Luca and Finn reached the training ground, where their group was asked to gather. The crisp morning air carried the scent of damp earth, and the faint rustling of leaves. They waited for a while, the group murmuring quietly until everyone had arrived. Then, Instructor Aaron stepped forward, his arms crossed, and a rare smile breaking his usually stern expression.
"How's everyone doing today?" he asked.
"Good, sir!" the group replied in unison.
Aaron nodded, the smile widening just a fraction. "I have some good news for you all. Starting next week, you'll have a four-month break!"
For a heartbeat, silence lingered as his words sank in. Then, the entire group erupted into cheers. The months of relentless training had worn everyone thin, and the promise of a long break was more than welcome. Laughter and excited whispers filled the air as the children exchanged bright-eyed looks.
Aaron raised his hand, calling for silence once more. "Calm down now. I'm not finished yet. After your break, training will resume—but it'll be different. You'll have classes three days a week, led by experienced Harmonisation practitioners. These experts will share their experiences reaching the peak of the Essence Flow Stage and achieving Harmonisation. Learning from their insights will help you all progress faster and more effectively."
He let the words hang for a moment, then added smugly, "And guess who made this happen? Me. I proposed the idea to the commander myself. Pretty great, right?"
The group exchanged hesitant nods, clearly not sure how to respond. Someone at the back whispered, "He's such a kid sometimes..." Luckily, Aaron either didn't hear it or chose to ignore it.
His smile faded as his expression turned serious. "Now, listen carefully. After the break, you will not be allowed to return home again until you reach the peak of the Essence Flow Stage. This will be your last chance for some time. So make the most of it."
Luca listened quietly, reflecting on his own progress. Ever since he had sensed the barrier within his soul, his practise of essence flow had advanced rapidly. Luca would train when he was not on a mission. Without the help of the resonance, he might have taken months—maybe even years—like the others who still struggled to reach the peak.
Aaron's voice cut through his thoughts as his tone grew heavier. "Before you leave, there's one more thing. What happens in this camp, especially regarding the corrupted mystical creatures, must never leave your lips. Not even by accident. If word spreads, you and your families will be labelled traitors to the kingdom. Lifetime imprisonment or worse will be the punishment."
A hush fell over the group. The excitement from earlier was now replaced with a palpable tension. Aaron's gaze swept over the young faces, ensuring the message had sunk in. His expression softened slightly, "You can tell your families you've joined the military as temporary recruits under the recommendation of the noble families. That should be enough of an explanation."
After a long pause, he clapped his hands together, his smile returning. "Alright, that's all! Enjoy your holidays. Dismissed!"
The children dispersed quickly, already chatting about how they'd spend the break. Finn turned to Luca, grinning. "What are you planning to do first?"
Luca shook his head. "I need to ask Instructor Aaron something. I'll catch up with you later."
Finn nodded and jogged off with the others, leaving Luca behind. He took a breath, then approached Aaron, who lingered near the training ground's edge, watching the children depart.
"Sir Aaron?"
Aaron turned, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, Luca? What is it?"
Luca hesitated, then asked, "Sir, do you know the age when geniuses from noble families usually reach the Harmonisation Stage?"
Aaron rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... I have heard of a boy named Oliver. He reached the Harmonisation Stage at the age of sixteen, which is quite impressive."
Luca's eyes widened. Sixteen! He hadn't even turned sixteen yet, and he could break through anytime he chose. The realization stirred a strange mix of pride and concern.
Aaron noticed his expression and seemed to mistake it for discouragement. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Luca. Nobles start their training much earlier than commoners. They're given rare medicines, special herbal potions, and other advantages. Some of it is natural talent, but a lot comes from resources and privilege. It's no surprise they reach it faster."
Luca nodded, though his mind felt heavier. "What about commoners, sir? What age do they normally reach Harmonisation?"
Aaron's face softened further. "The most talented commoners recruited by the military typically reach it around eighteen or nineteen. You're doing well, Luca. If you stay focused and keep up your training, you could reach the Harmonisation Stage at eighteen too. Don't slack off."
Luca forced a small smile but felt far from reassured. He thanked Aaron and turned away, his mind churning.
He couldn't reveal how close he was to breaking through. If word got out that he, a commoner, was on the verge of surpassing the nobles, the attention could bring more trouble than he was prepared to handle. The questions, the scrutiny—it might even put his mother at risk.
No, he thought, gripping his fists tightly. He would keep his progress a secret for now.
On his way back, Luca met Finn. Finn looked curious and asked, "What did you ask Instructor Aaron?"
Luca answered honestly, explaining his questions about the ages when nobles and commoners usually reached the Harmonisation Stage.
Finn's eyes widened. "Sixteen? Wow, That's crazy! Finn then asked, " Luca we have not even reached essence flow peak, someone at our age is already at harmonisation."
Just when Luca was about to console him, Finn said "Who wants to care about others, as long as we work hard, we will reach it too."
Luca could only smile and shake his head.
Finn then asked after some time. "Hey, when are you planning to leave for home? We should go together!"
Luca smiled and said. "Yeah. Let's meet next week before we leave."