Questions

"And what of myself?" Alex interjects. Though skepticism colors his tone - his trust in Professor Bain's motives remains cautious at best - he recognizes the professor's investment in their growth. Whatever hidden agenda may exist, their increased strength serves both parties' interests.

"For you, Alex," Professor Bain continues, his voice taking on a note of barely contained fascination, "we observed multiple resonances during the ritual. First, the transformation of your eyes and neural pathways throughout your body. Second, and most remarkably, your soul itself underwent an unprecedented elevation. While we occasionally witness souls ascending one level during awakening, yours leaped two stages, reaching the adapt rank - something previously thought impossible."

The professor leans forward slightly, his enthusiasm evident. "The multiple resonances explain your blackout - your body simply couldn't handle the strain of such dramatic changes. Your soul's immense power threatened to overwhelm your physical form, necessitating Nurse Wendy's specialized treatment to facilitate recovery."

Alex maintains a carefully neutral expression, though beneath his composed exterior, emotions churn like a stormy sea. This casual admission confirms his suspicions about Professor Bain's involvement in his sedation. The revelation stings sharply - this man who had seemed to champion their cause was complicit in their manipulation. Yet Alex keeps his voice steady as he asks, "And what of my lineage? What is it?"

"Yours is the gravity bloodline," Professor Bain explains, gesturing to Alex's transformed eyes. "Your enhanced vision allows you to perceive spatial folds - areas where reality itself grows thin and susceptible to your gravitational influence. As for your soul's transformation," he continues, choosing his words with careful precision, "the limited data I gathered during your treatment suggests it has been fundamentally altered to accommodate your element's raw power. Gravity, after all, is one of the strongest forces we know."

The revelation of Alex's capabilities sends ripples of astonishment through Randy and Max. Their earlier pride in their own awakenings dims slightly in comparison, replaced by a complex mixture of awe and barely concealed envy. Though they try to suppress it, a hint of jealousy creeps into their expressions as they process the scope of their friend's newfound powers.

While envy flickers across Max and Randy's faces, Alex's mind races down a different path entirely. How could Professor Bain know about his ability to see spatial folds? The only demonstration had been that brief moment with Alfred, when he'd reached for the ripple in reality surrounding the OSAI. This seemingly casual revelation confirms what Alex had already suspected - Alfred serves as their eyes and ears, reporting every observation back to the Academy's authorities.

Yet Alex maintains his performance, playing the role of an eager student discovering his powers. "Gravity, huh?" he muses, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. While keeping his suspicions carefully hidden, he can't help but think of that cosmic entity he'd encountered during the ritual - something Professor Bain clearly knows nothing about. The disconnect between what he experienced and what they're telling him only deepens his wariness.

Turning back to Professor Bain with carefully crafted enthusiasm, Alex asks, "So does that mean I can like, increase gravity in certain areas or call meteors from the sky?" He intentionally tempers his excitement - not entirely fabricated, as the prospect of such power holds genuine appeal, but carefully measured to avoid arousing suspicion.

Professor Bain, caught up in his favorite subject, fails to notice the calculated nature of Alex's response. His eyes light up with scholarly passion as he launches into an explanation. "Actually, the gravity element is quite fascinating, Alex. Most practitioners focus on manipulating their own gravitational field or enhancing weapons with gravity runes. You see, directly manipulating gravity itself presents quite the challenge." His voice takes on a lecturing tone as he continues, "Our planet maintains gravity through mass. The real question becomes: how can one generate gravitational force without corresponding mass?"

"It's an intricate magical formula," Professor Bain explains, his hands weaving through the air as if sketching invisible diagrams. "Think of our bloodlines as conduits to cosmic wells of power. Each well contains the fundamental essence of a natural law - in your case, Alex, the very law of gravity itself."

His eyes gleam with scholarly passion as he delves deeper into the theory. "When you tap into your bloodline's power, you're essentially drawing from this well, consuming its essence to impose gravitational law upon reality. But here's the fascinating part - because gravity ranks among the universe's most fundamental forces, replicating it through magic demands an enormous energy cost."

The professor leans forward, his voice dropping as if sharing a precious secret. "That's why most gravity wielders opt for more efficient applications - enhancing their own bodies or amplifying existing spells. It's not just about power, you see, but the artistry of working within these cosmic limitations."

"And because my eyes have transformed," Alex concludes thoughtfully, piecing together the implications of Professor Bain's lecture, "they're now attuned to channel cosmic power through enhanced perception."

"Exactly!" Professor Bain's eyes sparkle with scholarly enthusiasm, his hands sketching invisible geometric patterns in the air. "The triangular manifestation in your pupils is particularly fascinating. You see, triangles represent one of geometry's most unshakeable forms. This suggests your gravitational affinity stems from an immovable foundation, unwavering in its power."

His voice takes on a reverential tone as he continues, "But don't mistake stability for rigidity. Gravity itself dances across the spectrum of force - from gentle planetary embrace to the devastating pull of cosmic singularities. It flows like water, yet commands like steel, adaptable as it is absolute."

"I see," Alex responds carefully, measuring each word. "Thank you for explaining our bloodlines, Professor." He pauses strategically before adding, "But what comes next?" The question serves as a subtle probe, fishing for insights into their future at the Academy.

Professor Bain's expression brightens at Alex's display of foresight, his estimation of the young man visibly rising. The boy's ability to look beyond immediate revelations to consider future implications marks him as someone worth watching closely.

"The answer is simple - since school starts soon, you'll have a week and five days. During this time, I want you to spend most of your time in the library studying the basics of our world, with your OSAI helping to quiz you and explain various concepts. If you find yourself struggling or wish to speak with another human about anything, you're welcome to visit my office. Your OSAI will show you the way."

"During this time, I implore you to learn about the inner workings of the Academy and our culture - understand why things and people function as they do. Study the world, its landscape, its geography. Remember, while the Academy's classes will teach you magic, you must first understand yourself and your future. Consider how you'll interact with others in this new reality."

"I urge you to spend this time wisely and care for your mental wellbeing, for once school begins, your mental fortitude will be tested. Magic is not for the faint of heart. Speaking from experience, the egos of students, their noble families, and the factions they hide behind can distract you from your true goals. But never forget what you're fighting for."

As Professor Bain walks away, his words linger in the air, heavy with meaning. Alex sits on the bed, contemplating the advice. Despite everything, he feels grateful for the professor's guidance, knowing Max and Randy will need it desperately. Yet uncertainty gnaws at him as he considers the truth of what he witnessed during his awakening, and the real reason they're needed in this world.

Steeling himself, Alex focuses on his ultimate goal of returning home, visualizing it at the pinnacle of a mental pyramid he's constructing. Beneath this crowning objective, he carefully arranges his other aspirations, each one a building block supporting his journey homeward. This pyramid becomes more than just a list - it transforms into the foundational framework that will guide his path through the years ahead. Starting at the very base, he recalls Professor Bain's words about dedicated study time. The writing in the base brick etching in deeply, Study Time.