Kaiden's blade flashed in the dim light of the training room, the metallic clash of weapons reverberating in the space as he moved like a shadow. Four Level 10 bots surrounded him, their glowing eyes scanning his every move, calculating his weaknesses. They lunged at him in unison, weapons gleaming with Flow energy, but Kaiden was already a step ahead.
He activated Transparent World effortlessly, the world around him slowing as he saw every movement, every shift in the bots' stances. His mismatched eyes gleamed with confidence as he darted between them, his strikes precise and unrelenting.
The first bot swung its spear, aiming for his side, but Kaiden twisted his body and ducked under it. With a fluid motion, he slashed upward, cleaving the weapon in two. Another bot came at him with a heavy axe, the ground shaking under its steps. Kaiden sidestepped the blow, planting his foot and using Third Form: Blade of the Phoenix to deliver a devastating series of slashes that dismantled the bot in seconds.
"You're slow," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with amusement. "Did someone forget to update your settings?"
The remaining two bots tried to coordinate their attacks, one coming at him with a sword while the other aimed for his legs with a low sweep. Kaiden leapt into the air, flipping over both attacks, and brought his blade down with a single, decisive stroke. The final bot stumbled back, sparks flying as its chestplate crumpled under the force of his strike.
Kaiden landed lightly on his feet as the last bot fell to the ground, smoke rising from its shattered core. He deactivated Transparent World, the familiar sensation of Flow fading as his surroundings returned to normal speed. His breathing was steady, his body barely showing signs of strain.
Reflections on Training
He sheathed his blade and leaned against the wall, a faint smile on his lips. "Forty minutes," he said to himself. "Not bad."
Kaiden had been pushing himself relentlessly over the last few days. He had managed to extend Transparent World to forty minutes, a feat that had once seemed impossible. His control over Resonance, while still limited to four minutes, had become more precise. He could feel his Flow reserves growing stronger with every session, though he still needed to pace himself. After using Flow, his body required twenty-six minutes of rest to fully recover—a limitation he was determined to overcome.
"Today's the last day," he muttered, glancing around the training room. His eyes softened as he took in the familiar space. The countless nights he had spent here, training until he collapsed, felt like a lifetime ago. Half-joking, half-serious, he added, "I'm gonna miss this place."
After freshening up with a quick bath and brushing off the grime of training, Kaiden headed back to his quarters to gather his things. The intercom crackled to life, and a guard's voice echoed through the halls.
"We have officially reached the borders of the Obsidian Sovereignty. Prepare to disembark."
First Glimpse of the Empire
Kaiden stepped to the nearest window, and his eyes widened at the sight before him. The landscape was unlike anything he had ever seen. Vast deserts of volcanic ash stretched out as far as the eye could see, broken only by jagged peaks of obsidian that jutted into the sky like blackened teeth. Rivers of molten lava crisscrossed the barren terrain, their fiery glow casting an eerie light over the land. The sky above was a perpetual twilight, illuminated by the fiery glow of distant volcanoes.
"Wow," Kaiden muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. The harsh beauty of the Sovereignty left him speechless. He had grown up surrounded by forests and mountains, but this... this was something else entirely.
He couldn't help but wonder what the Ashen Spire Academy would look like. If the Sovereignty was this imposing, the academy had to be even more awe-inspiring.
The Academy Revealed
Kaiden didn't have to wait long to find out. As the transport neared its destination, the Ashen Spire Academy came into view, perched atop a massive volcanic peak. Its towering obsidian walls glowed faintly, reflecting the molten rivers that surrounded it like a natural moat. Spires etched with fiery runes pierced the smoky sky, their designs both intricate and foreboding.
When the transport landed, the participants were guided off, their eyes wide with awe. The interior of the academy was no less impressive. The stone halls were illuminated by magma veins that ran like fiery rivers through the walls, casting a warm, otherworldly glow. Training arenas lined with channels of molten lava stretched out before them, their design both practical and intimidating.
Kaiden couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This place... it's something else.
Assignments and Uniforms
The group was led to a large hall where several instructors awaited them. One of the guards stepped forward, addressing the crowd with a commanding voice.
"Welcome to the Ashen Spire Academy. You've earned your place here through grit and determination, but let me be clear—this is just the beginning. Your families, your sponsors, and your nations are watching. Do not disappoint them."
Kaiden, as usual, tuned out the speech, his attention wandering to the other participants. He spotted Luthor, Nira, and Laucas among the crowd, each looking as focused as ever.
After the speech, they were handed their uniforms—sleek black suits trimmed with crimson accents, the material lightweight but durable. Along with the uniforms, they received a second wristband that served as a key to their dormitories.
Kaiden examined his uniform briefly before slipping it on. It fit perfectly, the design sharp and efficient.
The Dormitory
Kaiden made his way to his assigned room, swiping his wristband against the door's sensor. When it slid open, his jaw nearly dropped. The room was spacious and luxurious, with a bed that looked far too comfortable, a desk with Flow-powered lighting, and even a small training area.
"This is... fancy," Kaiden muttered, dropping his bag onto the bed. He took a moment to look around, his mind drifting back to the small, cramped quarters he had grown used to.
As he lay down, his body sank into the plush mattress, and he let out a soft sigh. His mismatched eyes stared at the ceiling, his mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. The academy was more than he had imagined, but it was also a reminder of how far he still had to go.
"I've made it this far," he whispered to himself. "No stopping now."
Exhaustion finally caught up with him, and Kaiden drifted off to sleep, the weight of his journey momentarily lifting as he dreamed of the challenges ahead.
End of Chapter 71
Kaiden's journey brings him to the Ashen Spire Academy, where awe-inspiring landscapes and the promise of new challenges await. As he prepares to take his first steps into this new chapter, Kaiden reflects on his progress and steels himself for the trials that lie ahead.
To be continued...