chapter 39-The Path of Aura

Aura and Will

Arcadia Academy – Specialized Training Hall

The Aura Control class was held in one of Arcadia Academy's most fortified chambers—a vast hall reinforced with mana-absorbing stones designed to withstand even the most volatile bursts of energy. Unlike spellcasting, which drew from external mana, aura was deeply personal—an extension of one's will and spirit.

Because of this, the class had a smaller, more elite group.

Alden entered, adjusting his sunglasses as he surveyed the students.

Among them was Alicia von Rosenheim, her crimson hair catching the light, golden eyes calm yet watchful. She radiated noble confidence, as expected from someone of her status.

Then there was Leon Ascar, the protagonist.

His presence in this class made sense—his natural combat talent meant aura control would be crucial for his growth. He was determined, resilient. A classic underdog, destined to become one of the strongest in the academy.

But what truly caught Alden's attention was the diversity of races.

A towering wolfkin, his golden eyes sharp, stood with his arms crossed at the back of the class. A high elf, his posture elegant yet rigid, looked unimpressed. A dwarven student, shorter but stocky, cracked his knuckles with a grin.

Aura transcended race. It wasn't like magic, which relied on external forces. It was raw willpower, life force, and battle instinct.

Alden smirked.

This class is going to be interesting.

---

The Weight of Power

Without warning—

A suffocating wave of pressure crashed over the room.

The air thickened, like an invisible mountain pressing down on them.

Alden's muscles tensed instinctively. Several students staggered, some gasping for breath.

The source?

A towering man with broad shoulders, graying hair, and a jagged scar running over his left eye.

His aura exuded raw dominance, a presence that commanded absolute authority without a single word.

Instructor Reinhardt.

A former S-Rank Knight, known for breaking students with sheer aura alone.

His steel-gray eyes swept over the class, lingering on Alden for a fraction of a second before moving on.

"Welcome to Aura Control." His voice was deep and authoritative. "If you came here expecting a simple lecture, you're in the wrong place."

Then—

His aura flared.

Alden gritted his teeth as an invisible force bore down on him.

Some students buckled instantly, their knees hitting the ground. Others fought to stay upright, veins bulging from exertion.

Alden stood firm.

I've been through worse.

Reinhardt smirked. "Not bad. Some of you have a backbone."

He crossed his arms. "Let's begin."

---

Understanding Aura

"Aura is not magic," Reinhardt began, pacing slowly. "It is the manifestation of one's willpower, life force, and combat instinct."

Unlike mana, which was drawn from nature, aura came from within.

"Knights, assassins, warriors—even some mages—rely on aura. It enhances speed, strength, perception, and endurance. The stronger the will, the stronger the aura."

Alden already knew this.

Aura was the backbone of physical combat. But unlike mana, which could be freely manipulated, aura required strict control and mental fortitude.

Reinhardt turned toward the wolfkin student.

"You," he commanded. "Show me your aura."

The demihuman nodded, inhaling deeply.

A faint golden glow flared around his body—a sign of natural aura activation.

Reinhardt nodded. "Good."

Then—his gaze locked onto Alden.

"You. Alden Blackwood."

Alden sighed internally. Here we go.

"You were placed in S-Class," Reinhardt said, his voice sharp. "Prove you deserve to be here."

A few students murmured.

"He barely passed the entrance exam."

"This should be embarrassing."

Alden ignored them.

Aura is about willpower.

He closed his eyes, drawing his focus inward.

Instead of reaching for external mana, he channeled his own energy.

His heartbeat steadied.

His breath slowed.

Then—

A faint, reddish glow flickered around his arms. It was weak, but it was there.

The murmurs stopped.

Reinhardt's eyebrow lifted slightly. "Hoh… interesting."

Alden could feel it—his body was slightly stronger, faster, sharper.

But—

The aura flickered and vanished within seconds.

Reinhardt chuckled. "You have potential, but your control is sloppy."

Alden exhaled. As expected.

"You lack endurance in sustaining aura," Reinhardt continued. "That will change soon."

Then, he clapped his hands.

"Outside. Time for real training."

---

The Aura Suppression Test

The students were led to a reinforced outdoor training field, a vast arena enclosed by barriers.

Reinhardt turned to face them, his expression stone-cold.

"This is where we separate the weak from the strong."

Alden already knew what was coming.

The Aura Suppression Test.

"I will activate an aura suppression field," Reinhardt said, grinning slightly. "Your job is to withstand it for as long as possible."

Alicia frowned. "Sounds like torture."

Reinhardt's grin widened. "It is."

Then—

He unleashed his aura.

A crushing force flooded the field.

The weaker students collapsed instantly.

Alden gritted his teeth, his knees trembling slightly.

This wasn't just suppression—it was an S-Rank aura field.

Leon stood firm, his protagonist instincts carrying him through.

Alicia, despite struggling, gritted her teeth and endured.

Alden?

He was struggling—but holding on.

---

Letting Go

Alden took a deep breath.

He needed to adapt.

Instead of resisting the aura, he tried to flow with it.

At that moment—

A voice spoke in his mind.

"This is pitiful. You call this resistance?"

Kurenai.

Alden mentally groaned. "Not now."

Then—another voice.

"You're relying too much on control," Shiranui said. "Let go."

Alden's eyes widened.

Let go?

Aura wasn't just about endurance—it was about domination.

Instead of restraining it—

Alden released his energy.

A faint red glow surrounded him again—

Flickering—

Then stabilizing.

Reinhardt's smirk grew.

"Interesting."

Alden was still struggling, but he had adapted.

The suppression lasted five minutes before Reinhardt deactivated it.

Most students collapsed.

Reinhardt nodded in approval.

"Aura is not just about control—it is about will."

He looked at Alden. "You learned that faster than expected."

Alden wiped sweat from his forehead. "Yeah, thanks for the near-death experience."

Some students chuckled.

Reinhardt ignored him. "Class dismissed."

As students walked away, Alicia glanced at Alden.

"You continue to surprise me."

Alden smirked. "You'll get used to it."

Leon simply nodded. "That was impressive."

Alden stretched, rolling his shoulders.

Kurenai sighed in his mind. "You are still weak."

Shiranui chuckled. "He's improving, though."