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Chapter 5: The Awakening
The golden silence after the Trial enveloped Aiden like a warm embrace. His chest rose and fell with each heavy breath, the adrenaline of the ordeal slowly subsiding. Yet, beneath the exhaustion, there was something new—an undeniable vitality coursing through him. His Anima had awakened, and with it, a profound sense of clarity and power.
He glanced at his hands, flexing his fingers. The air around him seemed... different. No longer just empty space, it shimmered faintly, almost imperceptibly, as if it were alive. He raised a hand instinctively, and the faint glow intensified. His body thrummed with energy, and something deep within him stirred—a sense of connection, of understanding.
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It began subtly, a warmth gathering behind his eyes. Aiden blinked, and suddenly, the world transformed. The once-muted colors of the Trial Tower summit now shone vibrantly, every detail enhanced to an almost overwhelming degree.
He could see the texture of the stone beneath his feet, every crack and groove outlined in sharp relief. The distant clouds above weren't just white masses—they were complex structures of water and light, their movements deliberate and mesmerizing.
Then, he noticed something far stranger. Threads of golden light danced in the air, flowing in intricate patterns that he instinctively recognized as Anima. These threads were not random; they seemed to connect everything—the stones, the sky, even himself.
Is this what Anima looks like? he wondered, his breath catching in his throat.
As he focused, the threads seemed to react, pulsing gently, as though acknowledging his gaze. Aiden reached out, and the threads shifted, bending toward his hand. It was a surreal sensation, like feeling the heartbeat of the world itself.
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The warmth in his eyes intensified, and suddenly, information began to flood his mind. It wasn't just sight anymore—it was knowledge. He looked at the stone beneath him and instinctively understood its composition, its structure. He glanced at his hand, and the flow of Anima within his veins became clear, each thread of energy moving in harmony with his heartbeat.
He turned his gaze toward one of the other trial-goers, a boy standing shakily nearby. For a moment, Aiden hesitated, but the new ability activated unbidden. Golden outlines appeared around the boy, pulsing faintly. Aiden could see the flow of Anima within him, the strength of his energy, and even areas where it faltered, like cracks in a dam.
"It's not just sight," Aiden whispered to himself. "It's... understanding."
The realization struck him like a thunderbolt. His eyes didn't merely allow him to see Anima—they allowed him to analyze it, to comprehend its flow, its potential, its weaknesses. This was more than a physical ability; it was a mental tool, a means to assess and adapt.
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Aiden focused inward, turning his attention to his own Anima. The golden threads within him moved with a chaotic beauty, untamed but powerful. He reached out mentally, willing them to respond, and they did—hesitantly at first, then with growing intensity.
He extended his hand, concentrating on shaping the energy. A faint glow surrounded his palm, flickering and unstable, but undeniably real. He imagined a blade, sharp and precise, and the energy began to coalesce.
The first attempt fizzled, the energy dispersing like smoke. Aiden frowned, his brow furrowing in concentration. He tried again, this time focusing not just on the shape, but on the flow of Anima itself. He visualized the threads weaving together, binding into a single form.
This time, the blade held. It was rough and uneven, but it was solid. Aiden grinned despite himself, the glow of the blade reflecting in his still-glowing eyes.
"This is... incredible," he muttered.
He tried again, this time shaping the energy into a sphere, then a whip. Each form was clumsy, imperfect, but the potential was undeniable. With practice, he realized, he could master this—shape his Anima into anything he needed.
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As the golden glow of the Trial Tower began to fade, Aiden turned his attention to the others around him. The summit was alive with activity as trial-goers emerged from their own challenges.
Some looked weary, their steps unsteady, while others radiated confidence. Aiden's gaze flicked over them instinctively, his enhanced vision activating again. The golden outlines of their Anima appeared, each one unique. He could see the strength of their energy, the intricacies of their flows, and the points where they faltered.
He suddenly noticed seven outlines far stronger than others and noticed Darien and Rion among them along with Finnian
Rions outline looked more defined but weaker than Damien whose anima was slightly stronger but less defined than Aiden's.
The others were Selena and three others who I don't seem to remember from the class. I decided to move towards my friends and frienemies to share our experiences in the trial
Just as I moved towards them I saw the flow of anima in one of my classmate as she suddenly jumped unnaturaly high in the sky and at that moment I realised what my eyes can do and achieve. I realised that if I have just enough control over my anima I can most probably learn and copy skills and abilities far faster then others time over hope to do in their entire life
At that moment the headmaster stepped ahead once again and gave a congratulations speech Congratulations Speech for Students by the Principal
Good morning, dear students, teachers, and esteemed guests,
Today, I stand before you with immense pride and joy as we celebrate your remarkable achievements. First, let me extend my warmest congratulations to each of you for your outstanding results in your trias. Your hard work, determination, and commitment have brought you to this moment, and it is truly a day to celebrate.
Achieving good results in the trial is no small feat. It reflects hours of hard work, training, and countless sacrifices you have made. But more than just the assessment, it symbolizes your growth, resilience, and ability to rise above challenges. You have shown that with focus and effort, you can turn your goals into reality.
To our teachers, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering guidance and support. Your dedication to nurturing these bright minds and bodies has been instrumental in their success. And to the parents and families, thank you for your constant encouragement, patience, and love that have provided a strong foundation for our students to excel.
Dear students, remember that this success is not the end but a stepping stone to even greater opportunities. Continue to dream big, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence. Your journey is just beginning, and I have no doubt that you will achieve even greater heights.
As you move forward, carry with you the lessons learned here—discipline, perseverance, and a passion for learning. These qualities will guide you not just in academics but in every aspect of life.
Once again, congratulations to all of you! You have made your school, your teachers, and your families incredibly proud. Let us continue to aim high, support one another, and shine brightly in all that we do.
Thank you, and may success always follow you.'
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As the sun began to rise, painting the Trial Tower in hues of gold and orange, Aiden stood at the edge of the summit, gazing out over the horizon. The world stretched out before him, vast and full of possibility.
He had passed the Trial, but he knew this was only the first step. The power within him was raw and unrefined, a spark waiting to be kindled into a flame. His newfound abilities—the ability to see and analyze Anima, to shape and control it—were tools, but they were useless without mastery.
Aiden clenched his fist, the faint glow of Anima flickering around his fingers. "This is just the beginning," he said softly.
The journey ahead would be long and difficult, but for the first time, Aiden felt ready to face it. He had faced his fears, his doubts, and his failures. Now, he was ready to face the world.
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To be continued…