THE CHOSEN ONE

As General Cao and the others processed the awe-inspiring nature of Sofia's aura, Vice Chancellor Reeves dropped a revelation that left them further shaken. "Her aura… it feels eerily similar to the Great Alaric," he murmured, his voice wavering slightly, "the founder of our Academy."

An audible gasp rippled through the group. Carmilia's hand went to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock, while Bowen's disbelief deepened. "You mean... that same power? I thought Alaric's essence, his very gifts, had faded with his passing."

Vice Chancellor Reeves gave a grave nod, his gaze still locked on Sofia as she prepared to face the Ice Jade Princess. "There was something the chancellor told me regarding what the Great Alaric said before he passed… a prophecy. He said that one day, a chosen one would arise to take his helm and journey beyond where he left off. That successor would bear an aura unlike any other, one powerful enough to cleanse and reshape even the darkest forces."