The first light of dawn spread a soft shimmer across the vast courtyard of Aurelia Academy. Quiet footsteps echoed through the stone corridors as students made their way into the great hall, sitting cross-legged on the cold floor. Curiosity and a touch of unease flickered on their faces; today, they would take their first true steps into the real use of the Nexus.
When Master Marwen entered, silence fell completely. The elderly instructor, sharp-eyed despite his years, walked slowly among the students.
"Today," he said, voice calm but firm, "there is no need for haste. The Nexus is not only strength—it is will, and understanding. Without readiness of both body and spirit, you will find no progress. Do not forget this."
One by one, the students steadied themselves, drawing deep breaths. Elias closed his eyes and listened to the rhythm of his heart. A faint vibration stirred within him—clearer than anything he had felt before. Beside him sat Riven, his dark hair slicked back, his gaze fixed and unwavering. Elias admired his presence inwardly, though he could not resist comparing himself to him.
Marwen's eyes passed slowly over them all.
"Each of you will discover your own limits today."
Riven leaned slightly toward Elias.
"Thorn, I'm curious how far you'll go this time."
Elias smiled, though inside he braced himself.
"Competing with you will be good for me, Riven. But this time—I won't back down."
They fell into silence again, adjusting their breathing. Marwen raised his hands in a quiet signal, and the hall stilled as every student began to search for the pulse of the Nexus within.
At first, Elias felt only a faint echo, like a distant hum. But as he focused, keeping his eyes closed and his breath steady, a small spark of light stirred and drifted through him. By his side, Riven already resonated with the energy—strong, steady, confident—while Elias remained slower, more cautious.
"Focus, Elias!" Riven whispered with a hint of mockery. "It's not enough to feel it—you must direct it."
Elias drew in a deep breath.
"I know… but my path is different."
Elsewhere, students strained with their own efforts—some coaxing faint sparks, others unable to grasp anything at all. Marwen paced silently between them, occasionally offering brief hints. When his gaze fell upon Elias, he gave a small nod. No words passed, yet the quiet approval was clear.
Riven soon shaped his resonance into a small, glowing ring of energy. Elias followed the trail of his own spark, attempting the same. His ring flickered into existence for only a moment before fading—but in that brief flash, he sensed the depth of his potential.
"You'll need to be faster," Riven said with a slight smile.
Elias answered softly, his tone steady.
"You may be strong, but I won't give in."
Between them, a silent contest unfolded. Rivalry without malice, each testing the other in quiet determination. Other students noticed; some watched in admiration, while others, inspired, pressed harder against their own limits.
Gradually, the trembling rings faded, and the students' breathing slowed. Marwen came to a stop, folding his hands together.
"That is enough for today. Each of you has glimpsed your boundary and made the effort. Tomorrow, those boundaries will grow."
That evening, the students returned to their dormitories. Boys and girls lived apart, watched closely by strict supervisors.
As Elias lay back on his bed, he turned over the day's lessons in his mind. He had measured himself against Riven, learned something new, and made a small but vital step forward.
On his way to his own quarters, Riven glanced at him and whispered:
"Tomorrow, I'll show you more."
Elias smiled, stretching out on his bunk.
"And I'll be ready."
That night, beneath the same sky, the two young talents continued to carve their own paths. Tomorrow's trials would be harsher—but within them both, a new spark had begun to burn.