Consequences

As evening fell, the academy's atmosphere was thick with tension following the events of the combat trial. News of Kaeleen's shadow explosion had spread like wildfire, and now both students and teachers eyed him with a wary mix of fear and suspicion. Despite Princess Selene's public defense, the whispers, the wary stares, and the distrust only seemed to grow.

Walking down the academy corridors with Elise and Borik, Kaeleen could feel the weight of others' hostility. Some students whispered as he passed, while others merely watched him with caution.

"Don't worry, Kaeleen," Elise said, attempting to lift his spirits. "You don't have to prove anything to these people."

"It's easy to say," Kaeleen replied with a weak smile, "but it feels impossible to ignore them. I feel like everyone is just waiting for me to slip up, so they can label me as a threat."

Borik nodded sympathetically, patting him on the shoulder. "You're not alone, my friend. You have us, and we'll stand by you no matter what."

"Thanks, guys," Kaeleen murmured, deeply grateful for his friends' support. He knew he'd need all the help he could get to face what lay ahead.

Later that afternoon, Kaeleen received a message summoning him to a private session with Professor Seraphis. Though nervous, he saw it as a valuable chance to learn control over his dark mana and prevent further incidents like the one during the trial.

Entering the dimly lit chamber, Kaeleen found Seraphis waiting for him, his gaze steady and unreadable.

"Kaeleen," began Seraphis, his voice calm. "I heard about what happened during the combat trial. Dark mana is a complex, powerful force. You must master it, or it will be your undoing."

Kaeleen nodded, feeling a mix of respect and caution toward the professor. He knew Seraphis possessed vast knowledge of dark arts, and though there was something unsettling about his presence, Kaeleen trusted that he could help.

"Today, we'll focus on channeling your energy without succumbing to emotion," Seraphis explained. "The first step is to accept the dark power within you. Don't reject it; understand that it's part of you, but never let it control you."

Closing his eyes, Kaeleen followed Seraphis's instructions, visualizing his dark mana at his core, feeling its weight and the tension it created in his chest. With each breath, he tried to remain calm, accepting the darkness without letting it overflow.

"Feel its flow," Seraphis murmured. "Don't fight it; guide it. Remember, you are the master of this dark power."

Kaeleen took deep, steady breaths, focusing on channeling the energy carefully, preventing it from spiraling out of control. Gradually, he felt a connection with his mana strengthen, a tenuous but steady control forming.

After several minutes, he opened his eyes, feeling an unfamiliar calm. Seraphis watched him, a faint smile of approval on his face.

"Well done, Kaeleen," he said. "There's still a long road ahead, but you've taken the first step. In time, you'll learn to wield this power without fear."

Though his private sessions brought progress, the tension in the academy didn't subside. During a history class with Professor Lyanna on the creation of Aether and its diverse inhabitants, Luka and Revan took every opportunity to cast disdainful glances at Kaeleen, muttering insults whenever the professor's attention was elsewhere.

"Who would've thought?" Revan whispered loudly enough for Kaeleen to hear. "The creepy dark mana kid playing hero."

Kaeleen clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to respond. He knew answering back would only fuel their taunts, but the constant hostility was beginning to wear him down. Sitting beside him, Elise nudged his arm in support.

"Don't pay attention to them," she whispered. "They're just trying to get under your skin."

However, Luka wasn't one to let things go. After class ended, he approached Kaeleen with a smirk.

"I hope you enjoy your time here, Kaeleen," he sneered. "Though I doubt it'll last long if you can't keep your 'little issue' in check."

Kaeleen held his gaze, struggling to suppress the anger simmering inside. Choosing not to respond, he turned on his heel and left the classroom with Elise and Borik.

Later that day, Kaeleen found himself alone in the academy courtyard, lost in thought. Luka's words and the lessons with Seraphis weighed heavily on him. Then he noticed Naomi approaching. Known for her cold detachment and strong leadership, Naomi rarely spoke with other students, so her interest in him was surprising.

"Kaeleen," she began in her usual detached tone. "I wanted to speak to you about what happened during the trial."

Kaeleen braced himself, expecting criticism, but to his surprise, Naomi seemed genuinely interested in helping him.

"I saw potential in your dark mana," she said. "But you lack control. If you want to succeed here, you need to master that power. I'm willing to help you, if you're open to it."

Kaeleen was taken aback by her offer. He knew Naomi was highly skilled and rarely involved herself with others, so her willingness to aid him filled him with a renewed sense of hope.

"Thank you, Naomi," he replied, sincerity in his voice. "I really appreciate your support."

Naomi nodded and, without another word, walked away. Kaeleen understood that her guidance would be invaluable, and he resolved to seize every opportunity to improve.

That night, Kaeleen reflected on all that had happened—the combat trial, Luka and Revan's taunts, and the unexpected support from Naomi and Seraphis. He knew that the road to mastering his dark mana would be challenging, but he felt stronger each day.

With the backing of his friends and those who believed in his potential, Kaeleen was ready to face whatever trials the academy would throw at him. The rumors and hostilities hadn't faded, but each experience fortified his resolve, reminding him that he had a purpose in Aether.

"I'll prove to everyone that I can control this power," he murmured to himself, gazing at the stars from his window. "No matter what they say, I won't give up."

With this resolution in his heart, Kaeleen prepared himself for the next day, fully aware that the true journey was just beginning.