Exiting the grand Nexus Hall, Lennox was brimming with excitement and curiosity about how he would adapt to the other Nexarcs after the inspiring speeches and discussions by the council. Just as he was pondering this, the figure appeared outside beside him.
"Why weren't you in there with me?" Lennox asked, a mix of suspicion and curiosity in his tone.
Lennox couldn't shake the feeling that there might be a reason for the figure's absence, something they were hiding. But then again, the figure was made of particles, perhaps there were aspects of their nature they didn't want him to know.
The figure chuckled softly. "Let's go," they said cryptically.
Deciding to follow, Lennox hoped he might learn more about the academy and why the figure had left him during such an important moment.
As they walked, Lennox tried to engage the figure in conversation, but they remained mysteriously silent, only answering when he asked a direct question. Despite his efforts, he gleaned little insight into the academy and what lay ahead. Eventually, they arrived at the door of the Nexarch's office.
"Knock," the figure instructed. Lennox hesitated. The weight of the moment settled on his shoulders. He realized that once he entered that office, there would be no turning back. His life was about to change irrevocably; he was about to become a Nexarc. The mix of excitement and trepidation swirled within him as he raised his hand to knock, steeling himself for the new path he was about to tread.
Lennox hesitated for a moment before summoning some courage to knock on the door.
"Tap!"
"Tap!"
His hand trembled slightly, a mix of fear and uncertainty washing over him. Despite having grown up alone and adapting to challenging situations, the prospect of what lay behind that door filled him with an unexplainable anxiety.
"Come in!" commanded a voice from within, exuding authority. Lennox glanced around for the figure, only to realize it had vanished. Just as he was about to question this sudden disappearance, dust particles began to swirl in the air, slipping through the crack under the door and into the room. His mind buzzed with questions, but he decided to push open the door.
Upon entering, Lennox was met by a man who seemed to embody both wisdom and power. The figure was tall and imposing, draped in robes of deep indigo that were adorned with intricate patterns and Nexus lines, which seemed to shift and shimmer as if alive.
It was difficult to discern the man's age, for his face bore the grace of youth and the depth of ageless wisdom. Strands of silver hair cascaded down to his shoulders, catching the light in a way that hinted at the threads of light that wove through the realms. His eyes, a mesmerizing cobalt blue, held an ethereal glow that seemed to pierce through the very depths of Lennox's soul.
Upon his brow, a sigil glowed softly an emblem denoting his role as the Nexarch, the guardian of the Nexus Academy and its students. The sigil was a swirling convergence of intricate patterns, reminiscent of the threads that connected the realms.
Despite his commanding presence, the man's smile exuded warmth and understanding. What struck Lennox the most, however, was that the dust particles in the room seemed to be drawn towards the man's hand, disappearing into the Nexus lines that adorned his robes. It was a sight that left Lennox both awestruck and bewildered, his mind swirling with questions and a deep sense of reverence for the mysterious Nexarch before him.
"Welcome to Nexus Academy, Lennox," the man, Nexarch Valarian, said, his voice resonating with a deep timbre. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Lennox walked slowly to the front of Nexarch Valarian's wooden desk, offering a slight smile. "Nice to meet you too, Nexarch Valarian," he replied, feeling a creeping nervousness.
"Do you have any questions before you officially become a Nexarc? I'm sure you have plenty," Nexarch Valarian asked, his gaze kind yet penetrating.
"Well, firstly, you mentioned that even with my emberflare eye,nothing might happen to me in the academy. But in the central hall, all the Nexarcs seemed afraid of me," Lennox voiced his concern about potential attacks from fellow Nexarcs.
"Yes, I did say that, and it's the truth," Nexarch paused, his eyes locking onto Lennox's. "Your eyes are not just windows to the world; they are unique. You need to embrace their uniqueness. They can and will guide you along an extraordinary path either by destiny or by choice," his voice was filled with wisdom and assurance.
Lennox absorbed Nexarch Valarian's words, reflecting on the meaning. He realized he had a choice: he could let his eye dictate his path, or he could control it and forge his own way.
Nexarch Valarian chuckled slightly. "And remember, your eyes are not the most evil or mysterious in the world. There are countless unknowns," he said cryptically.
Lennox nodded, a tone of reflection in his voice. "I understand...We as humans, fear the unknown the things we can't see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. We strive for perfection and fear anything that challenges that so either destroy it and move away from it. But there's beauty in exploring the unknown," he continued.
"Well said," Nexarch Valarian praised, admiration in his eyes. "It seems you are ready to join the academy," he noted, sensing Lennox's change in mood.
Lennox clenched his fist, determination shining in his eyes. "Yes," he said firmly. "I'm driven to change my life."
After Nexarch Valair had officially welcomed Lennox into the academy, he became a Nexarc by simply placing his fingerprint infused with Nexus energy ink on a paper a process surprisingly simple for such a significant moment. Excitement bubbled within him as he headed to his dorm, finding a bed awaiting him but no other roommate. That night, he lay awake, his mind alive with anticipation, dreaming of the knowledge he would gain at the academy and fueled by an unwavering determination to unlock the depths of his bloodline abilities.
The following morning, Lennox woke up to find a set of clothes waiting for him a short black jacket and long black pants adorned with a square symbol. To the left of the Core was a stylized open book with intricate inscriptions, to the right of the Core, a dynamic flame with swirling patterns, and above the Core, a brilliant star with multiple rays ascending outward. He learned that the symbols represented the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge 'the book', mastery of elemental powers 'the flame', and the elevation of power and growth 'the star'.
Satisfied with his appearance, Lennox made his way to his classes, clutching a schedule that would mark a pivotal moment: attending his first class dedicated to understanding the world of bloodlines. Stepping through the doorway, he entered a sanctuary of knowledge. The walls seemed to radiate with the wisdom of ages past, and inside, Nexarcs slid gracefully across the seats, each occupied by students buzzing with anticipation and curiosity.
At the front of the classroom stood an instructor named Professor Taddeus, radiating an air of wisdom and authority that commanded respect. With a presence that demanded attention, he had everyone introduce themselves before the class officially commenced. The atmosphere hummed with excitement as the lesson began, and Lennox felt a mixture of nerves and anticipation, ready to embark on his journey of knowledge and power within the Nexus Academy.
"Today, I will be teaching you about bloodlines," Professor Taddeus declared, his voice resonating with authority.
He began by explaining the intricate history of the Nexus Academy, recounting how long before the threads of fate converged to form the academy, the world was a tapestry of realms, each with its own mysteries and magic. As the realms began to intertwine, the need for understanding and harmony became evident. Thus, the Nexus Academy was born, a sanctuary for Nexarcs to learn, evolve, and safeguard the delicate balance between realms.
Centuries of dedicated study and collaboration transformed the Nexus Academy into an unparalleled institution of learning. Masters and scholars emerged, delving deep into the mysteries of the Nexus System. As Nexarcs flourished, they encountered challenges that transcended realms. Threats from otherworldly entities and malevolent forces tested their mettle. Unity among Nexarcs became paramount to protect the balance and ward off invasions from other realms.
Lennox absorbed Professor Taddeus's words, captivated by the newfound knowledge. The instructor continued, delving into the early days of the academy and describing how it evolved into a sanctuary where gifted individuals could learn to harness their bloodline abilities.
"In our Nexus veins lie our bloodlines. By tapping into our veins, you can awaken your bloodline power," Professor Taddeus demonstrated, raising his hand. Brown and orange smoke materialized in his palm, floating gracefully up to the ceiling, and the veins in his hand and palm glowed brown and orange also "I am a Smokeforged, an elemental bloodline. I control smoke," he explained as the smoke took forms of small weapons and people fighting, showcasing his mastery over it.
The students were instantly awestruck, their eyes wide in amazement. Most of them had anticipated water, earth, or even electrical bloodlines. With a tone of reverence, the professor explained that bloodlines were not isolated entities but had the capacity to intertwine, to merge their strengths and create something new.
Professor Taddeus shared historical examples and legends of individuals who mastered the intricate art of blending. He spoke of firebloods merging with windbloods to control blazes that could gust and blaze with intent. Earthbloods intertwined with waterbloods to sculpt landscapes that were both solid and fluid.
When Professor Taddeus finished speaking, Lennox raised his hand to ask a question, curiosity burning in his eyes.
"Yes, Lennox, what's your question?" Professor Taddeus asked, his expression curious and hopeful.
Everyone turned their attention to Lennox, waiting for his question. "I want to know about the Nexus veins in our body," he asked.
"That's a good question, Lennox. I was planning to explain it in another class, but it's fine now," Professor Taddeus replied, his tone reassuring, ready to unravel the mysteries of Nexus veins for the eager students.
Professor Taddeus delved into the intricacies of the Nexus vein, also known as the Nexus Energy Pathway. It was an invisible network that intricately coursed through the body of every Nexarc, acting as a conduit for Nexus energy the life force of the world. This energy interacted with an individual's bloodline, traits, abilities, and even their physical and mental being.
The Nexus vein, he explained, was a complex system comprising countless subliminal pathways. It formed an intricate network interconnecting every part of the body, emanating from the mysterious Nexus Core nestled within the chest. These pathways extended to every corner of the Nexarc's body, from joints and organs to the very structures of their cells.
When a Nexarc activated their bloodline abilities or any facet of the Nexus System, Nexus energy surged through these pathways, infusing their body with unparalleled power. This energy followed a unique rhythm for each individual, responding to their thoughts, intentions, and the activation of their specialized Nexus talents.
As the class unfolded, Lennox found himself both exhilarated by the rapid learning and appreciative of the deliberate pace of the instruction. Whispers of excitement buzzed through the air as his classmates exchanged thoughts and speculations, all captivated by the wonders of the Nexus vein and the boundless potential it held.