Leon and David stepped into the classroom, their eyes immediately drawn to a young woman standing at the front. She was dressed in the sleek uniform of the academy's instructors, her poise radiating confidence and authority. Her sharp gaze scanned the room, ensuring everyone settled into their seats.
"Everyone, please be seated and quiet down," she said, her tone calm but commanding.
The room quickly fell silent, and she nodded in approval. "I am Professor Arlyn, your instructor. As you know, the Celestial Nexus Academy is dedicated to grooming the next generation of Aspect Master geniuses—not ordinary ones," she began, her gaze sweeping over the students.
"We will meet once a month. During these sessions, I will cover cultivation topics and answer any questions you may have. Let's begin. Are there any questions?"
A boy near the middle raised his hand. "I've heard about missions from a cousin who attends the academy. Can you explain more about them?"
Professor Arlyn's expression softened slightly. "Good question. As you know, there are many paths an Aspect Master can take—the most popular being the Battle Path, Research Path, and Artisan Path. To support growth in these paths, the academy offers missions that require students to perform various tasks. These missions can be issued by people within the academy or even from outside parties.
"Missions range widely. You may be sent to gather resources, create tools or objects, or hunt creatures. For senior students, there are even missions to track and capture outlaws, though such tasks are reserved for the most experienced. Completing missions earns you contribution points, which can be exchanged for rewards."
Excitement rippled through the room at the mention of missions. Leon felt it too. Since coming to this world and learning about Aspect Masters, it had always been his dream to walk the Battle Path. While he found the Research Path and Artisan Path intriguing, he believed that strength was the cornerstone of an Aspect Master's journey.
Another student raised their hand. "Can you go into detail about the cultivation process?"
Professor Arlyn inclined her head. "Of course. Aspect Masters are divided into ranks based on their realms of strength. Each realm has three phases: the 1st Phase, 2nd Phase, and 3rd Phase. Currently, all of you are in the 1st Phase of the first realm—the Initialization Stage.
"In this stage, Aspect Masters absorb Essentia, the energy of the world. Essentia Gathering Pills can help hasten your progress, but the academy advises moderate usage. Overreliance on such pills can lead to an unstable foundation, which may harm your future cultivation."
A girl near the front raised her hand next. "What are the realms after the Initialization Stage?"
Professor Arlyn paused briefly before responding. "The realms that follow are the Manifestation Stage, the Harmonization Realm, the Unity Realm, and so forth. Each stage represents a deeper connection with your Aspect and greater mastery over Essentia."
The class continued for a while longer, with Professor Arlyn answering various questions and elaborating on the nuances of cultivation. Leon listened intently, absorbing everything he could. Eventually, the teacher glanced at the wrist device she wore, and her expression shifted slightly.
She addressed the class once more. "That concludes today's session. If you have further questions, you may stay after or contact me via your Essentia Band."
The Essentia Band, Leon reflected, was one of the most ingenious creations of the past few decades. A device worn on the wrist, it was powered by Essentia and allowed users to access this world's equivalent of the "internet." Beyond its basic functions, it acted as a vital tool for communication, research, and even cultivation management. For Aspect Masters, the Essentia Band was indispensable.
The students began to pack their things as her words sank in.