Immortal descent

Chapter 14: The Trials Begin



As dawn broke, anticipation filled the air. The students of Dusk Academy gathered near the colossal arena, their excitement and nerves palpable. The arena stood as a testament to the academy's grandeur, its dark stone walls towering above the crowd, adorned with carvings of past champions.

Aeron stood among them, his gaze detached as he absorbed the energy around him. His cloak, which had served him well until now, emitted a faint odor—something he couldn't ignore. He decided it was time for a change. Heading back to his room, he opened the wardrobe. As expected, it was filled with clothes, but these were no ordinary garments. They adjusted to the wearer's size—a common luxury for the wealthier races but a marvel for the poor.

Aeron selected a simple, dark outfit with a hood—practical and unobtrusive. As he prepared to leave, a gentle knock echoed through the room. Opening the door, he found a young elven girl, her beauty striking but typical for her race. Her features were delicate, her smile sweet, but Aeron couldn't tell if her attractiveness was genuine or just an elven trait. He pushed the thought aside.

"This is your breakfast," she said, holding a tray with food. Aeron nodded, accepting it. However, she lingered, her smile unwavering. She then handed him a manual. "This is the cultivation manual—a brief guide on cultivation levels, power, and basic knowledge of the world. If you need more detailed information, you can visit the library, though…" she paused, her smile turning slightly condescending, "can you afford that?"

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and left. Aeron watched her retreating figure before closing the door.

As she walked away, her composed demeanor faltered. Despite her experience dealing with humans, something about Aeron unsettled her. Usually, humans displayed a mix of awe and awkwardness, often tinged with envy. But Aeron was different. His lack of reaction—his indifference—was unnerving. She accepts this mission because of the feeling she gets when these humans see her.

"He didn't even acknowledge me," she thought, frustration mingling with fear. It was as if delivering food by an elf was an everyday occurrence for him. But what truly terrified her was the feeling that, if a confrontation arose, she wouldn't survive. She had encountered powerful beings before, but the aura around Aeron was dangerous—an instinctive warning her elven senses couldn't ignore.

Aeron placed the tray and manual on the table, pondering. "Do elves have a different anatomy?" he mused aloud.

"They do," the book's voice replied, ever calm. "But the differences are subtle compared to humans."

"Good to know," Aeron nodded, eyeing the food. Though he wasn't particularly hungry due to his daily revitalization, he preferred this meal to the dry bread and meat he usually endured. He devoured it quickly before turning his attention to the manual.

Skimming through, he noted the progression system:

Mortal Realm (Levels 1-9):

1. Novice: Basic understanding of magic and abilities. Limited mana pool.

2. Apprentice: Developing magical prowess. Mana pool increases by 10%.

3. Acolyte: Mastery of fundamental magic. Mana pool increases by 20%.

4. Disciple: Understanding of complex magical principles. Mana pool increases by 30%.

5. Initiate: Moderate magic wielding. Mana pool increases by 40%.

6. Adept: Mastery of intermediate magic. Mana pool increases by 50%.

7. Scholar: In-depth magical theories. Mana pool increases by 60%.

8. Virtuoso: Advanced magic manipulation. Mana pool increases by 70%.

9. Paragon: Mastery of mortal magic. Mana pool increases by 80%.

Mana Awakening: Unlock new mana channels at key levels (3, 6, 9), increasing overall mana.

Ability Unlocks: Progression brings new abilities, spells, and enhancements.

Curses and Afflictions: Potential setbacks that affect progress or abilities.

"So, where do power levels fall, and where am I?" Aeron inquired.

"Each stage has three minor phases: early, middle, and late. You currently stand at the early stage of the Initiate level," the book responded. "You've surpassed the average, but true power lies beyond."

Weak: Early stages (Novice to Disciple).

Medium: Middle stages (Initiate to Scholar).

Powerful: Late stages (Virtuoso to Paragon).

With this knowledge, Aeron felt better prepared for the trials ahead. He placed the manul aside.

"But since I've started cultivation, I don't have a core," Aeron muttered, frowning. "I've been guiding the Death Law within my body, but there's no core. Is that normal?"

The book responded in its usual calm tone. "You are different, Aeron. Most cultivators develop a core early on, but you... You don't have one—yet. Your path is unique. When you begin cultivating immortality, a core will form naturally, but it won't be like others'. It will resonate with your other laws."

Aeron absorbed the information, his mind teeming with questions. After a brief pause, he asked, "What does that mean for my cultivation journey? Will it be harder or easier?"

"Neither," the book replied. "It will be different. Your path may be filled with obstacles others don't face, but the rewards could be greater. The lack of a core now is not a weakness, but a precursor to something far more powerful."

Satisfied for the moment, Aeron set the manual down, gathering his thoughts. He exited his room, stepping into the corridor just as others were emerging from their quarters. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, a buzz of excitement and nervous energy filling the air.

Aeron made his way toward the arena, where the crowd had already begun to gather. The structure loomed large, its dark stone walls echoing with the murmurs and cheers of the spectators. The arena was a circular coliseum, its stands packed with beings of various races. The sight was a tapestry of colors and shapes, from the pale elegance of elves to the rugged forms of orcs and the ethereal glow of fae.

The air was thick with the scent of anticipation, sweat, and the faint metallic tang of magic. The ground trembled slightly under the weight of the spectators' excitement, the hum of conversations blending into a collective roar.

A shrill bell rang out, silencing the crowd. Its sound was a call to order, a signal that the event was about to begin. The last of the students hurried to their places as the spectators settled into their seats, their eyes fixed on the arena floor.

A booming voice echoed across the grounds, drawing all attention to a grandstand where a figure clad in resplendent armor stood. His presence commanded respect, his posture exuding authority.

"Welcome to the glorious Dusk Academy!" the figure announced, his voice carrying effortlessly over the crowd. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your journey. You have been chosen to participate in the trials—tests that will push your limits, challenge your resolve, and reveal your true potential."

The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound reverberating through the arena. The figure raised a hand for silence, continuing, "These trials are not for the faint of heart. They will test not only your strength but your wit, your courage, and your determination. Remember, this is not just a test of power but of character. Only those with the fortitude to endure will emerge victorious."

Aeron listened intently, his eyes narrowing as he took in the words. The trials were a proving ground, a crucible that would either forge him into something greater or break him entirely. The energy in the arena was electric, the air thick with anticipation and the unspoken promise of glory—or defeat.

As the figure concluded his speech, the crowd erupted once more, their cheers a deafening roar. The trials were about to begin, and Aeron felt the weight of the moment settle upon him. This was his time to prove himself, to carve his path in a world that had always seemed intent on holding him back even though this world is new to him.


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