Chapter 25: A New Resolve
The morning after his encounter with Korvin and his goons, Raynor Velcroft sat alone in the academy library, a quiet corner serving as his refuge. Books and scrolls were scattered across the table, detailing combat techniques, aura control, and ancient skill mastery. His encounter with the bullies had left more than bruises; it had left questions—questions about the limits of his power and the mysterious skill that had taken over his body.
Raynor leaned back, rubbing his temples. The memory of Unbound Fury activating still unsettled him. He had felt unstoppable, but at the cost of his consciousness. What if next time, the skill acted without reason? What if it harmed someone who didn't deserve it?
He closed the book in front of him and opened the Survival System interface. The familiar, glowing text appeared before him.
System Notification: Skill Analysis: Unbound Fury Details: Temporarily grants overwhelming power and combat proficiency. User consciousness is suppressed for the duration. Current rank: Basic. Potential for evolution detected.
Raynor's eyes narrowed. "Potential for evolution?" he muttered under his breath. If the skill could grow stronger, it might pose an even greater risk. But if he could learn to manage it—even partially—perhaps he could mitigate the dangers.
He selected the skill from the menu and scrolled to the "Training Path" section.
Training Path Unlocked:
Meditation Discipline: Develop mental resilience to resist collateral damage during activation.
Fury Suppression: Reduce the frequency of involuntary activation.
Evolutionary Upgrade: Full Fury.
Each option required Survival Points and rigorous practice, but the prospect of refining the skill sparked a new determination in Raynor. He had no intention of being a puppet to his own power.
Later that day, Raynor ventured into the outskirts of the academy, where the forest stretched far and wide. This wasn't his usual camp area but a more secluded part of the woods, one he had mapped during his explorations. He needed isolation to train, away from prying eyes.
The System's training module guided him, projecting glowing markers in the air.
Training Task: Meditation Discipline, Step 1 Objective: Maintain focus under simulated stress. Duration: 30 minutes.
Raynor sat cross-legged on the forest floor, the cool breeze brushing against his skin. The System's simulation began, flooding his mind with chaotic images and sounds. Roaring beasts, battle cries, and flickering flames assaulted his senses, designed to disrupt his concentration.
He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to focus on his breathing. Inhale. Exhale. His heart raced as the stimuli intensified, but he held firm, grounding himself in the rhythm of his breaths. The minutes dragged on, each second feeling like an eternity, until the System finally chimed.
Task Complete. Progress: 10% toward Meditation Discipline.
Raynor opened his eyes, sweat dripping down his face. It wasn't much progress, but it was a start. He couldn't afford to rush this process. Mastery would take time, and time was something he couldn't waste.
As evening fell, Raynor returned to the academy grounds, his body aching from the day's training. He avoided the main paths, slipping through quieter routes to reach his dorm. But as he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with someone.
It was Lira Ashford.
She looked surprised to see him, her emerald eyes scanning his disheveled appearance. "Raynor? What happened to you?"
He stepped back, maintaining his usual cold demeanor. "Nothing that concerns you."
Lira frowned, crossing her arms. "You're covered in dirt and sweat. Are you… training?"
Raynor didn't respond immediately. He didn't owe her an explanation, but her concern felt genuine. "It's none of your business," he said finally, brushing past her.
"Wait," she called after him. "I… I wanted to thank you again. For what you did before."
He stopped but didn't turn around. "I told you, there's no need."
"Maybe not to you, but it matters to me," she insisted. "And I… I wanted to know if you're okay. You've changed, Raynor. You're not the same person you were before."
He glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "People change. That's all there is to it." Without waiting for her response, he continued walking, leaving Lira standing there with a mix of frustration and curiosity etched on her face.
Back in his dorm, Raynor reviewed the day's progress. The System displayed his stats, showing incremental improvements in his mental resilience. It wasn't much, but it was a step forward.
As he prepared for bed, a new notification appeared.
System Notification: Upcoming Mission: Veil Intrusion Detected. Prepare for hostile encounter within 48 hours.
Raynor stared at the message, his jaw tightening. The Veil—the mysterious force encroaching on this world—wasn't going to wait for him to master his skills. If he wanted to survive, he had to accelerate his training and face whatever lay ahead.
He closed the interface and lay down, staring at the ceiling. The path he had chosen was anything but easy, but he had no intention of backing down. If the world wanted to challenge him, he would meet it head-on—on his terms.