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The next morning, Jiro was guided to the Dojo of Observation, a massive hall floating above a cascading waterfall that twisted and rotated in midair. The walls were etched with holographic constellations of continents, their energy threads pulsing with living motion.
Selene's voice echoed through the dojo. "We will not begin your training yet. First, you must understand the world you now inhabit. The Cosmic Rupture fractured continents, creating fluxions — unstable regions where Essentia and Etherion clash. Fluxion formerly Asia is one of the most volatile. Rivers reverse unexpectedly, mountains shift, and storms surge without warning."
Darius gestured to a floating stone ridge. "Observe the environment. Animals have changed, some growing larger, others mutating to adapt. People too — the essentia, etherion and vita-nova has affected their core potential. Some are born with abilities beyond imagination; others… struggle to survive. Your role is to stabilize disturbances, prevent escalation, and eventually learn to harness your powers fully."
Jiro walked along the dojo's polished floor, feeling the subtle pull of threads in the air. Floating lotus gardens moved gently around him, responding to his presence. "So the academy isn't just a school," he murmured. "It's… a monitoring system?"
Selene nodded. "Exactly. Every student here is both a pupil and a stabilizer. Every movement, every decision affects the fluxion. And beware — some sects work with the aliens who caused the rupture. They exploit the instability for their gain. The government has fractured — power now defines law. Sects, clans, corporations — all vying for power .
You will need to navigate them carefully."
Darius stepped closer, voice firm yet calm. "Before any physical training, you must understand the power system. Essentia is the core of life, Etherion is the core of energy, and Vita Nova is the core of evolution. Rare individuals can master all three, but most people specialize in one. Each power develops through stages. The first stage is Awakening, where the core begins to respond."
He paused, letting the words sink in. "Stage One has five levels. You currently have a Dormant Core — it exists, but barely perceptible. The next level is First Pulse, where energy begins to circulate and threads become slightly visible to the user. Most fail to progress because the core cannot stabilize. Meditation, focus, and observation are essential to awaken these threads safely."
Jiro closed his eyes, feeling the chaotic energy swirling through the floating courtyard. The rivers, mountains, and even the lotus gardens pulsed faintly under his senses. His dormant core twitched in recognition.
Darius's voice cut through the ambient hum. "Tomorrow, we begin First Pulse exercises — meditation to attune with your dormant core and sense the flow of Essentia around you. You will not fight, you will not strike. You will feel."
Jiro opened his eyes, determination coiling in his chest. The world had changed, and if he was to survive, he had to first understand it.
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