The room was silent except for the soft rustle of pages as Kael flipped through his father's journal. The entries were dense, filled with diagrams of strange symbols, notes on ancient rituals, and cryptic references to the Veils and the Eldritch Realms. It was overwhelming, but Kael was determined to understand it.
Erynn watched him from across the room, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable. After a while, she walked over and sat down across from him.
"You're not going to figure it out all at once," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "Your father spent years studying this. You'll need time."
"I don't have time," Kael replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "You said it yourself—the Veils are weakening. I need to understand this now."
Erynn leaned forward, her green eyes piercing. "Then let's start with the basics. The Relic you're carrying is tied to the Path of Time, one of the many Paths that make up the power system of the Veils. Each Path represents a different aspect of reality, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses."
Kael frowned. "Path of Time? What does that mean?"
"It means you have the potential to manipulate time," Erynn explained. "But it's not as simple as it sounds. The power is tied to your understanding of the Veils and your ability to control it. If you're not careful, it can backfire—or worse, attract the attention of something from the Eldritch Realms."
She stood and gestured for him to follow. "Come on. It's time for your first lesson."
Kael hesitated, then closed the journal and stood. Erynn led him to a small, circular chamber hidden behind a tapestry. The room was empty except for a single, unlit brazier in the center.
"This is a training room," Erynn said. "It's warded to contain any accidental outbursts of power. You're going to need it."
She walked over to the brazier and placed her hand on it. The runes carved into its surface began to glow, and a faint hum filled the air.
"The first step is to connect with the Relic," she said, turning to face him. "Close your eyes and focus on the hum you feel in your chest. That's the Relic's energy. Try to channel it, to make it a part of you."
Kael closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He focused on the hum, trying to block out everything else. At first, it was faint, almost imperceptible, but as he concentrated, it grew stronger, more distinct.
"Good," Erynn said, her voice calm and steady. "Now, try to shape it. Imagine the energy flowing through you, like water through a stream."
Kael visualized the energy moving through his body, pooling in his hands. He felt a warmth spreading through him, and when he opened his eyes, he saw a faint glow emanating from his palms.
"I'm doing it," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Erynn warned. "This is just the beginning. Now, try to slow time around you."
Kael focused again, willing the energy to flow outward. The air around him seemed to thicken, and the glow from the brazier slowed to a crawl. He could feel the power coursing through him, but it was unstable, like a dam about to burst.
Suddenly, the energy surged, and the room was engulfed in a blinding light. Kael stumbled back, the connection to the Relic snapping like a taut string. The light faded, leaving him breathless and disoriented.
Erynn was at his side in an instant, her hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right?"
Kael nodded, though his head was spinning. "What happened?"
"You lost control," Erynn said, her tone firm but not unkind. "It's normal for beginners. The key is to stay focused and not let the power overwhelm you."
She helped him to his feet and handed him a glass of water. "You've got potential, Kael, but you're going to need a lot of practice. The Path of Time is one of the most difficult to master, but it's also one of the most powerful."
Kael took a sip of water, his hands still trembling. "How long will it take?"
Erynn shrugged. "That depends on you. Some people spend years trying to master their Path. Others... well, let's just say not everyone survives the process."
Kael's stomach churned at the thought, but he pushed the fear aside. He didn't have a choice—he had to master this power, no matter the cost.
"Let's try again," he said, setting the glass down.
Erynn raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Determined, aren't you? All right, but take it slow this time. Focus on control, not power."
Kael nodded and closed his eyes, ready to try again. The hum in his chest returned, and he focused on it, channeling the energy with more care this time.
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The chapter ends with Kael beginning his training in earnest, the challenges and dangers of mastering the Path of Time becoming clear. The stage is set for his growth as a Relic wielder and the deeper exploration of the Veils and the Eldritch Realms.