The morning after the Awakening, the Sovereign Dorms were abuzz with a different kind of energy. The initial awe had faded, replaced by the practicalities of Academy life. Nox, Kaelix padding silently beside him, navigated the gleaming corridors, his mind still chewing on Kaelis's enigmatic words: "It answers to purpose. Your purpose."
His first destination was the Cadet Registry, a vast, circular chamber lined with glowing data scrolls. Here, the hundred newly awakened cadets were assigned their initial curriculum. The air hummed with dozens of elemental auras, a vibrant tapestry of Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Thunder, and Light, punctuated by the occasional pale shadow of Kaelis and the heavy, silent void of Nox.
Instructor Sarah Oroborus stood at the central console, overseeing the allocations. "Welcome, cadets. Your journey will now branch. Zenith Academy focuses on three core pillars of mastery: Resonance Control, Strategic Knowledge, and Combat Application. Each of you will undertake foundational classes in all three, alongside specialized electives."
She gestured to a shimmering holographic display that detailed the week's schedule.
Resonance Control (RC): These classes focused on refining elemental manipulation, energy conservation, and advanced attunement. Cadets would learn to sculpt their auras, enhance their senses, and master precise energy projection.
Strategic Knowledge (SK): Held in the grand archives, these sessions delved into the history of Resonance, the lore of ancient beasts, political structures of the Dominion, and the ethical implications of power.
Combat Application (CA): These were the practical sessions, ranging from basic sparring to advanced tactical formations, beast-handling in dynamic environments, and developing synchronized combat styles with companions.
"Beyond these," Sarah continued, "the Grand Library of Zenith stands open to all cadets. It contains centuries of accumulated knowledge, including specialized scrolls on lost arts and unique Resonance manifestations. Access to specific archives will be granted based on rank and demonstrated potential."
Nox felt a familiar pull towards the Grand Library. If his Resonance was "Unclassified," then ancient texts might hold clues modern masters had forgotten.
"Finally," Sarah announced, "each cadet will select one foundational skill tree for initial specialization. This choice is not binding for your entire Academy career, but it will shape your early training." A new holographic array blossomed, displaying several options:
Elemental Augmentation: Focus on amplifying raw elemental power and efficiency. (Popular with Fire, Thunder, Earth users)
Aura Weaving: Master intricate resonance patterns for defense, illusion, or subtle manipulation. (Favored by Wind, Light users, Lyra Fen would likely choose this)
Beast Synchronicity: Deepen the bond with companion beasts, enhancing their abilities and coordination. (Obvious choice for Kaelix and Kael Draven, Nox's beast companion)
Resonance Sensing: Hone perception to track, analyze, and anticipate others' Resonance signatures and environmental energy flows. (This immediately caught Nox's eye, aligning with his natural inclination)
Field Distortion: Specialized in manipulating the ambient Resonance of an environment. (A rare, complex path. Kaelis Norrin's Shadow Resonance might fit here)
Raven, predictably, scoffed at the nuanced choices. "Augmentation for me! More fire, more punch!" he declared, his fiery aura flaring enthusiastically.
Selene Aurelion, ever composed, selected Aura Weaving. Her Light and Thunder Resonance made it a natural fit for intricate, controlled power.
Lyra Fen, with her Wind Resonance, gravitated towards Aura Weaving as well, her eyes already alight with ideas for clever distractions and subtle controls.
Nox, however, hesitated. His Unclassified Resonance didn't seem to fit neatly into any category. Elemental Augmentation felt wrong; he couldn't even feel his element, let alone amplify it. Aura Weaving implied intricate control he hadn't yet grasped. Beast Synchronicity was a strong contender, given his bond with Kaelix, but he felt drawn to something else, a path that aligned with his inherent nature.
Resonance Sensing. It mirrored Eldran's teachings in the forest, his own instinct to listento the world. If he couldn't control his Resonance directly, perhaps he could understand it through its interactions with everything else. This was a path of observation, of data collection, a way to gather information before acting. It aligned with his purpose: to understand, to protect, and to leave intact what he would not take for himself.
He stepped forward, his heavy, silent aura making the other cadets instinctively shift. "Resonance Sensing," he stated, his voice calm.
Sarah Oroborus's eyes, usually sharp, softened almost imperceptibly as she registered his choice. "A wise decision, Cadet Vale. A path of patience and insight. It may serve you well in understanding your… unique Resonance."
Kaelix nudged his hand again, a soft, approving purr rumbling in his chest. It felt right.
As the cadets dispersed towards their first classes, the Grand Library of Zenith beckoned to Nox. Before diving into practical applications, he needed knowledge. If his Resonance was truly "Unclassified," then perhaps its true nature lay hidden in the forgotten whispers of the past. The Academy offered training for his body and mind, but the key to his unique power might reside in the ancient scrolls, waiting to be deciphered.
He resolved to visit the Library first, to seek out any mention of "Unclassified" or similar anomalies, before facing the perplexing challenge of controlling what he could not yet comprehend. His journey of awakening had just begun, and the first step was to seek out the threads of knowledge that might unravel the mystery of his own power.