Ryen slowly nodded, processing everything Alastair had said. Taking a steadying breath, he looked down at his hands and began focusing, trying to channel his core energy into them.
Another half-month passed, but Ryen still struggled to channel his core energy. Sitting on the ground, he panted heavily. "This...this is impossible," he said between breaths. "I can't even figure out how to do it. I'm trying to pull this 'sticky substance' out of my body, just like you said, but it feels like it gets harder each time."
Alastair watched him with a steady gaze. "Try harder. Imagine it as a part of your own body, not something separate," he said. "All right, let's try something else. My grandpa once showed me a different method, and it worked for me back when I was training."
Ryen looked up, incredulous. "You had another method this whole time, and you didn't tell me? I've been at this for half a month!"
Alastair rolled his eyes, a slight twitch forming at his temple. "Stop complaining and listen to what I'm saying."
Ryen focused, his full attention on Alastair. "Close your eyes. If you can sense the power, get as close to it as possible," Alastair instructed, his tone calm but firm.
In Ryen's mind, a vast, empty space appeared—a void with a faint blue light shining from a distance. The light seemed to drift closer, illuminating the darkness around him. "Focus on it. Imagine molding it, shaping it like a liquid. Think of it as something that flows and channels through you," Alastair guided.
In the void, Ryen visualized a stream of blue energy, shimmering and slowly moving towards a direction. Suddenly, his right hand became enveloped in a light-blue, flame-like aura.
"Bingo. You did it," Alastair said with a grin.
Ryen's face broke into a triumphant smile. "When you meet your grandpa, tell him 'thank you' from me."
Alastair chuckled, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the success of his pupil. "Why don't you tell him yourself? My grandpa's coming today, actually, along with my sister. She's enrolling with you this year."
Ryen's eyes widened in shock when he heard the word sister. "Wait—you have a sister?!"
Alastair blinked, caught off guard by Ryen's surprise. "Yeah...why is that so shocking?"
Ryen, still processing, laughed awkwardly. "I just… I mean, I can't picture you with a sister! You act so serious all the time. I thought maybe you were some kind of lone warrior type!"
Alastair smirked, crossing his arms. "Lone warrior, huh? Well, guess what? My sister's just as strong, maybe even stronger than me."
Ryen stopped laughing "What abilities do your sister and grandpa have?"
"My grandpa controls the 'Blood Sea,' and my sister has the 'Lightning Sea,'" Alastair replied with a proud smile.
Ryen's surprise only deepened. " She's stronger? And she has… Lightning Sea? Is she, like, even scarier than you?"
Alastair chuckled, the pride evident in his voice. "You'll see soon enough. Trust me, you're in for a surprise."
As Alastair and Ryen walked down the elegant hallway, Alastair glanced up at the grand wall clock, adorned with gleaming gemstones and gold. "It's nearly time for their arrival," he remarked. Ryen, filled with curiosity, waited eagerly to meet Alastair's grandfather and sister.
Just then, a servant entered, bowing respectfully toward Alastair. "Master Regin's car has arrived," she announced.
"Thank you. I'll be right there," Alastair replied.
Together, they made their way outside, where a luxurious, elongated car awaited them. The sleek design and rich detailing hinted at its elegance and opulence. A servant stepped forward, opening the car door, and an older man emerged with a presence that was as commanding as it was calm.
The man, Master Regin Caelum, had sharp, silver-gray hair that fell just above his shoulders, complemented by a neatly groomed beard and intense, crimson-red eyes. His face bore lines of wisdom and experience, and his aura radiated a tranquil power. He wore a traditional Meteorion robe in deep crimson, embroidered with wave-like patterns symbolizing his "Blood Sea" ability. His gaze settled on Ryen, and it was as if those piercing eyes could see straight through him, assessing him with decades of insight.
Ryen instinctively straightened under the man's scrutinizing look. Meanwhile, Alastair's eyes scanned behind his grandfather, clearly searching for someone.
Noticing his grandson's gaze, Regin remarked, "Elara will arrive in about half a month. Your father decided it would be premature for her to come now, given that the semester doesn't start for another month."
Alastair sighed but nodded. "Of course Father did. Well, at least you're here. Grandfather, let me introduce you to Ryen Seraph—though I suspect you already know about him."
Regin gave a slight nod. "Indeed. Orion informed me."
Ryen's curiosity got the better of him. "You know Master Orion, sir?"
They started walking toward the mansion, and Regin replied, "Orion and I were once classmates. I served as an instructor at the academy for many years before retiring."
The knowledge made Ryen's eyes widen. He was now walking beside not only Alastair, whose power and family legacy amazed him, but also this formidable figure who had shaped generations of Meteorions.
As they continued, Regin's gaze softened just a touch. "I'm pleased to meet you, Ryen," he said, his voice deep but kind. "It's rare to see someone so young with an affinity for core energy."
Ryen managed a respectful nod, feeling the weight of the man's words. This was not just Alastair's grandfather; he was a part of the academy's legacy, and his approval felt like a momentous first step in a world that still felt mysterious and vast.
The evening ended with Master Regin and Alastair discussing the current state of the Caelum household, reflecting on family matters and recent events.
The next morning, Ryen's training resumed as usual, starting with a long run across the vast Caelum estate, followed by sets of intense exercises—squats, push-ups, lunges. However, today was different. Master Regin himself had come to observe, his stern gaze assessing every move.
After watching Ryen complete his exercises, Master Regin stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "Ryen, would you show me your core energy?"
Ryen nodded respectfully and focused, channeling his energy until his hand ignited with a light-blue, flame-like aura. Regin's eyes widened slightly, a rare flicker of surprise crossing his composed face, though he quickly regained his calm demeanor. Alastair noticed and asked, "Grandfather, is something wrong?"
Regin shook his head, clearing his expression. "No, nothing at all." He paused before turning back to Alastair. "Have you started him on any resistance training or taught him any defensive skills?"
Alastair rubbed the back of his neck. "Not yet. I was still deciding where to start."
"Then allow me," Regin replied, stepping forward. He turned to Ryen and said, "I'm going to give you a challenge. I'll use one of my most powerful abilities, and your task is simple: withstand it for ten seconds or, if you can, land a clear hit on me."
Ryen's eyes lit up with excitement at the chance to witness a powerful Meteorion skill firsthand. "I'm ready, sir," he replied, bracing himself.
Master Regin gave a slight nod and closed his eyes. The ground beneath him rippled, slowly transforming into a dark, crimson pool of blood, spreading in a circle around him. Ryen watched, frozen, as the blood seemed to come alive, undulating like a restless sea. Without warning, the pool's surface rose, forming into a massive, shark-like creature, its crimson form gleaming as it swam menacingly toward him.