The early morning light streamed through the narrow dormitory windows as Kael sat at his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration. Before him, a tattered notebook lay open, filled with hastily scrawled notes from conversations with Miara. He had spent much of the night piecing together everything he had learned about the path to power.
"Miara," Kael began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need you to clarify something for me. Rank, affinity, and school—these three things define what it means to be Awakened, right?"
[Correct, Host. These features are fundamental to all beings capable of utilizing mana, regardless of species or intelligence. Even unintelligent magical beasts adhere to this framework.]
Kael tapped his pen against the table. "Let's start with rank. I understand the basics, but why is it so structured? Why not something more fluid?"
[Rank provides a standardized framework for measuring the capabilities of mana users. It allows for comparison, progression, and categorization. Without it, understanding power dynamics between individuals would be nearly impossible.]
***
Rank
Miara's voice took on an almost instructional tone as it explained.
[Rank serves as the foundation for determining an Awakened's capabilities. It is divided into three planes: the Mortal Plane, the Awakened Plane, and the Transcendent Plane.]
"The Mortal Plane," Kael repeated, scribbling notes.
[Correct. The Mortal Plane, also referred to as the Human Plane, encompasses beings who can manipulate mana but do not inherently contain it within themselves. This plane is further divided into three stages: Adept, Sentinel, and Warrior. Progressing beyond this requires a qualitative transformation to contain mana internally, which moves one into the Awakened Plane.]
Kael leaned back in his chair, pondering. "So, I'm still in the Mortal Plane?"
[Affirmative. Based on your current state, you have not yet ascended to the Awakened Plane. Your ability to manipulate mana is rudimentary, and your body does not yet produce or store mana.]
"Great," Kael muttered sarcastically.
[The Awakened Plane represents the majority of the mana-using population. It is divided into nine ranks: Initiate, Veteran, Commander, Elite, Champion, Master, Grandmaster, Saint, and Monarch. This progression from rank 9 Initiate to rank 1 Monarch is not only about power but also about refinement, understanding, and mastery of mana.]
Kael raised an eyebrow. "What about the Transcendent Plane?"
[The Transcendent Plane is an enigma. It is said to represent the peak of existence, where beings transcend the limitations of mortal understanding. It is divided into three stages, but details are scarce. Few beings in recorded history have reached this level.]
Kael let out a low whistle. "So, not exactly within my reach right now."
[Not yet, Host. But your journey has only begun.]
***
Affinity
Kael shifted his attention to the next section of his notes. "Let's talk about affinity. This seems… complicated."
[Affinity determines an individual's connection to the elemental forces of nature. Through mana, Awakened beings can replicate phenomena found in the natural world. This connection is influenced by genetics, environment, and, to some extent, chance.]
Kael nodded. "So, there are different types of affinities?"
[Correct. Affinities are categorized into four types: Basic Elements, Sub-Elements, Compound Elements, and Unique Elements.]
Miara elaborated further:
Basic Elements: These are the foundation of all natural phenomena. They include Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Nature, Lightning, Light, and Darkness.
Sub-Elements: Derived from Basic Elements, such as Ice and Mist (from Water), Crystal and Metal (from Earth), Wood and Poison (from Nature), etc.
Compound Elements: Formed by combining two or more elements. Examples include Magma (Fire and Earth), Plasma (Fire, Air and Lightning), and Twilight (Light and Darkness), Frost, Steam, Storm, Magnet, etc.
Unique Elements: These are abstract or rare elements that do not fit in any category, and some can't even be considered natural, such as Aether, Chaos, Psychic, and Gravity.
Kael scratched his head. "So my affinity should be the proficiency from earlier?"
[Correct. Your affinity lies with Lightning, Fire, Light, and Darkness. This unique combination allows you to potentially create Compound Elements such as Plasma and Twilight.]
His eyes widened. "Twilight"
[Affirmative. Your potential is vast, Host. However, refining these affinities will require training, experimentation, and understanding.]
Kael frowned. "But I can still use elements outside my affinity, right?"
[Yes, but doing so will be significantly more challenging and less efficient.]
Kael nodded in contemplation.
***
School
Kael tapped his pen against the notebook. "Last one—school. What's the deal with this classification?"
[Schools refer to how an Awakened utilizes their abilities. They are divided into three categories: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Schools.]
Miara continued:
Primary Schools: The foundational methods of mana manipulation. These include Creation, Control, Enhancement, Summoning, and Inscription.
Secondary Schools: More specialized branches of the Primary Schools, such as Elemental creation, Elemental Control, Physical or Magical Enhancement, Beast Summoning, Rune Inscription, etc.
Tertiary Schools: Abstract and often controversial practices. These include Alchemy, Healing, Necromancy, Invocation, and Illusion.
Kael leaned forward. "Which school would suit me best?"
[Based on your potential and goals, Elemental Creation and Enhancement would be most beneficial. They align with your combat style and natural affinities.]
Kael considered this. "So, I'd be focusing on creating and enhancing elements while using a sword for physical combat?"
[Precisely. This balance will provide versatility and adaptability in various scenarios. ]
***
For the rest of the week, Kael dedicated himself to training. He sparred with Rebecca and Harlem daily, pushing his limits. Harlem, with his precision and poise, taught him the importance of strategy in combat, while Rebecca's brute strength forced Kael to rely on agility and creativity, against her defence.
In their final sparring session before the qualifiers, Rebecca crossed her arms and smirked. "You're getting better, Kael. Still clumsy, but better."
Kael wiped the sweat from his brow. "Thanks, I think." his tone confused, as he mentally compared his previous self to the weak beings, reffing to him as weak.
Harlem grinned, clapping him on the back. "Just don't trip over your own feet tomorrow, rookie."
***
Saturday morning arrived, and the academy buzzed with anticipation. The sprawling open field at the academy's center had been transformed into a massive testing ground. Thousands of students gathered, their nervous chatter filling the air.
Kael stood with Rebecca, Aria, and Lyra scanning the scene. To one side, students wielding swords and spears practiced their stances. Some stood calmly confident in their own abilities, with some cowardly fidgeting, and others casually coasting around, unbothered by the pressure.
"It's like a carnival," Lyra remarked, her eyes wide.
Rebecca frowned. "A carnival with stakes higher than most of us can imagine."
Kael tightened his grip on his sword, determination hardening his features.
As the first announcements echoed across the field, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much larger journey.