Rift Veins

[3:00 PM, Xenovia Academy, 31st Floor Dorms]

"Well, this is getting me nowhere; I've been stuck on Xer Control for an hour now."

Raphael had been reading flow for the past hour, trying to have a breakthrough in his Xer control, but with no luck. Xer in general was very unpredictable; how it flowed differed from person to person. So the core, where energy is gathered, was different for each person as well.

For example:

It gathered in the abdomen of some people, the hearts of others, and the lungs of others. However, how you controlled it also differed from where it flowed. If your Xer core was in your abdomen, you needed to strengthen the core and body with physical training. This is different from how you needed to focus on your breathing technique if your core was close to your lungs.

Raphael's core was in his brain, so he had no idea how to approach training his control further.

The only thing that came to mind was approaching a professor and asking them for tips.

He felt lightheaded, and fatigue washed over him, and he promptly fell asleep on the desk. It felt like five minutes had passed when he woke up again. Although it seemed weird that his position when he fell asleep was not the same, he was on the floor along with some sheets of paper. The paper sheets contained some wording in a foreign language that he only partially understood. He kept calm despite freaking out on the inside; after all, it wasn't the first time something like this had happened.

[Weeewn] A saber-like sound was heard, and his head was almost about to burst as a flood of new information started to flow inside. Suddenly, he understood the letters of this foreign language in front of him. It was instructions on how to gain access to his brain core. It was very suspicious, but his frustration at not being able to get a breakthrough, along with the adrenaline from the fear of what happened, made him act on impulse.

He started to follow the steps shown on the papers and started to flow his Xer like the instructions mentioned. His signature black and purple Xer started to flow around him, but this time it was more concentrated.

Instruction Manual of the Lone King

"When you find yourself lost in the workings of your mind, remember that what lies in the mind is endless. What you lack isn't focus and determination; it is the purpose and a clear goal. Grab the memory you find hardest to confront and try to vividly remember it."

At this point, Raphael was drifting deep into his darkest memories, but the one he chose wasn't just any ordinary one.

[March 10th, year 725]

The night sky was clear, and a gust of wind was blowing on the rusted window of Raphael's shack. It was the first time he disobeyed his parent's orders. His feet were shivering not only from the cold but also from the fear of the consequences that disobeying may bring. At that moment, all that remained in his mind was how beautiful the moon looked. Mixed with that solemn feeling came a flurry of emotions like rage and disgust. He lived at his so-called parents' feet like a rat. They made the poor boy do unimaginable things just to earn some copper. He was no better than a slave, even to the point of being sent for "favors" that had certain preferences. It's not like he lacked in the looks department.

He knew he'd get a beating if they found out he didn't do his job, so the only thing he could do was grab the rusted axe and hide in the closet. He had already made up his mind about it. One thing he was forgetting was that Rennie and Reggie were sleeping close to the door in their little, poorly made beds from blankets. He was too late; Martha and Sarn had arrived and started screaming at the top of their lungs.

"WHERE ARE YOU, RAT?" he yelled, kicking the door open and pushing the twins' sleeping blankets aside. Raphael looked at his brothers in horror as Reggie's head was bleeding. His eyes went dark, and a subtle pulsing sound started beating in his eardrums. As they wrecked the house to find the poor boy, Raphael was patiently waiting for them both to check the closet, holding back tears of rage.

[Clack]

The closet door started to creak as Sarn started to open it.

[Slash]

Going straight for the head as hard as he could, Raphael slammed the axe on top of Sarn's head. Blood started gushing out as he fell dramatically.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, YOU FILTH?" Martha dashed towards the closet door to take the axe from Raphael's grasp, but the same thing happened to her.

This was the first time Raphael recalled this horrid moment so vividly. These emotions were too much for him.

"Fret not; you'll find it easier to tap into the power you so deserve by feasting upon these dark emotions, child," the letter continued.

"Now let that hopeless lump of emotions flow from your head, where it's all clogged up, down to your fists. After that, wait for the energy to stabilize in your fists." A subtle, dark purple light started to flow down Raphael's veins and down to his fists. His arms felt like they were filled with strength.

"Your body will find new light as you slowly obtain more control." The letter burned as soon as he finished the last sentence. A small piece was left unburnt; it read "Xer Veins."

Standing there stunned from all the events that transpired, Raphael's fatigue caught up with him yet again, and he passed out on the spot.

11:00 PM Xenovia Academy 1st Floor Information Desk

"Why can't I apply for a club yet, ma'am?" Drey had gone to the information desk and was constantly pestering the secretary to get into a club. Clubs in the academy were formed after the first three months of attendance, or you could join after the two-week trial period. Despite this, Mr. Sunless was eager to start a club because it meant he could finally expand his circle of friends.

"Damn extroverts," a whisper came from the lobby entry. It was Zephisto. He just came in from Ferhatim Central after scouting the weapon shops there. Although he didn't show it, he was a big weapon fanatic. Especially swords, since he had a collection dating back 30 years.

"Oh, sour face, what's up?" Dray said after seeing Zephisto try to sneak past him into the elevator.

"None of your business gunpowder; keep your sunshine ass away from me," Zephisto said it was a comeback since Drey's hair color was similar to gunpowder.

"Come on, don't be like that spikey." -Dray shot back.

"Don't call me that gunpowder; I'll rip your spine in the next sparring match."

"You are as edgy as they come spikey," turning around, Drey waved and left to avoid any problems. Zephisto was glad it didn't go further since this time he was sure to get a warning from the academy.