Chapter 5: Aetheria Prime

Leon took his seat in front of the board, his gaze settling on Professor Elara as she stood poised before him. Her composed demeanor and sharp eyes hinted at her importance, despite not being of direct Nightshade lineage. With an air of authority, she began the lesson.

"The world as we know it," Elara started, "came to be through an extraordinary force—an entity known only as the Creator. It is believed that this being shaped existence itself, forming not only the land and seas but also the creatures that inhabit them. Among these, the humanoid races were blessed with intelligence and critical thought, setting them apart from the rest."

She turned to the board and, with a flick of her wrist, magical script formed in elegant strokes. "The Creator gave rise to four primary humanoid races: Elves, Dwarves, Elementals, and Humans. Over time, environmental adaptations and intermingling led to the emergence of subspecies. Dark Elves, for example, adapted to the desert, their skin darkening to endure the relentless sun. Other variations arose, but perhaps none were more controversial than the Hybrids."

Elara's tone darkened slightly. "Hybrids—beings born from the union of two different races—were long shunned by society. Their existence was viewed as unnatural, leading to centuries of enslavement and mistreatment. However, 2,500 years ago, they revolted, revealing terrifying strength born from their unique circumstances. In the aftermath of their uprising, they conquered the continent of Nyxterra, establishing their own domain where they now rule."

Leon listened intently, absorbing every word. The world was far more complex than he had imagined.

"Now," Elara continued, "our world, Aetheria Prime, consists of six vast continents, each home to a distinct civilization."

With another flick of her wrist, a glowing map appeared before them, its continents outlined in shimmering light.

"Veydras, the land of humans, is known for its vast forests and rolling plains, where kingdoms rise and fall through the tides of war and diplomacy.

Aeloria, home of the Elementals, is a land of chaotic weather and natural disasters, perfectly suited for those who wield the raw forces of nature.

Durnholm, the mountainous realm of the Dwarves, is rich in minerals and ancient craftsmanship.

Xan'thara, the sacred land of the Elves, consists of an expansive forest surrounding the World Tree, as well as the Scor'vahl Expanse—a brutal desert where only the most resilient survive.

Nyxterra, the continent claimed by the Hybrids, boasts humid rainforests and treacherous mountain ranges, reflecting the harsh reality of its people's struggle and triumph.

And lastly, the Forbidden Lands to the north—home to the demons. A frozen wasteland of towering peaks and an endless expanse of snow, locked away behind an impenetrable barrier erected by the Archmage Council over 5,000 years ago. This barrier is reinforced every century, taking decades to maintain due to the sheer magnitude of the land it encloses."

Elara let the weight of her words settle before she continued. "The world has been shaped by conflict, conquest, and survival. Understanding this history is crucial, Leon, for knowledge is power. And power..." she paused, her eyes meeting his, "determines one's place in this world."

Elara moved to the board once more, her expression unwavering as she waved her hand, causing the glowing map to fade. In its place, new symbols appeared—arcane runes pulsing with faint energy.

"Now that you understand the foundation of our world, we move on to what truly shapes it: power."

She gestured toward the first rune, a swirling pattern of energy.

"Mana. The very essence that flows through all living beings. It is the force that governs existence, the energy that fuels magic and strengthens warriors. Every being is born with mana, but how they wield it determines their path."

Leon leaned forward; his curiosity piqued.

"There are two primary ways to harness mana," Elara continued. "Externalizing it to manipulate the world around you is called magic. Those who pursue this path become mages, wielding spells to unleash devastation or alter the terrain itself.

On the other hand, internalizing mana strengthens the body beyond human limits. Those who walk this path are called warriors, and they control what we call Aura. Aura users enhance their strength, speed, and endurance, allowing them to shatter steel with their fists or move faster than the eye can track."

She waved her hand again, and the symbols shifted into seven distinct tiers, each glowing in succession.

"Regardless of whether one is a mage or a warrior, power is divided into seven recognized levels."

She pointed to the first tier.

"Novice—this is where it begins. A person at this stage has only just begun sensing mana, drawing it into their body through meditation.

Initiate—at this level, mages form their first magic circle, while warriors condense their mana into a core within them.

Expert—here, mana is refined and compressed over a hundred times, making the energy within far more potent.

Master—a turning point. At this stage, warriors learn to circulate mana throughout their bodies to break past human limitations, while mages develop advanced spellcasting techniques.

Grandmaster—those at this level can extend their power outward. Warriors infuse their weapons and surroundings with Aura, while mages shape the battlefield itself with their magic.

Ascendant—stepping beyond mortality. An ascendant begins to shed their human limitations, treading the path toward something greater.

And lastly..." She paused, her gaze sharp. "Sovereigns, also known as Archmages. Those who reach this stage are no longer bound by ordinary constraints. They become forces of nature, feared and revered, with strength that can topple nations."

Leon sat in awe, absorbing every word. These were the stages that determined one's place in the world, the ladder he would have to climb to stand at the top.

Elara studied him before speaking again, her voice calm but firm.

"Power in this world is absolute, Leon. Those who wield it dictate their own fate. Those without it..." Her gaze sharpened. "Are merely pawns in the hands of the strong."

A silence fell over the room, the weight of her words sinking deep into Leon's mind.

Elara let the weight of her words settle before she continued. "But there exists another power—one that is rarely acknowledged yet holds just as much influence as Mana or Aura."

She turned back to the board, and a new symbol appeared—a flickering flame, unshaken by the wind.

"This power is known as Will."

Leon furrowed his brows. "Will?"

Elara nodded. "Every action taken in the pursuit of strength stems from a person's will. Every spell a mage casts, every strike a warrior delivers—it all requires will. Power alone is not enough. If one steps onto this path with a weak will, they will be ruthlessly crushed by those whose determination surpasses theirs."

Leon felt a chill run down his spine at her words.

"Talent plays a role, of course," she continued. "But those born with it often become complacent, intoxicated by how easily they grow. They neglect their willpower, relying solely on their natural gifts. It is a pattern I have observed time and time again."

Her sharp gaze met Leon's. "This, however, is not a widely accepted belief. Very few hold it to be true—myself included. I do not know if they appointed me as your teacher because of this perspective, but I suspect it to be so."

She stepped closer to the board, her voice taking on a rare intensity. "For those whose will is strong enough, something extraordinary happens. Much like Aura, Will can be materialized—what we call Will Aura. It is far more potent than ordinary Aura, for it embodies the very essence of a person's determination."

The air in the room seemed to tighten, the weight of her words pressing down on Leon.

"But there is a reason so few know of it. Only those at the Grandmaster level and beyond can manifest it—if their will is unbreakable. And the number of individuals who have achieved this below the Grandmaster rank?"

She raised a single finger.

"One."

Leon's breath hitched. The sheer rarity of it sent his mind racing.

"That," Elara said, her voice unwavering, "is the true power that shapes the world. Not just strength. Not just talent. But the will to never break, no matter the odds."

Silence filled the room.

Leon clenched his fists. He didn't know if he possessed such a will—yet.

But he would find out.

And if he lacked it, he would forge it.

Elara let the silence stretch before shifting the lesson once more.

"There is another factor that plays into strength—one far more elusive than talent, will, or even training."

She turned to the board, and with a flick of her wrist, new words formed.

"Bloodlines."

Leon's eyes narrowed. He had heard whispers of the term before but had never been given a proper explanation.

"Many of the most powerful families across Aetheria Prime do not rely solely on talent or hard work," Elara continued. "They have strength embedded within their very veins—power passed down through generations, woven into their lineage. Bloodlines are a closely guarded secret. Unless one holds an important position within their family, they may live their entire life unaware of its existence."

Leon's heart pounded. Was this why the Nightshade family was so powerful?

Elara's voice carried a rare weight. "Your family, the Nightshades, descend from Erebos—the God of Shadows. He was the progenitor of your bloodline and the very first patriarch of your house. His strength was so vast that he was deemed a living god."

A living god…

Elara's expression darkened. "The abilities of a bloodline may sometimes be known to outsiders, but its name must never be spoken beyond trusted circles. Names hold power, and with power comes danger. If the true name of a bloodline is discovered, it can be exploited. There are methods—dark, forbidden methods—by which one can extract the essence of a bloodline and synchronize with it. This is why families guard their heritage with their lives."

Leon felt his pulse quicken. He had been raised with the knowledge that his family was influential, but never had he been told the full extent of it. Bloodlines… power… secrecy…

And yet, something was wrong.

If I am a Nightshade, why is my bloodline not Erebos?

His bloodline was different.

Omniara.

A name he had heard only once before. A name that made little sense.

All-Encompassing…

Did this mean he could wield multiple bloodlines?

His mind raced with the implications, but a cold realization settled in his chest. If bloodline inheritance was as dangerous as Elara claimed, then the truth about his must never be revealed.

Not to his family.

Not to Elara.

Not to anyone.

He schooled his expression into one of passive interest, hiding the storm raging within him.

For now, he would listen.

And he would learn.

Because knowledge was power.

And power would determine his fate.

"Lastly," Elara continued, her voice steady, "there is, of course, talent."

Leon's mind sharpened as she spoke.

"Talent is perhaps the most mysterious and difficult to quantify of all the factors that shape power. There are many ways to measure it, but the most common and recognized method is by observing how quickly one advances in their pursuit of strength."

She paused, turning her gaze toward Leon.

"You are only three years old, and yet, through the Mana Awakening ceremony, you have begun your path. You may wonder why you are learning all of this at such a young age. The truth is, the mana flowing in your body—through your veins, your very brain—enhances all aspects of your being. Your comprehension, your memorization, even your ability to think critically. In terms of age, you would be about eight years old in terms of cognitive development."

Leon listened closely. His heart skipped a beat. Was this why he felt so… different? The way his mind worked, the way information seemed to slot into place so easily—it was all because of the mana within him.

Elara's eyes hardened slightly, her tone softening. "The commoners who live below us will never even feel mana in their lifetime, even though they are born with it. The difference between them and you is not only bloodline but talent. Once in a while, the world sees a genius born from the lowest of stations—someone with a genius intellect, capable of surpassing even those from powerful families."

Elara smiled faintly, as if recalling some distant memory. "But such individuals are extraordinarily rare."

Leon's mind raced. Talent, it seemed, was more than just a gift—it was the very measure of how far one could go.

Elara continued, her voice now firm. "Your talent will be measured in levels, each corresponding to a specific stage of power." She drew a chart in the air, with each level marked clearly.

"At the bottom, we have Weak—this is the Novice level of strength. Next, Low, Novice, Mid, High, Apex, and finally, Divine."

She paused, letting the weight of the words sink in. "For example, your father, the Abyssborn Tyrant, was recognized as having Divine-level talent when he was young."

Leon's brow furrowed. Divine…? That was the highest level of talent.

But then…

What about his talent?

He thought back to the letters he had seen within his mind, the ones that had labeled his talent as Otherworldly. There was no level on the recognized power chart that seemed to fit.

What does this mean for me?

He glanced up at Elara, her expression unreadable. What did she know about his talent? Would she see it? Would anyone else?

For now, he kept the question to himself. He had more pressing matters to consider. The path ahead was uncertain, and with every answer Elara gave, more questions seemed to arise.

But one thing was clear: the power to shape his own future was within his grasp. The true test would be whether his talent—whatever it was—could be harnessed and used to its full potential.

"Now" Elara said clapping her hands, "Let us head to the training grounds for your very first physical lesson."