The morning sun filtered through the Academy's crystal dome, casting prismatic glints across the stone corridors. Caelen trudged to his next class, his muscles aching from last night's fight with Kael. The training yard clash had left him shaken—not from Kael's fire, but from Lysa's words: *"That light… it wasn't normal mana."* She'd seen his *Divine Spark*, its Lotus pink glow flecked with golden motes, and now the Nephalem system felt like a noose tightening around his neck. The Guild's rumors about the ruin explosion were spreading, and Caelen knew he was running out of time to hide.
Zorak's spectral form hovered in his vision, his tattered robes rippling with Vanta black and Lotus pink energies, visible only to Caelen. "You were reckless," the ancestor said, his voice sharp. "The girl and the fire boy suspect you. Use your Ascended side to deflect, not draw attention. The Fallen's rage would betray you."
Caelen nodded, keeping his eyes down as students bustled past, their mana flaring in bursts of fire, ice, or earth. His stats were a constant reminder of his vulnerability, but Zorak had revealed a new system feature last night: Scan, a tool to analyze his surroundings. "It's like seeing the world's bones," Zorak had said. "Creatures, objects, even people—Scan reveals their truths. But use it sparingly. It draws mana, and overuse risks exposure."
Caelen hadn't tried it yet, too paranoid about Kael's cronies watching or Master Torv's probing stares. But curiosity gnawed at him. He glanced at a crystal battery embedded in the corridor wall, its soft hum powering the lights. Focusing, he whispered, "Scan."
A chime rang in his mind, and glowing text appeared:
*Nephalem System: Scan Result*
- Object: Crystal Battery (Rank 2)
- Mana Capacity: 200 units
- Status: 85% charged
- Traits: Stable, mana-efficient
- Mana Cost: 2
The text faded, and Caelen's mana dipped slightly. He exhaled, impressed. The Scan was quick, precise, and could give him an edge—if he used it carefully. Zorak's voice was stern: "Enough for now. Save your mana for threats."
The Gem Weapon Class was Caelen's first stop, a workshop buzzing with the clang of hammers and the hum of mana-infused forges. Mira was at her workbench, polishing a Rank 1 Heart Gem dagger. She glanced up, her brown eyes narrowing. "You look like you got trampled by a stone viper," she said. "Kael's fight, huh? Heard you held your own."
"Barely," Caelen muttered, taking a seat. He gripped Mira's gifted dagger, its blue glow steady. "Thanks for this. It saved me."
Mira grinned. "Told you Gem weapons aren't useless. But watch out—Kael's telling everyone you cheated somehow. Says your 'light' wasn't mana."
Caelen's stomach twisted. *Cheated.* Kael had seen *Divine Spark*, and now Lysa's words echoed in his mind. He needed to deflect, fast. "He's just mad I hit him," Caelen said, forcing a shrug. "It was the dagger's Gem."
Mira raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Just keep your head down. The first-year mission's coming, and you'll need allies, not enemies."
Caelen nodded, his thoughts drifting to Lysa. Her celestial pendant and curious gaze lingered in his memory. Could she be an ally, or would her faith make her a threat? The Fallen energy—Vanta black, with its crimson embers—stirred at the thought of betrayal, but he pushed it down, focusing on the Lotus pink calm of his Ascended side.
In the history class, Master Torv's lecture was colder than usual, his electric mana crackling like a storm. "The Great Reset wasn't just a cataclysm," he said, pacing. "It was a war—celestial beings, demonic forces, and humanity caught in the crossfire. The ruins are their battlegrounds, and some powers were sealed for a reason." His eyes locked on Caelen, sharp and unyielding. "Curiosity without strength is a death sentence."
Caelen's scar itched, the Vanta black sheen hidden under his sleeve. He wanted to Scan Torv, to see what the teacher was hiding, but Zorak's warning stopped him: "Not here. His mana is too keen. He'll sense it."
Instead, Caelen focused on the carved tablet on Torv's desk, its winged figure and shadowed beast hauntingly familiar. He scribbled notes, catching Torv's mention of "Elysium's Fall," a ruin tied to forbidden energies. Zorak's spectral form stiffened. "Elysium is key to my sacrifice," he said, his voice low. "But you're not ready. Stay focused."
As class ended, Caelen lingered near the door, watching Torv pack the tablet into a mana-locked case. The teacher's gaze flicked up, and Caelen hurried out, his heart pounding. Torv wasn't just suspicious—he was hunting something.
At lunch, Caelen sat with Mira, picking at his stew. The mess hall was louder today, students buzzing about the RuinRush VR game, a global Battle Royale where explorers tested their skills. "It's huge," Mira said, excited. "You fight virtual creatures, earn points, even get Guild rewards. You should try it."
Caelen forced a smile, but his mind was on Lysa. She sat across the hall, her blonde hair tied back, her winged star pendant catching the light. She was alone, reading a small book etched with celestial runes. Before he could look away, she met his gaze and stood, walking toward him.
"Mind if I join?" Lysa asked, her voice soft but firm. Mira raised an eyebrow but scooted over.
"Sure," Caelen said, his scar tingling. Zorak's voice was cautious: "Careful. Her faith may clash with your Fallen side."
Lysa sat, her eyes studying Caelen. "Last night," she said, keeping her voice low, "that light you used… it felt different. Like something holy, but not quite. What are you, Caelen?"
Caelen's grip tightened on his tray. *She's too close,* he thought. He wanted to Scan her, to see if she was friend or foe, but the mess hall was too crowded. "It was the dagger," he lied, holding up Mira's blade. "Gem weapons can do weird things."
Lysa frowned, her fingers brushing her pendant. "Maybe. But I've seen mana, and that wasn't it. I'm not your enemy, Caelen. I just… want to understand."
Mira glanced between them, sensing the tension. "He's just a Gemless kid, Lysa. Lay off."
Lysa's eyes softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push." She stood, hesitating. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here." She walked away, leaving Caelen's heart racing.
*"She sees too much,"* Zorak said. *"Her faith makes her dangerous, but her heart may be an ally. Tread lightly."*
That evening, Caelen slipped into the training yard for his session with Master Korrin. The blind teacher was already there, his katana sheathed, his sensory magic washing over Caelen like a breeze. "You're tense," Korrin said, his voice low. "Trouble with that fire kid?"
Caelen nodded, gripping his dagger. "He challenged me. I… didn't back down."
Korrin's lips twitched. "Good. But you're still holding back. Show me what you've got." He drew his katana, its green mana veins pulsing.
They sparred, Caelen's dagger clashing against Korrin's blade. His *Mana Channeling (Basic)* skill made the dagger glow brighter, but Korrin's movements were effortless, his magic guiding every parry. "Better," Korrin said, deflecting a strike. "But you're fighting like you're scared of yourself."
Caelen stumbled, Korrin's words hitting too close. The Fallen energy stirred—Vanta black, crimson embers flaring—but he focused on *Divine Spark*, its Lotus pink light calming him. He didn't dare use it, not with Korrin's senses so sharp.
As they finished, Korrin sheathed his katana. "You're not weak, kid. But you're hiding something. I won't pry—yet. Keep training, and we'll see what you're made of."
Caelen nodded, his mind racing. Korrin's trust was fragile, and Lysa's curiosity was a new threat. He needed to master his Ascended skills before the first-year mission, before the Guild's eyes closed in.
As he headed back to his dorm, a shadow moved in the corridor. Master Torv stepped out, his electric mana crackling. "Late night, boy?" he said, his voice cold. "You're drawing attention. The Guild doesn't like mysteries."
Caelen's scar burned, and Zorak's voice was urgent: "He's probing. Use Scan—now."
Caelen focused, whispering, "Scan."
*Nephalem System: Scan Result*
- Target: Master Torv
- Mana: High (Rank 4 equivalent)
- Abilities: Electric Manipulation, Unknown (Locked)
- Traits: Suspicious, Observant
- Mana Cost: 5
- *Zorak: "He's dangerous. Avoid him."*
Caelen's mana dropped to 18, and he stepped back. "Just training, sir," he said, his voice steady.
Torv's eyes narrowed. "For your sake, I hope that's all." He walked away, but his mana lingered, like a storm waiting to strike.
Zorak's voice was grim: "He's not just a teacher. He's hunting. You have two days to complete my quest, or the Guild will know your secret."