortable to eat in the dining room? You could rest properly, perhaps speak with the staff—"

"No. Thank you." The dismissal was polite but absolute. He was already settling back into his meditation position, the training node warming in his hands.

"Is there anything you'd like to discuss about your training?" Lyralei tried gently. "Any concerns we could—"

"No." His eyes were already closed, his breathing shifting into the pattern of deep meditation. "Just the meals and hydration. Nothing else."

Within moments, he was gone again, lost in whatever consumed him within that device.

I noticed he'd been sleeping on the floor of the chamber rather than returning to his room. In the corner, a neatly folded pillow and blanket sat. He only allowed himself this one comfort.

—

The change was impossible to ignore a month later.

His aura had become something altogether different from the enthusiastic young man who'd first entered extended training. The energy that radiated from him now was dense, intimidating, with an undercurrent of barely contained power that made my instincts whisper warnings.

His posture had transformed as well. Every movement was controlled, deliberate, economical. When he emerged from his sessions now, he immediately began a series of exercises. Stretches that flowed into combat forms, conditioning drills performed with mechanical precision.

"Time?" he asked as his eyes opened, the question now a ritual.

"Eight hours," I replied.

"Thank you." He rose in a single fluid motion and began his routine. Push-ups, stretches, forms I didn't recognize. All performed in complete silence.

Lyralei approached with his meal, setting it down on the small table we'd brought into the chamber. He ate efficiently, methodically, his eyes distant and focused on something none of us could see. As he reached for his water glass, his elbow nudged a small plate, sending it sliding toward the edge of the table.

Without even glancing away from his meal, his free hand shot out and caught the plate before it could fall, setting it back in place with casual precision. The movement was so fluid, so automatic, that it seemed almost inhuman.

Lyralei and I exchanged a look. His reflexes had always been impressive, but this level of unconscious awareness was something else entirely.

"The massage therapist will be here this afternoon for your weekly appointment," I ventured.

"Cancel it."

"Sir, we agreed—"

"I don't need it anymore." He finished his meal and was already moving back toward his meditation position. "The time is better spent training." He paused, glancing back at me. "Give them a large tip for the trouble of coming out here. They shouldn't be penalized for my change in schedule."

He wasn't wrong. His body showed no signs of the stiffness or tension that had plagued him in those first weeks. If anything, he moved with a fluid grace that spoke of perfect physical conditioning.

But something in his eyes, a distant, hungry focus, made me deeply uneasy.

"Perhaps it would be wise to take a longer break," I said firmly. "Contact your family, or—"

"No." The word was final, brooking no argument. "Nothing is more important than this."

He settled into meditation, the training node already glowing in his hands, and once again disappeared into whatever obsession drove him forward.

I stood there for a long moment, watching the subtle shift in his aura as he dove deep into his training realm, and wondered what exactly he was fighting in there that demanded such complete devotion.

What have you found? And what is it doing to you?