Ch 29 : Combat Tower

The moon still glowed softly in the predawn sky, but Auron was already awake, his mind sharp and alert. He lay there for a moment, reflecting on how much he had to manage. It felt like he had taken on too much too soon, and it was starting to weigh him down. He needed a better way to organize his time if he wanted to balance his cultivation and studies without overloading himself.

With Xiao Yu's help, Auron brainstormed a schedule. It wasn't overly strict, but it was structured enough to help him stay on track. The plan was simple, but it would allow him to make progress while maintaining a healthy balance.

Auron decided to start his day with a cold water shower. The invigorating shock of cold water would help him wake up and keep his energy levels high. Afterward, he would dedicate time to soul cultivation, which he had neglected recently. The serene and peaceful mornings were ideal for this type of deep focus, allowing him to refine and nourish his soul. His soul cultivation had stagnated in the past few days, and he wanted to make this a priority moving forward.

During the day, Auron would attend his classes as usual. In Arcane Arts, he would work on developing his unique spell, one that would be based on the Primordial Fire heavenly rune. With each day of deeper understanding, he felt the spell would come together more smoothly. This would be his main focus during spell practice—crafting something truly his own, a technique that embodied the primal energy of fire.

In Body Harmonization class, Auron planned to concentrate solely on mastering Shadow Step. The physical cultivation art was complex, and spreading his attention too thin would only hinder his progress. He decided it was better to master one form completely than to juggle multiple combat arts at once.

In the afternoons, Auron had a bit more flexibility. He would often spend his free time either practicing with his friends at the Training Ground or diving into the vast knowledge stored in the academy's library. He would continue practicing the preliminary spell structure of his unique spell, working to refine it and prepare it for actual use in battle. At the same time, he'd maintain his body cultivation, refining his body would also help him increase his overall strength.

After dinner, Auron reserved time to meditate on the Primordial Fire heavenly rune and cultivate his Celestial Aura. The rune was the source of his aura's power, but also the reason it was so destructive and hard to control. By meditating on it each night, he hoped to refine his mastery over the volatile energy and prevent it from overwhelming him.

Though this was the basic structure of his day, Auron didn't want to be too rigid. He left room for spontaneity, allowing himself to shift priorities or take breaks when needed. After all, he was only five years old—there was still plenty of time to enjoy life. He believed that forcing himself to stick too strictly to a schedule might result in an unstable foundation in his cultivation, and that was the last thing he wanted.

"Balance," he thought. "I need balance in everything I do."

With that in mind, he began his day, ready to make the most of the time he had.

That afternoon, Auron decided to explore the academy's facilities as he needed to buy a new robe.

A majestic hall loomed in the distance, its stone pillars crafted from exquisite marble that shimmered with a faint magical glow. Atop the grand building, two Phoenix sculptures carved from fiery red jade stood proudly, radiating an aura of elegance and power. This was the Trading Hall, the busiest place in the academy, where students bartered and exchanged their points for precious resources.

After waiting in line for nearly an hour, Auron finally approached the counter.

"Hi there, what can I help you with today?" asked the female clerk, her tone warm and professional.

"Can I buy a robe?" Auron inquired.

"Just one robe?" the clerk confirmed.

"Yes, just one. Here's my token." Auron handed over his student token, which tracked his points.

The clerk nodded and processed his request swiftly. "Alright, here's your robe. I've deducted the points from your account. Anything else you'd like to purchase?"

"Not for now. Thanks!" Auron replied, taking the robe and stepping away from the bustling hall.

As he left, Auron sighed, thinking to himself, That took longer than I expected. I should take a better look at the items they sell next time. It might help to know the prices for future purchases.

On his way back, Auron headed towards the Library of Infinite Scrolls, hoping to explore some of the academy's vast knowledge. However, on his way, a towering structure caught his attention. The stone walls were weathered yet imposing, and two statue guards, clad in ancient armor and wielding majestic spears, stood vigilant by the entrance. He immediately recognized it from the welcoming ceremony—the Combat Tower, a place where students tested their prowess through intense illusionary battles.

Without thinking twice, Auron's curiosity overtook him, and he made his way toward the entrance, temporarily forgetting about the library. Inside, there weren't many students, so he approached the counter quickly.

"Good evening, sir. May I enter the tower now?" Auron asked the elder stationed there.

The elder squinted at Auron, assessing him. "You can, but are you sure? Although the battles are illusions, the pain feels real. It can still take a mental toll, especially on someone as young as you. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Auron remained resolute. "I'm sure. I'd like to start right away."

Sighing, the elder handed Auron a glowing token. "Very well. This token will teleport you out if you can't handle the trial. Channel your mana into it if it becomes too overwhelming."

Auron nodded, taking the token with determination. Moments later, he disappeared into the tower.

The elder watched him vanish, his expression filled with concern. "I hope the boy doesn't regret this decision. Mental pain can linger, even if the body remains unscathed," he murmured under his breath, knowing he couldn't stop the students from challenging themselves.