At the end of his conversation with Cassia, Kaelis returned to his dormitory. In his chest, there was a warm spark of satisfaction — however brief it was, he felt glad for easing the fear of that girl, for offering support where almost no one dared to look.
He remembered the words of his mother, Naelle, repeated over the years like a mantra that had shaped his character. "Helping those in need is your duty as a human being. Be good... and strong." She always said it with the conviction of someone carrying the world on her shoulders, yet never without a smile.
Even knowing that fate might be cruel to Cassia — perhaps even merciless — Kaelis had made a silent promise to himself: he would stay by her side, at least until the call to the Dream Realm came. She wouldn't face it alone.
"I won't let her be alone. Even if she dies... she doesn't deserve to go in the dark."
Upon arriving at the dorm, he entered and gently closed the door. He took off his shirt and went to the backpack leaning against the desk, placing inside it a notebook, a pencil, and a change of clean clothes.
Only then did he notice the shirt he had worn that morning. As he picked it up, an embarrassed expression crossed his face.
It was a t-shirt with an outrageously colorful print of a fictional hero — his younger brother Michael's favorite. Definitely the kind of shirt that drew attention. It had been Michael's birthday gift for his fifteenth birthday the year before. Though the design was... questionable, the smile on his brother's face when he handed it over made that shirt special.
Kaelis laughed, brushing away the shame with the memory of the sparkle in Michael's eyes as he opened the wrapping.
"Well... now it makes sense why some people in the cafeteria gave me weird looks because of the shirt."
Still thinking of his brother, he grabbed his phone and opened his contacts. At the top of the list was his father's number. Without hesitation, he called.
He expected to hear Elias's deep, calm voice, but it was Naelle who answered — sweet, cheerful as always.
"Oh, hello, son! Good morning! Elias, it's Kaelis!" she exclaimed with excitement, calling her husband to join the call.
A few seconds later, the cameras turned on, and the screen revealed the faces he loved so dearly.
Naelle was smiling, visibly excited as she showed off the family's new home. The apartment was spacious, modern, and luxurious. Kaelis was left speechless by what he saw: two floors, a wide and sophisticated living room, furniture arranged with professional elegance, a balcony with a view of the city, bright walls, a flawless kitchen, and perfect bedrooms — including one reserved just for him.
Even with a few boxes still scattered around, the apartment radiated comfort. It was clear: his family wasn't just doing well… they were thriving.
'Living like royalty,' Kaelis thought, smiling.
Two young maids could be seen in the background, tidying up the house. Michael and Zoe were now studying at the best school in the city. His parents, in turn, had secured stable jobs working for the government.
After the virtual tour, his parents sat down at the elegant glass table in the living room and spoke with their son with the ease of a heartfelt reunion. Kaelis told them about the Awakened Academy, about the classes that would soon begin, and the people he had met.
He spoke about Sunless — someone mysterious, with a controversial reputation. And about Cassia — isolated, disbelieved, treated like a silent condemned soul by the other Awakened.
Naelle and Elias's expressions shifted between pride and concern.
"Son," Elias said with his usual calm seriousness, "even if her chances of surviving are small… be kind to her. Don't let her be alone. No good soul deserves a cold path toward death."
Naelle nodded, adding her gentle wisdom as always.
"That's right, dear. Sometimes destiny disguises itself as failure, but it's only testing our faith. Maybe she'll be lucky. Maybe she's stronger than she seems. Keep believing."
Kaelis smiled, his eyes moist, absorbing every word with a light heart.
"Thank you…" he said, his tone carrying more than gratitude. It carried love. Understanding. And the silent promise to never forget where he came from.
And in that moment, in that simple call, he felt stronger. More human. More certain of his decision to protect what truly mattered.
Unfortunately, Kaelis didn't get to speak with his siblings. Michael and Zoe were already at school, following the routine that was now part of their new life.
After ending the call with his parents, he quickly got dressed, finished packing his bag, and left the dormitory.
"Today's going to be a long day… and I'm already pretty late for Survival class."
--------------------------------------------------
Finally, after walking through the corridors of the Awakened Academy, Kaelis arrived at the room designated for the class. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door three times.
The call with his parents had lasted longer than expected — around fifteen minutes of conversation — and he wasn't sure if it was already too late to enter.
To his surprise and relief, the voice of an elderly man echoed from the other side of the door:
"You may come in."
Kaelis pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was spacious, decorated with objects that evoked a spirit of exploration and learning: detailed maps, boards with diagrams of fauna and flora, bookshelves lined with old books, and various field instruments. The aesthetics reflected passion — a personal dedication to the art of teaching survival.
But despite the impressive decor, there were only two people inside: Sunless, standing in front of the board, and an elderly man who could only be the professor. The old man was explaining something with enthusiasm, gesturing animatedly at a board filled with notes and illustrations. He was so absorbed in his speech that he didn't even glance toward the door when Kaelis entered.
"Oh, are you another student?" he asked, turning around with a curious, absentminded look.
The professor was an eccentric-looking old man: disheveled gray hair, eyebrows thick as brushes, and bright eyes that sparkled with youthful restlessness.
"Yes, my name is Kaelis, and I'm interested in learning your subject, Professor."
"Wonderful, wonderful, come in and make yourself comfortable… But wait — how impressive are you?!"
The moment the professor turned fully and saw Kaelis's wings, his reaction was immediate. He dropped the eraser and pen as if they were useless and hurried across the room toward the boy, his eyes wide as if he'd encountered a mythical creature.
He tugged Sunless by the arm so he could see as well.
"An angel? Is that truly an angel's wing? Magnificent!"
The old man's excitement made Kaelis smile. It was an almost childlike joy that reminded him of his younger brother's reaction when he first saw the wings.
"A pleasure to meet you, boy. I'm the Awakened Julius. Could you repeat your name for me?"
"My name is Kaelis. I'm a newly arrived student at the Academy."
"Ah, so it's you! The boy everyone's been talking about. When I heard someone had received a True Name in the First Nightmare, I'll admit I didn't believe it — not until the announcement was made official this morning."
With a motion surprisingly nimble for his apparent age, Julius spun three nearby classroom chairs around and pointed at them with excitement.
"Please, young men, let's sit and talk for a bit."
And so they did. Kaelis and Sunless sat beside the professor, and the three of them began exchanging words and getting to know each other better.
Julius seemed especially enthusiastic when he learned that it was Master Jet who had recommended both of them for the class. He spoke of her with a tone that was half playful — but carried an undertone of dangerous truth.
"That woman... a savage killer," he said with a half-smile. "We call her the Soul Reaper. And it's not an empty nickname."
It was clear that Jet stirred unease among the Awakened. Not only because of her reputation, but because of her powers.
"Jet isn't the strongest among us. But she's certainly one of the most feared. Her Aspect Ability completely bypasses the flesh. It strikes directly at the soul. No armor, physical resistance, or conventional defense can stop her."
Kaelis felt his shoulders tense. He clenched his fist subtly, his expression darkening.
The memory hit him hard — the moment, back in the Inverted Cathedral, when he had been chained and scourged with instruments that didn't harm his body, but his essence. Weapons that tore at his soul as if it were made of cloth.
That pain… it left no visible scars. But it burned deeper than any physical wound. A pain he would never forget.
Setting those painful memories aside, Kaelis and Sunless remained focused on the lessons, following Professor Julius's class with close attention.
At first, the exercises seemed manageable — almost pleasant, even. But that feeling didn't last. After just one hour of class, both of them felt like their heads were going to explode. The amount of new information, coupled with the illogical and counterintuitive nature of the Dream Realm, made everything exhausting.
The complexity of the material was overwhelming. The Dream Realm didn't seem to follow the conventional rules of reality, and the logic that governed it always felt one step away from slipping through their grasp.
Julius, for his part, maintained an admirably positive attitude. Even when he was clearly surprised by how little the two students knew — which happened fairly often — he never showed frustration. On the contrary, his enthusiasm for teaching seemed inexhaustible. Whenever Kaelis or Sunless got lost in the material, the professor would simply adjust the pace, explaining again with renewed patience until they caught up.
The curriculum Julius had prepared was, to say the least, insane. There was an absurd amount of theoretical knowledge to absorb, along with practical lessons in both virtual reality environments and the physical world. The content covered strange disciplines, obscure concepts, and even several classes dedicated entirely to studying the foundations of dead languages from the Dream Realm.
"Even extinct languages… But doesn't the Spell already translate everything automatically?" Kaelis wondered, confused.
That was when Julius, as if he had read the student's mind, abruptly interrupted the class with a sharp statement.
"The Spell is not a translator! You think it has time to capture the subtleties of human speech? Let's say you're looking for shelter in some ruin and come across an inscription that says 'certain death ahead.' There are thirty different words for 'death' in the Runic tongue! Only by knowing the runes will you be able to figure out what kind of danger lies ahead!"
The rest of the class continued until the sky began to darken — at least, for Kaelis. He had another class that day: the long-awaited introduction to combat.
As the young man stood to leave, relieved, Sunless remained in the room, still having to endure the torrent of information being unleashed by Julius.
Before Kaelis exited, the professor handed him a little "gift": five extensive reports on the Runic language, with the firm expectation that he would study them and submit his notes by the following morning.
'These weeks are going to be long…' Kaelis thought as he walked toward the cafeteria, the papers in hand.
When he arrived, the dining hall was quieter than usual. A few Dormant students were scattered across the tables, and only a handful of staff moved about the space. Upon seeing him enter, a group of four Dormants waved him over discreetly, inviting him to join their table.
Since his Defect seemed quieter than it had been earlier that day, Kaelis saw no reason to refuse. He grabbed his dinner, approached the group, and took a seat.
The conversation that followed was surprisingly pleasant. They exchanged questions about the First Nightmare, talked about their lives before being infected by the Spell, and discussed small details about life at the Awakened Academy. It was a light, natural conversation — and to Kaelis's relief, his Defect barely interfered. The emotions around him were calm, without the suffocating peaks that normally disturbed him.
It was in the middle of the meal that his communicator buzzed with a notification. When he opened the message, Kaelis read:
"Your uniform for the introductory combat class is ready."
"Right on time…" he thought, glancing at his nearly empty plate.
He said goodbye to the group with a smile and made his way through the hallways toward the elevator. After riding up to the upper floor, he crossed the hall and entered the reception area of the building where he would pick up his uniform.
After providing his name, student ID, and identification as a Dormant enrolled in the Academy, Kaelis quickly received the uniform reserved for the introductory combat classes.
The outfit was a white dobok, made from a soft yet durable fabric, accompanied by a belt of the same color. As soon as he unwrapped the set, Kaelis smiled with satisfaction. The uniform had been carefully tailored to his body — especially to the changes that came after his First Nightmare. Two wide openings in the back, positioned precisely over his shoulder blades, allowed his wings to pass through freely.
'With this, everything's ready,' Kaelis thought, excited, as he thanked the receptionist.
He then walked through the hallways toward the dojo where the class would take place. A wide smile grew on his face with each step. Memories filled his mind — of the small Muay Thai gym near the old apartment where he lived with his family.
For two years, he trained there, made friends, learned about discipline, pain, focus… and even earned some money in amateur competitions. He and his father had always been passionate about hand-to-hand combat. Since childhood, the two had spent hours watching fights on TV — whether it was boxing, MMA, or even Greco-Roman wrestling. Martial arts had become an intrinsic part of Kaelis's identity.
And now, he was about to take part in a class in a real dojo. A professional, high-tech space inside the most important academy in the world. This was more than a dream.
'My dad would love to be here…'
Upon arriving at the location, Kaelis passed through the gates of the dojo, situated in the outer section of the complex reserved for the Dormants. The path leading to it was lined with green parks and carefully landscaped gardens.
The building had a modern architecture with a minimalist and technological touch. The facade alone was impressive, but the interior was even more so. As soon as he passed the reception area, Kaelis caught sight of the wide training mat just beyond, where dozens of Dormants were already gathered in small groups. The white walls, contrasted with metallic details that shimmered with an almost ethereal glow, made the space feel like something out of a dream — or a distant future.
Feeling both anxious and excited, Kaelis entered the male locker room.
The bathroom was spacious, well-lit, and equipped with showers, lockers, mirrors, and even built-in benches for resting. Kaelis chose a locker, opened his backpack on the floor, and carefully took out the folded dobok.
He removed the clothes he was wearing, folded them neatly, and placed them inside the backpack. He put on the bottom half of the dobok, followed by a lightweight white shirt, and then the jeogori — the upper tunic. The fabric was soft and breathable, and his wings slipped through the openings with ease, settling naturally into place.
Finally, he picked up the white belt and tried to tie it. The knot ended up crooked — likely wrong.
'I guess I'll ask for help with this later…'
He left his sneakers and backpack inside the locker, closed it, and locked it.
Smiling to himself, Kaelis walked to the exit of the men's locker room. But as soon as he stepped through the door and turned left… he stopped. His feet froze to the ground, as if time had condensed around him.
At that exact moment, from the direction of the women's locker room, a figure appeared.
She stopped, too, when she saw him.
Maelis.
The girl who had stolen his breath during the induction ceremony was now there, just a few steps away.
His crimson eyes met hers — eyes like amethysts — and Kaelis felt a subtle skip in his heartbeat. It was as though the world had fallen silent around them.
Maelis — to him, the most beautiful among all the new Dormants.
Skin pale as porcelain, hair black as night cascading down to her waist, golden eyes steady and clear, and a presence that blended elegance with strength. Even dressed in the plain white dobok, her figure was mesmerizing. There was something about her that resembled a queen: a kind of silent, proud, and serene royalty.
The two stopped walking almost at the same time, simply facing each other. Kaelis wore a crooked, slightly awkward smile — the kind that couldn't decide if it was born from joy or shock. Maelis, on the other hand, maintained a neutral expression, calm, with an almost distant softness. It was difficult to tell what she was thinking. Nearly impossible.
But in that brief moment, in that exchange of glances, Kaelis's heart seemed to forget how to beat properly.
Remembering the conversation he'd had with his parents earlier that day, Kaelis recalled the specific advice his father had given him on how to approach the girl named Maelis.
During the call, he had described with honesty what it was like seeing her for the first time — though without revealing the impact of his Defect. He explained the shock he had felt, the intensity of her presence, her striking beauty, and that almost otherworldly calm that lived in her golden eyes. Upon hearing the name "Maelis," Elias had immediately shown recognition.
After all, Maelis belonged to a powerful family — owners of a prestigious international tech and industrial conglomerate. She was a well-known heiress, and that, in itself, carried with it a certain etiquette and standard of behavior that did not allow for frivolity.
Now, standing before her again, Kaelis took a deep breath. Inspired by his father's guidance and the respectful values passed down from his mother, he composed himself: the nervous smile faded, replaced by a gentle, confident, and courteous expression.
With a firm yet respectful posture, he stepped forward and offered a slight bow of the head. He extended his hand with grace — a polite and sincere gesture.
"Miss Maelis, it's a pleasure to see you this evening."
His tone was courteous and calm, carrying a softness that took Maelis by surprise. She vividly remembered the first time she had seen Kaelis — during the induction ceremony. He had been surrounded by several girls, all touching his angelic wing with childlike fascination. For someone raised in a strict, formal environment, it had seemed... vulgar.
At the time, the boy had made a poor impression — a peacock surrounded by admirers. But the young man now standing before her was different. Respectful. Composed. Almost elegant.
For a moment, Maelis hesitated. She wasn't sure if she believed it or if it was just a well-executed façade. But her instincts told her the gesture was genuine.
With a graceful motion, she extended her hand and returned the greeting.
Kaelis took her hand gently, palm facing downward, his fingers barely brushing hers in a formal grip — the kind his parents had taught him to use on important occasions. It was an old-fashioned gesture, from another era — and it fit the moment perfectly.
"A pleasure to meet you. Your name is Kaelis, correct?"
Kaelis released her hand softly, straightened, and answered with a sincere smile.
"That's right. I'm glad you remembered."
Maelis gave him a quick once-over, scanning him from head to toe. His dobok was clean, well-fitted, and properly worn — except for the white belt, which had been tied crookedly and hung off-center.
With a subtly curious glance, she remarked:
"First time tying a belt?"
Kaelis chuckled, a little embarrassed.
"You could say that. I've never set foot in a dojo before, so... this is all pretty new to me."
"I see... Would you like some help?"
Her offer caught Kaelis off guard, but he sensed genuine kindness in her voice. With an eager smile, he replied:
"Yes! If you could teach me, that would be great!"
Maelis cast a brief glance toward the tatami ahead, where the Awakened Rock had already begun gathering the students.
"We're short on time. I'll teach you later."
With firm, practiced movements, she took hold of the poorly tied belt around Kaelis's waist, undid the knot, and began rewrapping it with swift, experienced hands. Her fingers moved with a lightness and precision that spoke of habit and discipline, the fabric sliding smoothly around his waist in tight, secure loops.
Kaelis tried to avert his gaze while she worked, hyper-aware of their proximity and the almost intimidating presence Maelis carried. But even trying… he couldn't help watching her. Her beauty was something almost dangerous — as if staring too long might leave him wounded.
When she finished tying the knot, their eyes met again. Kaelis almost flinched, caught off guard by the sudden connection. He forced an awkward smile.
"Thank you so much, Maelis."
"You're welcome. But we should go. The class is about to begin."
Without waiting for a reply, Maelis began walking toward the tatami, and Kaelis followed closely behind.
The dojo was large and spacious, equipped with every type of training tool imaginable. There were punching bags, racks of wooden swords and weapons, training dummies, a ring, and even a machine for measuring physical strength.
On the tatami, around twenty to thirty Sleepers were already in position, all waiting for the class to begin.
At the center stood Awakened Rock, the instructor in charge — and also the head of the Awakened Academy. The man was massive, both in height and in presence. A true colossus who commanded respect with a mere glance.
Kaelis felt his heart speed up. He was excited.
He followed Maelis to the center area of the dojo, where the others were beginning to form a semicircle around the instructor. But then... the whispers returned.
The Choir of the Silent, his Flaw, began to murmur in his mind. Only this time... something was different.
The emotions he absorbed weren't negative. They were anxious, yes, but also confident. He felt the eagerness in the hearts of those around him. In some, there was pure excitement. In others, a calm self-assurance, as if they already knew exactly what they were doing. And in a few, there was nervousness — but even that came with a genuine desire to learn.
For the first time in a long while, the whispers didn't weigh him down. They made him stronger.
Unable to help it, Kaelis let a small smile slip. He wanted to keep a serious expression... but couldn't. The anticipation was just too strong.
"Formation," said Awakened Rock, his deep voice rumbling like a muffled thunderclap.
Immediately, all the students went quiet and lined up in four rows before him.
Kaelis, still unsure of the proper positioning, simply followed Maelis and stood behind her at attention.
Absolute silence.
All eyes faced forward, focused on the words of the giant before them.
And so, the first combat lesson began.
"Good evening, Sleepers. This will be our introductory combat class."
Awakened Rock's voice echoed through the dojo, deep and steady like a ceremonial bell.
"I ask for your cooperation and full attention so we can make the most of our time together."
"Over the next four weeks, I will evaluate each of you in terms of strength, technique, intelligence, and general combat knowledge."
"In addition, I will divide the class into three groups: novices, advanced, and specialists. Only the specialists will remain with me."
Kaelis kept his gaze sharp, but inside, his mind was buzzing.
Which group would he be placed in? He had no experience with swords — the few schools he'd attended barely had teachers, let alone a solid structure for combat training. All he had was the solid foundation he'd built over two years of Muay Thai training… He hoped that would be enough.
"With that said... Let's begin."
--------------------------------------------------
After an exhausting warm-up — multiple laps around the tatami, sequences of push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and nearly torturous stretches — the Sleepers lined up in front of the imposing strength measurement machine.
The machine's metal frame was robust, built to withstand the impact of beings who, like many there, carried combat-oriented Aspects. While the technology behind it wasn't overly complex, its durability made it an essential tool for this kind of assessment. After each strike, the machine would analyze the blow and display a number representing the Sleeper's raw physical strength.
However, more than just brute force, the outcome was also influenced by technique and body control. Well-executed strikes, with precise alignment and deliberate use of the body, often outperformed punches thrown with mere strength.
One by one, the Sleepers tested their limits. Most scores landed between ten and fourteen — impressive for ordinary people, but only average for those preparing to face the Dream Realm.
The more physically gifted, especially those with strength-based Aspects, surpassed fifteen. Some, with exceptional talent or preparation, reached sixteen.
Kaelis, watching closely, felt his blood boil with excitement. He wanted to know how far his body could go… especially after the small — and embarrassing — incident at the precinct.
That's when Nephis, the other bearer of a True Name, stepped forward to the machine. Her steps were silent, almost ethereal. She showed no anxiety, no hesitation. Only focus.
Without any dramatic wind-up, she rotated her hips, tensed her arm muscles, and delivered a dry, devastating blow. The precision, the economy of movement, and the brutal efficiency in her punch caught Kaelis's attention — he knew a proper strike when he saw one.
"She's trained a lot… I wonder if she also comes from a wealthy family?" he thought, intrigued.
Nephis didn't smile. She simply stepped back and waited. The machine took a few seconds before displaying the result: 16.
It was an excellent score — solid, dependable, difficult to reach. The room murmured with quiet recognition.
Next came Maelis.
She stepped into a martial stance with composed elegance. Her athletic build and steady expression betrayed experience. She inhaled deeply, engaged her muscles, and struck.
14.
"Tsk." Maelis clicked her tongue, visibly irritated for not reaching her personal goal. Her piercing gaze quickly shifted away as she stepped back from the machine without saying a word.
Then came Caster.
He didn't strike a pose. Didn't take a deep breath. He simply stood in front of the machine — and in an instant, the punch had already landed.
Kaelis couldn't even see the movement. It was as if Caster's fist had vanished into thin air, and the metallic clang was just the aftermath of an invisible bolt of lightning.
The machine trembled and took a little longer to calculate the impact. When it finally displayed the number, everyone held their breath.
21.
The room erupted into murmurs and astonished stares.
The Chorus of the Silent Ones, restless, whispered in unison:
"Impressive."
"Such power… and so much speed."
"Truly the descendant of the Han Li Clan."
Kaelis glanced discreetly at Caster, who stepped back with a neutral, almost uninterested expression.
"He's dangerous... far more than he appears. And he doesn't hesitate to manipulate others. I'll need to watch his every move."
Amid the flood of thoughts and whispered voices in his mind, Kaelis only realized it was his turn when Rock gestured toward him with a nod.
Quietly, he apologized for the distraction and stepped up to the machine. He gauged the distance, took a deep breath, brought his fist up beside his face, and launched a straight punch.
But something inside him hesitated.
Just as his muscles were meant to align and release their full power, a specific memory surged into his mind — and the strike lost momentum.
The machine shook with the impact. A second later, the number appeared.
22.
It was higher than anyone else's… But Kaelis knew. That wasn't his full strength.
And apparently, he wasn't the only one who noticed.
Awakened Rock approached slowly. The crowd of Sleepers fell silent as he drew near.
"Sleepwalker Kaelis." His voice was firm, heavy with expectation.
Kaelis stood at attention, hands clasped behind his back.
"Yes, sir. Awakened Rock."
The giant eyed him up and down. He circled Kaelis like a predator assessing its prey.
"Knowing your body and understanding the limits of your own strength is essential for all living beings in this world."
"Everyone here is being tested. They're showing what they have — with honesty and courage. And your task is to do the same."
"So tell me… Why did you hold back?"
Many Sleepers furrowed their brows. What did he mean, held back? That number was high! Was there something wrong with the accusation?
But the keenest eyes — like those of Maelis, Nephis, and even Caster — had noticed the difference. Kaelis's punch had been strong… but unrefined. Held back. As if it had been restrained at the very last second.
Kaelis didn't answer right away.
His mind returned to the moment after his awakening, when he went to reunite with his family at the precinct.
The locked doors of the room where his parents and siblings waited had seemed like nothing to him in that rush of emotion. He reached out, grabbed the handles, and…
Ripped both reinforced steel doors from the concrete wall as if they were made of paper.
Everyone had stared in shock. Even he had. And from that day forward... Kaelis had started holding back. Watching himself. Fearing what might happen if he let everything out.
With a steady gaze, he answered:
"Instructor Rock, right after I awakened from the First Nightmare… I used my strength carelessly on a reinforced metal door."
"I tore both doors off at once. It was an accident… but the damage was significant."
"Since then, I've been trying to avoid putting everything I have into simple tasks. I got distracted remembering that. I'm sorry."
Another silence fell over the dojo.
Some students looked at him with skepticism. Others, with respect. But no one spoke.
Rock, however, continued staring straight into his eyes. He took a deep breath… and then spoke:
"That's good. One more excellent reason for you to now use your full strength on the machine." — Rock crossed his arms, his voice like controlled thunder. "I'll give you another chance... Don't disappoint me."
"Yes, sir. Awakened Rock."
Kaelis nodded, standing tall, his eyes steady. He drew in a deep breath, filling his lungs as if gathering energy inside his very core. He stepped forward, positioning himself at the perfect distance from the metal plate of the testing machine.
With deliberate movement, he extended his arm, fist clenched, aiming directly at the target. He was calculating the exact distance — the perfect trajectory. No room for hesitation.
Then, he raised his leg and planted it firmly on the ground, anchoring his combat stance. The impact of his foot against the mat echoed subtly, like a prelude to what was coming.
As he tensed the muscles in his arm and closed his fist with unwavering resolve, he felt his blood surge, pulsing with intensity through the pronounced veins of his forearm. His body responded to the absolute focus, ready to unleash what he had denied himself since the day of his awakening.
There are strikes built on refined technique — blows for continuous exchanges, where each mistake could spell defeat.And then there are strikes that ignore technique altogether… Blows forged for a single purpose: to destroy.
Kaelis chose the latter.
Kaelis didn't answer right away.
His mind returned to the moment after his awakening, when he went to reunite with his family at the precinct.
The locked doors of the room where his parents and siblings waited had seemed like nothing to him in that rush of emotion. He reached out, grabbed the handles, and…
Ripped both reinforced steel doors from the concrete wall as if they were made of paper.
Everyone had stared in shock. Even he had. And from that day forward... Kaelis had started holding back. Watching himself. Fearing what might happen if he let everything out.
With a steady gaze, he answered:
"Instructor Rock, right after I awakened from the First Nightmare… I used my strength carelessly on a reinforced metal door."
"I tore both doors off at once. It was an accident… but the damage was significant."
"Since then, I've been trying to avoid putting everything I have into simple tasks. I got distracted remembering that. I'm sorry."
Another silence fell over the dojo.
Some students looked at him with skepticism. Others, with respect. But no one spoke.
Rock, however, continued staring straight into his eyes. He took a deep breath… and then spoke:
"That's good. One more excellent reason for you to now use your full strength on the machine." — Rock crossed his arms, his voice like controlled thunder. "I'll give you another chance... Don't disappoint me."
"Yes, sir. Awakened Rock."
Kaelis nodded, standing tall, his eyes steady. He drew in a deep breath, filling his lungs as if gathering energy inside his very core. He stepped forward, positioning himself at the perfect distance from the metal plate of the testing machine.
With deliberate movement, he extended his arm, fist clenched, aiming directly at the target. He was calculating the exact distance — the perfect trajectory. No room for hesitation.
Then, he raised his leg and planted it firmly on the ground, anchoring his combat stance. The impact of his foot against the mat echoed subtly, like a prelude to what was coming.
As he tensed the muscles in his arm and closed his fist with unwavering resolve, he felt his blood surge, pulsing with intensity through the pronounced veins of his forearm. His body responded to the absolute focus, ready to unleash what he had denied himself since the day of his awakening.
There are strikes built on refined technique — blows for continuous exchanges, where each mistake could spell defeat.And then there are strikes that ignore technique altogether… Blows forged for a single purpose: to destroy.
Kaelis chose the latter.
He inhaled once more. Focused, expelling any doubt or thought that could distract him. His eyes locked onto the machine with a frozen, almost lethal intensity. In that moment, no one else existed. Only him... and the target.
With an explosive cry, channeling everything he was and everything he felt into a single motion, Kaelis lunged forward.
"RAAAHH!!"
The shout was so powerful that many nearby instinctively stepped back. Even Awakened Rock raised an eyebrow, surprised.
The impact hit like a detonation.
Kaelis's fist collided with the metal plate with a violent, resonant sound — metal bending and vibrating like a war drum struck with fury. The noise shot through the dojo and slipped through the walls, echoing into the corridors beyond.
The machine trembled violently. Its supports slid a few centimeters back, leaving visible marks on the floor. The silence that followed was nearly deafening.
Everyone froze.
The Choir of the Silent fell mute.
All eyes turned to the machine's screen, which took longer than usual to process the sheer force, as if even it was trying to comprehend what had just happened.
For a moment, no one reacted. The number seemed to hover in the air, defying reality.
A low, proud chuckle broke the silence. Rock, still with his arms crossed, wore a rare, satisfied smile on his chiseled face.
"Ha… That is… truly impressive."
Kaelis remained silent, his fists slowly relaxing. His breathing was heavy, but controlled. There was no arrogance in his gaze — only respect. Respect for himself, for his limits… and for everything still to come.
And then...The number appeared in bold, glowing red on the machine's screen.
31.