Chapter 5: Shadows of the Academy
The Awakened Academy was a place of contrasts. On the one hand, it represented hope: a place where the Awakened ones learned to harness their powers to protect humanity. On the other hand, it was a constant reminder of the lost war against the Towers, the fragility of humanity, and the sacrifices needed to survive.
Kaden spent his first days at the Academy in a state of confusion and wonder. Classes were intense, workouts were exhausting, and expectations were high. But what troubled him the most was the way other students looked at him. Some were curious, some jealous, and some downright hostile.
"Three gifts," they whispered behind his back. "How is that possible?"
Kaden was trying not to pay attention, but it was difficult. He felt like a stranger, an intruder into a world not meant for him.
One morning, after a particularly grueling workout, Kaela took her to a part of the Academy that he had never seen before.
"You've made progress," she said as she walked beside her. "But you have to understand that your powers aren't just tools. They're part of you. And they have a price."
Kaden nodded, trying to digest his words. "What kind of price?"
Kaela stopped in front of a large metal door, engraved with strange symbols." That's what we're going to discover."
She pushed the door open, revealing a dark and damp room. Shelves filled with bottles and dusty books lined up against the walls, and a stone table occupied the center of the room.
"This is where we study giving," Kaela explained. "And where we learn to understand the consequences."
Kaden felt a shiver running through his back. He didn't know what to expect, but he knew he couldn't back down.
Kaela took a bottle from a shelf, holding it in the light." This is a mana elixir. It can strengthen your powers, but it also has side effects."
She handed the bottle to Kaden, who took it hesitantly." I have to drink it?"
Kaela nodded." If you want to understand your gifts, you must be willing to accept the risks."
Kaden took a deep breath, then swallowed the elixir in one stroke. An intense heat invaded his body, and his eyes lit up with a golden, green and purple glow.
"Concentrate," said Kaela. "Try to feel the energy in you."
Kaden closed his eyes, trying to concentrate. He felt the three forces as he woke up, each demanding his attention.
"Zeus," he whispered, raising his hand. A lightning bolt burst from his fingers, hitting a stone target at the back of the room.
"Osiris," he went on, feeling a soothing energy flowing through his body. A wound he didn't even know he had healed instantly.
"Hel," he said at last, and a shadow appeared from his body, a ghostly figure that floated in the air before disappearing.
Kaela smiles." Good. But now you have to learn to control them together."
Kaden nodded, trying to bring the three energies together into one. It was difficult, like trying to tame three different storms.
But as he approached success, a sharp pain pierced his skull. He fell to his knees, screaming in pain.
"Kaden!" cried Kaela, rushing to his side.
Visions beset him: towers collapsing, monsters roaring, and gods laughing.
"The Towers..." he whispered before losing consciousness.
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