The bell echoed through the vast corridors of Celestial Academy, signaling the start of the next lesson. Students hustled through the hallways, some excited, some nervous, others whispering about recent events—Damon, Lira, and Will moving together at the front, quietly observing.
Today's class: Ability Origins.
The room was massive, circular, with holographic projectors hovering above each desk, displaying floating symbols, energy flows, and historical diagrams.
At the center stood the teacher.
Professor Selene Arctis had a presence that could stop the room in an instant. Tall, poised, and confident, she carried herself with a graceful authority. Her long hair, a deep shade of violet, cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light in soft waves. Her eyes—piercing and sharp—glimmered with intelligence, curiosity, and something that made students' attention lock automatically on her.
Her attire was elegant, tailored to perfection, hinting at her form without being overly extravagant. Every movement was deliberate: a shift of her hand, a step forward, a tilt of her chin. Even the way she adjusted the holographic displays seemed to command respect without saying a word.
When she spoke, her voice flowed like honeyed steel. Calm, controlled, and confident, yet impossible to ignore.
"Good morning," she said, eyes sweeping across the students. "Today, we explore the origins of abilities—where your power comes from, why it manifests differently, and how to harness it responsibly. Pay attention. This knowledge is as important as raw strength."
The room fell silent. Even the whispers stopped.
Selene gestured gracefully toward the main holographic display. Energy spiraled and coalesced into forms representing the first "Awakeners"—humans touched by the mysterious energy crash that shaped Ethereal centuries ago.
"As you know," she continued, moving closer to the center, "the arrival of the energy ship didn't just grant abilities. It altered genetic markers, created latent potentials, and in some cases… awakened systems. Your potential is tied to both heritage and experience."
Her gaze fell on Damon. "And yes, even those without lineage, if circumstances allow, can awaken something extraordinary."
Damon's crimson eyes narrowed slightly as his system hummed softly.
[System Alert: Teacher Observation Detected — High]
[Probability: Subject Interest in Unclassified Student: High]
Selene's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she adjusted the projector, sending a cascade of floating symbols swirling around Damon, Lira, and Will.
"Understanding the origin of your abilities is more than history. It's the foundation for control, for survival, and for dominance."
Lira leaned slightly closer to Damon, whispering, "She's… intimidating."
Damon smirked faintly. "She knows what she's doing. That's dangerous in its own way."
Will's dark eyes followed every subtle movement of the professor. "And the ones who learn fastest will be the ones who survive… or lead."
Students were instructed to pair up and map their own ability potential using the holographic system. Damon, Will, and Lira naturally formed a trio. Damon's system interfaced seamlessly with the classroom tools, providing analytical insights faster than anyone else.
Selene's gaze occasionally drifted toward them—not in disapproval, but keen evaluation. Something about the trio had piqued her interest: the unclassified student, the noble heir, and the battlefield manipulator working together with unexpected synergy.
[Observation Logged: Trio Potential — High]
[Focus: Damon Vale — System-Assisted Adaptation Detected]
By the end of the class, students were buzzing about the new insights, but Damon, Lira, and Will walked out with something more: the professor had noticed them. Not just as students, but as potential forces to watch.
The bell rang again. Outside, the courtyard awaited—but already, the seed of tension and curiosity had been planted.