The Aura Ascendant: A Knight's Unbroken Path

As the other students and professors began to disperse, Headmaster Mensa and Vice Headmaster Sabin remained in the graveyard. Their visible Aura had already disappeared and they examined the remains of the undead Aura Knight, Clovis, and the ritual materials used to revive it.

Mensa glanced over his shoulder and spotted Hayden standing at a distance, it seemed that the kid had seen a lot of things in that battle.

Mensa then gestured for the young man to come. It had been a while since he had tested him in the Orb of Trial… To be honest, he really wanted to use the kid to compete against the other Knight Academies but the competition only allows 12-year-olds.

Hayden was simply too young and the committee wouldn't allow his participation even if he knew that he was already strong enough to participate.

Mensa saw as Hayden hesitated for a moment before he approached the two of them...

Vice Headmaster Sabin gave him a nod as he observed the talented kid that Mensa had praised before. He was curious what kind of person would be praised by the Headmaster a lot.

Then, as soon as Hayden got closer, the Headmaster spoke.

"What did you learn from the fight just now?" Mensa asked as his gaze remained on Hayden's face.

Hayden already expected such a question, so he was able to quickly organize his thoughts. He knew this was a test, and he wanted to give a thoughtful answer.

"I learned that raw power isn't everything," Hayden replied.

"Clovis only had first-level of Aura, but he was able to hold his own even for some time against the two of you because of his control. He used his Aura like a true veteran Aura Knight."

Mensa raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Go on. I'm sure it's not just that."

Hayden didn't hesitate and continued… "I also realized that Aura isn't just about physical energy…"

He continued to express what he learned from the battle and how he perceived Aura during that fight. Of course, there were still plenty of things he didn't know about the existence of Aura but he knew that he was getting close.

Vice Headmaster Sabin chuckled as he smiled at Hayden's words. "Not bad, kid. You've got a sharp mind. I wouldn't be surprised if you awaken your Aura this year or maybe in just a few more months. The youngest person in history to awaken Aura was actually 11 years old."

Mensa wryly smiled and added. "Don't pressure the kid…"

"Anyway, Hayden, you're right. Aura is more than just energy—it's a reflection of the wielder's soul. And control is just as important as power, if not more so."

Then, Mensa reached into his pocket and pulled out a small faintly glowing crystal.

It pulsed with an energy similar to the Aura he had seen just a few moments ago.

There was no doubt about it! Hayden could feel Aura in that crystal!

"This is a solidified Aura crystal. It's what remains of Clovis's Aura after his defeat. Such crystals can only be obtained from Aura Knights who have become monsters or undead creatures. They're rare and incredibly valuable."

Hayden's eyes widened. "What does it do? Wait… Is this thing normal? Aura Users becoming monsters or undead?" He asked.

Sabin stepped in to explain. "Not really… However, you can consider the corpses of Aura Users to be highly valuable objects… People would do anything to get their hands on such bodies… That's why Aura Users, including Magicians, would make special tombs for themselves as they knew that they would get desecrated if they didn't protect themselves… Of course, there were also those who didn't care what would happen after their death."

Hayden's eyes lit up as he recalled various information regarding Tomb Raiding! He didn't think too much of it before.

He just felt that it would be a great adventure to raid tombs and find treasures.

'So it was like that… They're protecting not just their wealth but also their bodies.' Hayden wryly smiled as he realized this. The books he read were focused on romanticizing Tomb Raiding after all.

Anyway, Sabin continued.

"The crystal contains the essence of Clovis's Aura—his skill, his control, and his experience. If used correctly, it can help you refine your own Aura and accelerate your growth. But it's not a shortcut. You'll still need to put in the work to master it."

Mensa nodded. "We're offering this crystal to you, Hayden. But it comes with a condition."

Hayden nodded as he expected that much. The crystal was an incredible opportunity, but he knew there had to be a catch.

"What's the condition?" he asked.

Mensa gently nodded seeing that Hayden understood the situation.

"We want you to do something for the academy at a later date. It won't be easy, and it may involve danger. But we believe you have the potential to handle it."

Sabin added, "Think of it as an investment. We're giving you this crystal to help you grow, but we expect you to use that growth to benefit the Academy when the time comes."

'So it was all for the Academy… Then it shouldn't be a huge problem.' Hayden thought.

"I accept."

Mensa smiled as he heard Hayden's reply.

"Good. We knew you would."

As Mensa handed the crystal to Hayden, Sabin finally finished analyzing Hayden's physique.

"You've got potential, kid… But potential alone isn't enough. You need to push yourself and this crystal will help, but it's up to you to make the most of it."

Hayden nodded as he held the crystal. "I understand. I won't waste this opportunity."

As the conversation ended, Mensa and Sabin sent Hayden away after telling him not to show the crystal to anyone else.

Soon, Hayden returned to his dormitory and sent Troy away by giving him an errand.

As soon as he was alone, he finally took out the mysterious crystal that was given to him by the two retired Aura Knights…

"Let's see what you can do…"