The Aura Ascendant: A Knight's Unbroken Path

Hayden wasn't exactly sure why but amongst all the students in this controlled forest, his group was the one being intensely observed by the instructor.

In any case, he could guess that Captain Brynn had probably noticed something different about him. According to what he heard, the Captain had a long experience in combat and it wasn't surprising if her instincts found something off about him.

'Well… She can observe me as much as he wants. Nothing would change.' Hayden thought as he focused on their 'survival' class.

To be honest, Hayden actually felt at ease in this situation. He couldn't help but recall his past life as a soldier living in terrible conditions due to various missions he had to complete.

He wasn't showing discomfort or discontentment with their current situation, which surprised Phoebe. She was really a bit unsure of what to do at first, but thanks to Hayden's calm demeanor, she was able to recall all the things she had learned in class and picked herself up.

"You know," Phoebe said after a long silence, "I wasn't sure what to make of you at first. You're younger, but you're… different. Like you've got this quiet confidence. It's kind of inspiring."

Hayden looked at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. He was stunned for a moment, but he immediately replied as soon as he recovered. "Thanks, Phoebe. That means a lot."

She grinned and nudged him playfully. "Don't let it go to your head, kid."

Hayden shook his head at this... He couldn't be bothered to reply that he was only 1 or 2 years younger.

In any case, over the next 10 hours of their survival training, Hayden and Phoebe continued to grow closer. After all, since they collected the food they needed and made a shelter, they had decided to just study or do some exercise in their spare time.

Phoebe also started questioning Hayden about her understanding of Aura Theory, hoping that she would also awaken her Aura soon.

Just like that, Phoebe's initial curiosity about Hayden's abilities had transformed into genuine friendship. Hayden was also quite new to this situation but he didn't dislike it.

After all, he knew that if he wanted to have a different life from the past, he would have to start doing something different from his past life. Gaining new friends was definitely a good way to do that.

"Ohh… It's almost time…" Phoebe muttered as she looked at the dark sky.

"That's true…" Hayden nodded as he noticed that Captain Brynn was also about to ring the bell, hinting that their survival class had ended.

Then, after a few moments, they heard the sound of the bell, hinting that the class ended.

During this time, Captain Brynn gathered them and she was at least satisfied that all the students had learned what she taught them.

As for the speed they did it, it didn't matter to her. She only had a few things to point out. Whether they made the shelter fast or not, what she cared about was their choice of location.

That was where she pointed out some mistakes that the students must correct.

In any case, Hayden and Phoebe had certainly selected a good spot, so they didn't receive any reproaches.

As they walked back to the academy after their wilderness training, Phoebe turned to him with a mischievous smile…

"You have to visit the Headmaster soon. You shouldn't be hiding it." With that, Phoebe left as she ran towards the female's dormitory.

***

On the next day, Hayden was early as he went to the Academy's dining hall to fill his stomach.

Soon, he sat with a plate of warm honey-glazed oatbread, smoked venison, and a bowl of spiced apple porridge. It was certainly a hearty breakfast meant to fuel young knights-in-training like them...

Around him, students chattered excitedly, so he was able to hear the latest news.

"Did you hear? Headmaster Mensa has summoned the top twenty students of the academy!" One higher-year student said.

Hayden's ears perked up as he finally heard some news about the Headmaster...

Then, he glanced at Phoebe, who was sitting across from him, tearing into a piece of buttered rye bread.

She just sat across from him as soon as she saw him in the dining hall like it was the most natural thing to do.

Anyway, Hayden didn't mind that.

As she heard the news, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, curious about the reason why those students were called.

"What for?"

Thankfully, they weren't the only ones curious as another student asked..

"It's about the Inter-Academy Sword Competition," a fifth-year student said.

"I think that the Headmaster is already handpicking the team to represent us against Solaris and Ironveil Academies."

The other students then started talking about it and it spread through the hall. The Inter-Academy Sword Competition was one of the most prestigious events for trainee knights—a chance to prove their skills against the best of the best.

The winning academy would earn not only glory but also additional funding and rare training resources.

Phoebe's eyes lit up after hearing this.

"So it's already that time of the year. This is huge. It seemed that this is only done once every three years."

She then looked at Hayden who seemed to be interested.

"Guess neither of us is getting invited. But we will be able to watch it…"

Hayden gently nodded at this as he chewed thoughtfully.

Needless to say, he wasn't ranked among the academy's elite—yet. But he had something none of them did: his Aura.

***

After breakfast, Hayden made up his mind. If the Headmaster was already gathering the best students, then this was the perfect time to reveal his abilities. He needed to be officially recognized as an Aura Initiate—not just for status, but to gain access to advanced training and resources.

"You're really going to do it?" Phoebe asked as they walked through the corridors.

"No point waiting…" Hayden said. "I'm only hiding it because I didn't want to be misunderstood by the Professors. Besides, I know I can trust the Headmaster."

Since the Aura Crystal was given to him and he was also protected from the Evil Sorcerer, there was no way he would think badly of the Headmaster.

Phoebe hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But if this goes wrong, don't say I didn't warn you."