《Sephir: Vanguard》 Chapter 1. A City Above The Clouds Tuesday 21st of September of 2175 It was a sunny day, like any other. Mark Nyx liked the quiet of the rooftops. The Sephir of Astra stretched below him, a sprawl of glowing skybridges and gravity-defying spires, their metallic surfaces reflecting the neon haze of the city. From up here, the world felt slower¡ªcleaner. The hum of anti-grav skiffs caused by floating wove through the air and the rhythmic thrum of power generators hidden beneath the floating metropolis. Most people in Astra never looked down. Mark did. Beyond the city¡¯s shimmering barriers, the Expanse yawned below¡ªa vast, shifting abyss below the clouds, a place only seen when the clouds disappeared. The world beneath the Sephirs was a graveyard of fallen civilizations, where only shadows moved and old ghosts whispered warnings no one wanted to hear. The chime of a distant clock tower echoed across Astra, snapping Mark out of his thoughts. ¡°Shit.¡° A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. He was going to be late. Again. With a sigh, he turned away from the city¡¯s edge and sprinted across the rooftop, his boots barely making a sound against the reinforced alloy panels. He vaulted over a railing and landed smoothly on a skybridge, joining the steady flow of students heading toward Astra Technical University (ATU)¡ªone of the most prestigious institutions in the entire Sephir network. Mark adjusted the strap of his bag as he merged into the crowd. The second day of the first trimester of his final year at ATU. He should have been more excited. Most of his classmates were already making plans¡ªinternships, research projects, secured contracts with big corporations, pursued higher degrees or went into the political system. Mark? He had no idea what came next. ¡°You love making me wait me wait, do you?¡± A gust of wind rustled Mark¡¯s jacket as Daniel Gale fell into step beside him, his usual smirk in place. The guy always moved too fast, like he wasn¡¯t quite used to standing still. Mark rolled his eyes. ¡°Not everyone likes to launch themselves across the city first thing in the morning.¡± Daniel stretched, the air subtly bending around him, playing with the edges of his sleeves. ¡°What, and miss the chance to feel alive? You should try it sometime.¡± Mark shook his head, suppressing a small smirk. ¡°I prefer not to get banned from campus airspace.¡± Daniel grinned. ¡°Eh, they¡¯ll get over it.¡± The two of them made their way into the lecture hall, a massive amphitheater where the ceiling panels displayed a live projection of Astra¡¯s floating infrastructure. Today¡¯s topic? "The Science of the Sephirs: Foundations of Aerostatics and Sustainable Elevation." As Mark took his seat, he couldn¡¯t shake the thought that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhe should have figured out where he was going by now. Chapter 2. A Lecture on Sephirs Mark settled into his seat as the lecture hall dimmed, the ceiling shifting into a holographic display of Astra Sephir itself, its floating towers and sky bridges hanging in the air like a city caught in mid-fall. The display pulsed, lines of light tracing the structures before zooming outward to reveal the entire network of Sephirs, drifting far above the Expanse like islands in an endless void. "Today, we will discuss the foundations of aerostatic suspension and sustainable elevation¡ªwhat allows our world to exist above the chaos below." Professor Rhenard, a wiry man with sharp features and an even sharper tongue, paced at the front of the hall, gesturing to the floating city above them. The ceiling holograms shimmered, shifting into a detailed schematic of the Astra Sephir. The perspective rotated downward, focusing on the city¡¯s foundations¡ªwhere a massive ring, embedded with superconductors, pulsed faintly beneath the metropolis. Professor Rhenard clasped his hands behind his back, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Every Sephir is held aloft by a system of electromagnetic levitation," he began, his voice calm and precise. "Massive superconducting rings interact with the planetary magnetic field, generating a repelling force that suspends the city. However, this alone is not enough to maintain balance." Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. The hologram zoomed in further, revealing a glowing core at the heart of the city, pulsing like a heartbeat. "This is where Ether Reactors come in. The levitation fields require constant adjustments, and the energy for those stabilizations comes from ether¡ªour single most valuable resource." Mark leaned back in his seat, watching the visual showing a reactor¡¯s ether reserves depleting, then gradually refilling. Professor Rhenard paused, then continued. "Ether is unlike any other energy source. It does not burn, nor does it dissipate. Instead, when used, it returns to its origin¡ªa dimension beyond our own, and the vessel needs time to recharge and reaccumulate ether." A ripple of murmurs spread across the class. Mark frowned. It wasn¡¯t new information, for him. Then someone up front raised their hand. "So is ether the same energy source as the mana that we use to power our abilities then?" Silence. For the first time, Professor Rhenard hesitated. It was barely noticeable, a flicker of uncertainty in his otherwise steady demeanor. "Ether is a universal force," he finally said. "Mana is an individual trait." He turned back toward the projection, tapping the lectern once moving to the next slide. "That is the extent of what science can confirm. Moving on." Mark didn¡¯t move, his thoughts lingering on the brief pause. It was subtle¡ªbut he caught it, seeing it compared so directly to a human¡¯s mana made something click in his mind. Rhenard knew more than he was letting on. Chapter 3. Post Lecture Thoughts The lecture ended with a low hum as the holographic display flickered off. Students shuffled out of their seats, some meeting colleagues and catching up from summer, while others just seemed eager to move on with their day. Daniel and Mark left the lecture room. Mark grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, his mind still turning over the professor¡¯s reaction. There was something off about it. "Oi, blockhead." Daniel bumped his shoulder as they exited the hall, his usual smirk in place. "What are you thinking about this time?" Mark exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "It¡¯s just... that whole thing about ether and mana. Didn¡¯t it seem like the professor was holding something back?" Daniel gave him a flat look, then dramatically stretched his arms over his head. "You¡¯re overthinking it." You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Mark rolled his eyes. "Maybe. But I¡¯m not sure." Daniel grinned. "You¡¯ll figure it out like you always do¡ªjust don¡¯t get too obsessed." Mark sighed, but before he could press the thought further, Daniel suddenly pivoted in front of him, walking backward with a glint in his eyes. "And I have the perfect remedy for that. Wanna go spar?" Mark blinked. The shift in topic wasn¡¯t surprising¡ªDaniel wasn¡¯t exactly the type to sit around and theorize about the universe¡ªbut the offer still caught him off guard. He hesitated. Growing up, sparring¡ªespecially ability sparring¡ªhad been off-limits for him. His parents had made sure of that. Too dangerous. Too unstable. Too easy to lose control. He had gone through childhood watching others hone their abilities in training grounds while he was forced to sit on the sidelines. But last year, that changed. The first time he set foot on the Ability Sparring Grounds, something clicked. It was like a switch flipped inside him, a part of himself that had been locked away finally given room to breathe. The fear of losing control was still there, lingering at the edges¡ªbut so was the thrill. He loved it. Mark exhaled, then smirked. "You¡¯ll see how much I¡¯ve improved this summer. Don¡¯t cry when you can¡¯t keep up." Daniel scoffed. "You wish. Let¡¯s go." And with that, they made their way toward the sparring grounds. Chapter 4. Ability Sparring Grounds The Ability Sparring Grounds sprawled across the eastern edge of Astra Technica University¡ªa high-tech training facility where students tested their combat skills, honed their abilities, and settled friendly rivalries. Unlike standard gym facilities, this place was built for enhanced combat, equipped with gravity stabilizers, impact-reducing flooring, and adjustable environmental simulations. Mark stepped inside, the air buzzing with the familiar charge of energy. Combat arenas stretched across the facility, some students engaged in hand-to-hand practice, others locked in high-speed ability duels. Sparks flew in one ring as a pyrokinetic clashed with a water manipulator. In another, a girl with seismic control stomped the ground, sending a controlled tremor through her opponent¡¯s footing. This was where people pushed themselves to the limit. And Mark? He was ready. Daniel nudged him. ¡°Feeling nostalgic already?¡± Mark exhaled, rolling his shoulders. ¡°Just thinking.¡± Daniel grinned. ¡°You do that too much. Come on, let¡¯s get a ring before someone takes all the good ones.¡± Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. They made their way to an open sparring ring, a circular arena lined with energy barriers to prevent stray attacks from hitting spectators. A sleek interface flickered to life, and Daniel tapped the settings panel. MATCH SETTINGS: ¡ú Power limiters active (Standard safety mode) ¡ú Auto-recovery threshold: 30% (No serious injuries permitted) ¡ú Battle Timer: No limit Daniel cracked his neck, stepping into the ring. ¡°You know the drill. No holding back.¡± Mark smirked, rolling his wrists as he followed him in. ¡°You say that, but last time, I wiped the floor with you.¡± Daniel scoffed. ¡°Fluke.¡± Mark exhaled, steadying himself. He had been sparring for a year now, but the rush never faded. The thrill of movement, the heat of battle, the way instincts took over¡ªit was intoxicating. The arena¡¯s AI voice rang out. ¡°Combatants ready. Begin.¡± Daniel disappeared. A burst of wind exploded from his position as he vanished in an instant, reappearing at in front of Mark mid-strike. Mark barely had time to react¡ªDaniel was fast. Too fast. Mark pivoted, instinct kicking in as shadows coiled around his arms. A black shield formed in his forearm, deflecting Daniel¡¯s first strike, but the next one was already coming. Daniel moved like a storm¡ªerratic, relentless, unpredictable. Mark¡¯s mind sharpened. He wasn¡¯t slow, but he needed control to counter someone like Daniel. He stepped back, adjusting his stance, shadows erupting into spikes around him to force distance. Daniel grinned. ¡°Come on, Mark. Show me what you¡¯ve got.¡± Mark let out a breath. His heartbeat steadied. The thrill was rising now, coursing through his veins. He tightened his fists, eyes glowing with determination. "Let''s go." Chapter 5. Spar - Mark Nyx vs Daniel Gale The moment Mark¡¯s words left his mouth, Daniel vanished again¡ªhis body a blur of motion, wind rippling around him. This time, Mark didn¡¯t wait for the attack to come to him. Instead of staying on the defensive, he let his shadows expand, stretching across the ring like creeping tendrils, feeling for movement, searching for a pattern. Daniel was fast, but speed meant nothing if Mark knew where he would be before he got there. A shift in the air. A whisper of pressure. Left. Mark reacted instantly, twisting his body as Daniel¡¯s fist skimmed past his ribs¡ªa near miss. This time, Mark didn¡¯t just dodge. He countered. A shadow tendril lashed out from his feet, aiming to trip Daniel mid-dash. The sudden obstacle forced Daniel to adjust, his foot catching for just a fraction of a second¡ªbut that was all Mark needed. He lunged forward, shadows coiling around his arms, forming solid gauntlets as he threw a precise, heavy strike. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Daniel barely twisted out of the way, his grin flickering for the first time. ¡°Well, well. You have been training.¡± Mark didn¡¯t respond. He wasn¡¯t thinking anymore. He was moving. Daniel came again¡ªa flurry of strikes, his wind-based acceleration making his movements nearly impossible to track. Mark¡¯s eyes flicked between them, predicting, reading the flow. Right. Left. Sidestep. Strike. Their movements blurred together¡ªDaniel, a storm of speed; Mark, a relentless force of control. And then¡­ The mistake. It wasn¡¯t anything big. Just a second¡ªa fraction of hesitation. For the briefest moment, Mark¡¯s focus wavered. Maybe it was overconfidence. Maybe it was something else. But in that split second, Daniel capitalized. A sharp gust of wind slammed into Mark¡¯s gut, knocking the breath from his lungs. Before he could recover, Daniel was already behind him, his next strike sweeping his legs from beneath him. Mark hit the ground hard, shadows unraveling as the match-ending chime rang through the air. Match Over. Victor: Daniel Gale. Daniel stood over him, breath steady, hands on his hips. ¡°Aaaand that¡¯s why you don¡¯t get cocky.¡± Mark groaned, rubbing the back of his head. ¡°Yeah...¡± Daniel offered him a hand, still grinning. ¡°Gotta say, though¡­ you almost had me.¡± Mark hesitated, then took the hand. Almost. But almost wasn¡¯t good enough. Chapter 6. Lyra and Raven Mark dusted himself off as he stepped out of the ring, his mind still replaying the last few seconds of the fight. One slip. That was all it took. Daniel stretched his arms behind his head, still smirking. ¡°Tough break, blockhead. But hey, you lasted longer than last time.¡± Mark rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment.¡± Before Daniel could respond, a familiar voice cut through the ambient hum of the Sparring Grounds. ¡°Well, well, look who¡¯s back.¡± Mark turned just as Lyra Achernar sauntered toward them, her usual air of effortless confidence wrapped around her like a second skin. Her golden eyes sparkled with amusement, and the smirk tugging at her lips was far too entertained for Mark¡¯s liking. Beside her, Raven Voltra walked with a more composed, almost analytical demeanor, arms loosely crossed as she surveyed the sparring rings with a detached interest. She looked the same as ever¡ªserious, efficient, unshaken. Mark let out a breath. Great. ¡°Lyra,¡± Daniel greeted first, grinning. ¡°Good to see you back. Finally decided to stop slacking?¡± Lyra placed a hand over her chest in mock offense. ¡°Excuse you, Gale. I was doing important things.¡± Daniel snorted. ¡°Sure. Drinking fancy tea in some other Sephir, probably.¡± Lyra gasped dramatically, then shrugged. ¡°Maybe. A girl has to enjoy herself, you know.¡± Her gaze flicked to Mark, and her smirk deepened. ¡°And what about you, Shadow Boy? Still getting beaten up in sparring matches?¡± Mark tensed slightly, his grip on his bag tightening before he could stop himself. Lyra didn¡¯t miss it. Daniel let out a low chuckle. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s definitely improving. Almost beat me today.¡± A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Lyra raised a brow, her interest piqued. ¡°Almost? That¡¯s cute.¡± Mark sighed. ¡°Nice to see you too, Lyra.¡± He hated this. Not the teasing, not her smug tone¡ªthe fact that she wasn¡¯t wrong. Mark did improve. He was getting stronger. But against her? Against light itself? It was always a bad matchup. His shadows couldn¡¯t overpower her photons¡ªher light literally unraveled his abilities, scattering them before they could take shape. Every time they fought, it felt like fighting a person with a cheat code to counter his entire existence. ¡°Don¡¯t start, Lyra.¡± Lyra turned toward her, feigning innocence. ¡°What? I¡¯m just catching up.¡± Raven¡¯s electric-blue eyes flicked toward Mark, measuring, assessing. She didn¡¯t mock him, but she didn¡¯t coddle him either. ¡°If he¡¯s improving, then he¡¯s improving. That¡¯s all that matters.¡± Mark met her gaze and gave a small nod. Raven never wasted words. She was practical and efficient. Unlike Lyra, she wasn¡¯t interested in games¡ªonly results. Lyra sighed, dramatically tossing her hair over her shoulder. ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll stop being mean to poor Mark.¡± She leaned in slightly, voice lower. ¡°For now.¡± Mark exhaled, shaking his head. Some things never changed. ¡°Alright, fun¡¯s over,¡± Raven cut in, arms crossed. ¡°Are we sparring or standing around gossiping?¡± Lyra smirked, shifting her weight onto one hip. ¡°Oh? Getting impatient already?¡± Raven¡¯s eyes twitched. ¡°I just don¡¯t like standing around listening to pointless banter.¡± Daniel raised an eyebrow, looking far too entertained. ¡°You sure about that? You were listening pretty closely Sparky.¡± Raven¡¯s sharp gaze flicked to him. ¡°I swear, Gale, one of these days I¡¯m going to put you through a wall.¡± Daniel grinned. ¡°You say that, but you never actually do it.¡± Raven narrowed her eyes. ¡°Yet.¡± Mark watched the exchange, resisting the urge to smirk. That was just how Raven was. She never made small talk, she never wasted words, and she especially never entertained Daniel¡¯s nonsense¡ªyet, somehow, he always found ways to get under her skin. Raven sighed, turning toward the nearest open training ring. ¡°Come on. Are we sparring or not?¡± Daniel, still smirking, leaned toward Mark and muttered, ¡°Sparky is feisty today, huh?¡± Raven shot him a glare so sharp it could have cut steel. Lyra stretched her arms behind her head, golden eyes gleaming as she glanced between Mark and Raven. "Well, since we''re all just standing around wasting time, how about we split up? You and me, Shadow Boy¡ªlet¡¯s kill some time in the ring." Mark tensed slightly. There it was. Sparring against Daniel was one thing. Sparring against Lyra was a whole different beast. Before he could think of an excuse, Daniel clapped him on the back, grinning. ¡°Sounds perfect. I¡¯ve been meaning to see if I can actually make Raven break a sweat.¡± Raven¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°I will break something, but it won¡¯t be a sweat.¡± Daniel smirked. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Lyra turned back to Mark, raising an eyebrow. "Well? Are you going to stand there overthinking it, or are we doing this?" Mark exhaled through his nose. There was no getting out of this. "Fine. Let¡¯s go." Chapter 7. Spar - Mark Nyx Vs Lyra Achernar Mark stepped into the ring, shadows already curling at his feet as the energy barrier activated around them. Lyra cracked her knuckles, the faintest shimmer of light distortion flickering around her fingertips. She wasn¡¯t even trying yet. The moment the match started, Mark moved first. He wasn¡¯t about to let her dictate the pace. A burst of shadow surged toward her, twisting and lashing like spears, aiming to box her in before she could react¡ª But she was already gone. In an instant, her entire form shimmered, scattering into refracted light and reappearing just outside his attack range. Mark barely had time to react before a thin beam of condensed light lashed across his arm, dissipating his shadows before they could take shape. Lyra smirked. ¡°Gonna have to be faster than that, Mark.¡± Mark clenched his jaw. Every time. He shifted, adjusting his stance. Adapt. Don¡¯t react. A new strategy¡ªhe sent his shadows outward, not as an attack, but as a veil, cutting off her direct sightline. If she couldn¡¯t see clearly, she couldn¡¯t counter instantly. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. For a moment, it worked¡ªLyra hesitated, just slightly, scanning through the thickened darkness¡ª Then she smiled. Light erupted from her in a pulse, illuminating the entire ring, banishing every trace of shadow. Mark cursed and instinctively dodged, but she was already moving, closing the distance in a single step. A blinding flash¡ªand suddenly, she was behind him. A tap on his shoulder. "Tag. You''re out." Mark sighed, rubbing his face. He hated sparring against her. Lyra stepped back, crossing her arms. "You know, for someone who overthinks everything, you really don¡¯t think about how you fight me." Mark frowned. "What¡¯s that supposed to mean?" She gestured lazily. "Every time we spar, you do the same thing¡ªtry to block my vision, try to pin me down, try to overpower me. But Mark¡­ you can¡¯t overpower light." Mark scowled. "So what? Just accept that I¡¯ll always lose?" Lyra tilted her head. "No, dumbass. It means you have to fight smarter." She took a step forward, pointing at his chest. "You rely too much on making people play your game. That works against most people. But against me? Light moves too fast. It doesn¡¯t wait. If you try to react, you¡¯re already behind." Mark furrowed his brows. "Then what do I do?" Lyra shrugged. "Think differently. Stop treating your shadows like weapons and start treating them like movement. You always play defense first. You wait for people to act, then counter. But that¡¯s not gonna work on someone faster than you." Mark absorbed the words, silent. Lyra grinned. "See? That¡¯s the look of someone realizing I¡¯m right." He exhaled, shaking his head. "You''re insufferable." "And you need to loosen up. But hey, maybe next time, you¡¯ll actually land a hit." Mark snorted. "Next time, I will." Lyra smirked, but there was something else behind it. A flicker of approval. ¡°Good. I¡¯d hate for you to stay predictable forever.¡± Chapter 8. Spar - Daniel Gale vs Raven Voltra Mark and Lyra stepped out of the ring, their sparring match already settled, but as they walked back toward the other side of the Sparring Grounds, they saw Daniel and Raven still going at it. The energy barrier flickered, reacting to the clash of wind and electricity inside. Daniel blurred across the arena, moving at speeds impossible for normal eyes to track, while Raven stood firm, barely shifting, her body wrapped in flickering arcs of static discharge. She wasn¡¯t chasing him. She was waiting. Daniel darted in, twisting mid-air as a gust of wind amplified his momentum, aiming a spinning kick toward her side¡ª CRACK. A surge of electricity erupted from Raven¡¯s body, an instantaneous pulse of energy. Daniel barely managed to shift the air around him, cushioning his landing as he skidded back. He grinned. "That almost hurt." The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Raven exhaled sharply. "Good. Hold still next time, and I¡¯ll make sure it does." Daniel vanished again, circling her, testing her defenses. He was faster¡ªbut she was calculating. Mark crossed his arms, watching. "They''re still at it?" Lyra smirked. "Of course they are. Daniel¡¯s too stubborn to admit she¡¯s stronger, and Raven¡¯s too stubborn to let him win." Mark shook his head. "They could go all night at this rate." Lyra stretched, then suddenly grinned. "Speaking of all night, I say we get dinner. Let them kill each other if they want." Mark blinked. "Just like that?" Lyra shrugged. "What? I¡¯m hungry. Besides, it¡¯s tradition¡ªpost-sparring dinner. Win or lose, we eat." She turned toward the sparring ring and called out. "Oi, lovebirds! Wrap it up, we¡¯re getting food." Daniel, mid-dash, tripped slightly. "We¡¯re what now?" Raven sighed, flicking her wrist¡ªand in that split second of Daniel¡¯s distraction, a static pulse shot toward him, clipping his shoulder. His momentum broke. He hit the ground with a controlled roll, but it was clear¡ªRaven won. She crossed her arms. "That¡¯s what you get for getting distracted." Daniel groaned, rubbing his shoulder as he stood. "You did that on purpose." Raven smirked just barely. "I would never." Mark shook his head. "Alright, let¡¯s go before Lyra starts whining about starvation." Lyra gasped. "Rude." Chapter 9. The Group Gathers Mark rolled his shoulders as they left the sparring area, his body still pulsing with the familiar post-fight exhaustion. Lyra walked beside him, still looking far too pleased with herself after their match. Behind them, Daniel and Raven were finally exiting their ring¡ªDaniel rubbing his shoulder where Raven had clipped him, while Raven, looking entirely unbothered, adjusted her gloves. ¡°You¡¯re way too smug about that win,¡± Daniel grumbled. ¡°Maybe you should stop losing,¡± Raven said flatly. Mark smirked at their bickering, but before he could comment, they turned a corner near the changing rooms and nearly walked straight into Aria Res. She glanced up from her tablet, eyes flicking between them. ¡°Oh. Looks like I just missed all the fun.¡± Aria Res had a naturally composed aura, a presence that made it seem like she always knew more than she let on. Her long, sleek dark hair framed her face, and her sharp, analytical gaze took in the group like a scientist observing a test subject. ¡°Aria,¡± Lyra greeted smoothly, shifting her weight onto one hip. ¡°You didn¡¯t ¡®miss¡¯ much¡ªunless you wanted to see Mark get completely destroyed.¡± Mark sighed. ¡°Thanks, Lyra.¡± Aria¡¯s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. ¡°To be fair, a light-based ability against shadows is an unfair matchup.¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Lyra shrugged. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s not my fault his element sucks.¡± Mark exhaled through his nose, ignoring her. ¡°You heading to train?¡± ¡°No,¡± Aria said, lowering her tablet. ¡°Just finished drilling some new moves using harmonics. But I could use a break.¡± Lyra¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Then let¡¯s make it a dinner break.¡± Aria tilted her head slightly. ¡°Dinner?¡± ¡°Post-sparring tradition.¡± Lyra gestured vaguely toward the group. ¡°We¡¯re starving. You should come.¡± Aria considered for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡± As they started walking, Mark absentmindedly reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone¡ªonly to see a missed call from Chris Sylvir. Mark frowned, then dialed back. The phone barely rang once before Chris answered. ¡°Took you long enough.¡± Mark smirked slightly. ¡°Didn¡¯t see your call. Just finished sparring.¡± ¡°Of course. You were too busy getting your face kicked in.¡± Mark sighed. ¡°Why does everyone assume I lost?¡± ¡°Because I know Lyra, and I know you.¡± Mark exhaled, shaking his head. ¡°You free? We¡¯re heading to get food. Come join us.¡± There was a slight pause on the line¡ªnot hesitation, but calculation. Then Chris sighed. ¡°Fine. I could use a break from drowning in policy briefs.¡± ¡°Drowning?¡± Mark echoed, amused. ¡°Sounds fun.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a privilege,¡± Chris corrected smoothly. ¡°A frustrating, headache-inducing privilege.¡± Mark chuckled. ¡°Alright, see you soon.¡± He hung up and glanced at the others. ¡°Chris is coming.¡± ¡°Great,¡± Lyra said cheerfully. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we had everyone together.¡± Aria hummed thoughtfully. ¡°Is he still preparing for the admissions cycle?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Mark said, pocketing his phone. ¡°Busy as always.¡± Daniel stretched. ¡°Good. Maybe he¡¯ll pay for dinner to compensate for all the times he ditched us.¡± ¡°Not a chance,¡± Mark said flatly. With that, they made their way toward their usual spot¡ªa student-favorite eatery, buzzing with life, where their real conversations would begin. Chapter 10. Dinner at the Gathering Spot The group arrived at Solstice Eatery, a bustling student-favorite spot just a few blocks from the university. It wasn¡¯t fancy¡ªwarm lights, wooden tables, and an ever-present aroma of grilled meats and rich spices¡ªbut it was comfortable. The kind of place where debates got loud, stories flowed freely, and the stress of the day faded over shared meals and drinks. The owner, a middle-aged man with a cybernetic arm and a sharp memory for faces, gave them a nod as they entered. "Back again? Must be sparring day." Lyra grinned. "You know it, old man. We¡¯ll take the usual." Chris was already at a corner booth, waiting¡ªhe hadn¡¯t even ordered yet, just scrolling through something on his holo-pad, dressed slightly more refined than the rest of them. He looked up as they slid into their seats. ¡°Took you long enough.¡± Daniel scoffed. ¡°Says the guy who probably speed-walked here like a politician in a hurry.¡± Chris smirked but didn¡¯t argue. The food arrived quickly¡ªhearty plates of grilled skewers, fragrant rice, thick-cut fries, and a sizzling hotpot for the table. It wasn¡¯t extravagant, but it hit the spot after training. ¡°Alright,¡± Lyra said, stretching as she grabbed a skewer. ¡°We¡¯ve got food. Now what? Do we all just make fun of Mark again?¡± Mark sighed. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it if we didn¡¯t.¡± Chris leaned back slightly, his sharp gaze settling on Mark. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s talk about something else.¡± He tapped the side of his drink absentmindedly. ¡°What have you been learning lately?¡± Mark raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s broad.¡± Chris gave him a pointed look. ¡°You spent all day fighting. What did you take away from it?¡± Mark hesitated for a moment. He knew the answer. He just wasn¡¯t sure he liked it. Finally, he sighed. ¡°That I¡¯m still playing the same game I always play. And it doesn¡¯t work against everyone.¡± Chris hummed thoughtfully. ¡°You mean against Lyra or Daniel?¡± Mark didn¡¯t confirm it, but the answer was obviously both. Aria, who had been calmly stirring her tea, glanced at him. ¡°That makes sense. You tend to approach combat from a position of control. But against someone fundamentally faster, stronger, or incompatible with your abilities, control-based tactics fail.¡± The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Lyra smirked. ¡°I was trying to tell him that. But I guess he needs a full committee to make it official.¡± Mark ignored her. ¡°It¡¯s not just that. It¡¯s... adaptation. I¡¯m not flexible enough.¡± Chris studied him for a moment, then nodded slightly. ¡°Noted. And outside of battle?¡± Mark frowned. ¡°What?¡± Chris set his drink down. ¡°What else have you been paying attention to? Learning, observing?¡± He paused, then smirked slightly. ¡°Or does your brain just shut off outside of combat?¡± Mark rolled his eyes. ¡°I pay attention.¡± Chris gave a small wave of his hand, prompting him to elaborate. Mark thought for a moment, then decided to bring up what had been bothering him since the lecture. ¡°There seems to be a deeper connection between ether and mana.¡± That caught their attention. Even Raven, who had been quiet until now, tilted her head slightly. Chris raised an eyebrow. ¡°Go on.¡± Mark leaned forward slightly, his fingers tapping against his glass. ¡°The way the professor talked about it¡ªether is everywhere. It¡¯s in the air, it fuels the reactors, it sustains the Sephirs. But the way it functions is too similar to how mana works in people.¡± Chris nodded slightly. ¡°Meaning?¡± ¡°Meaning the distinction between ether and mana might be artificial.¡± Mark crossed his arms. ¡°If ether is just energy that flows through the world, and mana is just the body¡¯s ability to channel it, then what¡¯s stopping someone from tapping into the same power source that keeps the cities in the air?¡± A brief silence settled over the table. Then Lyra smirked. ¡°Are you suggesting we just reach into the city¡¯s reactor and supercharge ourselves?¡± Mark exhaled. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m suggesting. I just think we¡¯re missing something.¡± Chris tapped his fingers against the table, thinking. ¡°If that were possible; if people could tap directly into the same energy source that holds up the cities¡­ do you think they¡¯d allow it?¡± Mark frowned. ¡°Who¡¯s they?¡± Chris smirked slightly. ¡°The ones in charge. Power is only free until someone decides it needs restrictions.¡± Daniel scoffed. ¡°Spoken like a true politician.¡± Chris leaned back. ¡°I¡¯m just saying¡ªwhether it¡¯s ether or abilities, power always comes with oversight. You might find this interesting: there¡¯s a proposal for a new security system being tested in certain districts.¡± Mark raised an eyebrow. ¡°What kind of system?¡± Chris swirled his drink idly. ¡°An oversight program for ability usage. They¡¯re looking into monitoring people deemed to have harmful intent. The idea is to curb potential threats before they escalate.¡± Raven frowned slightly. ¡°And who decides what counts as harmful intent?¡± Chris exhaled. ¡°Right now? The system would flag people based on psychological evaluations, past incidents, and any recorded abuses of power.¡± Mark¡¯s grip on his glass tightened slightly. ¡°So what? You end up on some watchlist just because someone thinks you¡¯re dangerous?¡± Chris met his gaze evenly. ¡°Not just anyone. There are structured checks in place.¡± Lyra scoffed. ¡°And you believe that?¡± Chris shrugged. ¡°I believe that it¡¯s a response to a real problem. Abilities make people walking weapons. A system that prevents potential disasters isn¡¯t inherently bad. And it¡¯s modeled after the current Governance election system, which¡ªsay what you will¡ªhas kept the Sephirs running smoothly for decades.¡± Daniel clicked his tongue. ¡°It doesn¡¯t take away from the fact that it¡¯s bad if it gets used the wrong way.¡± Raven interjected with a witty smile ¡°Daniel, you are only complaining because it will mean you get late to classes¡± Mark chuckled and leaned back in his seat, thoughts still turning over. Ether and mana. Power and control. Somehow, everything was starting to feel connected. Chapter 11. Doubts Mark walked home under the glow of the artificial skyline, the floating platforms of the Sephir humming overhead. A dull hum vibrated through the pavement, the ether-fueled cargo lifts creating a low, mechanical chorus. Workers, uniforms emblazoned with guild insignias, streamed out of the nearest hub, looking as though they had no concept of ¡°night shift.¡± Unlike food, which could be grown in sterile labs, raw materials still had to be mined from the Expanse below. Guilds funded expeditions and hired Vanguards to protect against the monsters lurking in those depths. Anyone with a particularly useful ability could earn good money¡ªan enticing supplement to the universal stipend everyone received. A part of Mark respected those workers¡ªat least they had a clear job in this society. With classes, sparring, and a million half-formed plans and projects, he still wasn¡¯t sure where he fit. Mark entered his student apartment¡ªa small, government-subsidized unit meant for student trainees from abroad like him, those with potential but no guarantees. He tossed his bag onto the floor and exhaled as he dropped into the bed. After a few seconds of recovery, he turned on his digital graphene bracelet, which stretched over most of his forearm, and made a call. ¡°Mark! You finally called.¡± ¡°Yes, how are you, Mom?¡± ¡°I am just finishing some stuff on a new building here in Barca¡° ¡°I see, don¡¯t stay up too late¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine your siblings are already sleeping, but what about you, how are your classes going?¡± ¡°We are just starting, so there isn¡¯t much going on right now, I went sparring afterward with my friends, but as always they are just better than me¡± ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself for it, they have been doing it for a longer time than you have, use that head of yours to think and try solutions instead of getting frustrated¡° Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°I know, I know, I just can¡¯t avoid it. You know it¡¯s kind of hard when I have so many things on my brain¡± ¡°Then write them down, you were the one who taught me how to organize myself, so why don¡¯t you apply that advice to yourself? Have you figured out what you want to do after university?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t yet, I wanna go work and build something to improve the world, but I don¡¯t know what that is, and I am struggling to find job openings, since companies tend to prefer people without visas, due to the resources they have to spend to get me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get too bogged down, just do what you must and I am sure you will find a path forward, have you applied to the masters degree?¡± ¡°I am doing the application¡° ¡°You always say the same thing¡± ¡°Because I would rather go into industry or build on my own.¡± ¡°Yeah, but it is good to have it as a second option.¡± ¡±I know, anyways I want to go to bed since I am exhausted.¡° ¡°Mark, I just want you to know that I love and want the best for you.¡° ¡°I know, don¡¯t sleep too late¡°, said Mark as he sighed. ¡°Good night Mark.¡± Mark closed the call and started pondering, his thoughts came back to the group conversation they had over dinner He typed ¡°mana-ether connection¡± into the search bar, remembering Chris¡¯s offhand comment at dinner. Most results looked like the usual conspiracy fluff, but one half-baked article intrigued him enough to click, this led him to a report link that stood out. Not because of what it said, but because of what it didn¡¯t. "[REDACTED] and the Theoretical Overlap Between Etheric Currents and Biological Conduits." Mark frowned, clicking the link. Many pages of the report were completely redacted and were full of diagrams that didn¡¯t make sense without the text. He glanced at the publisher and it showed the report was from the year 2111. Mark¡¯s eyes lingered on the publisher. Intelligence Development Agency (IDA). He had heard of them¡ªeveryone had. They were the ones working with the government to make all the major technological leaps when it came to Sephir''s progress. The fact that they, of all groups, had researched the mana-ether connection made this feel¡­ different. If this was real, why was it buried? He clicked around a bit more, but there was nothing else. Just references to studies that no longer exist. No keywords, no authors, nothing. Mark sighed, shutting off the display. It wasn¡¯t like he could do anything about it now. Tomorrow was another day. Chapter 12. Aria Res Just like that it became Friday. Mark was late to class, again, thankfully Aria Res was saving him a seat next to her. Mark stared at the lecture notes, yet his mind drifted. He had chosen this course because he found it interesting, it was one of his hundreds of fascinations. The concept of resonance is essential in the society they live in; ether when used in excess as a power source causes machinery to vibrate excessively, which can damage the instrumentation, therefore finding ways to dampen the vibrations in case of emergency is essential to prevent harm. Aria, on the other hand, absorbed knowledge like a machine, taking notes at an incredible speed. In her case, this class was valuable to her as she would be taking the concepts further than the class itself. Her ability specializes in Harmonic manipulation, basically allowing her to control and manipulate, sound, frequency, and vibrations of objects and organisms. Additionally, her way of improving her abilities, came from her ability to understand the concepts at a scientific level, as a result most of her practice when it comes to ability sparring comes from her understanding of the concept and the properties of the material she is interacting with. Mark on the other hand came more from his visualization and understanding of concepts, he liked comics and series for that reason, because they allowed him to develop his ideas of powers through those mediums. His imagination was one of his strongest suits, but he sometimes wondered if that was enough or if he could improve faster through other methods like Aria. In the world of abilities, what matters most is one¡¯s mental and physical shape. Physical conditioning enhances ether reserves and distribution efficiency. A well-trained body can store and release ether more effectively, like increasing lung capacity for deep breathing. Mental ability is equally as important since once perceived power and confidence using said power allows them to wield it to a higher level. After that, his mind began drifting toward how he might defeat Daniel. He realized his dark tendril defense wasn¡¯t enough to catch someone so fast. Maybe if he blanketed the field with traps instead of relying on a single barrier, he could pin Daniel down. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. He pictured a dark web¡ªthin lines of shadow stretched across the ground to snare Daniel¡¯s ankles or force him into predictable movements. Then he imagined dark mines: small spheres of condensed shadow energy, invisible against certain backgrounds, waiting to burst with a sticky mass of darkness that clung to a target¡¯s limbs. If Daniel moved recklessly, he¡¯d trip or trigger one of these mines, slowing him enough for Mark to land a decisive strike. The idea wasn¡¯t perfect¡ªcondensing shadow energy in multiple spots would require more concentration. But if he could scatter dark mines throughout the sparring arena, maybe he wouldn¡¯t need to match Daniel¡¯s speed. He¡¯d just have to bait Daniel into stepping where he shouldn¡¯t. He then thought about how he could defeat Lyra, but nothing came to mind, unless he was able to overpower her, which at the moment was not feasible, he needed to improve his physicality to find a way to overpower her. A chime ended the lecture. ¡°Remember to read Chapter 3,¡± the professor said. Mark closed his holo pad which was mostly blank with some equations and scribbles that only he would understand. Around him, students began gathering up textbooks and tablets, the buzz of conversation rising. ¡°Did you have a good time daydreaming?¡± Aria teased, tossing her holo pad into her bag. ¡°How did you know?¡± ¡°I can tell that you were feeling joyful. If you want to know why, figure it out yourself.¡± ¡°I see. In the meantime, my stomach¡¯s about to start its own demonstration on harmonic resonance if I don¡¯t eat soon.¡° Aria rolled her eyes, but a faint smile pulled at her lips. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s not how resonance works.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a visual learner, remember?¡± Mark shot back with a grin. ¡°Whatever you say, I was planning to go get food anyway. I¡¯ve got a free hour before our next lecture.¡± With that, they joined the flow of students spilling into the hall, making their way through the crowded corridors to their favorite sandwich place. At this time of the day Rising Sandwiches, was fully packed, as a plethora of students shared similar routines. Anticipating the crowd, they ordered their sandwiches to go through the online ordering system, allowing for a smooth pickup. ¡°Wanna go to the picnic tables next to the park as we used to.¡± Said Mark with a nostalgic smile. ¡°Why not?¡± said Aria. They settled down at the picnic table, which was located next to the artery between two of the most transited buildings in the University, the Marcus Posting Food Center, filled with dining shops like the one where they went to pick up their sandwiches and the Kristen Library and Learning Commons building which acted as the main study spot for students. Both were named after old alumni who were pioneers in their respective fields. Aria took the first bite, as she was doing so, she found herself in a bit of a predicament due to Marks question. Chapter 13. A Moment of Resonance ¡°Are you able to detect emotions through frequency?¡± It seemed Mark had hit the right spot. Aria paused mid-bite, taking a moment to swallow before answering. ¡°How did you figure it out so quickly?¡± ¡°Well, knowing how you always react to emotions I assumed it would have to be related to that, I once read a paper on the frequency response and how different emotions transmit certain frequencies. I never found a practical use for that knowledge, until now. Knowing your ability to manipulate frequencies I didn¡¯t expect you to also be able to interpret them, although looking back now it does make sense that you would be able to.¡± Aria arched an eyebrow. ¡°Wow, it always surprises me how perceptive you are, for someone who is always in his own world.¡± "That might be true, but I do pay attention to those I care about," said Mark with a broad smile. "..." Aria was caught off guard by Mark''s sudden statement, she was able to perceive the frequencies, in terms of colors based on the visible light spectrum, she originally saw green when looking at Mark''s heart; a color she related to acceptance but as the statement settled Mark''s color shifted to a bright blue; a color she linked to love. A long silence hung between them, which Mark broke before it got too awkward. "So¡­ how did you develop the ability to perceive emotions, exactly?" Aria exhaled, setting her sandwich down. ¡°I¡¯ve never told you this, but I started sensing frequencies as far back as I can remember. I could see all kinds of vibrations around people¡ªcolors hovering near their hearts that nobody else noticed. It was confusing at first. Even my parents weren¡¯t sure what was going on.¡± She paused, glancing at him with a hesitant smile. ¡°Back then, I didn¡¯t have the words for it. I¡¯d say things like ¡®Why are you turning yellow?¡¯ or ¡®Why are you green now?¡¯ and everyone thought I was daydreaming. Eventually, I realized I wasn¡¯t just seeing random colors¡ªI was picking up on the emotional frequencies people gave off.¡± This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Mark leaned forward, curiosity lighting his eyes. ¡°So you had to figure out how to make sense of it all?¡± Aria nodded. ¡°Exactly. It was overwhelming¡ªlike a kaleidoscope I couldn¡¯t turn off. Thanks to my parents I was able to find out more about my power. That¡¯s why I started studying frequencies and signal processing when I was little. That¡¯s why I started studying signal processing and frequencies when I was little. I needed a way to categorize these signals just to function, without experiencing sensory overload. If I wanted to walk into a crowded room without feeling everyone¡¯s frequencies crash over me, not only from emotions but also from movements, sounds, and more. I had to learn the science behind to process what I was seeing.¡± Mark¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That sounds intense.¡± Aria gave a small shrug. ¡°It was, but once I learned how to process the frequencies in my environment it became much more manageable. As for reading the colors from emotion, I read in an old book that emotions carry certain frequencies that can be mapped to the visible light spectrum negative emotions tend to be on the red side while more positive emotions tend to be blue or getting closer to violet.¡± She smiled sheepishly. ¡°Sometimes it can be hard to adjust to a new environment depending on noise levels and people, but it has become very manageable.¡± Mark¡¯s expression softened. ¡°I had no idea you went through that. You always seem so... in control.¡± Aria sighed, but there was a note of relief in her voice. ¡°I will take that as a compliment. Anyway, that¡¯s why I¡¯m at this university, digging deeper into harmonic manipulation. The more precisely I can adjust frequencies, the better I can keep other people¡¯s emotions from affecting me.¡± Aria added ¡°If sometimes I act cold or unresponsive I want you to know that it is because I am dampening excessively as a protective measure to prevent overstimulation¡± They sat in silence for a moment. Finally, Mark offered a supportive grin. ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad you found a way to handle it. Thanks for telling me.¡± Aria returned his smile, her shoulders visibly relaxing. ¡°You¡¯re surprisingly easy to talk to, you know.¡± Mark chuckled. ¡°I get that sometimes. By the way... what color is my brain right now? Or my gut, for that matter, can you read those too?¡± Aria laughed, the tension lifting. ¡°I¡¯m not scanning your insides¡ªthat¡¯d be weird, even for me. Let¡¯s just say your heart¡¯s color is enough for now. Although now that you mention it I could probably try it.¡± They both shared a light smile. Around them, the bustle of passing students continued¡ªa steady reminder of the busy world they inhabited, even as they savored a private moment of peacefulness. Which would come to an end shortly after that. Chapter 14. Intervention After the peaceful lunch, Mark and Aria headed to the western side of campus. Aria was on her way to another class, while Mark was on his way to the sparring club for some afternoon drills. They didn¡¯t expect to find the street packed with shouting students. Hand-lettered signs and holo-posters floated in the air, denouncing the new ability regulation system. Several uniformed campus security officers watched from the sidelines, tension visible in the way they hovered at the edge of the crowd. Mark slowed down, eyeing the protest warily. ¡°You think it has anything to do with that oversight program Chris mentioned?¡± Aria nodded, scanning the group. ¡°Probably. People aren¡¯t happy about being monitored for ¡®potential¡¯ threats.¡± As they inched past the chanting crowd, Aria stiffened suddenly. ¡°That¡¯s Alexander¡ªby the benches.¡± Mark followed her gaze. Sure enough, Alexander, a classmate known for his sharp questions¡ªlike the one in their joint lecture about the connection between mana and ether¡ªstood on the fringe of the protest. He looked conflicted, as if he wanted to join but hesitated, unsure whether to step forward or turn away. Aria and Mark approached cautiously. Before they could say anything, Alexander¡¯s eyes darted from the protestors to them, a forced smile on his lips. ¡°Hey,¡± he said, ¡°crazy out here, right?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Mark agreed. ¡°You okay?¡± Alexander hesitated, glancing back at the protest before turning to them. ¡°Are you here for the protest as well?¡± ¡°No,¡± said Mark. ¡°We¡¯re just passing by. Aria has class, and I¡¯m heading to the ability sparring club. What about you? Planning to come spar later?¡± Mark had met Alexander in the sparring club when he first joined. Alexander had been the one to teach him the fundamentals of ability control. Despite his skill, he rarely participated¡ªhe was deeply self-conscious about his power, beastification, which allowed him to grow more beast-like, developing claws and gaining immense agility, strength, and heightened instincts. His discomfort with his ability kept him from training as often as others, but Mark admired him for his control and always valued his insights. However, when he did spar, something changed¡ªhis movements became sharp, calculated, almost predatory. The hesitation that plagued him outside of battle disappeared, replaced by an eerie focus that made him a dangerous opponent, even if he never fully embraced it. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Alexander exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I might come with you now, then¡­ I don¡¯t know if I should join the protest. I believe in the cause, but I¡¯m worried it might turn violent. If the ability regulation platoon gets involved¡­¡± He shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to get caught in the crossfire.¡± Mark grinned, nudging him lightly. ¡°Then come with us. No pressure, just sparring.¡± Alexander opened his mouth to reply when a high-pitched whine sliced through the noise. Aria¡¯s brow furrowed¡ªshe sensed a sudden spike in frequencies, something unnatural slicing the air. Then Alexander flinched, slapping a hand against the side of his neck. Mark¡¯s gaze followed Alexander¡¯s movement. ¡°Did you¡ª¡± Alexander¡¯s face contorted in pain. ¡°Something¡­ stung me¡­¡± He grimaced, fingertips coming away wet. A thin metal dart, lodged in his skin, blinked with a faint glow. In seconds, Alexander¡¯s breathing turned ragged. Whatever was inside that dart, it was flooding his system¡ªMark could almost see the shimmer of ether turning his classmate¡¯s eyes wild. His pupils dilated unnaturally, his posture shifting as his muscles tensed and expanded. A guttural, inhuman roar tore from Alexander¡¯s throat, and his form twisted as his beastification ability activated at full force. His arms elongated, claws bursting from his fingertips, his spine arching as raw, unfiltered energy crackled around him. The air trembled with a presence that felt nothing like controlled ability use¡ªthis was instinct, overcharged and unchecked. The protestors scattered in alarm, some screaming as debris was flung off the ground. Alexander''s once-controlled movements became erratic, each step carrying the weight of something no longer human. Mark stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat. The sheer ferocity in Alexander¡¯s gaze¡ªwild, predatory, consumed by unrestrained bloodlust¡ªmade his limbs feel like lead. It wasn¡¯t just uncontrolled power; it was pure, instinctual hunger for destruction. Aria acted before he could. She yanked Mark back, her grip vice-like as she propelled herself forward. "Move!" she hissed, generating distance between them and Alexander. In that instant, Alexander lunged¡ªhis claws slashing through the air where Mark had been just seconds before. ¡°He¡¯s losing control,¡± Aria said, voice tight. She tapped into her harmonic senses, wincing at the chaotic frequencies pulsing from Alexander¡¯s body. "His resonance is spiking¡ªit''s like his instincts have completely taken over. We have to stop him before he hurts someone.¡± "Mark, are you listening?!" Aria¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and urgent. Mark stood paralyzed, his breath uneven. His mind struggled to process the sheer savagery in Alexander¡¯s movements¡ªthe way his former classmate¡¯s claws raked through the air with animalistic precision. This wasn¡¯t training. This wasn¡¯t controlled ability use. This was something primal, something terrifying. Chapter 15. Breaking Point A sudden sting snapped him back. Aria¡¯s palm connected with his cheek¡ªnot hard, but enough to jolt him out of his frozen state. "Snap out of it! We don¡¯t have time for this!" she hissed, gripping his wrist. "We need to move¡ªnow!" Mark took a sharp breath, his shock melting into cold resolve. He stood up, shifting into a mindset that was unfamiliar to Aria but second nature to him¡ªa state of readiness, as if stepping onto a battlefield. "I¡¯ll immobilize him," Mark said, his voice steady, eyes locked onto Alexander. "Aria, find whatever set him off before we have more casualties. There seemed to be something in his neck." Shadows expanded from Mark¡¯s feet through the ground, tendrils made of darkness lashing out, seeking to coil around Alexander¡¯s legs and arms, tightening with purpose. But even as they neared, Alexander¡¯s body thrashed violently, his overcharged instincts resisting restraint like a beast refusing a leash. With a guttural snarl, Alexander tore through the tendrils, his sheer strength obliterating the shadows before they could take hold. He charged forward, his movements unnervingly fast¡ªMark barely had time to react before Alexander was upon him. Mark threw up a shadow barrier, a thick wall of darkness meant to absorb the brunt of the attack. But the moment Alexander¡¯s claws clashed against it, the barrier shattered like brittle glass, sending Mark stumbling back. ¡°Mark, move!¡± Aria shouted, her voice edged with frustration. ¡°Wait for an opening!¡± Mark shot back, forcing himself to focus. He gritted his teeth, pooling what remained of his energy into a last-ditch attempt. Alexander''s feral instincts redirected toward Aria the moment her voice rang out, deeming her the greater threat. Mark saw his chance¡ªa dark hunting net erupted from his shadows, expanding and closing in around Alexander. He poured everything into it, forcing the writhing net to constrict him and hold Alexander down. It was made so that every time he moved, the net would wrap tighter around him. A technique inspired by cartoons he saw as a kid. Now it was all left to Aria. She moved in, preparing to strike. But just as she lunged, Alexander let out a feral roar¡ªa sound so raw and guttural that it rattled through Aria''s very bones. Her attack faltered mid-motion, her vision blurring as an unbearable resonance crashed into her like a tidal wave. The frequencies of Alexander¡¯s roar overwhelmed her, vibrating through every nerve in her body. It wasn¡¯t just sound¡ªit was raw energy, a disruptive force that struck her harmonic senses like a thousand discordant notes played at once. For the first time, her greatest strength became her weakness. Mark flinched at the same time, an unconscious reaction to the sheer force of the roar. His grip on the dark net wavered for the briefest moment. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. That was all Alexander needed. With a monstrous burst of strength, he tore free, the net unraveling like strands of broken thread. Before Aria could recover, Alexander was upon her¡ªhis claws carving through the air in a savage arc. She barely had time to register the attack before pain erupted across her side. The force sent her crashing to the ground, blood pooling beneath her as her breath hitched in agony. Mark¡¯s vision blurred with rage as he saw Aria fall. "ARIAAA!" he roared, his voice cracking with desperation. He clenched his fists, summoning the last remnants of his mana. Shadows trembled violently around him as he forced his body to keep going. His arms shook as he lifted them, gathering the last of his strength to unleash a barrage of dark projectiles. But his energy was spent. The projectiles fired but lacked the force to penetrate deeply¡ªshallow strikes that barely slowed Alexander down. Mark gasped, his body giving out, his legs buckling beneath him. He collapsed onto the ground, his vision swimming, his lungs struggling for air. Alexander turned toward him, eyes filled with unrestrained fury, his predatory instincts now locked onto his next target. A sudden metallic hum cut through the chaos. A towering figure emerged, stepping forward with a presence that silenced even Alexander¡¯s primal rage. The Iron Warden had arrived. With a slow, deliberate motion, the Warden raised his hand, casting Iron Maiden¡ªa technique as brutal as its name. Spikes of dark metal erupted around Alexander, encasing him in an unyielding prison of steel. The moment the cage sealed shut, the walls began to tighten, puncturing his flesh. A guttural, agonized snarl tore from Alexander¡¯s throat as the spikes sank deeper, his struggle growing weaker with every passing second. Mark could only watch as the Iron Maiden crushed Alexander within its cold embrace, as a pool of blood accumulated underneath. But the Iron Warden was not alone. A second figure stepped forward¡ªgraceful, yet commanding in presence. Vines slithered across the ground in her wake, delicate yet controlled. With a single gesture, the tendrils sprouted into thick roots, securing the battlefield and ensuring no further chaos would ensue. She was a healer, a guardian of life amid the destruction. Kneeling beside Aria, she extended a hand, and from the earth, a large flower unfurled, glowing with a soft, golden light. Petals stretched outward, enveloping Aria in a cocoon of energy, sealing her wounds and stabilizing her breath. She then turned to Mark, her eyes calm but unreadable. ¡°You pushed yourself too far,¡± she murmured as another flower bloomed beneath him, tendrils wrapping gently around his limbs, replenishing his strength with its soothing aura. He wanted to move. He wanted to say something. But the weight of exhaustion pulled him under, deeper than any shadow he could control. Mark barely registered the sensation of the vines tightening around him. His vision blurred, his body numb. He tried to fight the darkness creeping in¡ªbut it swallowed him whole. For now, they had survived. After both Aria and Mark fell unconscious, Elara murmured, "Cold and efficient, as always." Her voice was steady, but disapproval lingered beneath the surface as she eyed the remains of Iron Maiden¡¯s aftermath. The Iron Warden didn''t respond immediately. His metallic gaze remained fixed on Alexander¡¯s unmoving form. Then, with a tone devoid of remorse, he replied, "I just did my job." Elara let out a deep sigh. "They were watching, Warden. That display won''t be forgotten." "There was no saving him. He was already gone." "Maybe. But not everyone will see it that way. You may have ended a threat today, but mark my words¡ªit won¡¯t be the last time you answer for it." The Iron Warden finally turned toward her. "Judgment is inevitable, Elara. But until that day, there is more work to be done. Finish up." Soon after, the medics rushed in, their arrival a stark contrast to the battlefield¡¯s eerie stillness. Chapter 16. Recovery Darkness. A heavy, impenetrable void. Then¡ªfootsteps. Mark wasn¡¯t sure when he had started running, only that he was running. His breath came fast, his heartbeat a distant echo in his chest. The world around him blurred at the edges, shifting like a half-formed thought, refusing to settle. Ahead, two figures stood beneath a dim, flickering light. Aria and Alexander. They weren¡¯t moving, just standing there, watching him. "Aria! Alexander!" Mark called out. No response. No change. He pushed himself harder. His muscles burned, but the distance between them refused to shrink. Like a hallway stretching just before he reached the door. Something was wrong. The light above them flickered again. This time, the world glitched. For a split second, Aria and Alexander¡¯s figures warped, their features becoming indistinct, smudged¡ªlike reflections in rippling water. Mark hesitated. A cold knot of unease twisted in his stomach. Then¡ªthe ground vanished. He plunged downward. Falling. His limbs refused to move. He tried to brace for impact, but his body didn¡¯t respond. No resistance. No control. SPLASH. He was sinking. Slowly, endlessly. His limbs should have been thrashing, but they weren¡¯t. His body refused to listen. He was weightless, a passenger in his own descent. Then, from all around him, the voices began to whisper. ¡°You couldn¡¯t save them.¡± ¡°You¡¯re too slow.¡± ¡°They don¡¯t need you anymore.¡± Above him, the surface was fading, growing more distant. He could see Aria and Alexander, their silhouettes disappearing as he continued to sink. Then¡ªa light. Faint at first, then growing brighter. Expanding. Swallowing the darkness around him. It was pulling him in. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Mark wanted to resist, to stop sinking, to turn back¡ªbut he couldn¡¯t move. The light filled his vision. And then¡ªhe woke up. A dull beeping. Slow, rhythmic. Mark wasn¡¯t sure how long it had been there, only that it felt too steady, too artificial. His thoughts were heavy, stuck in the space between sleep and wakefulness. His limbs felt distant, like they weren¡¯t fully his yet. He inhaled, and a dull ache rippled through his ribs. Hospital. Mark¡¯s eyelids fluttered open, and for a moment, everything was too bright, the overhead light stinging his retinas. He blinked rapidly, forcing his vision to adjust. The white ceiling above him was sterile, too clean, the air thick with disinfectant. His body refused to move at first. His arms felt like dead weight, his chest wrapped in what he guessed were bandages. Then, a voice. "Took you long enough." Mark turned his head slowly¡ªtoo slowly¡ªand saw her. Sitting in a hospital bed across from him was Aria. She looked¡­ rough. Bandages around her midsection, an IV in her arm, but her posture was relaxed, like she had already adjusted to the discomfort. She had a book in her lap, though she wasn¡¯t reading it¡ªjust holding it, watching him. "How long¡­?" Mark croaked. "Four days," Aria answered. Mark exhaled sharply. Four days. His mind immediately flickered back to the incident. The chaos, the collapse of mana in his body, the pain that had forced him into unconsciousness. He tried moving his fingers. They responded. Good. Aria noticed. "Don¡¯t push yourself." Mark turned toward Aria, who looked extremely composed, almost eerily so. "Are you not in pain as well?" "I am," she admitted, her voice calm. "But I dulled all the pain signals so it doesn''t hurt when I make minor movements. It¡¯s manageable." "You never cease to surprise me." Mark let his head sink back against the pillow, processing. Broken bones, exhaustion¡­ He had felt worse, but this wasn¡¯t great. Then, the door clicked open. A middle-aged man stepped in, dressed in a clean medical coat, a holo pad in hand. He had the calm, controlled presence of someone used to dealing with powerful individuals who liked to overexert themselves. "Ah, you¡¯re awake. That¡¯s good," the doctor said. Mark didn¡¯t answer immediately, still adjusting to being conscious. The doctor walked over, tapping something on his pad. "How are you feeling?" "Like I got hit by a train." The doctor nodded as if that was the expected answer. "That¡¯s not far off. You suffered mana exhaustion, along with a fractured ulna and three broken ribs. Your body shut down to protect itself from further damage." Mark frowned. Mana exhaustion wasn¡¯t new to him, but this felt worse than usual. "Your condition was more severe because your reserves weren¡¯t just drained¡ªyour body started feeding on your vitality to compensate. It¡¯s a dangerous state. If you¡¯d pushed any further, it could have caused permanent damage." That made Mark pause. "Permanent?" He hadn¡¯t even realized he had been close to crossing that line. "Indeed. Do not ever do that again. If you hadn''t received proper recovery immediately after, or had pushed one step more, you could have damaged the mana pathways leading to unhealable mana injuries." Mark gulped. He was in shock. He hadn¡¯t realized his actions would be that severe. The doctor turned slightly toward Aria. "Your case was different. The internal damage from your injuries was severe, but your body responded well to treatment. You¡¯ll be dealing with residual pain for a while, but thanks to the preventative treatment you received before coming here, your recovery is smoother." Aria said nothing, just nodding once, eyes flickering toward Mark for a moment. "Both of you should remain in observation for another two days before being cleared. No training, and for you, Mark, no excessive mana use in the next two weeks. Your reserves were nearly depleted to the point of no return, they will need some additional time to recover." Mark acknowledged it, pondering how badly the situation could have turned out if he had gone a step further. The doctor left the room. Soon after, unexpected guests would arrive. Chapter 17: Realization The doctor left, and almost immediately after, the door opened again. Mark barely had time to process before his mother stepped in, followed closely by Aria¡¯s father. "Oh, thank God¡ªMark," his mother said, her voice quiet but carrying a deep, trembling relief. Selene Nyx¡ªa woman of quiet strength and relentless resolve. Normally composed, her poise seemed to crack around the edges as she stood there. Her hands were clasped together too tightly, her eyes fixated on the bandages around his torso. The tension in her shoulders screamed of sleepless nights and unspoken fear. Behind her, Elias Res, Aria¡¯s father, entered with an entirely different presence. Tall, reserved, and serious, his expression remained unreadable. A man carved from discipline and tempered by experience. His gaze immediately found Aria, scanning her like a commander checking for casualties. Only once he confirmed she was alive¡ªbreathing¡ªdid he turn to Mark. "You shouldn¡¯t have pushed that far," Elias said. His voice wasn¡¯t harsh but carried the weight of unspoken judgment¡ªa reminder of consequences. Aria met his gaze, unflinching. "I know." A heavy silence settled over the room. The weight of shared pain, unspoken regrets, and battles fought on the edge of survival. Selene finally stepped closer to Mark¡¯s bedside, the tightness around her eyes softening just enough to let her vulnerability show. "You scared me, you know," she whispered, her voice cracking just enough for Mark to hear the exhaustion behind her resolve. Mark exhaled slowly, guilt clawing its way into his chest. "Sorry, Mom." Selene shook her head gently, reaching forward to brush his hair back, her fingers lingering just long enough to reassure herself that he was still there¡ªstill alive. "Just¡­ don¡¯t do that again," she said, though they both knew it wasn¡¯t a promise he could make. The room fell quiet again, thick with things unsaid. Elias, now by Aria¡¯s bedside, broke the heavy silence with an unexpected lightness in his voice. "What did you kids do this time to get yourselves into such a mess?" His tone carried the ease of someone who had seen worse and survived, a hint of playful exasperation undercutting his serious demeanor. He leaned in slightly, resting a hand on the back of the chair near Aria, but instead of softening, a crooked grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You look like you lost a fight with a mountain lion." There was no pity in his tone¡ªjust the dry humor of someone who believed that hardship wasn¡¯t something to be mourned but worn like armor. He nudged her lightly on the shoulder. "So? What happened?" This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. No pressure. No coddling. Just a simple expectation that she would speak when she was ready¡ªand handle the weight of her choices like the fighter he knew she was. Aria began recounting the events, her voice steady despite the weight of what had happened. Mark occasionally interjected, adding details where she hesitated, his voice tight with guilt and frustration. Selene listened closely, every word deepening the furrow in her brow. Though it was all in the past now, her worry clung to her like a shadow¡ªeach revelation a reminder of how close she had come to losing her son. Her hand occasionally brushed against Mark¡¯s arm, reassuring him that she was there, even if her thoughts screamed louder than her words. Elias, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair with a casual ease that contrasted starkly with Selene¡¯s concern. His expression was thoughtful, almost amused by the sheer recklessness of it all. When Aria finished, he let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Sounds like the kind of trouble that teaches you more than any lesson could," Elias remarked, the corner of his mouth twitching in a crooked grin. "Pain¡¯s a hell of a teacher¡ªbut you¡¯re both still here, and that¡¯s what matters." His gaze softened when it returned to Aria. "You did what you had to. Don¡¯t let anyone make you feel bad for that. Just remember¡ªnext time, don''t hesitate." There was no judgment, just the raw honesty of someone who had faced hardship and knew that survival wasn¡¯t about avoiding mistakes but learning from them. It was tough love, wrapped in rough humor and unwavering belief in her strength. Just as things began to settle, the door burst open¡ªthis time loudly. "Look who¡¯s finally awake!" Lyra¡¯s voice cut through the heaviness like a sudden gust of wind. Daniel followed behind, smirking. "The sleeping beauty finally woke up!" Elias stood up first, stretching with the ease of someone who had spent years getting back up after hard falls. As he approached Aria, he placed a firm hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You¡¯ll figure it out. Just don¡¯t waste time feeling sorry for yourself," he said, voice light but carrying an undercurrent of unwavering belief. Selene lingered for a moment longer by Mark¡¯s bedside. Her hand found his, squeezing gently¡ªan anchor in the storm. "Get some rest, okay? You need it more than you think," she murmured, her voice soft yet steady. Then, her eyes shifted toward Lyra and Daniel. "You two¡ªkeep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn¡¯t do anything reckless," she said, a subtle but clear note of authority threading through her gentle voice. Mark groaned, not from pain this time but from sheer embarrassment. "Mom? They''re the babysitters now?" Daniel chuckled, stepping forward. "Hey, don¡¯t look so disappointed¡ªwe¡¯re the best company you¡¯re gonna get." Selene¡¯s expression softened as she gave Mark¡¯s hand one last squeeze before finally turning to leave. Without another word, they both stepped out, leaving space for the kids to finally catch up. Mark groaned, running a hand down his face. "Not even awake for an hour, and I already regret this." Lyra grinned, plopping into the chair beside his bed with a casual ease that felt out of place in the sterile, tense air of the room. "Oh, you¡¯re stuck with us now, sleepyhead." Daniel crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, relaxed but sharp-eyed. "Hey, if you wanted a real challenge, you should¡¯ve fought me instead." Mark¡¯s lips twitched, the beginning of a smirk forming. "You wish." Then, his tone shifted, the humor draining from his voice. "By the way¡­ what happened to Alexander?" The room stilled. Lyra¡¯s grin faltered for just a second¡ªbarely noticeable, but Mark caught it. Daniel¡¯s casual stance stiffened, and an uncomfortable silence settled like a weight over them all. Mark¡¯s heart sank. "What happened?" His voice was quiet now, stripped of all humor. Daniel exchanged a glance with Lyra before answering. "He¡¯s¡­ still unconscious. They¡¯re monitoring him. It¡¯s bad, Mark." Mark¡¯s breath hitched. The weight of helplessness settled heavily on his chest again, more suffocating than the bandages around his ribs. Lyra placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him in the moment. Her eyes met his, silently offering support without the need for words. Chapter 18. Recruitment The hidden memories of the incident began flooding back, as if something had been open which shouldn''t have. Hearing more from Lyra and Daniel, Alexander had been left in almost a comatose state. His mana channels had been ruptured due to going berserk as a result the only procedure to save him was to block his mana channels so that he wouldn¡¯t be able to use mana ever again. As Lyra and Daniel left, the weight of their absence settled over the room like a heavy blanket. Their departure didn¡¯t bring relief¡ªjust more space for Mark¡¯s thoughts to spiral. The silence stretched thin, leaving only the sterile hum of the machines to fill the void. ¡°Mark couldn¡¯t shake the image of Alexander¡¯s still form. His chest barely rising, his mana channels darkened¡ªsilent. A shadow of the force he once was.¡± Time passed in a haze of shallow breaths and unspoken tension. The door opened again, slicing through the quiet like a blade. Two figures entered¡ªtheir presence alone enough to command the room. Darren Ward, known across the city as the Iron Warden¡ªthe enforcer of the Astra Special Task Force (ASTF), an elite division responsible for handling high-threat ability incidents. Beside him stood Elara Mienz, also known as the Verdant Aegis no longer felt like just a healer but a commanding force, her presence carrying the weight of experience and authority. Known for her exceptional plant-based recovery and crowd control abilities, she worked alongside the Iron Warden in high-risk operations, ensuring that those who survived the battlefield had a chance to live another day. Her posture was straight, her expression unreadable, yet beneath the surface, there was an undeniable undercurrent of compassion tempered by necessity. Even the hospital staff froze. The Iron Warden was a name spoken with equal parts fear and respect. Even if he wasn¡¯t wearing, his dark imposing armor, his reputation carried enough weight to suffocate any casual air. Mark¡¯s thoughts were trapped on Alexander¡ªunconscious, helpless. The idea that one of their strongest could be brought so low weighed on him like an anchor. Mark felt his body tense instinctively, even as his injuries protested. The air around the Warden seemed heavier like the shadows bent toward him in fear. Darren¡¯s voice was cold, efficient¡ªstripped of any warmth. ¡°You did well. Because of you, casualties were minimized.¡± He reached into his coat and placed two sleek black business cards on the table. The embossed ASTF emblem glinted under the harsh fluorescent lights. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°We are always in need of talented people. Consider this an invitation to join the Astra Special Task Force. We need operatives who¡¯ve proven they can handle situations under extreme pressure. You¡¯ve both demonstrated that and have the potential to become stronger and stop threats by yourselves.¡± Mark clenched his jaw, the image of Alexander¡¯s unconscious body flashing behind his eyes. Every word from Darren scraped against his nerves. A storm brewed inside him¡ªrage, guilt, frustration¡ªall boiling over. His fists clenched, the faint hum of unstable mana sparking against his fingertips. His voice, low and sharp, cut through the room: "You didn¡¯t even try to save him." ¡°Is that what this is? Power to decide who lives and dies on a whim?¡± Darren didn¡¯t flinch. His voice, cold and devoid of empathy, was a blade. "He was already lost." Mark¡¯s breath hitched as anger surged through him like wildfire. But before he could react further, Elara¡¯s voice snapped through the tension. "I saved you! If I hadn¡¯t stepped in, you wouldn¡¯t be here¡ªyou¡¯d be gone. And this is how you respond? Acting like you know better?" Mark¡¯s fury sharpened. "Maybe I don¡¯t. But I know one thing¡ªyou didn¡¯t even hesitate." His voice cut deeper now, raw and bitter. "You call it justice. I call it murder." If you don¡¯t want more people ending up like Alexander¡ªor worse¡ªyou¡¯ll accept.¡± Darren¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. His words hit like iron. "A soldier hesitating gets people killed. You let emotions dictate your actions. That¡¯s weakness." His eyes bore into Mark¡¯s, unrelenting. "If you truly believe you could have saved him, then prove it¡ªnext time, become strong enough." The anger in Mark threatened to consume him. His mana pulsed violently, raw and unstable. But before the storm could break, Aria¡¯s voice¡ªcalm, steady¡ªcut through the chaos. "Mark. Not now. Not like this." Aria whispered almost telepathically. She sent a wave of serenity¡ªcool, grounding frequency along with her voice. Mark¡¯s breath hitched again, but this time, the mana within him flickered¡­ and then faded. Mark relaxed. His heart felt like it was caught between fear, guilt, and duty. The idea of joining an elite task force while his friend lay unconscious felt wrong¡ªyet the responsibility clawed at him. Aria broke the silence first. ¡°We¡¯ll need time.¡± Darren placed the business cards on the bedside table with cold precision. "Consider your options," he said, his voice laced with finality. "You have potential. Don''t waste it." He turned without waiting for acknowledgment, his footsteps echoing like iron hammers against the hospital floor. Elara lingered for a moment, her frustration visible but tempered by genuine concern. Elara paused for just a moment, her gaze lingering on Mark with an emotion she couldn¡¯t name¡ªregret, perhaps, or fear for what the future held. Then, without another word, she turned and followed Darren out. The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the fading echoes of their departure. Mark gripped the hospital sheets tightly, his knuckles whitening as he stared at the ceiling. Every muscle in his body ached, but the burn of helplessness stung deeper than any physical wound. Aria, still recovering herself, watched him in silence¡ªunsure of what to say, but there in quiet solidarity. The unanswered questions remained, lingering like smoke in the air. The silence that followed was deafening. ¡°Mark, I know it hurts. But if you lose control now, they¡¯ll never let you go.¡± Mark didn¡¯t answer. His gaze remained fixed on the door, where shadows still seemed to linger. Chapter 19: Departure Chapter 19: Departure Darren and Elara left the room. "I told you this would happen," Elara said, arms crossed, her expression taut with concern. "Your approach¡ªhe was always going to take it the wrong way." "I took the best course of action I could have taken at that moment in time. I do not regret my decisions," Darren said, his voice steady, unwavering. "Had we hesitated, it would have cost both of their lives. He¡¯ll understand that eventually." responded Darren. "That kid, his expression reminded me of you after ''that'' incident." "I know, that''s why I hope he will make it farther than I did, I believe he has potential, he will adapt to any environment he is given. He just needs the right mold" "Hopefully, he makes a decision he doesn''t regret," Elara murmured, her gaze lingering down the hallway. "But I worry that the path he will take will be one of misery."
Elias Res and Alba Nyx stood there waiting in the waiting room, they met Darren and Elara coming out of the room patiently waiting in the corridor for them to finish the conversation. "Did something happen?" Alba asked, concern threading through her voice as her sharp gaze flickered between Darren and Elara. She had dealt with powerful figures before, but something about the tension in the air made her uneasy. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Alba¡¯s concern deepened, but years of experience speaking with powerful figures kept her composed. "I am impressed by your children," Darren said, his tone almost admiring but still cold. "They both have incredible potential. If they choose to join us, we will forge them into the next generation of professionals." Elias, who had been quiet until now interjected. "You talk about forging them into professionals. What if that process breaks them instead?" Elara, standing in front of him, hesitated for a brief moment before adding. "The choice must be theirs. This isn¡¯t a path you force someone down."
A day later, Mark and Aria were discharged. Alba Nyx and Mark stood in front of the shuttle service leaving Astra, headed back to Barca. The air between them was lighter than before, though traces of their earlier intense conversation lingered beneath the surface. For now, neither of them chose to bring it up again. ¡°Mark, make sure to take care of yourself. Don¡¯t push too hard while injured.¡± ¡°I know, I¡¯ll be fine. Say hi to David and Leah for me.¡± ¡°They miss you very much.¡± ¡°I¡¯m coming back to visit in two months¡ªit¡¯s not that far anyway. Tell David to stop slacking off.¡± Alba gave him a knowing look. ¡°The same also goes for you.¡± Mark exhaled, shaking his head with a small smile. "Yeah..." Alba studied him for a moment, her eyes softer now. "Opportunities like this don¡¯t come often. Just¡­ make sure you¡¯re choosing for the right reasons." Mark huffed lightly. "That might be true, but my gut is telling me otherwise." As always, they took a selfie together before parting¡ªa family tradition every time one of them left for another country. A snapshot of the moment, a small piece of home to carry forward. With a final glance, Alba stepped into the shuttle, pausing just before the doors closed. Mark met her gaze one last time, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. No words were needed¡ªjust the acknowledgment of everything left unsaid. As the shuttle began to move, Mark exhaled, turning away slowly. His mind was already racing ahead to what awaited him, yet a part of him lingered in that moment. Alba, too, looked back through the window, watching her son fade into the distance. They both knew that the next time they stood together like this, something¡ªmaybe everything¡ªwould be different. Chapter 20: Fractured Truths Mark sat in his desk, setting up his new holographic bracelet, as well as all the other supplies he needed for classes. Since all of his electronics were destroyed during the incident, he was grateful to have his mom buy new ones. Chris Silvyr¡¯s voice crackled through the call, steady but carrying a hint of curiosity. "Haven''t heard from you in a while, Mark. How''s recovery going?" "It''s going. I can''t do much physically yet, but at least I can catch up on classes. Good thing it happened early in the semester, so I don¡¯t have too much to make up for. How about you? Haven''t heard from you in a while." "Yeah, sorry. I¡¯ve been busy. And, well, I figured I wouldn¡¯t be much help while you were in the hospital. Daniel filled me in on what happened." "So, you must''ve seen it in the news¡­" "Yeah. Why? You sound¡­ off about it." "I saw it happen, Chris. And I don¡¯t think it was random. Something triggered it¡ªan external force," Mark said, his voice firm. "Aria and I saw it¡ªsomeone shot something into his neck. A device. That¡¯s what made him lose control." "I''ve never heard of anything like that. I¡¯ll look into it. If what you¡¯re saying is true, this could be big." "You could ask Aria¡ªshe noticed more than I did." "It¡¯s fine. I¡¯d rather dig into it myself." "You still don¡¯t get along with Aria, huh?" "We¡¯re just¡­ different. We don¡¯t mix well." "Fair enough." "Anyway, hope you heal up soon. I gotta get back to work." "Yeah, no problem. Take care, Chris." "You too. Stay safe." The call ended, but the unease remained. He tossed his phone onto the bed and let out a slow breath. Maybe he was overthinking things. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Or maybe he wasn¡¯t thinking enough.
Later that night, Mark¡¯s phone vibrated with a message from Chris. "You need to see this." Attached was a link to a live broadcast. The title caught his eye immediately: ''The Manufactured Crisis ¨C What They Don¡¯t Want You to Know.'' Mark hesitated before tapping the link. The screen flickered, then settled on the image of a man he instantly recognized¡ªLeon Kestrel, one of the most controversial yet influential voices on ability politics. He was a former unbeaten world champion in both ability and non-ability fighting categories. He had started in the non-ability division, honing his physique and skills until he became a powerhouse, eventually transitioning into the ability division. His unique gift¡ªmanipulating and releasing physical energy¡ªallowed him to push his body beyond human limits, achieving feats of unparalleled strength, speed, and resilience. This made him highly respected, admired for his sheer discipline and mastery. However, his post-fighting career and outspoken views had turned him into a polarizing figure. His piercing gaze locked onto the camera as he spoke, his voice steady but charged with conviction. Behind him, a massive screen displayed uncensored footage¡ªAlexander¡¯s breakdown, the moment his body convulsed, veins glowing unnaturally. Slow-motion replays zoomed in on the moment a small, metallic dart embedded itself into his neck. The instant it hit, his entire body spasmed, and his abilities spiraled out of control. Leon continued. "This isn¡¯t an accident. This isn¡¯t some tragic case of a soldier losing control. This is manufactured. Someone¡ªsome group¡ªis testing these devices on ability users. And the ASTF? They were caught off guard, just like everyone else. They don¡¯t understand it, so they fall back on the only response they know¡ªcontainment through force. But that doesn¡¯t make what happened justifiable." Mark¡¯s breath hitched as the next clip played. Another recording surfaced, mirroring the same pattern¡ªa different individual, injected with the same device, suddenly turning uncontrollable, wreaking havoc on people and infrastructure. The narrative was clear¡ªthese incidents weren¡¯t spontaneous. They were orchestrated to create fear, to justify additional regulations and tighter government control. Leon turned back to the camera. "We¡¯ve spent months building something bigger than ourselves. A network of those who refuse to be controlled, who refuse to let fear dictate their lives. If you¡¯ve ever felt trapped, like the walls are closing in, you¡¯re not alone. The Vanguard exists for those who want out¡ªthose who want freedom. We are not here to play politics. We are not here to beg for change. We take action. We protect our own. And we expose the truth, no matter the cost." He leaned forward. "They will erase this. They will scrub my name, delete this video, and pretend none of this ever happened. But they can¡¯t silence all of us. We are everywhere. We are growing. And we will not stop. You will hear from us again¡ªsooner than they think." The live stream ended. Mark stared at the dark screen, heart pounding. The room felt smaller, as if the walls were closing in. A few minutes later it was erased¡ªjust like that. Like it never existed. He clenched his jaw. Someone wanted him to forget what he saw. But he wouldn¡¯t. Chapter 21: First Steps Back Mark laid in bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep had evaded him again. His body still ached slightly, but the inactivity felt worse¡ªlike a constant reminder of his limitations. The Vanguard video replayed in his mind, the questions it raised refusing to settle. He shifted restlessly, irritated by his own helplessness. His holo-bracelet lit up suddenly, pulling him from his thoughts. Daniel: "We are eating at Lyra''s, come." Mark sighed, half-relieved, half-annoyed, and typed back, "I''ll be there."
The familiar laughter and chatter could be heard through the door by Mark as he knocked on the door of the Apartment. Daniel greeted him energetically, pulling Mark into a friendly bro-hug and slapping his back lightly. "Glad you''re still alive, man." Mark winced slightly, still sore from recovery. "Easy. I''m still in one piece." Lyra and Raven exchanged amused glances in the kitchen, Aria was also there helping with the cooking. "Look who decided to join the living again," Lyra teased. Mark rolled his eyes with a slight smile. "Missed you too, Lyra." "Of course you would" said Lyra playfully Lyra¡¯s apartment was spacious and inviting, accented with sleek furniture that hinted subtly at comfort and class. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city¡¯s glittering skyline, bathing the room in soft, amber twilight. "Honestly, Lyra, you''re stingy. Keeping a place like this all to yourself?" Lyra rolled her eyes, smiling. "Be careful with what you wish for because I will start charging you rent." "By the way," Lyra called from the kitchen, "a couple of my teammates from the academy might swing by. Hope that''s okay." Daniel leaned back dramatically. "More people to witness Mark¡¯s return to humanity? Perfect." Lyra shook her head with an amused sigh. "Relax, Daniel. It¡¯s just Mia and Felix¡ªthey¡¯re friendly, I promise." As they settled in, conversation flowed easily¡ªstories about recent events, playful jabs at each other''s expense. Just as they were setting the table Mia and Felix arrived. Mia and Felix stepped in, waving casually. Mark recognized them immediately¡ªLyra¡¯s academy friends, who occasionally joined their group for gatherings like this. Mia, slender and energetic, greeted everyone warmly, her brown eyes bright with genuine enthusiasm. "Sorry we''re late! Felix here insisted we pick up dessert." Felix, tall and well-built with a perpetual half-smile and easy-going manner, raised a bag of pastries in defense. "You complain, but no one''s ever turned down dessert." Lyra shook her head, laughing lightly. "Just grab a seat. We were about to eat." Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Mark eased into a seat, suddenly feeling at ease among familiar faces. Mia immediately leaned forward, curiosity bright in her eyes. ¡°Mark, we heard what happened. Is it true you and Aria faced off with the Iron Warden?¡± Felix elbowed her lightly, shaking his head. ¡°Give him a break, Mia. He just got here.¡± Mark smiled faintly, shrugging. ¡°We didn''t face off against him, he just showed up and saved us.¡± Daniel grinned, passing around plates. ¡°He did better than you two would have, at least.¡± Mia scoffed playfully. ¡°As if you¡¯d have done better yourself.¡± Lyra interrupted gently, pushing plates across the table. ¡°Let¡¯s save the competitiveness for tomorrow, shall we?¡± "What is happening tomorrow?" Mark asked curiously. "Didn''t Daniel tell you? We plan to play in the Annual Ability Soccer Tournament. Now that I think about it, we are two people short. Felix, Mia, do you want to join as well?" Mia responded enthusiastically. "We are down, we don''t have much going do we Felix?" "We don''t have much going on this weekend, so sounds like a plan." Mark hesitated briefly, considering the doctor¡¯s warning. ¡°Come on, Mark. It¡¯ll be casual,¡± Daniel pressed. ¡°As you know mana usage is capped, and you won''t get injured either, specially if you stay as a goalie.¡± "Even Aria is playing." added Raven nudging Aria to convince him. Aria smiled quietly, glancing sideways at Mark. ¡°It might do you good to stretch your legs a little.¡± Mark exhaled, pretending reluctance. ¡°Fine. But if I end up back in the hospital, it¡¯s your fault.¡± Daniel pumped his fist triumphantly. ¡°Deal! Let me sign us up.¡± Daniel opened his holo-bracelet and registered us as a team, for the weekend tournament. Daniel leaned back enthusiastically. "Just finished registering our team, Mark¡ªtomorrow we dominate!" Mark chuckled, shaking his head lightly. "I''m still recovering, remember?" Raven gave him an amused look. "Don''t worry. Daniel just needs someone reliable to guard the goal for when he looses the ball." "Exactly. Just keep the ball out of our net, Raven and I will handle Daniel''s mistakes." said Felix. "Come on, I am a team player, it''s your problem if you can''t keep up with me." responded Daniel. Raven leaned back, a subtle smirk forming. "We have to worry about keeping Daniel in one piece, not Mark." Aria placed a plate in front of Mark, her voice gentle. "Don¡¯t rush yourself tomorrow, okay?" Her gaze softened slightly. "We just got back." Lyra placed a large platter onto the table, steaming and fragrant. "Alright, enough football talk. Dinner''s served." Daniel reached out eagerly, grabbing his utensils. "Finally! Thought you''d starve us first." Lyra placed the lamb roast on the table, filled with spices, leaving the distinct smell of rosemary, small oily potatoes surrounded lambs, tender to the point they would melt it your mouth, other roasted vegetables were present perfectly cooked to balance the meal. "Didn''t know you could cook like this," Mark said, genuinely surprised Lyra flashed him a teasing grin. "Hidden talents, Mark. I have layers." Raven taking her share interjected. "Aria did most of the cooking" Lyra responded. "My talents are not limited to cooking." With all the plates served, everybody concentrated solely on the food.
After dinner Mark and Aria walked back home together since they lived nearby from each other, the walk was rather quiet, specially after they separated from Daniel, who in some way or another was trying to set him up with Aria. Mark however didn''t see this as an opportunity, specially since Aria was extremely receptive, and they had been through such a harsh experience, he was still left with the powerlessness, and more than anything, disgust. Disgust at himself for not having done anything since the recovery to become stronger, he couldn''t bring himself to do anything as if his mind was stopping him from seeing the world as it truly is, whether this was because of the expectations set on him or his own inner fear, he would have to eventually find out. Aria interrupted his destructive chain of thought. ¡°Having second thoughts?¡± she asked softly, eyes gentle yet perceptive. ¡°About tomorrow, about the ASTF, about... everything,¡± Mark admitted quietly. ¡°Feels like the world keeps moving and I am being left behind, I am useless.¡± She nodded slightly, gazing out across the illuminated city. ¡°I understand. But sometimes the only way to handle it is to keep moving forward¡ªeven when you feel that way, you have to keep moving.¡± Mark glanced at her, comforted by her steady presence. ¡°Do you ever feel overwhelmed?¡± Aria smiled faintly. ¡°Constantly. But I¡¯ve learned to know myself and what I want, so I just have to trust that I am going in the right path.¡± Just as the conversation was starting, the path finished. They were finally in front of Aria''s place. "We will talk more tomorrow, if you want." said Aria "Yeah"
Mark started walking towards his apartment, he felt lighter than he had in weeks. Yet the brief levity quickly faded as he stepped into the cool night air, the silence allowing doubts to creep back in. He glanced at his device, the empty screen a stark reminder of the Vanguard¡¯s message and the questions left unanswered. Who¡¯s really pulling the strings? he wondered again, the weight of unanswered questions heavy on his mind.