Back at the Tharvyn manor, Leon was walking toward the training courtyard when he saw a familiar figure approaching him. His uncle, Darius, wore a wide smile.
"I heard about your awakening. Congratulations," Darius said, his tone light but sincere.
"Thank you, Uncle Darius," Leon replied, inclining his head slightly.
Darius's grin widened. "So, how does the Initialization Stage feel? This is what you've been training for every day."
Leon thought for a moment, then smiled. "It feels… like I've been reborn."
Darius nodded approvingly. "Good. But remember, the Initialization Stage is just the beginning of your journey. Work hard, Leon. Your path as an Aspect Master has only just started."
Leon nodded firmly, determination burning in his chest. This was only the beginning.
After saying goodbye to his uncle, Leon walked quietly back to his room. The manor was still, the excitement of the day having long since faded. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
Collapsing onto his bed, Leon stared up at the ceiling. It had been a long day—transformative and exhausting. He let out a slow breath, trying to process everything.
'I'm finally an Aspect Master,' he thought, his lips twitching into a faint smile. In just two days, he would be leaving for the Celestial Nexus Academy. 'It'll be my first time living away from home in this lifetime,' he mused, the thought bringing a mix of excitement and apprehension.
As he lay there, memories of his past life stirred. After so many years in this world, he had pushed the memories of Earth into the back of his mind. Now, in the quiet of his room, they crept back with startling clarity.
He thought of the family he had left behind—the parents who raised him, the friends he'd laughed with. He wondered how they were. Did they miss him? A familiar ache settled in his chest.
'I hope they're all doing well,' he whispered into the stillness. The thought of not being able to say goodbye weighed heavily on him, and he felt a pang of guilt he rarely allowed himself to acknowledge.
His eyelids grew heavier as his thoughts began to blur. Slowly, the weight of the day pulled him into sleep.
...
Karyth City, Celestial Nexus Academy
The sun had barely risen when Leon and his mother arrived at the gates of the Celestial Nexus Academy. The sprawling campus was bustling with activity, its towering structures casting long shadows over the cobblestone paths. They were greeted by an elder of the academy, an older man with a kind smile and sharp eyes.
"It's been a while since our school has seen someone awaken Dual Aspects," the elder said, his tone warm. "I hope to see you shine, young Tharvyn."
Leon nodded politely, grateful for the encouragement. After a brief tour of the campus, they arrived at his room. His mother helped him settle in, ensuring everything was in place before finally saying her goodbyes. "Work hard, Leon," she said with a gentle smile, her eyes lingering on him for a moment before she turned to leave.
As a promising member of the Tharvyn family, his expenses were fully covered, including a private room. Once everything was organized, Leon decided to explore the academy. As he stepped out of his room, he noticed a boy across the hall watching him.
"Hey, isn't it the new Dual Aspect talent of the Tharvyn family?" the boy said with a friendly grin. "Nice to meet you. I'm David Charles."
Leon smiled back. "You look a bit familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?"
David nodded. "I saw you at the Awakening Ceremony. I'm from the Royce Corporation."
"Ah, that makes sense," Leon replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure's mine," David said. "I was just about to explore the campus. Want to join me?"
Leon nodded. "I was about to do the same."
The two began walking together, their conversation light and easy. After a while, they came across a sleek, modern-looking building with large glass windows and steel accents.
"This is the Research Hall," David explained. "It's a famous laboratory where students on the Research Path come to work on their projects. Some of the most advanced Aspect theories have been developed here."
They moved on, and soon a massive palace-like structure came into view. The building's towering columns and intricate carvings gave it an air of grandeur. Above the main entrance, the words "Nexus Sanctum" were engraved in shimmering letters.
David gestured toward it. "This is the Nexus Sanctum. It's a place where students come to read and learn. There are scrolls and manuals here that date back to ancient times. Students from all paths visit this place—it's a treasure trove of knowledge."
Leon's eyes lingered on the grand building for a moment before they continued walking. They soon came to an open arena surrounded by tiered seating. The area buzzed with activity, as students sparred and practiced their skills.
"This is the Celestial Arena," David said, smirking slightly. "Students come here to test their abilities against each other or participate in the Gladiator Trials."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "What are the Gladiator Trials?"
David grinned and threw an arm around Leon's shoulder. "They're designed to encourage competition among newer students. There's a Gladiator Ranking, and the higher you climb, the more benefits you get. It's rumored that some of the top students on the leaderboard are already in the Manifestation Stage. Can you believe that?"
Leon blinked in surprise. The idea of someone advancing to the Manifestation Stage so quickly after their awakening was mind-boggling. 'How talented must someone be to cultivate that fast?' he wondered.
Before they could talk more, a bell rang out across the campus. David glanced toward the sound. "That's the signal for class. Who's your teacher?"
Leon thought for a moment before replying. "Her name is Professor Arlyn."
David's eyes lit up. "Looks like we'll be in the same class! Lucky us."
Leon nodded, a small smile forming. As they walked toward their destination, he reflected on his first impression of the academy. Celestial Nexus Academy was a place like no other—a school dedicated to creating the most talented Aspect Masters in the nation.
Unlike traditional schools, the academy had a unique system. Students were assigned to a class but only met with their teacher once a month. During these sessions, the teacher would assess their progress, answer questions, and provide guidance for their cultivation paths. Outside of these meetings, students were free to train and study as they saw fit. However, freedom came with expectations—failure to show consistent progress meant expulsion from the academy.