Chapter 9 - Institutes

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the academy grounds. Zane and Mike, their backpacks slung over their shoulders, walked towards the towering meditation tower. The structure, a beacon of elemental energy, stood tall against the twilight sky, its obsidian surface gleaming like polished night."Can you believe it?" Mike asked, his voice buzzing with excitement. "We're going to be taking the same exam as those legendary students who get into the top five academies.""Yeah," Zane replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He'd heard the stories, the whispers of those who walked the hallowed halls of the galaxy's most prestigious institutions. "The Obsidian Academy, the Celestial Academy, the Feral Academy, the Zenith Academy, and the Sage Academy. Each one a powerhouse in its own right."He rattled off the names, each one evoking a distinct image in his mind. The Obsidian Academy, a crucible of warriors, where students emerged forged in the fires of combat. The Celestial Academy, a haven for mages, where they delved into the arcane arts, bending the elements to their will. The Feral Academy, where Beast Tamers forged unbreakable bonds with creatures from across the galaxy. The Zenith Academy, a military stronghold, producing elite soldiers renowned for their tactical brilliance. And finally, the Sage Academy, a bastion of knowledge, where scholars pushed the boundaries of scientific understanding."Man, I can't even imagine what it's like to be accepted into one of those top five," Mike said, his voice tinged with awe. "But the entrance exam's gonna be insane. Did you hear about how it's structured?"Zane nodded, recalling the details. "Yeah, it's a tough one. It's not just a written exam like we're used to. There's the first stage, which is the written test. They'll test our knowledge of elemental theory, combat tactics, and historical events. The second stage is all about practical skills—spellcasting, combat simulations, and problem-solving challenges. Then there's the final stage… the Exploration test."Mike raised an eyebrow. "Exploration test? What's that about?""Basically, we have to navigate a labyrinth filled with traps and monsters," Zane explained, a slight shiver running down his spine. "It's supposed to push you to your limits—physically, mentally, and magically. A lot of students get knocked out in that stage."Mike grinned, a competitive glint in his eyes. "You're right. And even if we don't make it into one of the top five, there's always the Meron Academy. It's not as famous as the big ones, but it's still a top-tier institute. They focus on both theory and practical skills, and their students are pretty versatile. Maybe we'll end up there."Zane considered this. "True, the Meron Academy's a solid choice. It's got a great reputation for producing well-rounded students. But for now," he clenched a fist, a spark of determination igniting within him, "I'm aiming for the top. Let's see how far we can push ourselves.""Definitely," Mike agreed, his tone confident.As they approached the meditation tower, a sense of awe washed over them. The structure was a marvel of architecture and engineering, its smooth, obsidian exterior reflecting the fading light like a dark mirror. Inside, the air thrummed with elemental energy, a palpable vibration that resonated deep within their bones."Remember," a stern-faced instructor reminded them, his voice echoing in the antechamber, "you only have two hours for your session. Be sure to leave before your time is up."Zane and Mike nodded, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. They entered the main meditation chamber, a vast circular room bathed in soft, ethereal light that seemed to emanate from the very walls. Intricate runes were etched into the polished obsidian, pulsing with a faint inner light. The air crackled with energy, a tangible hum that vibrated through the floor and into their feet.Once inside, Zane closed the heavy door behind him, sealing himself off from the outside world. The silence was profound, broken only by the faint, rhythmic pulse of the elemental energy that permeated the chamber. He took a deep breath, the air thick with the scent of ozone and something else, something ancient and indefinable. He focused his mind, pushing aside the lingering excitement and focusing on the task at hand.He activated the Eclipse Core, and the familiar pull of the Element Comprehension Space enveloped him. This time, he wasn't here to simply stoke the embers of his elemental compression; he had new fires to ignite. "Zeron, Fireball and Ember Shield. Let's begin.""As you wish," Zeron responded. "These are foundational spells, but mastery requires more than simple knowledge. I will provide the framework; you must provide the will."A torrent of information cascaded through Zane's mind, not just dry facts, but vivid sensations: the precise flicker of mana needed to coalesce a ball of fire, the intricate weave of energy required to form a protective shield of embers. He felt the phantom heat on his palms, the subtle shift in the air around him.He extended a hand, focusing on the image Zeron had implanted. He visualized the mana swirling, compressing, igniting. At first, nothing happened. He tried again, this time adding a mental command, a wordless push of will. A tiny spark flickered into existence, then vanished, leaving a faint wisp of smoke. Frustration pricked at him. He clenched his fist, then opened his hand again, taking a steadying breath."The flow must be consistent, Zane," Zeron's voice echoed in the space. "Imagine a river, not a series of droplets."He closed his eyes, picturing a steady stream of mana flowing from his core, through his arm, and into his hand. This time, the spark held, growing larger, brighter. A small ball of fire materialized, pulsing with heat. He instinctively flung his arm forward, and the fireball shot across the chamber, impacting the far wall with a satisfying thump and leaving a scorch mark. The residual heat warmed his face.[System Notification]Fireball (Novice) learned.He turned his attention to Ember Shield. The process was similar, but the sensation was different—a feeling of drawing energy inward, weaving it into a protective barrier. He visualized countless tiny embers swirling around him, forming a shimmering shield. It flickered and wavered at first, like a heat haze rising from hot asphalt, but with repeated attempts, focusing on maintaining a stable flow of mana, it solidified, a tangible layer of heat radiating outwards. He could feel the warmth on his skin, a comforting, protective embrace.[System Notification]Ember Shield (Novice) learned.Zane lowered the shield, feeling a slight drain on his mana. He opened his eyes, a grin spreading across his face. He could feel the power thrumming within him, a tangible force that had been absent for so long."Not bad," he murmured, running a hand through his hair."Indeed," Zeron confirmed. "But remember, these are only the basics. True mastery requires constant practice and refinement. Now, focus on maintaining control. Try casting both spells simultaneously."Zane nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He raised both hands, visualizing the swirling mana, the fiery orb forming in one palm, the shimmering shield of embers coalescing around the other. This time, he wouldn't just learn the spells; he would begin to master them