My surroundings are Vice Chairman Grey's vast quarters filled with ancient scrolls and magical books that shimmer softly in the subdued lighting. Claude maintains the same unreadable calm as he stands a few feet to my left with his hands in his pockets and eyes looking straight ahead.
Grey positions himself against his large desk with folded arms while his gaze measures both of us like a balance scale.
"You two are... different," he says slowly. "That much we've all seen."
"Valendestine and Clement, you both possess three or more Aetherkind classes, and you possess far more potential than anyone else in your grade level."
His tone sharpens. "The Council has extended a provisional offer for these reasons. The Council allows you the choice to opt-out of this mission."
Claude's eyes flicker, and my stomach tightens.
Grey continues, voice level but heavy. "We've calculated the risk. Your combined abilities carry the power to shift the future course of human destiny. Remaining inside the walls to train until you achieve readiness carries no shame. This is a tactical choice, not cowardice."
He looks directly at me first. "Julius?"
I don't hesitate.
"No," I say firmly. I respect your position but I refuse to stand back while others fight for our safety. I'll go."
Grey holds my gaze for an extended time while his eyes begin to show traces of approval.
Then he turns to Claude.
There's a pause—just a breath too long.
Claude's jaw tightens, and for a moment I see it: I observe a brief flash of strategic calculation in his eyes that shows him torn between acceptance and refusal.
His voice sounds calm on the surface yet carries an underlying subtle tension.
"I'll go too," Claude says. "My abilities allow me to make a meaningful contribution so being left behind doesn't make sense to me."
Grey studies him with a piercing look that seems suspicious for a brief moment before he gives a single nod.
"Very well," he says. "You've both made your choice. Report to your squads at dawn. And... be ready."
We're dismissed into the quiet night. The way back to the dorms remains quiet except for the sound of our boots crunching gravel.
Claude finally speaks, eyes forward. "You didn't even think twice."
I shake my head. "Didn't need to."
"Although I have not been outside of Altinium grounds, I know that being outside means more opportunities, despite dangerous, and if I want to gain more strength so that I can protect others that I care about, then I need to be out there."
He waits for a moment before responding with a softer voice. "You're brave, Julius. Or maybe just reckless."
I glance at him. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Neither of us says anything else after that.
But something unspoken lingers between us all the way back.
When I reach my room the corridors are almost deserted with only the sound of the Aether-grid and intermittent flashes of magical lights above. I shut the door and push myself back against it for a moment as I look into the stillness.
The full impact of my time here on campus strikes me in a single moment. The Awakening Ceremony. The stats. The classes. Grey's offer tonight.
I drop onto my bed and rest my elbows on my knees while I rub my face with both hands. I remain seated motionless as the silence envelops my space like a dense blanket.
Without any pause I realize inside my head while my eyes dart at the desk-bound Aetherplate shining with its constant pulse.
Was it bravery? Stubbornness? Or just stupidity? I'm not sure. A voice deep inside assures me that I made the correct decision.
No one always makes the best decision, you just need to make the right decision when it's important.
My fingers reach for the sketchbook inside the drawer and I open it with minimal attention. Half of each page contains lines and shapes that represent the rough initial drafts of concepts which I have yet to fully envision. I let my hand float above the paper while my fingers experience their familiar faint tingling sensation.
I need to be prepared, I tell myself quietly rather than anyone else. "No matter what's coming."
My thoughts repeatedly return to Grey's words and what happens after. The sensation of constriction within my chest remains persistent.
I straighten up from the bed and pick up my Aetherplate to flip through its menus without searching for anything specific.
[Skill: Picasso's Legacy – Living Canvas]
Type: Summoning (Special Class-linked)
Tier: Unranked (Growing)
Description: Allows the user to summon objects or beings they have painted or sketched. Complexity, size, and duration of summoned subjects depend on the user's mana, focus, and artistic clarity.
Cooldown: Variable
Drawback: High mental load. Risk of distortion increases if emotional state is unstable during summoning.
[Skill: Titan's Frame – Vanguard Surge]
Type: Vanguard (Physical Enhancement)
Tier: G-Rank (Novice)
Description: Temporarily amplifies the user's physical capabilities, enhancing strength, speed, defense, and endurance through direct Aether infusion into muscle fibers and bone structure. Best used in short bursts for close-quarters combat or evasive maneuvers.
Activation Time: Immediate (Status Duration depends on mana usage)
Cooldown: Variable
Drawback: Causes significant strain on the body if overused or extended beyond limit, resulting in muscle fatigue and minor internal damage if mismanaged. Control and stamina improve with experience.
I stare at it, frowning.
This is simply just nowhere close to being strong enough. To survive the upcoming challenges, I will have to need more abilities beyond summoning weak creatures and being physically semi strong.
I tap out a quick message.
[Julius]: You awake?
It takes less than a minute.
[Zach]: Never sleep early. You good?
[Julius]: Can you show me the practical application of Forger abilities? I need more than summoning abilities to progress with my Forger powers.
There's a pause. Then:
[Zach]: Come to the east training room. 10 min.
I put on a jacket over my sleep shirt before leaving while my heart speeds up with a new surge of anticipation and excitement.