First Sparks of Aura

Leo stretched, relieved to have survived his first day with a real client. He'd just finished tidying the front desk when the door chimed softly.

"Still open?" asked a voice, polished yet edged with impatience.

Leo looked up. Derek Valemond stood there—the burgundy-eyed noble who'd discovered the shop hours prior. His posture was regal, but his gaze simmered with restrained intensity.

"Back already?" Leo said, surprised. "I'd love to teach you, but we're closing. Doors open at nine tomorrow."

For a split second, Derek's eyes darkened. Annoyance flickered across his face. His fingers twitched as if he'd briefly considered punching Leo.

You're telling me I trekked from the upper city for a "closed" sign? he thought.

But he held back.

In this world, those who seemed ordinary… often weren't. This kid had stabilized a dimensional space with aura restrictions, illusions, and system-generated entities. No commoner—or even most high mages—could pull that off.

Derek forced a smile. "Tomorrow, then. Perhaps I'll bring friends. See who's got real coordination."

"Perfect! The more, the merrier," Leo replied, oblivious to the tension. "Nine sharp."

Derek turned and left without another word, though his mind raced.

What if this is different? What if… I can feel excited again?

☾ Later that night…

The "Closed" sign hung crooked on Leo's door.

The streets had emptied, a chill wind sweeping through. But inside, Leo buzzed with energy. He climbed to the second floor, activated his system panel, and stepped into the dimensional court.

The space glowed under soft artificial light. The system recognized him instantly, granting access.

"Host perks," he smirked.

On the side panel, he selected Practice Match and chose the same beginner avatar Rizen had faced.

The bot materialized—stiff but functional, clad in standard sportswear. A neutral-faced umpire avatar appeared in the high chair, floating whistle at the ready.

Leo grabbed a racket, bounced the ball twice, and took position.

"Let's see what you've got."

The whistle blew.

First set. First game.

The avatar served hard, but Leo had studied its patterns. He noticed its backhand swing was too wide, leaving it vulnerable to crosscourt shots.

Point: Leo.

Next, he exploited the bot's reluctance to approach the net, its volleys predictable.

Point: Leo.

Game after game, Leo dominated. He wasn't elite, but training Rizen had sharpened his instincts.

Set one: Leo. 6-2.

Second set.

The avatar moved slightly better—had the system upped the difficulty?

Leo sweated, not from exhaustion but exhilaration.

One, two, three returns—technical strokes that had stumped him yesterday now flowed naturally. His body reacted faster, sharper.

Match point!

A crosscourt shot to the far right corner.

The avatar missed.

Game, set, match: Leo. 6-3.

Leo raised his arms, grinning—

[System Alert: Practice match victory confirmed. Congratulations!]

Then a brighter, cryptic message flashed:

[New Status Unlocked!]

"Host has awakened latent potential: Aura Mastery unlocked."

Rank Acquired: Aetheris Novus (初)

"Aura?!" Leo staggered back.

Warm energy flooded his veins—controlled fire, soft yet vibrant. Every muscle sharpened. His heartbeat thrummed like a war drum.

"This… is aura?"

The system chimed sternly:

System Rules:

"Power progression via sports is a side effect. Host is strictly prohibited from promoting this function. Invite others solely for love of the game, competition, and fun."

"Violations will incur penalties."

Leo stared silently… then laughed awkwardly.

"You're kidding—I can't even mention aura as a selling point?!"

The system pinged again:

"Penalties also apply to vocalized rule-breaking intent."

"HA! Fine, got it," Leo grumbled, stashing his racket. "No loopholes."

He left the court, locked up, and trudged to his room, energy still humming under his skin.

Tomorrow was another day… one crackling with potential.

He closed his eyes, smiling. Unaware that at dawn, both Rizen and Derek would return—hungry for more.

And perhaps… the true rise of sports in this world was just beginning.

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📜 On Aura Ranks in This World

In the vast and diverse world of Aetherion, mastery of aura is one of the most revered qualities among warriors and mages alike. While other forms of power exist—such as arcane mana, ancient runes, or spirit summoning—aura represents the purest manifestation of one's life force. Its refinement is a direct path to true excellence.

Aura ranks are divided into seven main tiers, each more challenging to attain than the last:

🟢 1. Aetheris Novus (Nascent Aura)

The first awakening of aura. At this stage, the user barely senses the energy flowing within their body. It slightly enhances perception, stamina, and bodily control. Most citizens never reach this tier without rigorous training.

🔥 2. Ignis Discipulus (Disciple of Inner Flame)

Aura begins to solidify and can be actively used to enhance movements, resist minor magical attacks, and sharpen reflexes. This is where true combat apprentices emerge.

🔷 3. Arcanum Conduit (Arcane Channel)

The user's aura becomes visible when consciously unleashed. It can be channeled into weapons, physical strikes, or even synchronized with spells, making the wielder a genuine threat in battle.

🌪️ 4. Tempest Ascendant (Storm Ascendant)

At this tier, aura reacts instinctively to danger, enabling bursts of high-speed movement, superhuman reflexes, and devastating attacks. Only elite captains or legendary adventurers reach this level.

☀️ 5. Luminarch Sovereign (Sovereign of Radiance)

The user's aura can envelop their entire body as luminous armor or manifest as energy weapons. Their mere presence can intimidate foes, disorient enemies, or inspire allies. Few attain this rank in a generation.

🌑 6. Umbra Eclipse (Eclipse of Shadow)

Aura at this tier takes abstract forms, influences the environment, and can briefly bend minor physical laws. These individuals are shrouded in mystery and respected even by the most powerful.

🌌 7. Aeternum Primordial (Primordial Eternal)

Aura reaches its purest state. This tier is more legend than reality. Those said to have achieved it could touch the veils of time and space, sway the will of matter, and even rewrite their own fate. Rumors claim ancient Sanctuary Guardians, Origin Mages, and celestial beings once held this rank—but no records confirm it.

In a world where power is measured by one's grasp of the intangible, someone like Leo—an outsider with no magic, formal training, or noble lineage—reaching even the first rung of this ladder… through tennis… would upend the world's understanding of power itself.