Waking from his sleep, Alex opens his eyes to find himself back in the infirmary. This time, however, he's not alone. Both Max and Randy occupy the chairs beside his bed, with Randy's head resting peacefully on Max's shoulder as they both slumber deeply.
Stirring awake, Alex shifts himself into a sitting position, rubbing his forehead as memories of recent events flood back. His mind drifts to his previous awakening, recalling how Nurse Wendy had offered him medicine supposedly meant to help his soul.
Yet something hadn't felt quite right about that medicine. Rather than experiencing the healing effects Wendy had promised, he'd simply fallen into a deep sleep. While the rest had refreshed him somewhat, an inexplicable sixth sense tells him his soul remains unchanged from before - as if the medicine had served a different purpose entirely.
Pondering Nurse Wendy's actions, Alex pieces together the puzzle of his induced sleep. The answer crystallizes with stark clarity - it all ties back to his awakening ritual. Whatever transpired during that ceremony held such significance that they felt compelled to temporarily incapacitate him.
Running his hands over his body, Alex finds no evidence of surgical exploration - no telltale scars or lingering pain that might suggest physical examination. Though he acknowledges the possibility of magical intervention masking such procedures, that peculiar sixth sense that awakened with his powers whispers reassurance. Both his body and soul remain intact, unmarred by whatever scrutiny he endured while unconscious.
'Then why would they knock me out?' Alex wonders, the question echoing through his mind like a persistent whisper.
Before he can pursue this troubling line of thought, movement catches his attention as both Max and Randy stir from their slumber, roused by his restless shifting. Their eyes flutter open, widening with recognition as they find Alex sitting upright in the hospital bed.
"Holy moly, I thought you were dead, man!" Randy's voice cracks with emotion as he lurches forward, placing a trembling hand on Alex's shoulder before pulling him into a fierce embrace.
As Randy steps back, Max moves in, wrapping Alex in a bear hug that showcases his newly awakened strength. "Look man, I'm glad you're okay," Max manages, his voice thick with barely contained tears.
"Me too, but... can't breathe!" Alex wheezes, trying to appreciate the gesture even as his ribs protest under Max's enhanced grip. The power flowing through his friend's frame serves as a stark reminder of their recent transformations.
"Oh yeah, sorry man," Max releases him quickly, offering a sheepish grin. "Side effect of the ritual and whatnot."
At the mention of the ritual, both Max and Randy's expressions darken. They exchange guilty glances, the weight of their absence during Alex's day-long "treatment" hanging heavy between them. That's what they'd been told, at least - that Alex needed intensive care, isolated from visitors. Now, looking at their friend's alert face, they can't help but wonder what really transpired during those missing hours.
"Don't sweat it guys, it's not your fault," Alex reassures them, his voice steady despite the storm of uncertainties churning beneath his composed exterior. "Look, they did their best to take care of me during the ritual. No matter what happened, it was my decision to go through with it - we all did. Remember, it's something we need to get home." A hint of forced lightness enters his tone as he adds, "Besides, who doesn't want magic, huh?"
The words flow from Alex with careful precision, each syllable measured and weighed. Through his awakened senses, he's acutely aware of the OSAIs silently recording their conversation, their ethereal presence a constant reminder of unseen observation. He deliberately avoids mentioning his cosmic vision or the bone-deep sensations that had coursed through him during the ritual. Instead, he weaves a tapestry of half-truths, acknowledging their situation while concealing deeper revelations.
The reality crystallizes in his mind with stark clarity - they aren't mere students here, but subjects of intense scrutiny. Their behaviors, psychological responses, and emerging powers will be analyzed with meticulous attention. Yet even as this understanding settles over him like a heavy cloak, Alex maintains his resolve. The path ahead stretches long and treacherous, but they'll navigate it together, one careful step at a time, each advancement bringing them closer to home.
"That is a good mindset to have, Sir Alex," comes a familiar voice from the doorway. Professor Bain steps into the infirmary, his silver hair neatly slicked back and pristine lab coat rustling with each measured stride as he approaches Alex's bedside.
"How are you feeling, Alex?" the professor inquires, his tone carrying the practiced concern of a teacher invested in his student's wellbeing. Yet beneath that professional warmth, something else lurks - a shadow of deeper interest that catches Alex's attention.
Alex studies the professor's features intently, searching for any tell-tale signs of what might have transpired during his unconscious hours. Each line and gesture of the older man's face becomes a potential clue to unravel.
"I'm feeling a lot better, professor," Alex responds carefully. "Though I'll say I didn't feel awful during the ritual - it was only for a short while, and then everything just went dark. Next thing I knew, I woke up here," he gestures at the infirmary surrounding them.
Professor Bain nods, satisfaction evident in his expression. "That's good to hear," he says, before his tone shifts subtly. "Alex, have you noticed any changes? Perhaps new magical sensations, or a different kind of awareness? This would be especially relevant given the transformation of your eyes."
Alex's brow furrows in confusion, a scowl forming as he processes this unexpected revelation. "What do you mean my eyes have changed, professor?" he asks, tilting his head slightly as confusion creeps into his voice.
Reaching into his coat, Professor Bain produces a small mirror, its surface gleaming under the infirmary lights. "Here, have a look yourself then."
Taking the offered mirror, Alex raises it to his face. The reflection that greets him steals his breath - where once cerulean blue eyes had gazed back at him, now twin pools of vibrant purple command his attention. More striking still, his pupils have transformed from simple black circles into golden triangles that rotate with hypnotic grace, like mystical clockwork caught in perpetual motion.
With trembling fingers, Alex touches his lower eyelid, gently pulling it down to examine the strange geometric patterns. Half-convinced they must be some kind of magical contacts, he searches for any sign of artificial enhancement, finding none.
"Professor, what exactly are these?" Alex lowers the mirror, turning to face Bain with questions burning in his transformed gaze.
"To answer your question, Alex - or rather, all three of your questions," Professor Bain begins, his tone shifting into lecture mode, "when we awaken our bloodlines here on Terra, our bodies adapt to channel their power. Whether elemental, necrotic, blood arts, or celestial, gaining access to these abilities changes us. But for some, the transformation runs deeper."
He pauses, ensuring he has their complete attention. "What you three experienced is what we call a resonation awakening. This occurs when the bloodline physically alters part of the body to better suit its nature. Take Randy, for instance - his heart has transformed into that of a lich. While this might seem trivial now, it grants him remarkable potential. In the future, he could theoretically store his heart in a secured vessel, allowing him to survive wounds that would fell ordinary warriors. More practically, it serves as a magical core, amplifying his ability to power spells and rituals." The professor's eyes gleam with scholarly enthusiasm as he adds, "But don't worry, Randy - you'll learn all about these applications during your time at the Academy."
Randy's mouth opens then closes, questions dancing on his tongue before he swallows them back. There will be time later, he decides, when the moment is right.
Professor Bain turns his attention to Max, his voice taking on a tone of reverence. "For you, Max, your bloodline awakening has transformed the very essence of your skeletal structure. Your bones and marrow have hardened to rival iron itself." He pauses, letting the magnitude of this change sink in. "This particular manifestation suggests a connection to the legendary Minotaur King."
"Minotaur King?" Max interrupts, confusion etched across his features.
A knowing smile crosses Professor Bain's face. "I understand your bewilderment - how could you share blood with a creature so clearly inhuman? But you see, the Minotaur King began his reign as a man, much like ourselves. His pursuit of power led him down a dark path, corrupting both himself and his loyal followers, transforming them into the minotaurs of legend. Though he was eventually imprisoned within an eternal labyrinth, where legends say he dwells still, not all of his bloodline suffered his fate."
The professor's eyes take on a distant look, as if peering through the veils of time. "Some of his family remained human, and two thousand years ago, one of them stood among the heroes who saved our world." His gaze sweeps across all three boys. "This brings me to a fascinating pattern I've noticed in your awakened bloodlines. Randy, while necromancy still exists in our world, true lich bloodlines became exceedingly rare after the most powerful of their kind sacrificed himself in the great ritual. Similarly, Max, the uncorrupted children of the Minotaur King gave their essence to preserve our reality."
"And what of myself?" Alex interjects. Though skepticism colors his tone - his trust in Professor Bain's motives remains cautious at best - he recognizes the professor's investment in their growth. Whatever hidden agenda may exist, their increased strength serves both parties' interests.
"For you, Alex," Professor Bain continues, his voice taking on a note of barely contained fascination, "we observed multiple resonances during the ritual. First, the transformation of your eyes and neural pathways throughout your body. Second, and most remarkably, your soul itself underwent an unprecedented elevation. While we occasionally witness souls ascending one level during awakening, yours leaped two stages, reaching the adapt rank - something previously thought impossible."
The professor leans forward slightly, his enthusiasm evident. "The multiple resonances explain your blackout - your body simply couldn't handle the strain of such dramatic changes. Your soul's immense power threatened to overwhelm your physical form, necessitating Nurse Wendy's specialized treatment to facilitate recovery."
Alex maintains a carefully neutral expression, though beneath his composed exterior, emotions churn like a stormy sea. This casual admission confirms his suspicions about Professor Bain's involvement in his sedation. The revelation stings sharply - this man who had seemed to champion their cause was complicit in their manipulation. Yet Alex keeps his voice steady as he asks, "And what of my lineage? What is it?"
"Yours is the gravity bloodline," Professor Bain explains, gesturing to Alex's transformed eyes. "Your enhanced vision allows you to perceive spatial folds - areas where reality itself grows thin and susceptible to your gravitational influence. As for your soul's transformation," he continues, choosing his words with careful precision, "the limited data I gathered during your treatment suggests it has been fundamentally altered to accommodate your element's raw power. Gravity, after all, is one of the strongest forces we know."
The revelation of Alex's capabilities sends ripples of astonishment through Randy and Max. Their earlier pride in their own awakenings dims slightly in comparison, replaced by a complex mixture of awe and barely concealed envy. Though they try to suppress it, a hint of jealousy creeps into their expressions as they process the scope of their friend's newfound powers.
While envy flickers across Max and Randy's faces, Alex's mind races down a different path entirely. How could Professor Bain know about his ability to see spatial folds? The only demonstration had been that brief moment with Alfred, when he'd reached for the ripple in reality surrounding the OSAI. This seemingly casual revelation confirms what Alex had already suspected - Alfred serves as their eyes and ears, reporting every observation back to the Academy's authorities.
Yet Alex maintains his performance, playing the role of an eager student discovering his powers. "Gravity, huh?" he muses, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. While keeping his suspicions carefully hidden, he can't help but think of that cosmic entity he'd encountered during the ritual - something Professor Bain clearly knows nothing about. The disconnect between what he experienced and what they're telling him only deepens his wariness.
Turning back to Professor Bain with carefully crafted enthusiasm, Alex asks, "So does that mean I can like, increase gravity in certain areas or call meteors from the sky?" He intentionally tempers his excitement - not entirely fabricated, as the prospect of such power holds genuine appeal, but carefully measured to avoid arousing suspicion.
Professor Bain, caught up in his favorite subject, fails to notice the calculated nature of Alex's response. His eyes light up with scholarly passion as he launches into an explanation. "Actually, the gravity element is quite fascinating, Alex. Most practitioners focus on manipulating their own gravitational field or enhancing weapons with gravity runes. You see, directly manipulating gravity itself presents quite the challenge." His voice takes on a lecturing tone as he continues, "Our planet maintains gravity through mass. The real question becomes: how can one generate gravitational force without corresponding mass?"
"It's an intricate magical formula," Professor Bain explains, his hands weaving through the air as if sketching invisible diagrams. "Think of our bloodlines as conduits to cosmic wells of power. Each well contains the fundamental essence of a natural law - in your case, Alex, the very law of gravity itself."
His eyes gleam with scholarly passion as he delves deeper into the theory. "When you tap into your bloodline's power, you're essentially drawing from this well, consuming its essence to impose gravitational law upon reality. But here's the fascinating part - because gravity ranks among the universe's most fundamental forces, replicating it through magic demands an enormous energy cost."
The professor leans forward, his voice dropping as if sharing a precious secret. "That's why most gravity wielders opt for more efficient applications - enhancing their own bodies or amplifying existing spells. It's not just about power, you see, but the artistry of working within these cosmic limitations."
"And because my eyes have transformed," Alex concludes thoughtfully, piecing together the implications of Professor Bain's lecture, "they're now attuned to channel cosmic power through enhanced perception."
"Exactly!" Professor Bain's eyes sparkle with scholarly enthusiasm, his hands sketching invisible geometric patterns in the air. "The triangular manifestation in your pupils is particularly fascinating. You see, triangles represent one of geometry's most unshakeable forms. This suggests your gravitational affinity stems from an immovable foundation, unwavering in its power."
His voice takes on a reverential tone as he continues, "But don't mistake stability for rigidity. Gravity itself dances across the spectrum of force - from gentle planetary embrace to the devastating pull of cosmic singularities. It flows like water, yet commands like steel, adaptable as it is absolute."
"I see," Alex responds carefully, measuring each word. "Thank you for explaining our bloodlines, Professor." He pauses strategically before adding, "But what comes next?" The question serves as a subtle probe, fishing for insights into their future at the Academy.
Professor Bain's expression brightens at Alex's display of foresight, his estimation of the young man visibly rising. The boy's ability to look beyond immediate revelations to consider future implications marks him as someone worth watching closely.
"The answer is simple - since school starts soon, you'll have a week and five days. During this time, I want you to spend most of your time in the library studying the basics of our world, with your OSAI helping to quiz you and explain various concepts. If you find yourself struggling or wish to speak with another human about anything, you're welcome to visit my office. Your OSAI will show you the way."
"During this time, I implore you to learn about the inner workings of the Academy and our culture - understand why things and people function as they do. Study the world, its landscape, its geography. Remember, while the Academy's classes will teach you magic, you must first understand yourself and your future. Consider how you'll interact with others in this new reality."
"I urge you to spend this time wisely and care for your mental wellbeing, for once school begins, your mental fortitude will be tested. Magic is not for the faint of heart. Speaking from experience, the egos of students, their noble families, and the factions they hide behind can distract you from your true goals. But never forget what you're fighting for."
As Professor Bain walks away, his words linger in the air, heavy with meaning. Alex sits on the bed, contemplating the advice. Despite everything, he feels grateful for the professor's guidance, knowing Max and Randy will need it desperately. Yet uncertainty gnaws at him as he considers the truth of what he witnessed during his awakening, and the real reason they're needed in this world.
Steeling himself, Alex focuses on his ultimate goal of returning home, visualizing it at the pinnacle of a mental pyramid he's constructing. Beneath this crowning objective, he carefully arranges his other aspirations, each one a building block supporting his journey homeward. This pyramid becomes more than just a list - it transforms into the foundational framework that will guide his path through the years ahead. Starting at the very base, he recalls Professor Bain's words about dedicated study time. The writing in the base brick etching in deeply, Study Time.