The sun was barely rising over the Elysium campus when Aiden opened his eyes, perfectly alert and rested. He sat up with a start, marveling at the sensation of power surging through his veins. His body, still sore the day before, was now in perfect condition, regenerated by his new nature as a Blood Dhampir.
He stretched, savoring the sensation of his muscles responding with increased precision and strength. Each movement was fluid, controlled, as if his body was a finely tuned instrument.
"Amazing," he murmured, a smile forming on his lips. "I feel like I could lift mountains."
Animated by a new energy, Aiden quickly prepared for combat class. He was eager to test his new abilities, to see how they would translate in a real fight.
When he arrived in the training room, he found his comrades already gathered, chatting animatedly. Ethan gave him a knowing nod, while Mina and Kai smiled at him warmly.
"Slept well?" Ethan asked.
Aiden nodded, suppressing a smile. If only they knew...
The combat instructor, Zane, with his square jaw, stepped forward to the center of the room, demanding everyone's attention.
"Today is a special day," he announced in his deep voice. "It's our last class where we'll all work together on the fundamentals of combat. Starting next week, you'll be divided into groups according to your specific aptitudes, for personalized training."
An excited murmur ran through the assembly. Finally, they would be able to focus on developing their unique powers!
"But before that," the professor continued, "I thought we could close out this cycle with a friendly little tournament. Just to see your progress and put into practice what you've learned."
Aiden felt his heart race at the prospect. A tournament? The perfect opportunity to test his new limits!
The students faced off in pairs, under the watchful eye of the professor who offered advice and encouragement. Aiden carefully observed each duel, analyzing the styles and strategies of his classmates. Ethan impressed with his rather brute way of fighting, but it was effective, putting his opponents to rout. Mina showed great subtlety, using strategies to win instead. Kai, meanwhile, distinguished himself by the precision of his attacks.
Then it was Aiden's turn. And when the professor announced his opponent, he couldn't suppress a shiver of excitement.
"Aiden versus Nate!"
Nate, the martial arts prodigy. The one who had defeated him in their first clash, a few weeks earlier. A rematch of sorts.
The two opponents faced each other, sizing each other up. Nate wore his usual confident smile, sure of his superiority. But Aiden was driven by a new determination. He knew he had changed, evolved. And he was ready to prove it.
The signal for the start of the fight sounded, and the two opponents lunged at each other, their movements fluid and precise. Nate attacked first, chaining strikes with impressive speed and technique. But Aiden, driven by his superhuman reflexes, managed to dodge and parry each assault.
For long minutes, they fought like this, in a hypnotic ballet of strikes and dodges. The room held its breath, captivated by this duel of rare intensity.
But little by little, imperceptibly, the balance of forces began to shift. Aiden's blows were getting faster, more powerful. His new strength was manifesting, amplified by his evolution.
Nate, despite his talent, was finding it harder and harder to keep up. His attacks, once so precise, were now missing their target. He was starting to tire, his breathing growing shorter, his guard less assured.
Aiden, on the other hand, seemed indefatigable. Each blow struck reinforced his confidence, his determination. He could feel the power flowing through his veins, guiding his movements with deadly precision.
In a final assault, Aiden feinted to the left, before sharply turning back, catching Nate off guard. With a lightning kick, he swept his opponent's legs out from under him, unbalancing him. Then, without giving him time to recover, he followed up with an unbreakable hold, immobilizing Nate on the ground.
"Aiden wins!" announced the professor, ending the fight.
"Nate, you shouldn't have underestimated your opponent and fought at your maximum from the start. That's the reason for your loss, he had time to get used to your style, and after that it was too late," added Zane.
A thunderous applause erupted in the room, saluting the young dhampir's impressive performance. Aiden, breathless but his heart swelling with pride, helped Nate to his feet. The latter, despite the defeat, gave him a respectful smile.
"Well done," he acknowledged. "You've made incredible progress. I'm going to have to redouble my efforts to keep up!"
Aiden returned his smile, savoring this moment of recognition. But deep down, he knew that his victory was not only due to training. It was the fruit of his evolution, of his new nature.
A nature that he would have to tame and master, if he wanted to make the most of it. For with power also came responsibilities, and temptations.
"Well, unlike Nate who wasn't allowed to use his powers, my characteristics allow me to use them permanently, but it's still a victory," Aiden said to himself.
But for now, he just wanted to savor this triumph, surrounded by his friends who were warmly congratulating him. Ethan gave him a big pat on the back, laughing heartily.
"You've been hiding your talents from us, old man! That was impressive!"
Mina and Kai echoed his words, praising his performance. Aiden accepted their compliments with a mixture of pride and humility. He still had so much to learn, so much to discover about himself and his abilities.
But one thing was certain: this first test had been conclusive. His evolution opened up new perspectives, unexplored horizons.
It remained to be seen where it would lead him, and if he would be able to maintain control on the long path to power. For in the depths of his being, he could feel the thirst for blood, lurking, waiting for its moment. A thirst that he would need to quench, one way or another, quickly.
But those concerns could wait. For now, he just wanted to enjoy the present moment, the camaraderie and the satisfaction of a challenge met.
The class ended in an atmosphere of celebration and excitement, each sharing their impressions and expectations for what was to come.
But Aiden was also interested in something else. Tonight, they would attempt the 2nd level of the dungeon, and he couldn't wait.