The morning sun shimmered softly over the camp's stone courtyard. The students had gathered to attend Alrik's lesson about Nexus. Darius, along with the others, moved to the edge of the large stone platform. It was broad and elevated so everyone could see clearly; lessons here were both theoretical and practical.
Alrik stood before the students and began to speak:
> Alrik: "Today, you will learn what the Nexus truly is. Nexus is a magic system that moves with a person's soul and will.
The user channels their own Nexus to generate power—there's no need to draw energy from the outside.
Magic only succeeds when the user's will, body, and soul are all in harmony."
Darius's eyes were wide with curiosity. He had never heard of such power before. One by one, the other students began using their Nexus to control their elements—moving stone targets or shaping energy itself.
> Lyven: "Look! Seris just hit the center target with a beam of light."
Darius: "Incredible… How are they doing that?"
Tavric: "It's all about harmony between body and soul. You'll learn it one day too."
Darius wanted to try for himself, but no matter how hard he focused, not even a spark came from within. As he watched the others wield their powers effortlessly, an empty feeling began to grow inside him.
> Darius (to himself): "Why… why can't I do it? Why don't I have it?"
After observing the class, Alrik walked over and spoke to him gently:
> Alrik: "Your observation was valuable, Darius. Nexus awakens differently for everyone—some quickly, some slowly."
As Darius listened to his teacher's words, he felt both disappointment and a small sense of relief. He couldn't use Nexus, but that didn't mean he couldn't sharpen his mind, agility, and strategic thinking.
The rest of the lesson continued as the others practiced their elemental control:
Mira with water, Lyra with light, Torin with earth, and Arion with fire. Darius watched every move carefully, taking notes and forming plans to develop his own methods.
By the end of the class, Alrik concluded:
> Alrik: "You all did well today. Darius, maybe you couldn't experience it directly, but everything you observed will move you forward.
If Nexus isn't your path, there are other ways to gain strength. Remember—power isn't measured by magic alone."
Darius took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to his friends. Combining the survival instincts he'd learned on the streets with the discipline he'd gained in camp, he knew he would find his own path. He had realized that Nexus wasn't within him—but that wouldn't stop him.
That evening, as the children chatted around the fire, Darius sat quietly, lost in thought:
> "I may not have magic… but I'm strong in other ways. Even without Nexus, I'll stay one step ahead."