Chapter 7 – Foundations of Power
The training field buzzed with early-morning energy. Class C — Kael's class — stood in formation under the stern gaze of Instructor Harn, a scarred man with a deep voice and no tolerance for laziness.
Kael adjusted his stance. His muscles still ached from pushing his body in private recovery sessions. While his System had finally awakened, his body remained weaker than average — a relic of his frail beginnings. But beneath his calm face, resolve churned like thunderclouds.
Next to him stood Joran, Elira's son — short but strong-willed, with tightly cropped black hair and eyes sharp as obsidian. His mana was steady, clinging to his form like invisible walls.
"Don't look so stiff," Tarin muttered. "We haven't even started."
Kael smirked. "Easy for you to say. Your ability doesn't feel like it's trying to tear your muscles apart every time you move."
Joran grinned. "That's because I control mine. Barrier types don't get to panic — either we hold the line, or people die."
Instructor harn walks into the class..
After warmups and basic formation drills, Instructor Harn clapped his hands once.
"Enough. Let's talk about the truth behind strength."
The class quieted as he walked toward a large, rune-etched board and began to write, his strokes deliberate and harsh.
The Nine Stages of Power
1. Initiate – You've awakened. Basic connection to your power.
2. Disciple – Mana flows cleaner. You can summon your ability instinctively.
3. Advanced Disciple – Combat-ready. You can form techniques.
4. Adept – You are granted a Class. Your System locks in your combat path.
5. Advanced Adept – Stability of elements, specialization begins.
6. Expert – Full control of your class skills. Unique traits often emerge.
7. Champion – Leaders, protectors, generals. You command others.
8. Ascendant – Your power influences the world around you.
9. Sovereign – One in a billion. The strongest of the strong. Walkers of cataclysm.
Kael studied the list, his eyes lingering on Stage 4 — Adept. That was when his Class would be assigned by the System. When his true path would begin.
But the gap between Initiate and Adept was massive — especially for someone like him.
🏷️ Jordan's Power – Barrier Awakener
During sparring practice, Instructor Harn had each student demonstrate controlled use of their awakened ability — within safe boundaries.
Joran stepped forward, his hands forming a triangle.
From the air, a transparent hexagonal barrier formed around his body, then shifted to protect Kael beside him.
"Barrier type," Instructor Harn noted. "It's a pity you don't have an affinity. You'll be valuable in squad defense missions."
Kael watched, impressed. Jordan's control wasn't flashy — it was solid, grounded, and precise.
When Kael's turn came, he only used basic water whips and air-enhanced movement — no lightning, no sharp wind blades.
Instructor Harn gave a curt nod. "Good restraint. Control matters more than force right now."
Kael exhaled slowly. Even this low-level output pushed his body to its limit.
- The World's Secrets – The 50 Origin Relics
That afternoon, Instructor Harn gathered them in the Hall of Symbols — a stone chamber lined with old weapon carvings and mystical etchings.
He pointed to a mural of golden relics.
"There are fifty Origin Relics. Artifacts from the forgotten age — each tied to a concept or force:
Fire, Sound, Time, Ice, Gravity, Space, Curse, Truth, Chaos… even Death."
"Relics choose their wielders. They awaken only under intense circumstances — war, life-or-death, or spiritual resonance.
You'll never buy one. You'll never borrow one. You earn one — if you survive long enough."
Jordan's gaze locked onto one relic on the mural — a ring of wind orbiting a cracked gem. It pulsed with uncanny familiarity, as if something in his blood responded to it.
Joran leaned over. "You look like that relic insulted your mother."
Kael blinked and shook his head. "No. It's… nothing."
But it wasn't.
- Afternoon Training – Controlled Combat
After lunch, the class practiced movement drills — dodging enchanted projectiles and suppressing energy leaks. Kael kept his wind and lightning suppressed, relying only on water.
Joran used thin, disk-shaped barriers to redirect attacks, expertly shifting them with hand motions. Kael had to admit — while flashy elements dominated the battlefield, Jordan's style had real grit.
But there was tension in the air.
- A Brewing Rivalry – Karn Steps In
After drills, Kael passed through the rear courtyard when a tall figure blocked his path — Karn, a hulking boy with golden irises and faint animal markings on his neck.
Word was: beastial awakener. Bloodline tied to the eastern wildlands.
"You're holding back," Karn said bluntly. "I can smell it. You stink of multiple traits."
Kael said nothing.
Karn's eyes narrowed. "What are you hiding, island rat?"
"I don't owe you anything," Kael said quietly. "Especially not explanations."
Karn growled. "Good. Then let's fight. No rules. First blood."
Before Kael could answer, a wall of mana snapped into place between them.
Joran stood behind it, hand raised.
"Instructor's orders," he said flatly. "No unsupervised duels."
Karn sneered, "Keep hiding, then."
Kael just walked away, wind stirring faintly behind his steps.