The training hall was quiet except for the occasional scrape of chairs as students shuffled into place. Ronan sat at the back, his eyes on Professor Lyne, who stood at the front of the room, waiting for the last few students to settle.
She was always sharp. The kind of teacher who didn't need to raise her voice to command attention. She had a presence that spoke volumes, and in this moment, the room was completely still.
"Today, we discuss [Gifted Authorities]," she began, her voice calm and clear.
"You've all heard the term. But let me make one thing clear: these abilities are not a product of training. They are not something you can learn or master through practice. These are powers bestowed upon certain people at the age of sixteen, by forces we do not understand."
Ronan leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. He had always wondered about the origins of [Gifted Authorities]—how they came to be and why some people received such powerful abilities while others, like him, got something less impressive.
Professor Lyne gestured toward the board, and an image flickered into view. It was a chaotic swirl of light, broken fragments, and symbols that seemed to shift every time you looked at them.
"This," she said, pointing at the image, "is the closest representation we have of the force that grants these abilities. Some believe it is a remnant of an ancient, forgotten power. Others think it is a cosmic anomaly, or perhaps even a byproduct of the Fables themselves."
"But no one knows for sure. What we do know is this: at sixteen, you are chosen, and you are given an ability. Sometimes it matches your personality, other times... it doesn't. And that ability defines the course of your life."
Ronan studied the swirling image on the board. It looked like nothing he'd ever seen—unpredictable, like a riddle. Something so random that couldn't be understood with logic alone.
"Now, most of you have already tested your abilities, some of you in practical exercises, others in combat scenarios," the professor continued.
"But the Fables will provide you with a much more direct way to test your powers. The Fables don't operate like this world. They are unpredictable, often following their own rules. Your [Gifted Authority] will be tested to its limits. The Fable doesn't care about what you think you can do. It cares about what you can prove."
Ronan shifted in his seat, trying to follow her reasoning. The professor had a way of making things seem far more complicated than they were. [Gifted Authorities] were chosen at random, but how could something like that be a test?
The world was already unpredictable enough. What were they supposed to do with this power once they had it?
"The Fables are about shaping the story," she added, as if reading his thoughts.
"It's about what impact you can make on the world inside the Fable. You enter as a character, but how you evolve depends entirely on what you choose to do there."
Ronan made a note of her words. Shaping the story—that's where things got interesting. He had heard bits and pieces from other students about how some people gained abilities or enhancements after entering a Fable, but he hadn't fully understood how it worked.
Now, it was starting to become clearer: what you did in the Fable influenced the course of your abilities. It wasn't just about surviving; it was about taking action, making a name for yourself.
Professor Lyne's gaze swept over the room, coming to a stop on Ronan.
"Your [Gifted Authority] may not seem like much right now. But remember, the Fables don't judge by size or strength. They judge by the choices you make."
"For example, Ronan here has a relatively simple ability: [Whisper]. It allows him to whisper to someone within a ten-meter radius. To most, this would be considered a weak power. But it is not the power that matters. It's how you use it."
Ronan straightened slightly. His ability wasn't much, that was clear. But now, the professor was starting to describe it in a new light.
She was right: it wasn't the power itself, but how it could be applied. He'd seen people with abilities like [Paladin's Armor] or [Solar Destruction], abilities that could crush any obstacle in their way. But those abilities had limitations too.
Maybe [Whisper] had its own uses.
"Ronan, you may not realize it," Professor Lyne continued,
"but in the Fable, [Whisper] could be the key to influencing outcomes in ways others won't expect. You won't be fighting with brute strength. You'll be playing a different game."
Her words hit home. Ronan wasn't fighting to overpower others. He was fighting to find his own way.
The professor paced slowly as she continued.
"All of you are about to step into a Fable. The story of each one will be different. Some of you will fight battles. Others may form alliances or deceive those around you. How you interact with the world will determine your future. But be careful—[Gifted Authorities] are not always straightforward."
"The power you receive may not be the one you would have chosen."
Ronan considered her words carefully. She was talking about the Fable like it was more than just a trial—it was an opportunity to shape the path ahead.
"Now," she said, her voice dropping to a more serious tone,
"the time has come for you to begin your preparation. Over the next few days, you will receive training to refine your abilities. The Fable will demand everything from you, and you will need to be ready. For some of you, this will be the first real test of your [Gifted Authorities]."
The class was silent as she spoke, everyone considering what the future would hold. Ronan's mind worked through the possibilities. There were ways he could use [Whisper] strategically, ways that could make him useful in a team, or even by himself. He didn't know exactly how, but he had a week to figure it out. That was more time than he had ever been given before.
Professor Lyne gave one last nod. "This is your chance to prove your worth. Use it wisely."
The students slowly began to gather their things as the lecture concluded. Ronan remained seated, still lost in thought.