The bright morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Aetherion Academy as Diluc Ashborne made his way to Class C. He had felt an unsettling shift in his powers over the past few days. Though his void and darkness attributes were still within him, he couldn't channel them into anything useful, let alone control them in battle. He had never fully mastered their usage, and now they seemed even more distant. For the time being, he could only rely on his lightning attribute.
As he entered the classroom, familiar and new faces alike greeted him. Seated near the front was Peter, flipping through his mana scrolls. He spotted Diluc and smiled warmly.
"Diluc, over here!" Peter called.
Diluc took a seat beside him, relieved to have at least one familiar face in the crowd.
"Looks like we're in Class C together," Diluc said, trying to keep his focus on the present rather than his internal struggle with his powers.
Peter nodded, clearly as nervous as he was. "Yeah, it's good to have someone I know here. Makes things a bit easier."
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First Lesson: Attribute Control
Their professor, Veldren, entered the room shortly after. His presence alone commanded attention, his gaze sharp and discerning. "Today, we begin with a test of your attribute control," he declared. "Show me what you can manage and the limits of your mana."
One by one, students were called to demonstrate their abilities. When it was Diluc's turn, he stood, feeling the familiar spark of lightning coursing through him. Though he could sense the void and darkness simmering underneath, they remained just out of his reach—silent, unyielding.
He extended his hand and, with a flicker of concentration, unleashed a burst of blue lightning that crackled across the air, striking the training target with precision. It was a solid display, but it lacked the raw power he knew he could achieve if only he had full command over all his attributes.
"Not bad," Professor Veldren commented with a nod. "But I can tell you're holding back. Lightning is but one tool in your arsenal. Keep working on the others."
Diluc returned to his seat, his mind racing. He wasn't holding back by choice. Void and darkness were simply beyond his current ability to control. For now, lightning would have to do.
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Lunch Break: Old Friends Reunited
As the class ended and the students filed out, Diluc and Peter made their way to the academy's crowded dining hall for lunch. The hum of conversation filled the air as students from all classes mingled together. After grabbing their trays, they found a spot to sit. It wasn't long before two familiar figures approached—Ren Hilton and Eryndor Noxvale.
Ren, as usual, wore his lazy grin. "Hey, you two. Class C treating you well?" He dropped into the seat across from Diluc, clearly in no rush.
Eryndor followed, his demeanor calm and composed. "It's interesting to see how they're handling attribute training here."
Ren leaned in closer to Diluc. "How's it going with your powers? Still playing with that lightning trick?"
Diluc sighed. "Yeah, lightning's all I can use right now. I can sense the void and darkness, but I've never really been able to control them. It's like they're just… there."
Peter, always quick to encourage, nodded sympathetically. "But your control over lightning is great! You'll figure the rest out eventually."
Eryndor, speaking in his usual measured tone, added, "It's about patience. Focus on what you can control, and when the time comes, the rest will follow. Void and darkness are volatile, but that just means you'll have more power when you master them."
Ren shrugged. "Or, y'know, you could just keep shocking people. That works too."
Diluc chuckled despite himself. The conversation lightened the weight he had been carrying. It wasn't that he didn't have power—he had plenty—but there was always more to unlock, more to understand.
Lunch passed quickly, with Ren's jokes keeping things relaxed and Eryndor offering his sharp insights. The four of them had shared their first real conversation as friends, and though the future at Aetherion Academy held many challenges, Diluc felt more confident with each of them at his side.
As the bell for the next class rang, Diluc stood, ready to face whatever came next—even if it meant he'd have to make do with just lightning for now. There was time, and with time came control.