City of Rogalia. Acarnis.
Aron, now completely possessed by Aksai’s clone, returned to Rogalia School after ending his mini vacation.
As he approached the school grounds, he noticed the heightened security measures. Combat-ready drones patrolled the skies, armed security personnel stood vigilant at every entrance, and a few flying vehicles were parked strategically around the premises.
The school administration had clearly fortified its defenses after the recent abduction attempt on its talented students.
Despite the criticism from the masses and the protests outside the school gates, Aron knew that any further attempts by New Dawn to abduct students would be close to impossible. The countermeasures taken by the school authorities and the Acarnis world government were formidable.
‘I feel a strong presence all around me. Some of these deployed security guys are at least as powerful as mid-stage Foundation Building Experts. I guess it’s safe to say that there’s also someone close to late-stage Foundation Building level. This world… I still managed to underestimate this world despite my efforts to not to.’
Aron sighed as he thought to himself. He had to say that dealing with the people of Acarnis was even more difficult than the aboriginals of Martial World Sharang. In Sharang, Aksai’s original self basically acted like a young master and lived a sort of luxurious life. From the best resources to the company of his maids, Aksai had everything.
However, in Acarnis, he was forced to go to school while possessing a young boy. The contrast between the two worlds could be imagined with these minute aspects alone.
As Aron walked through the school grounds, he observed the students chatting animatedly. The topic of the recent abduction dominated their conversations, but instead of fear, there was a sense of excitement. The event had transformed into an adventure in their stories.
“Did you hear? Theo stood up to one of the abductors!” one student exclaimed.
“Yeah, I heard he was incredible! I still can’t believe he managed to take down so many of them,” another replied.
“Maybe it was his dragon Aether Wisp,” a younger student suggested. “I heard it has mythic powers.”
‘I guess I turned that boy into an idol. I just hope he doesn’t let this limelight get to him.’
Aron listened and observed silently, taking in the various accounts and theories. He noticed how Theo had become a hero in the eyes of many. The kids’ admiration and curiosity about Theo’s actions were palpable.
Aron made his way through the bustling corridors, passing groups of students who excitedly recounted their own experiences during the abduction attempt. Some described hiding in fear, while others boasted about their bravery.
“I was in the library when it happened,” one student said, “and I saw the drones taking down some of the abductors. It was intense!”
“I was in the cafeteria,” another chimed in. “We all huddled under the tables, but then we heard someone shouting. It was like something out of a movie!”
Aron’s expression remained neutral as he walked to his class, his mind processing all the information. The school was buzzing with energy, the students’ tales weaving the tales of bravery, fear, and heroism.
Finally, Aron entered his classroom and took his seat. The chatter continued around him, but he stayed silent, blending in with the rest of the students. Inside, however, Aksai’s clone was meticulously planning his next steps.
Aron soon realized something as he tried to stick to the original Aron’s curriculum. It was that the classes he attended were too advanced for him. Even though he had processed Aron’s memories, there were a lot of missing links.
As such, Aron decided to polish his basics regarding the Aether energy first. He got up and left his own classes and entered another high-tech classroom, blending in with the other students who had recently awakened their Aether Wisps.
The room was sleek and modern, with walls lined with interactive holographic displays and desks equipped with integrated AetherTech tablets. The students, mostly younger than Aron, buzzed with excitement, their eyes wide with curiosity and anticipation.
The lecturer, a woman in her early 30s, stood at the front of the room. She had a poised and confident demeanor, with sharp features, striking black eyes, and dark hair pulled back into a neat bun.
The woman was as strong as an early-stage Foundation Building Expert. She wore a tailored suit with subtle AetherTech enhancements woven into the fabric, giving her a slightly ethereal glow. Her presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent as she began to speak.
“Welcome, everyone, to the introductory lecture on Aether energy and the path of mind cultivation,” she began, her voice clear and engaging. “My name is Professor Elara, and today we’ll cover the basics of Aether cultivation and the journey you’re about to embark on.”
Aron sat near the back, recording everything on his neural link fabric. He already knew some of the basics, but he decided to refresh his knowledge and perhaps glean new insights.
“Acarnis is a realm where the path to power lies in the cultivation of the mind and the mysterious essence known as Aether,” Professor Elara continued, her image projected onto a spectral screen behind her.
“We seamlessly blend modern technology with Aether practices, creating a unique environment where cutting-edge devices harness Aether to enhance daily life.”
She gestured to the holographic displays, which now showed images of Acarnis’s sprawling metro cities, towering skyscrapers, and advanced transportation systems.
“Some of you may already know. But I’m going to say these things anyway. Our cities are powered by AetherTech, featuring sky trains, flying vehicles, and towering skyscrapers. One’s social status is deeply influenced by one’s ability to cultivate Aether and the intricate process of developing Aether Wisps.”
The students leaned forward, captivated by the images and Professor Elara’s words. Aron listened intently, noting how the lecturer’s explanation resonated with his own experiences.
“The journey of mind cultivation in Acarnis begins with a sacred and profound ritual that awakens Aether Wisps from one’s soul. I’m sure you have gone through the Aether awakening ritual. So in this lecture, we’ll just touch up on the basics and highlight the ritual’s importance,” she explained.
“These wisps are manifestations of the practitioner’s inner self, shaped by their soul, memories, and experiences. They can take various forms, such as ethereal beasts, mystical weapons, or enchanted artifacts, each unique to the individual.”