As the day neared its end, the lecture hall adjacent to the chapel was filled with over fifty students, all seated with an air of attentive respect. On the stage, an elder of the lectern proceeded with the ritual of calling out names, distributing subsidies. This was the essence gem subsidy provided by the castle to the new ascendants every seven days, a form of support for these young warriors. Given their current strength, maintaining their essence conduits was a financial burden too heavy for most to bear alone. "Aidan," the elder called out. From a window-side seat at the back of the room, Aidan rose and approached the stage to receive two pouches. One contained three essence gems, the castle's subsidy, while the other held a reward of sixty essence gems.
"Good job," the elder said, giving Aidan a meaningful look. Having secured the first place twice in a row, Aidan had drawn the attention of the elder, who had previously held little hope for him.
Aidan nodded, tucking the pouches into his pocket,
"Damn, he's taken first place again..." Tristan watched Aidan with a mix of envy and frustration.
"How did that wolf suddenly fall?" Emeric squinted, pondering a question that had haunted him since the assessment's conclusion.
"What kind of power does he possess?" Isolde wondered.
Not just her, but many students glanced at Aidan, some covertly, others more openly. This question tormented them; despite their defeats, a sense of unresolved injustice lingered, fueling a desire for clarity.
This atmosphere of curiosity and begrudging respect underscored the transformative impact of Aidan's recent victories. His achievements had not only elevated his standing within the community of ascendants but had also sown seeds of doubt and intrigue among his peers. The mystery of his success, particularly the unexpected downfall of his opponent's wolf, became a focal point of discussion and speculation.
In this environment, where strength and mastery were the currencies of respect, Aidan's unconventional victory challenged the norms and expectations that governed the ascendants' world.
As the assembly neared its conclusion, the elder of the lectern announced a significant development, stirring the waters of anticipation among the students. "You have been at the academy for some time now, and have become familiar with the use of your essence conduits. In the days to come, I will teach you how to absorb external energies to continuously transform our body's meridians. The higher the realm of an ascender, the more refined the energy becomes. The Novice Tier is associated with Bronze True Essence, the Awakened Tier with Silver True Essence, and the Confluent Tier with Gold True Essence. A portion of Silver True Essence is equivalent to ten portions of Bronze True Essence. Similarly, a portion of Gold True Essence can be compared to ten portions of Silver True Essence!"
"You must remember, essence conduits are merely tools at our disposal; our level is the foundation of our ascension. The higher the level, the more powerful the essence conduit we can wield. In the next three months, whoever first advances to the mid-level of the Novice Tier will receive a reward of one hundred essence gems, along with the priority to choose a second essence conduit. After three months, based on performance, we will appoint a class leader and two deputies. The class leader will enjoy a subsidy of ten essence gems, and the deputies' essence gem subsidy will increase to five! That's all for today, you may all disperse."
The elder's announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the hall, buzzing with the students' animated discussions. This declaration not only outlined the path forward but also introduced a tangible set of goals and rewards that galvanized the students' competitive spirit. The prospect of ascending to higher tiers, coupled with the rewards of essence gems and the privilege of selecting an additional essence conduit, ignited a fire of ambition in the hearts of many.
The students, previously bound by the routine of learning and the subtle hierarchy of their current standings, were now presented with a new hierarchy based on tangible achievements and the promise of greater power. The elder's words laid the groundwork for a period of intense dedication and competition, as each student pondered their strategy for advancement.
The lecture hall, once a place of passive learning, was now transformed into a crucible of aspiration and determination, with each student leaving the day's assembly with renewed purpose and resolve. The journey ahead promised not only personal growth and advancement but also the potential for new alliances, rivalries, and the unfolding drama of ambition within the ancient walls of the academy.
The elder's announcement had indeed electrified the atmosphere within the lecture hall, transforming it into a hive of buzzing excitement and speculation. The very notion of establishing class leadership positions such as a class head and deputies sparked an array of reactions among the students, ranging from raw ambition to strategic contemplation.
"The class head and deputies are to be appointed!" someone exclaimed, their fists clenched in excitement. This news brought forth visions of hierarchy and structure, a tangible recognition of merit and achievement within the academy's walls.
"If I'm the first to advance to the mid-level of the Novice tier, I could become the class head," another student mused aloud, their eyes gleaming with determination. The prospect of receiving essence gems on a regular basis was enticing, but for many, it was the honor and the leadership role that truly called to them.
"The essence gems are not the main point; it's the status that comes with being the class head or a deputy. It's about the honor, the prestige, and the authority over others. Even ordinary students must bow and greet the class head," Tristan, Emeric, Isolde, and others thought to themselves. For these students, who did not lack for essence gems, it was the glory and recognition associated with these positions that held paramount importance.
This ambition wasn't solely driven by personal gain. In a world where power and status were intricately linked, positions such as the class head and deputies were not merely titles; they were symbols of one's prowess, influence, and potential for future ascendance within the broader society. Holding such a position could open doors, forge alliances, and secure one's place in the complex social hierarchy of ascendants.
For ambitious students like Tristan, Emeric, and Isolde, the challenge was clear. They saw beyond the immediate rewards, understanding that the real prize was the recognition and respect that came with ascending to a position of leadership within the academy. This was a game of power and prestige, and the stakes had just been raised significantly.
As the murmurs of ambition and strategy buzzed through the lecture hall, Ewan's thoughts raced with a mixture of resolve and burning rivalry. "To become the class head, yes, that's the goal. To be the first to ascend to the mid-level of the Novice Tier!" His heart pounded with the determination to not only achieve this feat but to also redefine the dynamics between him and his brother, Aidan. "To have Aidan see me in a new light, to have him bow and greet me first... Yes, that will be the day," he mused, his mind painting a picture of triumph and reversal of roles.
But beneath this veneer of ambition, a deeper, more turbulent stream of emotions churned. Ewan's desire to outshine his brother was not solely driven by a quest for recognition within the academy; it was fueled by a potent mix of jealousy and an unwillingness to remain in Aidan's shadow any longer. The thought of turning the tables, of commanding respect from the brother who had always seemed a step ahead, was intoxicating.
As these thoughts swirled in his head, Ewan's gaze, almost involuntarily, drifted towards Aidan's seat, seeking out his brother in the crowd. But the space where Aidan had been was now just an empty void. The realization that Aidan had slipped away unnoticed, perhaps indifferent to the fervor that had seized the rest of the students, struck Ewan with a cold jolt.
"Where's Aidan?" The question echoed hollowly in his mind, a sudden pang of annoyance mingling with his simmering jealousy. That Aidan had left without a word, seemingly unconcerned with the discussions of advancement and positions of power, only served to deepen Ewan's sense of rivalry. It was as if Aidan existed in a sphere apart, untouched by the ambitions that gripped Ewan and their peers.
The sight of the empty seat acted as a stark reminder of the gulf Ewan felt between himself and his brother—a gulf he was determined to bridge, not just by achieving rank within the academy, but by surpassing Aidan in every conceivable way. Yet, the emptiness also whispered doubts, hinting at secrets and depths to Aidan's ambitions that Ewan had yet to fathom.
In that moment, as the hall continued to buzz with the aspirations of the future leaders of their generation, Ewan's resolve hardened. His path was clear, yet the shadow of Aidan's absence loomed large, a silent challenge that spurred him on. The blend of jealousy, determination, and the complex web of sibling rivalry lent a sharp edge to his ambitions, setting the stage for a journey fraught with rivalry, growth, and the quest for recognition in a world where power and prestige were the ultimate currency.