The morning dawned, bright and clear. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the academy as Kai prepared for the gruesome training for the day. Kai stood before the gleaming mirror in his cramped dormitory, meticulously tying the crimson ribbon of his academy uniform into a perfect bow. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, reflected the determination etched on his youthful face. He had always been an early riser, a habit ingrained from his days in Ground Zero, where the sun's first light brought hope and the promise of a new day's survival. The academy had taken him from the ruins of his past and offered a chance at a future he never dared to dream of, a place where he could hone his skills and potentially escape the stigma of his origins.
Kai arrived at the training court to meet most of his teammates already present and practicing. Colonel Davide was also present as he oversaw the recruit's morning drill. After some minutes of labor, the remaining team members arrived to join the others.
"Alright recruits, today we will be focusing on advanced combat techniques, pair up and prepare for sparring." When the colonel called for sparring partners, the usual murmur of names and jovial banter filled the air. As he looked around, he saw the other recruits sizing each other up, looking for the weakest link or perhaps a friendly face to train with. To Kai's surprise, Bjorn, a towering recruit from the Elites, was paired with him. Known for his brute strength and a clear disdain for those from the lower districts, Bjorn's smug smirk was almost palpable as he cracked his knuckles in anticipation.
"Ready?" Bjorn asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He still had a sentiment towards Kai since he was from ground zero and this was his chance to do so without getting queries.
"Ready," Kai answered taking a defensive stance. This was his opportunity to prove his worth, that he was just a 'slave boy.' but a force to reckon with.
They began sparring, their movement as fluid and precise with inconspicuous timing. Kai moved with speed and agility as he felt a new form of energy flowing through him from his node. This surprised even Kai as he dodged Bjorn's attack with ease.
As the spar went on, the spectators grew increasingly silent, their eyes glued to the unlikely dance of skill and strength unfolding before them. Even Colonel Davide watched with a furrowed brow, his keen eyes noticing the subtle shifts in power as Kai's technique improved with each clash. It was clear to all that the boy from Ground Zero was no pushover, and his potential was something to be both feared and respected. Bjorn grew angry, grunting with frustration. He began to launch a series of rapid attacks. Kai dodged and blocked his attacks with ease using his new technique. Kai managed to stay one step ahead of Bjorn. He could see the surprise in Bjorn's eyes as he struggled to keep up.
When Kai saw a chance to launch his attack against Bjorn, he attempted to land a decent blow on Bjorn's neck.
"Stop." Colonel Davide called out, ending the match. The Colonel approached Kai, his eyes observant. "Great improvement Kai, keep it up."
Kai nodded as he still panted for breath. The match had tired him out.
"How...how am I losing to this slave boy." Bjorn thought. "He was tired out of the block he made. Maybe it was a fluke. I didn't even pant from all the exercise."
After the training, Kai headed out to meet the one person he believed he could trust, Professor Dastain Twist. Kai arrived at his office just on time. The professor was on his way out to meet with the Colonel. Kai hurried his footsteps, blocking the professor at the entrance. "Excuse me, sir. Can I talk with you please?" The professor was in a hurry so he asked Kai to walk with him.
"What do you want to chat about boy?" The professor asked, adjusting his monocle on his coat.
Kai brought out his Astral Node, showing it to the professor. The professor immediately took hold of the Node, hiding it. "Not here boy."
The professor halted on his way taking Kai back to his office. "We can talk here."
"What can you tell me about my node?" Kai questioned.
After carefully observing the node from the view of the monocle the professor handed the node back to Kai. "Keep that safe boy. There is something unique about your Node. Its pattern is complex like the dragon guardian armor. Visit the study repository, you'll seek the answers you look for."
Kai nodded before leaving the office. "And boy, be careful." The professor's words flew into Kai's ears.
Kai exited the building that housed the offices for high-ranking individuals making his way towards the study repository. "You came back again." The girl behind the counter said before bringing out a Nano Monitor from underneath her desk. "I think you forgot this the last time you were here." She said placing it on the table before pushing it over to Kai."
"Wow! I thought I lost this already." Kai replied picking up the Nano Monitor from the table. "Thanks a lot." The girl left a smile for Kai before Kai left in search of the answers he was looking for.
Kai scurried through the repository, searching for anything, anything that could tell him more about his node. After a while of rigorous work of searching. Kai finally picks up some important notes that contain information related to his node. The illustrations made on the notes were like the designs found on his astral node.
Kai focused keenly as he went through the notes. Each page unraveled hidden mysteries surrounding Kai's Node. Kai's Node was the dragon astral node, a project that was never completed. There are no records of making the dragon astral node since the project ended before it could finish.