Visage

What appeared in front of Aiden was a humanoid dressed in shadow, looking both material and ethereal at the same time—like something you could touch, yet your hand might pass through it. Just as he was about to reach out, she retracted it back into her shadow.

For the first time in ages, Aiden smiled like a kid his age. "That was amazing! A Visage, and I have one too? What does it look like?" He imagined multiple images of grand creatures he might manifest.

Unimpressed by Aiden's excitement, she continued in a business-like manner, "What you saw was me manifesting my Visage. Not everyone can do this, and that's precisely the potential that the Academy will test next week."

"My Visage form is very detailed because I'm in my second year, but yours, if you have one, will probably look more vague the first time you manifest it."

Aiden was eager and bombarded her with questions, which she patiently answered. She explained that the world wasn't just divided by economic classes but also by extraordinary abilities.

Approximately one in a thousand people had the potential to manifest a powerful Visage, granting them incredible powers like soaring in the sky or controlling the elements. Abilities ranged widely, and the Academy sought out these potentials to nurture them for the kingdom. The ideal age to awaken these abilities was around 12, and because every person who could wield such powers was a valuable asset, the kingdom spared no effort in discovering and training them. Most countries operated similarly, though their systems varied.

"What a Visage does is not just grant abilities but also enhances a person's basic attributes, elevating them above the common man. All in all, it's a transformative experience for the person involved."

"Now that's settled, I'll also be teaching you advanced reading and writing, along with some basic combat training before the recruitment next week," the girl continued.

Aiden couldn't contain his joy. "Does Crow believe in me that much?" he asked eagerly, waiting for her response.

"You're the fifth kid I'm teaching in the slum," she replied matter-of-factly.

So, essentially, Crow was hedging his bets. What Aiden thought was exceptional was just Crow stacking the odds to ensure at least one passed the Academy's test. With one in a thousand being a generous estimate, it all made sense.

"What's your name?" Aiden asked the girl.

"To you, it's Instructor. You don't need to know my name. We'll start with reading and writing now, and tomorrow we'll join the others for combat training. I left some clothes on your desk; you look like nothing right now," she replied bluntly.

Aiden turned to his desk and saw some simple clothing neatly folded. He proceeded to change, and it had to be said that he looked much better than in rags. The clothes were plain but clean.

After changing, they began the lesson. Despite it being his first time learning, Aiden picked up things quickly. While part of it was due to his intelligence, his instructor was also very skilled. She explained clearly and patiently, and they covered a lot of material in a short time. After about two hours, she left, informing him that their combat training session would be tomorrow at dawn in the Hall of Crows.

The next morning, before dawn, Aiden sat on his bed eating cheese and bread, studying the materials his instructor had left. He had continued practicing after she left the previous day, going to bed early to prepare for today's training. Determined to make the most of every spare moment, he immersed himself in learning to read and write. It was challenging yet exhilarating; even mastering simple sentences felt like a significant achievement.

As rays of sunlight began to filter into his room, Aiden realized the day was starting. He set aside his materials and headed towards Grimgate's bustling market. Spotting the seemingly drunk man in his usual spot, Aiden approached cautiously. Before he could utter the coded phrase, the man waved him in.

"The crow has instructed me already. Just proceed to the Hall," the man said casually.

Aiden wasted no time and hurried inside. He felt surprisingly calm, but to snap out of it, he gave himself a light slap on the cheek, a reminder of where he was.

Entering the Hall, he found four other children already waiting. There were two boys and two girls. The boy on the far left looked older than the others, with a sturdy build that belied his young age. Next to him, another boy seemed restless, glancing around nervously and trying to strike up conversations.

On the opposite side, two girls stood together. The older-looking sister appeared composed but apprehensive, while the younger girl clung to her sister, clearly scared. Aiden positioned himself between the restless boy and the mature sister, finding his place in the group.

As he settled in, the tall boy and the mature sister briefly acknowledged his presence before returning to their thoughts. The younger sister stole glances at him, unable to maintain eye contact, while the restless boy grinned widely, his curiosity piqued by Aiden's arrival.

Not long after Aiden had settled in, his instructor quietly slipped into the hall, seemingly appearing from nowhere as the entrance was obscured from view. Aiden noted the peculiar setup but brushed off his curiosity as she began speaking.

"Hi, I'm glad to see you all here on time. We'll begin with basic combat training today, following the techniques taught at the academy. It's essential to learn these skills, especially if you aim to pass the visage test."

She paced back and forth, her tone serious but encouraging. "There are multiple ways a visage can manifest, but we'll leave the details for the academy to explain. Just know that combat can sometimes trigger the manifestation of your visage. If you can manifest your visage before the academy's test, it greatly increases your chances of acceptance. Our goal today is to elevate your combat proficiency and potentially trigger your visage ahead of schedule."

Aiden listened intently, absorbing every word. The prospect of manifesting his visage filled him with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He glanced at the other children in the room, wondering if they shared his feelings or if they were already familiar with such concepts.

"Now," the instructor continued, "we'll start with some warm-up exercises. Follow my lead." She demonstrated a series of stretches and basic martial arts movements, urging the group to mimic her actions.

As they began their training session, Aiden focused intensely, determined to grasp the techniques and make the most of this opportunity. The thought of potentially unlocking his visage spurred him on, adding a new layer of motivation to his efforts.

Everyone in the group followed the warm-up diligently, even the shy younger sister who struggled but remained determined, glancing occasionally at her older sister for reassurance.

After the warm-up, the instructor moved on to basic punching and kicking techniques, demonstrating stances and corrections for each participant. Aiden absorbed the instructions eagerly, trying to replicate the movements with precision.

Soon, it was time for hands-on activities. The tall boy and the mischievous-looking boy, now identified as Eric and Dany, were the first to step forward. Dany, with his playful demeanor, couldn't resist teasing Eric.

"I'm Dany. You look strong. Are you strong?" Dany smirked.

Eric, adopting a serious expression, replied curtly, "I'm Eric. Be serious."

Dany chuckled, seemingly undeterred by Eric's seriousness. The instructor intervened, guiding them to the center of the hall where she had marked a fighting circle. It was large enough for movement but designed to encourage close combat.

"Alright, boys," the instructor announced, standing in the center. "In this practice bout, aim for a knockout, a step out of bounds, or a voluntary forfeit. Remember, no dirty tactics. We're training for the academy."

Eric and Dany nodded, squaring off with focused determination. Aiden watched with fascination as the two began circling each other, each waiting for an opening to strike. The atmosphere in the hall shifted from camaraderie to intensity, filled with the anticipation of seeing their skills put to the test.

Eric's initial fury had led him to attack with relentless determination, aiming a powerful right punch at Dany's face. However, Dany's seemingly carefree demeanor masked a quick and agile combat style. With a deft sidestep, Dany evaded Eric's punch and swiftly countered with a jab to Eric's side, surprising everyone in the room, including Aiden.

Aiden winced at the impact, realizing the fight was far from over. Eric, slightly taken aback but undeterred, created some distance between himself and Dany, regaining his composure. Dany, still smiling, taunted Eric playfully.

"Whew, I was lucky there. Thanks for letting me hit you like that," Dany remarked, his grin widening.

Eric's frustration grew, but he focused on the task at hand. He rushed back into the fray, launching a series of quick and heavy attacks. Yet, Dany's evasive maneuvers were uncanny; he seemed to move effortlessly, dodging Eric's strikes and countering with precise jabs whenever an opportunity arose.

As the fight wore on, Eric's anger escalated. In a moment of blind rage, he lunged at Dany with full force. However, Dany anticipated the move and sidestepped at the last moment. Eric's momentum carried him past Dany, and before he could regain his footing, the instructor intervened, pointing out that Eric had crossed the boundaries of the fighting circle.

Out of breath and seething with frustration, Eric glanced back at Dany. Despite the initial annoyance, a newfound respect and curiosity flickered in his eyes. Perhaps Dany's nonchalant attitude had been a strategic ploy all along. As they locked eyes, Eric silently acknowledged the challenge Dany had posed.

The session continued with the other participants taking their turns in the center, each learning and adapting as they sparred under the watchful eye of the instructor.

When the two sisters fought the youngest yielded decisively, angering her older sister.

The fight between Dany and the older sister was interesting, she was more calm than Eric and she was ready to fight.

As the older sister and Dany squared off in the center of the circle, the atmosphere shifted. The mature looking sister calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Dany's playful smile. 

Dany couldn't resist a teasing remark. "Hey, your younger sister was cute when she yielded for you," he quipped, his grin widening.

Her expression hardened, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm the younger sister. She's the oldest," she replied tersely, correcting Dany.

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. Even Aiden hadn't expected such a twist. The dynamics between the sisters suddenly made more sense—the protective nature of the old young looking sister towards the stern and mature looking sister.

The embarrassment was palpable as she answered to what her sibling said , "Fiona, you don't respect me. That's why people think I'm the younger sibling."

Fiona remained focused, and she addressed her sister. "Mia, in the next fight, don't yield. Fight me, and then I'll respect you."

Dany's smile faded slightly as he sensed the tension between the sisters. He nodded in acknowledgment, understanding the challenge Fiona had issued.

The instructor stepped forward, signaling the start of their bout. Danny and Fiona circled each other warily, both poised for action. With swift movements, Fiona made the first move, aiming a series of calculated strikes towards Danny, who defended himself with equal determination.

They fought fiercely, each testing the other's skill and resolve. Fiona's technique was disciplined and focused, while Danny countered with agility and quick reflexes. They exchanged blows, and Fiona lasted a while but ultimately Danny won.

Aiden watched in awe as the battle unfolded before him. The intensity of their fight showcased not only their physical prowess but as the fight continued, Aiden realized that each participant in the hall had their own motivations and struggles, all tied to the opportunity that lay ahead at the Academy. He knew that mastering combat skills and potentially manifesting his Visage were vital steps towards achieving his dream of a better life beyond Grimgate.