Essence Manuplation and Control (1)

I woke up slowly, my body aching all over. 

Every little move hurt. I groaned and forced my eyes open to face the day.

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, making stripes on my bed. I lay there for a moment, thinking about my nightmare. I couldn't remember much, just dark shapes and a feeling of danger. 

It still left me feeling uneasy.

With a sigh, I sat up, wincing as my muscles complained. Then I realized something: Professor Valerius hadn't called me to train today. I felt relieved but confused. Why did he let me rest?

Not that I was complaining.

 I needed this break. 

I smiled, remembering something I'd heard before, "Rest helps you grow." In a place where we're always pushing ourselves, sometimes it's smart to take a step back. But the fact that I haven't even started was another matter…