A few days later,
The training ground buzzed with anticipation as students gathered, their voices a low murmur of excitement and apprehension. The air felt charged, not just with the residual magic of the academy but with the promise of the unknown. Mr. Vaelric, the instructor, stood at the centre of the crowd, his commanding presence drawing every gaze. His weathered features and stern demeanour reflected the seriousness of the moment as he addressed the assembly.
"Listen closely," he began, his voice firm and clear. "The Dimensional Rift is both an opportunity and a test. Those who have reached the Adept level will be eligible to enter. In contrast, those at the Master Tier may access it freely at any time. However," he paused, letting the weight of his next words sink in, "I cannot stress this enough: do not venture into the inner layer of the Rift. It is far beyond your current capabilities and fraught with dangers that could cost you your life."
The students' expressions shifted to a mix of awe and trepidation. "Those who have entered before will lead the way," Mr. Vaelric continued. "Newcomers will be guided by me, Ms. Amara, and Mr. Alden."
From the side of the group, Samantha turned to Kairos and Ronan. Her usual calm expression was tinged with concern. "Don't let your curiosity get the best of you," she said firmly. "The Rift is unpredictable and dangerous. Listen to your instructor, and don't take unnecessary risks."
Kairos and Ronan nodded in unison, their expressions solemn. "Yes, ma'am," they replied, a touch of humour softening the tension.
Samantha's stern facade melted for a moment. "Good. And Ronan," she added, fixing him with a pointed look, "don't wander off. Promise me."
Ronan's smile was sheepish but sincere. "I promise."
Satisfied, Samantha gave them both a quick embrace. "Take care of each other," she said before turning to leave. "Goodbye."
"Take care, Samantha," Kairos and Ronan called out in unison, watching her until she disappeared into the distance.
Their thoughts were interrupted by the approach of Mr. Alden, his calm demeanour contrasting with the buzz of activity around them. The boys straightened instinctively and greeted him in unison, "Good morning, sir."
"Good morning," Mr. Alden replied with a nod. His sharp eyes lingered on Ronan. "You've learned Keen Eyes. Do you know why so few choose to master this skill?"
Ronan hesitated, his brows furrowing in thought. "It's an old skill," he began slowly. "Almost no information about it remains, and it's considered inferior to more modern perception skills."
Mr. Alden's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. "You're half right. Yes, this is an ancient skill with little information available, but it is by no means inferior. The reason so few pursue it lies in the difficulty of advancing it. To level up Keen Eyes, you must venture into the middle layer of the Rift, a task that most find too daunting. Moreover, not every Rift contains the path to progress this skill. That rarity and difficulty deter many. But remember this: A few hundred years ago, this very Rift revealed the first known trail for Keen Eyes. Also, you will see some marked locations; don't go there alone. For unknown reasons, almost every user has a different mark location."
Ronan's flicker of doubt crossed his face. "Sir, what happens if I don't use the skill while inside?"
Mr. Alden's expression turned serious. "That's not an option. Keen Eyes will activate the moment you step into the Rift and remain active until you leave. Be prepared. You may feel dizziness, nausea, or even disorientation. These are the skill's way of sharpening your perception. In the outer layer, you'll encounter three distinct marks. The middle layer also has three marks. Resist the urge to approach them."
Ronan swallowed hard, nodding. "Understood, sir."
Kairos stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Ronan's shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't let him out of my sight until we're both safely out of the Rift."
Mr. Alden's stern expression softened slightly. "Good. Now, join the others. It's time."
The two boys nodded and moved toward the gathered group, the swirling energy of the Dimensional Rift pulsing ahead of them like a living entity. This was no ordinary test; it was the beginning of something far greater. As the Rift shimmered, opening its otherworldly maw, Kairos and Ronan exchanged a determined glance.
The moment Ronan stepped into the Rift, his knees buckled, and he nearly collapsed. Kairos, alarmed, rushed to his side, wrapping an arm around him to keep him upright.
"Are you okay?" Kairos asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Ronan groaned, his face pale and damp with sweat. "This is... overwhelming," he muttered, gripping Kairos's hand. "My perception limit—it just doubled."
Kairos frowned but tightened his grip. After a few minutes, Ronan took a deep breath and looked up. "I think I'm alright now," he said, though his voice wavered.
Ms. Amara's voice cut through the room. "Everyone with the Water element, come with me. We'll be capturing a low-level water spirits orb."
Mr. Vaelric followed with his booming announcement. "Fire element students, you're with me. We'll hunt down some beast flames."
Ms. Seraphina, her tone calm but commanding. "Students with other elements, gather with me. We'll focus on increasing mana capacity." The groups began to split off. Mr. Alden called Ronan, "Let's check the marked location first." Kairos started to step forward, concern etched on his face. "Wait! Is Ronan going to be okay?"
Mr. Alden offered a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Kairos. He'll be fine. Focus on your training." Ronan gave Kairos a faint nod of encouragement before following Mr. Alden and the other instructors. Kairos watched him go, determination flickering in his eyes. He clenched his fists.
As the group approached the marked location in the outer layer of the Rift, Mr. Alden introduced the man accompanying them, Mr. Arnold, the supervisor of Mindward Tower. A hint of pride and respect underlined his tone, though he couldn't help the unease gnawing at him.
When they arrived, Mr. Alden's sharp gaze scanned the surroundings, his mind racing. The area was barren, devoid of the structures or temples he had encountered in the middle layers. Furrowing his brow, he muttered to himself, "There's nothing here. In the middle layer, these marked spots usually hold temples or ruins."
Mr. Arnold, calm and composed, observed the surroundings with an intensity that hinted at a wealth of experience. Meanwhile, Ronan walked ahead, drawn inexplicably toward an unassuming patch of ground. He hesitated, then spoke, his voice filled with wonder.
"How is this untouched? Not a single crack or mark."