Chapter 004: The True Power of Authority

"Lux..."

Aizen's gaze trembled as he stared at the glowing blade in his hand.

In this world, the weapons commonly used were no longer cold steel or traditional firearms.

The meteor shower known as Invertia had brought the mysterious mana to Earth. Beyond giving rise to the Genestella, mana also crystallized naturally, forming a rare mineral called Manadyte.

With Manadyte as the core, numerous scientific breakthroughs had been achieved. One of the most significant advancements was the creation of Weapons with Manadyte as core.

These weapons utilized the mana within Manadyte as a power source, achieving renewable and zero-consumption functionality. By activating a device embedded with Manadyte, the mineral could materialize pre-programmed elemental forms such as blades, arrows, or bullets, bundling mana into solid energy constructs.

These weapons became known as Luxes.

Luxes had adjustable output and power settings and, when deactivated, reduced to a compact handle for easy portability. With their unparalleled convenience, Luxes became the dominant personal weapon, even reaching civilian use. They were now everywhere, from self-defense tools to children's toys.

Naturally, in Asterisk—a city built for dueling—and its six academies designed to train Festa participants, Luxes were an essential provision.

Students attending the six academies of Asterisk were entitled to receive a Lux from their academy's equipment bureau during their enrollment. They could also request specific adjustments or modifications to suit their needs.

The weapon in Aizen's hand was one such Lux.

And then—

"—"

Clutching the Lux's hilt, Aizen felt something inexplicable.

Before this, he had never handled a weapon. The sharpest tools he had used were kitchen knives and fruit peelers—aside from scissors and nail clippers.

In such circumstances, he should have felt awkward holding a weapon and clueless about using it.

Yet, the moment his hand gripped the Lux, Aizen experienced not unfamiliarity but an almost godlike sense of capability.

It was as if a voice whispered to him:

"What you hold is an extension of your hands and feet."

"What you hold is a part of your senses."

"You have mastered it perfectly. You instinctively understand how to wield it."

"It is your servant."

"Buzz!"

Suddenly, Aizen swung the sword.

With his eyes closed, he seemed to enter a trance-like state, moving naturally as he began to wield the weapon.

The Lux in his hand felt as if it were truly a part of his body, guiding his movements seamlessly.

Despite his lack of experience with weapons, and the fact that this youthful body was merely stronger and healthier than before, Aizen wielded the blade as though he had spent decades honing his skills. He moved like a seasoned swordsman, handling the glowing blade with astonishing precision.

"Buzz!" "Buzz!" "Buzz!"

As the vibrating hum of the energy blade filled the air, Aizen's swings grew faster, more fluid. Eventually, the sword created a dazzling array of intersecting light, forming an impenetrable wall of sword strikes.

"Screech!" "Screech!" "Screech!"

The ground around him bore deep sword marks, and the flowers and grass in the nearby garden swayed violently in the gusts generated by his movements.

"Boom!"

Finally, Aizen opened his eyes and delivered a powerful slash, unleashing a wave of energy that tore through the lawn before him, destroying the grass and soil.

Dust and debris flew into the air, scattering everywhere. The once-pristine lawn looked as though it had been shredded by countless razor-sharp blades.

"Did… I do this?"

Aizen froze, staring at his sword-wielding stance and the chaotic aftermath of his strikes. His wide-eyed expression was one of sheer disbelief.

"What was that noise?"

"It sounded huge..."

"Was someone dueling?"

"Let's check it out!"

The commotion had drawn the attention of nearby students, who began approaching rapidly.

Seeing their silhouettes closing in, Aizen wasted no time. He deactivated the Lux, retracting the blade into the hilt, and stuffed the handle back into his belt holster. Without looking back, he bolted, fleeing the scene.

Fortunately, he was fast enough. By the time the students arrived, the area was deserted.

All they found was the ruined lawn, prompting a flurry of chatter and speculation.

On the other side of campus, Aizen stopped in a secluded corner, panting as he caught his breath.

"Wait... why did I run?"

Realization struck, and Aizen slapped his forehead.

He had almost forgotten—this was Asterisk, the city of duels. Fights between students were commonplace, both within the academies and throughout the urban zones.

Causing minor property damage here wasn't a big deal, nor would it typically result in any penalties or compensation requirements.

Of course, this leniency depended on having a legitimate reason.

"Practicing swordsmanship in an open area should count as legitimate, right?"

Shaking his head wryly, Aizen quickly brushed the thought aside.

Recalling the sensation from earlier, he drew the Lux from its holster again and reactivated it.

"It wasn't a fluke. It wasn't an illusion. It's real."

Gripping the activated Lux, Aizen confirmed once more that he could wield the weapon with absolute mastery.

He didn't need practice or effort. Simply by holding the weapon, he could naturally execute perfect techniques and unleash extraordinary swordsmanship, as if by instinct.

"So this is the power of Authority?"

Aizen's excitement grew.

"No, it's more than that."

He could feel it—his Authority went beyond merely perfecting his weapon's use.

"I can... make this weapon recognize me as its master?"

Following an instinctive understanding, Aizen realized his Authority's true potential.

The seamless control of any weapon was only the Authority's most basic function.

If Aizen wished, he could imprint his mark on a weapon, binding it to him as its sole master.

Such a weapon would then become his exclusive armament, growing stronger as he did. It could even repair itself if damaged, by being stored within his body and nurtured over time.

If the weapon were lost, Aizen could summon it back with a single thought, making it impossible for anyone else to steal or use it.

"This is the true power of Authority!"

Having grasped this truth, Aizen's thoughts began racing.

He didn't imprint the Lux in his hand.

It was an ordinary Lux. Even with modifications it was mediocre at best.

Now that he understood his Authority's full potential, Aizen wouldn't waste it on such an ordinary weapon.

To grow stronger, he needed a weapon that was truly exceptional—unique, powerful, and worthy of his ambitions.

With that thought in mind, Aizen turned to glance at the academy building he had left earlier.

"It's time to make my move..."

Clutching the deactivated Lux, Aizen began walking back toward the school.