Word spread through the Storm household like wildfire: Sky Storm, the "dud," had finally awakened her powers. The revelation sent shockwaves through the family, unsettling everyone, not least of all the older siblings. My mother, Elaine, clung to hope that my newfound powers would grant us some respite from the ridicule we had endured. And though everyone assumed my powers were purely physical, only I knew the truth. My powers ran far deeper than even I understood.
The Storm family's rules dictated that I begin training immediately, which meant enrolling in a formal academy. While Song Mei's daughters, Vanessa and Mai, had only received basic instruction at the local school due to their average cultivation levels, Leo, Bradley, and Susan—the heirs of the first wife, Lady Armstrong—were studying at the capital's prestigious Nine Academy. It was the most revered institution for those with powerful abilities, with entrance secured only for those who showed extraordinary promise. The three siblings had proven worthy through their dual attributes and high cultivation potential, each carefully groomed for greatness.
Leo, the eldest son at 25, was particularly formidable. He had inherited our father's rare dual attributes of wind and lightning, powers that traditionally signified the Storm family's heir and next in line as head of the house. Then there was Bradley, 20, whose strength rivaled that of the legendary Armstrongs. Susan, the youngest of Lady Armstrong's children at 19, had unmatched speed, a talent that had also earned her a place at the academy. They had already begun to build names for themselves in the capital, while I was still regarded as the insignificant youngest.
The news of my awakening had prompted Father's reluctant approval for me to join the entrance exams at Nine Academy with Vanessa and Mai. I'd have to face the scrutiny of not only my siblings but an entire institution designed to break the weak and elevate the strong.
But that wasn't my only focus. Over the past weeks, I had returned again and again to the pocket dimension hidden within Heaven's Lake, exploring its secrets and learning the depths of my power. Though my mother believed I had only physical abilities, this lake had awakened something more profound—a fusion of physical and spiritual strength, a duality that I sensed would set me apart from even the most powerful cultivators. I knew I had to master it, not just for myself but for my mother, and perhaps even for my family.
Each time I entered the lake's dimension, Iris, my shy spirit guardian, would greet me, her cherubic face lighting up as I made my way through the ancient halls. She seemed both relieved and delighted by my regular presence, as though she'd waited for centuries for someone to unlock this hidden world.
One evening, as I delved into one of the many abandoned rooms, I found myself face-to-face with rows of jeweled artifacts, each gleaming with an energy I couldn't quite comprehend. Some were weapons, others intricate tools or mysterious objects of unknown origin. Iris appeared beside me, eyes wide with pride.
"These are the legacies of past masters, each one left for the right wielder," she explained. "Many were forged by warriors, doctors, scholars, and tamers of spirit beasts. Each item holds a history, and each is bound to one who understands its purpose."
I reached out to touch a delicate dagger inlaid with blue crystals, but Iris quickly shook her head. "They are not for you… yet. You must train first, learn more about yourself."
With each visit to the dimension, I began to understand my powers a bit more. This world within the lake was dense with energy breath, a kind of pure, distilled essence that, when inhaled, seemed to elevate my power level at an accelerated rate. Practicing here was unlike anything I could experience back home.
My telekinetic abilities grew sharper and more precise as I trained under Iris's gentle yet firm guidance. At first, my skills were clumsy—objects would hover shakily, some even crash to the ground in a shattering mess. But as I honed my focus, I began to lift things more easily, to maneuver them in delicate arcs. I practiced control over every motion, building my confidence bit by bit.
Then there was the task of refining my physical strength. I could feel the power in my muscles—enhanced agility, faster reflexes, the resilience that would set me apart from others my age. While others trained for years to strengthen their bodies, I was discovering a hidden advantage in every bone and sinew. Perhaps this was the legacy of the soul I had absorbed.
But training came with another weight, another worry: preparing to leave for Nine Academy. The Storm household bustled with preparations, none of which were extended to me or my mother. My sisters Vanessa and Mai, eager for the entrance exams, were quick to flaunt their excitement, their superior attitudes seeping into every glance and word they threw my way. Vanessa, with her ice attribute, and Mai, with her affinity for water, held their heads high as they discussed their plans with each other, purposely loud enough for me to hear.
One afternoon, I passed by the main hall where they sat with Song Mei, who was busy fitting her daughters in new robes. She glared at me as I entered, a look of pure resentment in her eyes. "Well, look who's here—the little sparrow pretending to be an eagle," she sneered.
Mai giggled, her pretty, dainty features twisted with mockery. "Don't think your sudden awakening means you belong with us, Sky. You may have powers now, but you're still a maid in spirit."
I ignored them, channeling the strength I'd begun to build in my training to avoid reacting. Vanessa smiled coolly, inspecting her perfectly manicured nails. "The academy will sort you out, one way or another. I wonder how long you'll last."
Their words stung, but I let them slide off my back, remembering Iris's guidance and the power I'd felt surging through me. I was no longer the helpless child they thought I was. I'd already seen more than they could understand.
As the day of departure for the capital approached, my mother tried to ease my fears. She was proud, but I could tell she was nervous for me, afraid of what might happen if I revealed too much. She'd packed a small bundle for me, a few humble belongings, and a warm cloak, remnants of her love in each item.
"Be careful, Sky," she whispered as she handed me the bundle. "The capital is a different world. The competition there is fierce, and the people… they're not like those here in our town. They'll see your strengths and weaknesses and they'll try to use both against you."
I nodded, taking her words to heart. My heart thudded with the mingling of excitement and trepidation. For the first time, I'd be leaving the town, stepping out from beneath my family's shadow, into a world that would either accept or crush me.
As the family's carriages readied for departure, I caught sight of my father standing by the largest one, flanked by Leo and Bradley. Leo was the embodiment of our family's pride, a perfect blend of strength and control, the heir of our father's dual attributes. Bradley, with his muscular build, seemed to radiate confidence, nodding to his father with approval.
They barely acknowledged my presence as I climbed into a small, plain carriage alongside Vanessa and Mai. The two sisters exchanged a glance before turning away from me, as if the journey itself were already beneath them. I settled into my seat, steadying my nerves. The road to the capital was long, but I was determined. This was my chance to prove myself, to break free from the shadows cast by my siblings' accomplishments and my father's expectations.
The wheels began to turn, and as our caravan moved toward the city, I let my mind wander to the powers waiting to be unlocked, to the treasures I'd seen in the dimension, each calling to me with promises of strength, of a future I was only beginning to understand.
As we rode, I resolved to hold onto that future, to trust in the strength I'd awakened.