The sun had barely risen, and yet Unit 06 was already gathered in the inner dome chamber of Battalion Vanguard Academy. Today wasn't just another training day—it was the beginning of something deeper, more spiritual. Today, they would begin their journey into true Soul Energy cultivation.
Inspector Leo stood at the center of the dome, surrounded by rippling reflections on the glass walls. His arms were folded behind his back, a ripple of water calmly dancing around his forearm.
"You see this?" he said, his voice low and smooth. "This is not a spell. Not magic. This is soul control—true cultivation. Soul Energy is like water: calm, flowing, reflective... but devastating when stirred."
The group watched in awe as Leo manipulated the water with precise, deliberate movements. "You've all awakened raw energy... but what you have inside you now is wild. Uncultivated. Unrefined. Meditation is the foundation. But control... control is the peak."
He turned to Elliot. "When you meditate, imagine your soul like a sphere, with a ring encasing it. That ring represents your limitation. Your intent must press against that ring—not to destroy it, but to wear it down. Like waves hitting stone."
Caden raised his hand. "What happens when it breaks?"
"Then your energy won't just awaken. It'll listen to you," Leo said, stepping back as he let the water return to the pool nearby. "And when that happens, your attacks, your defenses, your very instincts... they become soul-born."
The team spent hours meditating under Leo's guidance.
Henry struggled at first—he kept making jokes about seeing his soul "wearing boxers." But slowly, even he began to focus. His laughter faded as a gentle breeze began to swirl around his form.
Caden's body sparked with electric pulses as he grunted, pushing deeper.
Zane burned with internal heat, his energy flickering in the air.
Kira's breath was slow, icy mist curling from her palms as ice and water began to manifest.
Devin's skin shimmered like metal, his presence becoming heavy.
And then there was Elliot.
Deep in meditation, he saw it again—the red crystal, hovering in a void, wrapped in black tendrils. The pressure was suffocating. He pushed forward, using every bit of pain and memory—his parents, the night of blood, Vos's sacrifice. His intent struck the ring around the crystal.
Crack.
A pulse of shadow exploded within him, the dome briefly dimming.
Leo's eyes widened but said nothing. He only nodded. "That one... will need to learn balance."
---
Later that afternoon, Elliot and Zane headed into Vanguard Mall to restock food and essentials for their unit. The corridors were crowded with students, many of them talking excitedly about the Freshers Tournament.
Zane stuffed energy bars into a basket and nudged Elliot. "You know, the Freshers Tournament is the best place to prove yourself. You might even get to shut up Unit 1 in public."
Elliot didn't respond. He still felt the heaviness of his awakening.
As they left the store, they ran into a familiar face.
"Wow... so the rumors are true."
Michael stood at the edge of the hallway, his eyes locked onto Elliot.
Zane immediately stepped in front of Elliot, tense.
Michael raised his hands. "Easy. I didn't come here for a fight."
He looked directly at Elliot. "Shadow is truly back in the Academy."
Elliot narrowed his eyes. "And who are you supposed to be?"
Michael gave a half-smile. "We met during earlier training—you didn't notice then. But I'm Unit 1. Michael. And I came to see for myself."
Zane scoffed. "Another Unit 1 trash here to challenge us?"
Michael's voice softened. "No. Little brother, I didn't come for a fight."
Elliot blinked. "Brother?"
Zane turned, sighing. "We're from the same family. Different bloodlines, same roots."
Michael nodded. "I came because I saw something... interesting. Shadow awakening. There's a burden in that power. A rage."
Zane growled, but Michael continued, turning to leave.
"Train hard. The Freshers Tournament will reveal everything. And Elliot..."
He glanced back. "Don't let the Shadow consume you. Control it... or it'll control you."
---
Back in their dorm, Elliot sat on his bed, his shadow faintly pulsing around him.
Control...
He stared at his hands, remembering Leo's words.
Like water.
Not forced. Just flowing.
For the first time, Elliot didn't fear what was inside him.
He wanted to understand it.
And maybe, just maybe, he wasn't alone in this after all.