Essence System

In her Essence Theory class, Lyra listened intently as the professor delved into the intricacies of Essence systems. He explained how abilities might appear one way on the surface but actually function in completely different ways beneath the veneer. The professor emphasized that Essence techniques were deeply rooted in an individual's personality, environment, and lineage, each factor playing a crucial role in shaping the manifestation of their powers.

As the lecture progressed, the professor made a notable exception for Sanguine Essence techniques. He described how these powerful abilities were passed down through generations, either by force or by royal bloodlines. Over time, the Sanguine had become a distinct "race" of people, their Essence techniques intertwined with their very identity.

Lyra found her mind wandering as the professor continued to speak, her gaze drifting towards the window. She stared out at the trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over her, as if the trees were trying to communicate with her.

"Wait a minute," Lyra thought to herself, her brow furrowing in concentration. "The trees... they're mourning. No, not mourning. They're telling me something. But what?"

She focused her telepathic abilities, reaching out to the trees with her mind. The message became clearer, a sense of urgency and foreboding emanating from the rustling leaves.

"Rain," Lyra whispered under her breath, her eyes widening with realization. "The trees are warning me about rain. A storm is coming."

As if on cue, the professor dismissed the class, signaling the end of the lecture. Lyra quickly gathered her belongings, her mind still reeling from the unexpected communication with the trees. She hurried out of the classroom, eager to share her discovery with her friends and prepare for the impending storm.

However, as she stepped outside, the skies had already darkened, and a heavy downpour had begun. The rain lashed against the academy buildings, the wind howling through the courtyards. Lyra pulled her cloak tighter around herself, shivering as the cold droplets soaked through her clothes.

She made her way to the Essence Training grounds, her boots splashing through the rapidly forming puddles. But when she arrived, she found the area deserted, a lone figure hurrying towards her through the rain.

It was one of the instructors, his face grim and apologetic. "Lyra!" he called out, his voice barely audible over the roar of the storm. "Training has been canceled for today. The storm is too severe. We can't risk anyone getting hurt."

Lyra nodded, a mix of disappointment and relief washing over her. She had been looking forward to honing her skills and pushing herself further, but she knew that the instructor was right. The storm was too dangerous to ignore.

As she turned to head back to the dormitories, Lyra couldn't shake the feeling that the trees' warning had been more than just a simple weather forecast. There was something ominous about the storm, a sense of foreboding that sent shivers down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

She hurried through the rain-soaked streets, her mind racing with questions and theories. What did the trees know that she didn't? Was there some deeper meaning behind their message, some hidden danger lurking in the shadows of Ashborne Academy?