The Dean's Choice (2)

Pain surged through my body like a relentless tide, its claws sinking deep into my flesh, gripping my very soul.

I couldn't contain the agony; it tore through me, leaving me no choice but to unleash a guttural scream that reverberated off the chamber walls.

"ARGHHHHH!!!" A loud painful scream escaped my lips, primal and raw, echoing the torment I felt.

My small, trembling hands clung desperately to the mirror before me, its surface pulsating with a mysterious energy that seemed to seep into my veins.

The pain was excruciating, a visceral reminder of my humanity despite the extraordinary powers I now held.

I gasped for air between screams, my young frame convulsing with the intensity of it all.

In that moment, the mirror became both my tormentor and savior, channeling its potent energy into me.

As the waves of agony crashed over me, something primal deep within stirred, responding to the mirror's ancient power. It was as though the pain had cracked something open, unleashing a force I had never known existed.

But then, a subtle shift occurred. The force, once raw and tormenting, began to transform. It spread throughout my body, like a soothing balm, bringing comfort and relief in exchange for the pain that now receded like a retreating storm.

"Congratulations, you have stepped into the Mortal Body Realm 1st Layer," The Dean's voice resonated through the hall, his eyes shimmering with excitement.

In that moment, as the pain subsided and the newfound power settled within me, I realized I had crossed a threshold, emerging on the other side stronger, changed, and ready to walk down my path to the peak.

I clenched my fists, savoring the sensation of the power I now possessed. It felt as if I could rend the void apart.

Yet, deep within, I understood it was the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins, not a reflection of my true capabilities.

The feeling, however, was undeniably addictive.

'Have I become a masochist?,' I wondered, recalling the searing pain I had endured just moments ago.

'Hmph, power in exchange for pain is not a bad trade-off.'

"Focus, Young Prince, we are not done unearthing your full potential and power,"

The Dean's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he floated a meter above the stage, his crimson hair ablaze like a wildfire.

Just like with Tenzi, The Dean erected a barriar without a wave of his hand.

"This Prince will not disappoint you,"

With renewed resolve, I pressed my palm against the mirror's surface once more. In an instant, I was pulled into a realm of boundless darkness. Leaving The audience shocked.

The Dean was surprised but quickly calmed down. The crowd was noticeably alarmed.

"Antaeus is a pocket of space, so please calm down."

There was nothing but the void around me, as if I were suspended in the vast expanse of space.

Then, the void pulsed with energy, and with a ripple, six lights of different hues emerged from the darkness.

Three Golden lights and Three Dark Lights, joined them.

They spread out around me in a large circle, casting a mesmerizing glow that illuminated the void with an otherworldly brilliance.

"Alkebulan has chosen its champion; you are destined to rend the heavens asunder with cosmos at your command," a voice rippled and spread across the void, startling me. I looked around, only to be met with empty space.

"Who?" I demanded, my voice echoing into the vast nothingness.

"No need to be alarmed. I am the Spirit of The Aetheric Elementum. I have brought you into a pocket of space so you have a better chance at sensing your chosen element,"

The voice responded, its tone calming yet mysterious.

"But it seems as though all the elements have chosen you,"

The spirit continued, its words carrying a weight of profound significance

My eyes widened in shock, realization dawning upon me. "Is that why the Gods cursed me?"

"Because I was chosen by Alkebulan?," Frustration marred my voice as I grappled with the revelation, my thoughts swirling like a tempest in my mind.

I felt like a pawn, as if my purpose had been decided before I was born. The thought of being controlled filled me with defiance. I am the master of my own destiny.

"Hah. It's fine. If the world wants to use me to dethrone the Gods, then I'll use the world to become its Ruler,"

Clenching my hands into fists. My gaze shifted to the hues of lights that pulsed with power around me. Today had brought too many surprises.

The academy would assist me in slowly uncovering the secrets hidden within my body.

As if aware of my thoughts, the Spirit spoke, its voice echoing in the void, "Grow powerful enough, and you'll be able to decide your fate."

"The reason I brought you here is to prevent the destruction of the whole academy when the tempest of your awakening occurs," the Spirit explained.

"The hues of color that you see are all the elements of Alkebulan. It's the essence of each element, to be exact.

How much power you can draw out is up to you and your mastery of the Laws," The Spirit continued, offering cryptic insight into the source of my newfound abilities.

"You will learn everything about your elements in the academy," it assured me, acknowledging my confusion.

"I understand that, but how do I awaken or absorb the elements?" I inquired, seeking clarity in the midst of the enigma that surrounded me.

"You have already awakened; it happened the day you were born. You are the Champion of Alkebulan," the Spirit explained, unraveling the mystery.

The Spirit's presence pulsed.

"Remember, young Champion, the elements are yours to Master. Learn them, and they will lend you their strength. Now, go back to your realm. The Dean awaits, and your journey has only just begun."

With those words, the void around me opened a vast, swirling hole, pulling me back into the realm of the academy. The sensation was disorienting, like being caught in a whirlwind of cosmic forces. Suddenly, I found myself standing above the stage, bathed in the harsh glow of the academy's hall lights.

The atmosphere in the hall was electric, a tangible mixture of awe, curiosity, and anticipation. Every pair of eyes was fixated on me, their expressions ranging from astonishment to reverence. My parents stood in the booth, their faces a canvas of emotions. Worry lines etched on their foreheads softened into relief as they saw me back, safe and sound.

My own emotions were a whirlwind of confusion and exhilaration. I met the gaze of my parents, their eyes reflecting concern.

The air buzzed with unspoken questions, and I could feel the weight of expectations settling on my shoulders. It was a pivotal moment, a juncture in my life where destiny had chosen to intertwine with my existence.

"Have you awakened your element, Young Prince?" The Dean's eyes were fixed on me with keen interest.

I took a deep breath, attempting to quell the nervous flutter in my chest. Even though the Spirit had assured me of my awakened abilities, the practicality of harnessing these powers was daunting.

Closing my eyes, I focused my mind on the essence of fire. I conjured thoughts of burning intensity, imagining the fierce flames engulfing the air around me. 'Burn! Burn! BURN!' I mentally urged, trying to will the elemental power into existence.

"Hah, what element? There was no phenomenon that..." Kazi's mocking words trailed off into stunned silence as the stage illuminated with a brilliant inferno.

Flames danced and flickered around me, forming an uncontrolled firestorm. Fortunately, The Dean had erected a protective barrier, preventing the inferno from consuming the surroundings.

I stood amidst the blaze, feeling its warmth but not the searing heat. The Dean observed with a triumphant smile, his hand moving in a symbol that peculiarly absorbed the inferno.

"Hahahahaha, Amazing! Well done, Young Prince. You are my choice!" The Dean's laughter resonated in the hall as he praised my elemental display.

Confusion briefly clouded my mind at his words before realization dawned. "Disciple greets master," I said, kowtowing with excitement and respect, acknowledging The Dean as my master.

"Good, you are my second direct disciple, as you have a Senior Sister," The Dean declared with satisfaction.

I nodded and chose not to disclose my other awakened elements, aware of my drained energy reserves after the Astral Energy Drain experience. The fatigue served as a stark reminder that mastering my newfound powers would require diligence and patience.

"You may take your place with the other students," The Dean's voice resonated in the hall, his approval evident in his eyes.

"Yes, master," I replied, standing back up. With newfound confidence, I turned to face the audience, taking deliberate steps as I descended from the stage.

Among the sea of faces, I caught the gaze of my parents and Alina. Their eyes shimmered with happiness and love, their silent encouragement echoing in my heart.

'Soon, I will rise to the top,' I thought, feeling the addictive surge of power coursing through my veins. But amidst the exhilaration, a pang of caution whispered in the depths of my mind. I hoped I wouldn't lose sight of what truly mattered.

With each step I took, I carried not just the weight of newfound abilities but also the responsibility to use them wisely. The journey ahead was promising, yet perilous.

As I joined my fellow students, I vowed to tread this path with resolve and purpose, mindful of the importance of my choices in the face of overwhelming power.