Several months ago, in the city of Aurelia, the current capital of Valoryn, a majestic throne room stood as a sign of power and authority. Its high ceilings were etched with silver inlays that reflected the faint glimmer of enchanted torches, while the floor was flawless obsidian, cold and unyielding beneath anyone who walked on it,
On a high black throne with silver engravings sat a figure shrouded in illusory black smoke. An onyx crown hovered above his head, and his robe fell to his knees, paired with black pants and polished boots that absorbed the faint light of the hall,
The figure rested his head on his fist, watching the throne room with calm, terrifying ease. His aura was suffocating... so strong that a normal human would collapse instantly, lifeless. This was no ordinary ruler; he was a Sovereign-rank legend, the king of Valoryn,
Several steps below the throne knelt a man, head bowed, in a simple black suit that contrasted with the grandeur of the hall. His presence was fully submissive, every move showing loyalty,
"Something interesting happened in Coeron," the king said, his deep voice filling the hall like a bell,
He paused, letting the kneeling man feel the weight of his words,
"There's an abnormal seed in Coeron... one that has just awakened," His dark pupils locked on the man. "For me to sense this means the seed may affect Coeron... and maybe the kingdom. Find a way to investigate it, thoroughly,"
The kneeling man held his breath, showing complete obedience,
"By your command," he murmured, lowering his head further. Then he rose and left, leaving the king alone,
---
Current Time: In Coeron Arbora – Saturday Evening,
Alex sat cross-legged on the ground, palms on his knees, eyes closed in focus. He had been meditating for a while, trying to merge with the world around him... a key step to reach Bloom rank,
Across from him, a man leaned against the wall, arms crossed, black hair neat. This was Sir Anderson, the principal, watching Alex with careful curiosity,
Alex felt his consciousness expand, touching the air, the walls, and the faint energy around him, but he stayed in control. Any lapse could scatter an integrator into harmless light particles,
Suddenly, the room grew icy. The cold pierced the protective wind dome, chilling even Sir Anderson. Goosebumps formed as the icy energy settled, proof of the power Alex was beginning to control,
Alex opened his eyes. His usual blue irises were now orange, and his pupils were vertically slit. As his vision returned to normal, he exhaled, looking at his father,
"Unsuccessful," he muttered, standing with effort. "The world flows I stored are gone,"
Sir Anderson nodded. "Stay alert. Another flow will likely come tomorrow, and you'll succeed then,"
He left without another word, leaving Alex to think over the day,
---
Inside Another Training Room – Same Time,
Elsewhere in Coeron Arbora, Ellie was on the floor, her red scepter nearby. She panted, sweat matting her hair, while scorch marks and craters marred the walls. The walls were already restoring quickly, but smoke still rose from the burns,
A woman stood nearby, calm and commanding. She looked like an older, stronger version of Ellie... a matured Emberclaw. She was an initial-stage evolved Integrator and an instructor, teaching Ellie close-range combat,
"You have talent, young Ms. Emberclaw," the instructor said, her voice calm but firm, "but you are far from your full potential... maybe when you bloom,"
Ellie lifted her head, trying to catch her breath,
The instructor reached out to help her. "Earlier, you canceled 'Blazing Holy Armour' when you saw an opening. That was, expected," she said with a faint chuckle. "In close combat, you can't lower your defenses. A melee fighter will take advantage. You rely too much on range and power,"
She placed a hand on Ellie's shoulder. "Your spell chants are too long. They have power, yes... but speed is crucial. A long chant lets an opponent close in,"
The instructor paused. "I'll write down shorter chants that keep strength but let you react faster,"
Stepping back, she said, "Again,"
Ellie's exhaustion vanished, instincts taking over. She raised her scepter and intoned clearly,
"Source of the sun, grant me your light... Blazing Holy Armour,"
The air shimmered, light and heat coiling into a radiant aura. Scorched lines traced the floor from her spell, the room glowing from its residual power,
Ellie's eyes shone with determination. She was learning the balance of power and speed, defense and offense... the art of merging her talent with her environment,
The instructor nodded. "Better. Keep this pace. True mastery comes from adapting... not just power,"
With her words still in the air, a glowing armor wrapped around the instructor, needing no chant.