The morning sun filtered through the cracks of the workshop, dust motes drifting in lazy beams. Jiro Tensai had eaten, but the hunger that had plagued him during his core formation was gone — the egg at his waist seemed content for now.
Rein stood across from him, arms crossed, eyes unreadable. "Tell me, Jiro," he began, voice calm but firm, "what do you know about your cores?"
Jiro's gaze met Rein's, steady. "There's the Vitanova Core — the core of evolution. The Essentia Core — the core of life in the heart. And the Aetherion Core — the core of energy and matter in the brain."
A faint smile tugged at Rein's lips, but his tone remained serious. "That's the start. But forming the cores is only the beginning. Their potential isn't guaranteed. You must understand how powers manifest."
Jiro tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
"Each core can unlock abilities," Rein said, pacing slowly. "But the probability depends on how many cores are active together. About sixty percent of the time, a single core manifests one ability. Thirty-five percent of the time, two cores working together will grant an ability — stronger, more versatile. But when all three cores resonate in harmony…" He paused, letting his words hang. "…abilities are rare. Only five percent ever reach that level. That's why achieving full Triad Balance is considered impossible by most."
Jiro felt the weight of the words, the possibilities, and the danger. "So if I… combine all three, my abilities could be unlike anything ever seen?"
Rein nodded. "Potentially. But power without control is destruction. That's why mastery comes from discipline, not brute force. You'll test the cores, one by one and together. Only by learning their flow can you unlock abilities safely."
He stepped closer, gesturing to an empty space in the workshop. "Let me explain what each core grants."
Essentia Core — Life & Vitality
"Your Essentia Core is tied to life itself," Rein said, voice steady. "Healing, regeneration, sensing life, manipulating vitality — these are just the basics. At first level, you'll be able to heal small injuries, even fatigue. But mastery — mastery allows you to manipulate life energy on a massive scale, control biology, and even restore life temporarily. The heart is your conduit. Treat it with respect, or your own body will rebel."
Aetherion Core — Energy & Matter
"Your Aetherion Core is the brain of power," Rein continued. "Telekinesis, elemental control, energy projection, molecular manipulation, even gravity and force. At first, small energy blasts or moving objects with your mind. Later, control the elements, restructure matter at the atomic level, or manipulate kinetic energy on a battlefield scale."
Vitanova Core — Evolution & Adaptation
"Finally, the Vitanova Core," Rein said, stepping back. "Evolution, regeneration, adaptation. Your body isn't just strong — it will learn and grow. Muscle, bone, nerves, even your internal organs will adapt to strain, injury, or energy overload. This core is subtle — often unnoticed until it's too late to stop. Respect it, or it'll reshape you in ways you can't control."
Jiro clenched his fists, feeling the pulse of the three cores in tandem. A low hum resonated through his veins, heart, and bones, like the world itself acknowledging his awakening.
Rein's eyes softened, just slightly. "Tomorrow, we begin controlled exercises. You'll test each core, sense their limits, and learn how they interact. Remember what I told you about probability — your abilities might start small, but if you manage all three cores in harmony, the rare five-percent abilities are within reach."
Jiro's lips curved into a determined smile. "I'm ready. I've survived every trial so far. Now… I'll master this, too
Jiro's lips curved into a determined smile. "I'm ready. I've survived every trial so far. Now… I'll master this, too."
Rein's eyes softened just slightly, though the weight of expectation lingered. "Good. Tomorrow, we leave Ash Lane District. There's another area in Fluxion — a harsher one. I want you to test which abilities your cores will manifest under stress. Only then will you understand your true potential."
Jiro's brow furrowed. "Another district?"
"Yes," Rein said. "The district is called Ironveil, a place scarred by old Fluxion conflicts and home to numerous Tier-One and Tier-Two Ether beasts. The environment itself challenges a cultivator's body and mind. If your cores are ready, you'll feel them respond there. If not…" He let the warning hang in the air.
The words sent a shiver down Jiro's spine, but excitement mingled with fear. Ironveil was said to be merciless. Every alley, every abandoned building, every rusted corner held threats. Yet, it was the perfect testing ground.
"Tomorrow, you'll take the first step toward discovering what each core truly allows," Rein continued. "And from that, we'll begin aligning your abilities with your mind, your heart, and your body."
Jiro's pulse quickened. The thought of leaving Ash Lane — of facing new beasts, new trials — made the hum of his cores feel louder, almost eager. The egg at his waist seemed to shift as if it, too, understood the coming challenge."
The workshop was quiet once more, save for the soft, rhythmic pulse of three cores resonating in harmony — a heartbeat of life, energy, and evolution, waiting for its wielder to take the next step.
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