As the morning sun ascended higher into the azure sky, it cast elongated shadows that danced across the sacred grounds of the Hakone shrine. Haruto stood at the edge of a weathered stone courtyard, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Today marked a pivotal moment; it was the beginning of his true training and the journey to unravel the mysteries of Eternum, the enigmatic power that thrummed within him like a hidden heartbeat.
Gathered in the courtyard were the Seven Chosen Ones, each mentor embodying a blend of solemnity and encouragement. Haruto felt the weight of their collective gaze, each pair of eyes silently evaluating the boy they had nurtured since infancy. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, a tangible energy that sent shivers down his spine.
At the heart of the courtyard stood Aiden Cross, the composed and charismatic leader of the Chosen Ones. He exuded an aura of authority that was both commanding and comforting, his deep, resonant voice slicing through the stillness.
"Haruto," Aiden began, his tone a harmonious blend of gentleness and resolve, "today signifies the dawn of your journey into the realm of Eternum. This power is not merely a tool at your disposal—it is an intrinsic part of your being, a thread woven into the very fabric of who we are. It courses through our veins, intertwining our destinies, and when harnessed with skill and understanding, it can manifest wonders that defy the limits of imagination."
As Aiden's piercing gaze locked onto Haruto's, the boy felt an exhilarating surge of confidence wash over him. In that fleeting moment, he straightened his posture, a fire igniting within him, eager to absorb the knowledge that lay ahead and to prove himself worthy of the legacy that awaited.
Aiden raised his hand, and with a subtle shift in his expression, the air around him began to hum with palpable energy. A soft, ethereal blue light enveloped his hand, gradually growing brighter with each passing second. Haruto watched in awe as the light intensified, swirling and coalescing until it condensed into a small, glowing orb that hovered just above Aiden's palm, pulsating gently like a heartbeat.
"This is what we call Eternum Vitalist," Aiden explained, his voice steady and clear. "This technique allows us to amplify our physical abilities—strength, speed, endurance—by channeling Eternum energy directly into our bodies. With dedicated practice, you'll learn to control this energy, using it as an extension of yourself, enhancing your capabilities beyond what you thought possible."
With a swift motion, Aiden clenched his fist, and in an instant, the glowing orb burst apart into a dozen smaller orbs that floated gracefully around him, each one shimmering with vibrant energy before fading into the air like fireflies disappearing into the night. Haruto's eyes widened further, a mix of admiration and curiosity bubbling up within him.
"Next, we have Eternum Projection," Aiden continued, extending his other hand with a flourish. "This skill allows us to project our Eternum outside of our bodies, shaping it into barriers, blasts, or other forms as we see fit. It's about control, about directing your will into the energy itself and bending it to your desires."
As Aiden spoke, he demonstrated by forming a shimmering barrier of energy that surrounded him, glinting in the sunlight. "This is a fundamental skill that will serve you well in both offense and defense."
"And then there's Eternum Manipulation," Aiden added, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "This skill allows us to influence and control not just our own Eternum, but also other energy systems—like Nature, spiritual or any other powers you may encounter. With Eternum Manipulation, you can disrupt an opponent's energy flow, enhance their abilities, or even alter the properties of their techniques."
As Aiden spoke, he demonstrated by extending his hand toward a nearby tree. With a focused expression, he manipulated the energy around him, causing the leaves to shimmer and change color as if infused with a different elemental essence. "See how I can alter the properties of the energy in the environment? This is the power of Eternum Manipulation."
Haruto felt a mix of awe and determination as he absorbed the implications of this ability. The potential to manipulate not just his own energy but also that of others was both exhilarating and daunting.
With the foundational concepts laid out, Aiden gestured for Haruto to take his place in the center of the expansive courtyard. The boy's heart raced with anticipation and anxiety as he moved to the spot where Aiden had stood just moments before. The other mentors formed a loose circle around him, their expressions a blend of support and keen observation.
"Take a deep breath, Haruto," Aiden instructed, his voice calm and steady. "Close your eyes and focus on the energy within you. Feel it flow through your body, like a current in a river. Let it build, but don't force it—allow it to come naturally, as if it were a gentle tide rising within you."
Haruto followed Aiden's guidance, closing his eyes tightly and inhaling deeply. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears. He turned his attention inward, searching for the elusive spark of energy that Aiden had described. For a brief moment, there was nothing—just the rhythmic sound of his own breathing and the distant rustle of leaves.
Then, slowly but surely, he began to feel it—a faint warmth blossoming in his chest, right where his birthmark lay hidden beneath the fabric of his shirt. The warmth gradually intensified, spreading outward through his arms and legs, until it reached the very tips of his fingers. Haruto concentrated intently, willing the energy to manifest.
At first, nothing happened. A wave of frustration began to creep in, but Haruto resolutely pushed it aside, recalling Aiden's calm demeanor. Just as he was on the verge of surrendering to doubt, he felt a tingling sensation begin to dance in his palms. With a surge of hope, Haruto opened his eyes to witness a faint glow surrounding his hands—soft and barely visible, yet undeniably present.
"I…I did it," Haruto whispered, his voice trembling with disbelief and exhilaration. The realization that he had tapped into that energy filled him with wonder.
The glow flickered uncertainly, threatening to vanish, but Haruto clung to it with determination, striving to maintain the flow of energy. It felt challenging, yet he managed to keep the light steady for a few precious moments before it finally faded away, leaving him in awe.
The courtyard was enveloped in silence as Haruto looked up, his heart pounding rhythmically. He scanned the faces of his mentors, searching for any hint of their reactions.
Aiden was the first to break the silence, a proud smile spreading across his face. "Well done, Haruto. For your very first attempt, that was truly impressive. You've already taken the first step on a long journey—now, we'll be here to help you take many more steps along the way."
Elena clapped softly, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "You have a natural affinity for this, Haruto. It's clear that you possess a unique talent. But remember, mastery takes time and patience."
Akira nodded approvingly, his expression softening just a fraction. "Not bad at all, kid. You've definitely got the spark within you, but don't let it go to your head."
Li Wei stepped forward, her gentle smile radiating calm. "Your journey is just beginning, Haruto. You've made us all proud today, but remember, there's so much more to learn."
Kazuki, observing from a distance, finally stepped forward. "Eternum is a powerful force, Haruto. It's the very essence of life itself. But with great power comes great responsibility."
Nikolai, with his analytical mind, added, "And don't forget about Eternum Summoning. It allows you to conjure objects or creatures from your Eternum energy, providing support in battle."
Innaya chimed in, "Or the abilities of an Eternum Adept, which lets you manipulate time and space in ways that can turn the tide of any confrontation."
Jin Ho, the spirited member, grinned and said, "And let's not overlook the Eternum Alchemist! They can transform their energy into various elements, adapting to any situation."
Lastly, Aiden concluded, "And the Eternum Seers, who can glimpse into the future to alter it or perceive hidden truths, giving them an edge in strategy."
As Haruto looked around at the faces of those who had become like family to him, he felt a surge of determination. He understood that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he also knew he wasn't alone. With the guidance and support of the Chosen Ones, he would learn to harness the power within him and stand against the unimaginable forces that lurked in the shadows.
Unbeknownst to him, far beyond the shrine's protective aura, a force unlike any other stirred—a presence so powerful and ancient that even the strongest beings in the vast Omniverse would pale in comparison. But that was a challenge for another day. For now, Haruto had taken his first step into a world of possibilities, and for today, that was more than enough.