The Aura Ascendant: A Knight's Unbroken Path

Julia's eyes lit up after seeing this.

It was as if it was really prepared for the servants or slaves. After all, this pill was indeed for Aura Users. Their Kingdom, on the other hand, doesn't view the Aura Users that well. They were considered servants or slaves.

Because of that, Julia could see that the pill was truly meant as a reward for Slaves who did well serving their masters.

"As you can probably tell, this Pill is meant to reward your servant who helped you during the examination. But I won't give it to him myself. He's a slave—and not under my direct tutelage. Deliver it on my behalf. That will be enough."

Julia accepted the box with both hands, bowing slightly again.

"Thank you, Instructor."

As she exited the chamber, both items were already inside her Storage Ring.

She couldn't wait to reward Van for doing a job well done.

***

Outside the wooden house, Julia exhaled slowly as she calmed herself. She really did great in this class. She didn't just obtain a lot of Academic Points she could use in the Academy later on, but she also obtained precious items, the Storage Ring and the Verdant Ascension Pill.

Although the ring was only the basic one that could only store 30 kilograms of materials, it was still a very convenient item.

As he looked for Van, the cool air coming from the forest brushed against her face.

It was quite a refreshing feeling. She then paused for a moment, then reached into her Storage Ring and retrieved the jade-green pill box.

She had already found Van outside, waiting alongside the other servants.

Though his posture remained calm, there was a faint tension in his shoulders—it seemed that they were discussing something.

When Julia approached, he stood straighter and bowed lightly. "Lady Julia."

Julia smiled softly and called Van over away from the other servants. After getting to the back of the carriage they were about to use to return to the Academy or the Mage Tower, Julia extended the box toward him with both hands.

"This is for you…" she said. "A reward. Instructor Chavez gave it to me, but told me to deliver it myself."

Van looked surprised for a moment, then hesitated before accepting the box. "For me…?"

"You earned it…" Julia replied. "You were the one who collected every item during the mission. Without you, we wouldn't have reached the top of the rankings."

Julia then explained the contents of the Pill Box.

Van then looked down at the pill box in his hands and decided not to open it as he knew that its medicinal efficacy could drop if it wasn't properly contained.

'A Strong Heart Pill, huh… It's perfect.' Van mused.

"Thank you… I will make good use of it." He said.

"I know you will."

With that, Julia and Van just waited for everyone to be ready to return to the Mage Tower.

***

The return to the Rukh Tower was quiet and uneventful.

After the challenging trial in the Whistler Forest and the clash with bandits and beasts, the Apprentice Mages were grateful for the silence…

The convoy of carriages traveled smoothly along the roads, and no further obstacles appeared to test their strength.

Soon, Van even noticed more officers had been stationed along the dangerous road following recent events, ensuring their safe return.

By the time the familiar mage tower came into view, the students and even the servants breathed a collective sigh of relief.

They were finally back to the safety of the Rukh Tower.

***

Two days passed swiftly.

Julia didn't waste time during those days.

After she had earned a sizable amount of Academic Points, she went directly to the Quartermaster's Hall and exchanged her points for mystical weapons—one each for her three attendants.

She chose a set of finely crafted items suited to their talents.

For Van, she acquired a Wraith-Iron Dagger, infused with spectral essence to cut through barriers and disrupt Aura Flows…

For Sarah, a slim Wind Piercer Javelin was given. It was designed for high-speed projectile throws with precise trajectory correction.

And for Xiel, she picked a Runed Buckler—small, but embedded with a mystical effect that could repel weak spells and enhance his physical defense.

Though Sarah and Xiel hadn't accompanied her during the mission, they remained her loyal supporters since she arrived at the Rukh Tower. It was only natural that she rewarded their continued loyalty.

They were shocked—and grateful—when she handed over the weapons. No master treated their servants the way Julia did.

They knew this very well since there were plenty of times when they could interact with the servants of other Apprentice Mages.

***

Back in the servant's quarters, Van sat cross-legged in a quiet corner of his room.

The windows were closed, the lanterns dimmed, and the space around him was cleared of any distractions.

In front of him sat the Strong Heart Pill, still nestled within its jade-green case.

'This jade box seemed a lot more precious than I thought.' Van mused as his Lens analyzed the box as well.

It seemed that it could actually contain a higher tier of Pills!

This box was obviously stored in his satchel now… Well, thankfully, Julia obtained the Storage Ring, and thanks to that, the Satchel was just given to Van, and now, he had a personal storage item!

Nonetheless, after obtaining the box a couple of days ago. He had studied it carefully and researched more about it…

The silver mist coming out of its surface and the slight pressure it emitted were definitely signs that it was no ordinary pill.

His Ocularis Lens had already analyzed it he was able to find multiple books referencing the Pill.

[ Strong Heart Pill ]

Grade: Rare

Function: Strengthens the soul and enhances mental fortitude. Boosts Aura Output and raises resistance to mind-based attacks. Temporary elevation of mental clarity and Aura recovery rate during the assimilation period. ]

[ Warning: Consume only in a calm, focused state. Ideal for young Aura Users to fortify their foundation. ]

Van drew in a breath and began the Aura Regulation Breathing Technique that he had refined over the years.

It was soft, slow, and precise…

Soon, threads of Aura gathered around his body, and the room seemed to darken slightly as his presence deepened…

Once his breathing was steady and his mind centered, he opened the case.

The scent of herbs and something ancient filled the room. He shouldn't hesitate at this time as the effects could drop…

Immediately, he popped the pill into his mouth.

The effect was immediate.

A shockwave of warmth burst in his chest as if his soul was dipped into warm water...

'This feels a lot more relaxing than I thought…' Van mused.

However, Van's vision dimmed briefly. It alarmed him for a moment, but then clarity returned. His mind felt more sensitive as he was more aware of his surroundings.

Then, his veins pulsed, Aura threads moving faster through his body than ever before…

'This…'

He bit down to remain focused. The energy was powerful, but not wild…

Because of that, he knew immediately it wanted to merge with him, not destroy him. Still, it required control.

He clenched his fists as he circulated his Aura through his limbs and spine.

Slowly but surely, the energy was absorbed, and his Aura Core even started swelling slightly with each pulse.

Ten minutes passed.

Then twenty.

Then Van could no longer monitor the time he spent…

Soon, Van opened his eyes.

He didn't notice it, but there was a faint silver glow lingering in his irises before fading. It was a sign that he was about to reach the realm of the Gray Aura or the Second Level of the Aura Path!

After some time, Van's heartbeat slowed to a steady rhythm. It had finally calmed, but he still felt powerful.

He then stood up, clenched his hand, and tested a simple aura control… He formed a small blade made of aura from the tip of his fingers…

This was a difficult process since he was still only a First Level Aura User.

However, a small blade started to form after his second attempt… It was something that he shouldn't be able to do that swiftly.

As a First Level Aura User, he should only be capable of controlling Aura to move anywhere in his body and cover his weapon or equipment with it as well.

However, it requires special Aura Techniques to use it uniquely, like the blade he just made… or at the very least, he should reach the Second Level of Aura or the Gray Aura.

'That felt good… It's a bit wobbly and probably not really usable, but still, it should be a decent upgrade.' Van thought to himself as he waved his fingers as if to see if he could maintain the Aura Blade he created.

'It's holding well...'

Just from this movement of his Aura, he could already tell that he was also on the verge of reaching the Second Level!