The sun was just about to set within the forest as Elderond headed to the room within the wooden house. However, just before he went to his room, he heard the sound of footfalls near the grassy area.
Curious, Elderond turned towards the front door and slowly crept to the area. A strange pressure was circulating within the currents of the air as he drew closer. Stray stems of grass floated in the air, controlled by some unexplainable force.
"I feel the flow of aura circulating in the air Master, this is dangerous. Maybe you shouldn't go see what it is?"
"I need to assess the situation Medea; there's no point ignoring the obvious."
"As you wish."
The dry-cracked mud crunched under Elderond's shoes as he drew near. A feeling of nervousness covered his face; but, subdued by the anticipation of discovery.
As he rounded the corner, he saw Grandpa Lex.
A translucent yet cloudy aura surrounded him as he spun on the grass, gliding whilst throwing punches, kicks and fakes. The manifested power would contort, compress and expand out during the changes in movement; the mastery of a was impressive.
"That aura you are seeing around Grandpa Lex is wind elemental, aura as he has established a connection with the essence of wind within the Universe."
"Wait, why are you calling him Grandpa?!"
"The elderly should always be respected, Master. Also, I am you as much as you am I: I am integrated, within you; so, why shouldn't I share the same relationship?"
"But, you're not a real person… how can you form a relationship?"
Medea shook her head in disappointment.
"You are narrow-minded. A relationship isn't just about physical attraction or done with a confrontation. It can also be via a spiritual or mental link."
Elderond was dumbfounded. He didn't know such a relationship was possible.
"If you're wondering how you'll find out when you encounter beasts that talk."
With a final expansion of aura, Lex rose his rotation velocity, increasing the accumulation of wind element within his attack. The kick finally rounded as he unleashed the tornado wave into the air. The boom resonated throughout the forest, causing sleeping birds to run from their nests.
Elderond was stunned.
If this was the power of aura, what could the mastery of essence achieve?
"Boy, aren't you meant to be in bed?"
"Sorry, Grandpa, I got curious about the pressure coming from the grassy area. It turned out it was you."
"It's always good to practice the fundamentals; sometimes bottlenecks happen because your fundamentals are weak."
Grandpa Lex looked at the boy in front of him. There was an expression of awe on his face, tinged with a hint of disappointment. The boy knew his body could not become a vessel to store and manipulate essence.
"Don't fret, Elderond, there can still be a way to master aura to a high degree and maybe beat an essence user with the right contingencies."
Elderond's expression gradually grew brighter, revealing a smile poking out between the solemn lips.
"So Grandpa, what are the differences between aura and essence, and how is it measured?"
"Ah, Elderond, that will take some time to explain- are you sure you want to listen to this old man's droning?"
"Well, I did agree to converse with you so, why not? I'm interested."
"Aha, good boy! You sure know how to get on my good side."
"Let's head to the living room; I'll talk you over the basics as drink some green tea."
They both turned and walked back towards the wooden house. As Lex left, the floating stems of grass fell gently to the floor as if they had never risen.
Medea saw this and noted.
"Impressive control."
Elderond and Lex went to their destinations: one to the stove to heat water, whilst the other to sit patiently.
As the water boiled, Lex turned to Elderond.
"To start with what essence and aura is, we need to look at the fundamental concepts for both."
"Essence is in itself the actual building blocks behind what things are. There used to be a race called humans, the concept of atoms would be used, sum up essence."
Elderond asked Medea.
"Does he mean atoms are the same as essence?"
"Technically, yes, atoms are the basic building blocks of all things whilst essence the make-up of all things so indeed the concept is correct. Though once mastering essence, you can manipulate the make-up of all things."
Elderond nodded his head in confirmation.
"Next, for the aura, simply put it is the presence emitted by the battle strength of the individual who has mastered an affinity with an element or source of power."
"Yes, that makes sense as you have mastered the wind element."
"Now for how it's measured, there are distinctions between both aura and essence users."
"For example, you currently are only in the league of regular soldiers and mortal hunters, those that have no special ability. They use tools to kill their foes."
"The Grazing Hound you killed was merely an F-Class Land beast. In terms of land beasts, it is a subspecies; so, it's only got a portion of the true power of the main species. Now don't be disheartened, saying that it's quite impressive for you to solo one. Technically speaking, you became an F-Class Hunter by defeating it."
Lex looked at the Elderond's perplexed expression.
Elderond was trying to understand all the information; but, he was also confused: he thought the Grazing Hound was quite a ferocious beast.
"Ahem *cough*, now back to the matter at hand. Mortals, class from F to S-Class both in terms of normal soldiers and hunters."
"However, aura users are different: They begin at Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Master and Grand Master ranks."
"Furthermore, once an aura user experiences their divine enlightenment, they will enter into transcendence. Transcendence: is split into Partial, Profound, and Master."
"There does exist a rank at the peak of aura users. Those that have touched on the true-use of the essence and that is Celestial."
Taking all his in, Elderond was stunned. He had a long way to go- to achieve his goal, and right now, he was only taking the first steps. His fists scrunched up in determination, knuckles turning white, he turned to Grandpa Lex.
"Grandpa, you say that Celestial is at the peak of aura users for ones that have touched on the proper use of the essence. Does that mean there are still higher ranks?"
Scratching his beard, Lex stared at the Elderond's eyes. There seemed to be a hidden truth with them, one which would lead to a hell of a journey.
"Legend says that there are many distinctions between essence users; however, to learn about the true power of the Universe, you need to reach the peak of the Celestial rank, allowing you to travel into the Beta Level Universe."
Medea also acknowledged this.
"It is how Grandpa says, Master."
With a firm framework to build on, he looked towards Grandpa Lex.
"Grandpa, will you teach me how to become strong?"
"Is what you wish strength boy and what for?"
"I wish to have the strength to put the lives of my people to rest, once and for all. To protect those dear and reach the highest of peaks."
With a glowing smile, Lex nodded his head.
This boy couldn't have his progress hindered here.
He must grow. That was his destiny which fate had already decided.
"Then the training shall begin!"