Many Questions

Lian woke up with the sun streaming through the window of his dorm room. He still felt the weight of what had happened in the simulator the night before, both physically and mentally. The images of that vision were still fresh in his mind. He needed to understand what he had seen, but he also knew he had to focus on the present.

"What was that yesterday?" Lian muttered to himself. The presence of the being made of shadows, the overwhelming power it had displayed... it was all confusing and terrifying.

"Don't drown in what you don't yet understand," Oblivion's voice echoed in his mind, as firm and dark as ever. "Focus on what's in front of you. The past is a burden... but the present is a weapon."

Lian took a deep breath, trying to calm his anxiety. Oblivion was right; he couldn't afford to be consumed by what he didn't know. He needed to improve, not just his skills but his control over himself. Letting his rage take over had been a mistake, one that had almost cost him dearly.

"He was wielding you, Oblivion... what are you, really?" Even after Oblivion's words, the thought kept gnawing at him. He wanted to understand what that vision had meant.

"I'm sorry, Lian, but I can't help you with that. I am the manifestation of the power that resides within you; my knowledge extends only slightly beyond your own." That was like a blow to Lian. He was already overwhelmed by everything happening around him. "But don't worry about it now. You may not understand yet, but you already hold the answers."

Lian didn't fully understand what Oblivion meant, but if it were true, perhaps clarity would come with time. He pushed those thoughts aside and decided to focus on what was truly important. "I need to be better," he muttered while putting on his uniform, preparing to leave. "I can't let these doubts, these feelings... take over who I am."

The academy auditorium was packed when Lian arrived. Students from all the classes were taking their seats, their animated voices filling the room. He joined Elios, who seemed to have moved past their argument from the previous day. Neither of them spoke, but there was a silent understanding between them.

When Ark Zenith stepped onto the stage, the chatter immediately stopped. His commanding presence alone was enough to make every student pay attention.

"Students, yesterday you demonstrated courage and skill in the face of an... unexpected situation." His deep voice echoed throughout the room, and his serious gaze swept over the crowd. "What happened was part of a practical simulation designed to test your abilities under pressure. And you were... adequate."

Lian and Elios exchanged quick glances. They both knew this was a blatant lie, but no one in the auditorium dared to question Ark.

"But now, we move on to the next phase of the internal tournament," Ark continued, shifting his tone. "The individual battles."

Excitement rippled through the room as murmurs of anticipation spread among the students. Ark elaborated further.

"Each student will face another in simulated combat. The arenas will be dynamic, challenging your adaptability, strategy, and energy control. This isn't just a test of strength but also a test of your mind. Prepare well, as the best from each class may advance to a higher rank."

A large hologram appeared above the stage, displaying the match pairings for each class. Lian saw his name appear next to a name he didn't recognize. He remained silent, but he could feel the eyes of several students on him.

"The battles will begin tomorrow," Ark concluded. "Prepare yourselves. Show us what you're capable of."

As the auditorium began to empty, Lian felt the weight of unwanted attention growing. Ever since the portal incident and the recent attack, he knew he was drawing stares, whether for admiration or envy.

"Lian Alvarez," a condescending voice called. He turned to see a tall young man with neatly combed silver hair and piercing blue eyes. The uniform of Class A he wore was adorned with an ornate golden brooch bearing the crest of a noble family. Two other students flanked him like bodyguards.

"You're Lian, right? The 'hero' of yesterday's incident?" The boy's tone dripped with disdain.

"That depends on who's asking," Lian replied calmly.

"Ah, where are my manners?" The young man forced a smile. "Adrian Von Grath. Von Grath family, you've probably heard of it."

Lian shrugged. "No, I haven't."

Adrian's smile faltered for a split second before he replaced it with a sneer. "Well, you will. Tomorrow, when I defeat you in the tournament."

Elios, standing beside Lian, crossed his arms and let out a mocking laugh. "Big words for someone who hasn't even stepped into the arena yet."

Adrian ignored Elios, keeping his gaze fixed on Lian. "You're just a lucky nobody who got famous for being in the right place at the right time. Someone like you can't compete with someone who's been trained by the best since birth."

Lian met Adrian's gaze, his own eyes cold and calculating. "If that's what you think, we'll see in the arena."

Adrian smirked again. "Oh, we will. And when that happens, you'll understand the difference between real talent and mere luck." He turned and walked away, his followers trailing behind him.

Elios chuckled again as Adrian left. "What an annoying guy. You think he's any good?"

"He is," Lian said flatly. "You can tell by the way he carries himself. But that doesn't matter. I'm not going to lose to someone like him."

Elios grinned. "Good, because I'm not letting you surpass me either. Speaking of which, take a look." Elios nodded toward the match schedule.

Lian studied it more closely, noticing that he and Elios were on opposite sides of the bracket. He allowed himself a small smile. "You better not mess up. It'll be fun to beat you in the final."

Elios grinned broadly, letting out a light laugh. "Don't think I'll let you defeat me that easily."

Their rivalry grew stronger with each passing day. Both had their own goals, and neither was willing to back down.

The two began walking toward the training arena, Lian already planning what he needed to do to prepare. Despite the obstacles, including Adrian, who could prove to be a formidable challenge in the semifinal, Lian was more determined than ever. He knew that to win, he needed total control, not just of his powers but of himself.

As they approached the arena, they spotted a familiar figure standing in front of it. Lena stood there with her arms crossed and her trademark smile. "Took you long enough."