Eckert got down from his bed, and immediately a foul stench hit his nose. Startled, he looked down at his skin and saw it was covered in a thick layer of black dirt. The filth seemed to cling to him, a reminder of the intense transformation his body had undergone during his meditation. Without hesitation, he headed for the bath.
As he entered the bath, the warm water washed over him, and he scrubbed away the grime. The sensation was invigorating, as if the water was not just cleansing his body but also refreshing his spirit. When he finally stepped out of the bath, he noticed something remarkable. His skin was now smooth and fresh, like that of a newborn baby. The transformation was more than just physical—it was as though he had been reborn.
He dried himself off and, with a commanding voice, said, "AURA, SHOW."
A translucent red screen appeared in front of him, displaying his stats.
**Name:** Eckert Van Bilbord
**Age:** 15
**Stage:** Aura Gatherer (Beginner)
**STR:** 115
**AGI:** 120
**ARA:** 1200/1200
**STA:** 105/105
He stared at the numbers, astonished. "Wow, this simple gathering tempered my body like this?"
Eckert knew that the path to power was slow and demanding. Normally, an Aura Gatherer would spend about ten days to increase their stats by just three points. It would take at least a year to reach the necessary level to attempt a breakthrough to the Aura Apprentice rank. But what he had achieved in mere hours was beyond belief.
He reflected on the journey that awaited him. The Empire's capital, Sky City, was the destination for all aspiring warriors and aura users. From the Kingdom of Bilbord to the capital, the journey took about a month by carriage, but for those who could afford it, the teleportation routes reduced the travel time to just one week. This was a luxury only nobles could afford, though, leaving commoners to make the arduous journey on foot or by less expensive means.
For most children of the Empire, this journey began well before their fifteenth birthday. It was a race against time to reach the capital and undergo the awakening ceremony, where they would gain their true power. Those who lived far from the capital often traveled to closer kingdoms to awaken, as the journey from the farthest reaches of the Empire could take six months or more.
But Sky City was the ultimate destination for those who sought greatness. It was home to the most powerful Aura Academies and institutes, where the best of the best were trained. Graduating from one of these prestigious institutions was not just an honor—it was a guarantee of a high rank and a prosperous future.
Eckert knew that the stakes were high. The Emperor himself had ensured that the Academy entrance examinations were held in Sky City, a shrewd move to gather the most talented youths from across the Empire. The exams were a grueling test of skill and potential, and only the best would earn a place in the elite academies. But this also meant that even commoners, with no noble blood or resources, had a chance to prove themselves and rise above their station.
"The Emperor is wise," Eckert thought, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Just because you're a commoner doesn't mean you don't have talent."
The Emperor's strategy was clear: by offering resources and opportunities to the most talented individuals, regardless of their background, he was able to secure their loyalty and service. It was a system that rewarded merit and ensured that the Empire's brightest stars were tied to the throne.
Eckert's mind raced with possibilities. He knew he had an advantage that few others could match. The theory of breaking the shackle and the immense power it unlocked had proven true, and now his stats were comparable to those of an Aura Apprentice, a rank he hadn't even officially reached yet.
He clenched his fists, feeling the raw power coursing through his veins. The upcoming journey to Sky City was no longer just about fulfilling his duty as a noble. It was about proving himself, about showing the world that he, Eckert Van Bilbord, was destined for greatness.
But even as he felt the surge of confidence, there was a small part of him that remained cautious. The path ahead was still fraught with challenges, and the Empire's academies were filled with the best of the best. He couldn't afford to become complacent.
"Time to pack and prepare for the journey," he muttered to himself. "Sky City awaits."
As he dressed and made his way out of his chambers, he couldn't help but think about the Empire's capital, its towering spires, and the legendary academies that awaited him. The future was bright, and with his newfound power, Eckert was ready to seize it.