Meanwhile in the Luna Ray Academy.
The morning buzz filled the grand lecture hall as freshman students prepared for class. Conversations and gossip flowed freely among them, the energy of new beginnings palpable in the air.
Lyra Skyguard turned to her twin brother, Aelric, with a questioning glance. "Why are you even here? I didn't think you'd bother attending this class."
Aelric, ever composed, gave his signature sly smile, his narrow eyes glinting with amusement. "Sister, how could I possibly skip Professor Rayner Nightwood's lecture?" he replied smoothly.
Seated beside her, he leaned on one hand, his nails polished in black. His long, straight silver hair cascaded over his shoulders, and with his refined, almost delicate features, it was easy to mistake him for a girl at first glance.
A thoughtful expression flickered across Aelric's face before he continued. "Rayner Nightwood… the genius of the Nightwood family. Back when he was a student, he not only skipped multiple years but graduated early. Then, he returned as a professor at an absurdly young age. The man who awakened the rare ability to manipulate the wood element. And, of course, the youngest mage to ever reach the Earth Level in his mid-twenties, shocking the entire empire. Quite the achievement, wouldn't you say?" He leaned back in his chair, stretching lazily. "Tell me, dear sister, aren't you even a little curious about him?"
Lyra rolled her eyes, already regretting engaging in conversation.
Aelric grinned mischievously. "I also heard he's rather popular with the ladies. The most desired bachelor, they call him."
That finally made Lyra smirk. She turned to him with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Oh? And why exactly are you so curious about Professor Rayner? Could it be… that my dear brother is also interested in the most desired bachelor?"
Aelric blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter. "Good, good. My little sister is finally learning to retort without using her fists," he chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair.
Lyra immediately swatted his hand away. "First of all, I'm not little. If anything, you're the little brother!" she huffed.
Aelric, unfazed, only laughed harder. "Is that so?"
Before Lyra could retaliate, a hush fell over the hall.
Rayner Nightwood entered the room with a composed air, each step measured and elegant. He was dressed sharply, his polished light brown leather shoes complementing his similarly colored hair. His sharp gaze scanned the tiered seating of the massive lecture hall, taking in the gathered students.
Internally, he was surprised. Among the freshmen in attendance were several scions of the great families—Lyra and Aelric Skyguard, Arya Clearwater. The only notable absences were Keir Arson, and Oscar Ravenleaf.
Still, what surprised Rayner most wasn't Keir's or Oscar's absence—it was the presence of these distinguished heirs.
This class was strictly foundational, covering the basics of core energy awakening. Typically, students from prestigious families skipped such lectures, as their training had already begun long before entering the academy. It was no secret that those born into legacy families had a significant advantage over common students, their knowledge passed down through generations.
Taking his place at the marble podium, Rayner cleared his throat. His voice, steady and commanding, carried through the hall.
"Hello everyone, and once again, welcome to Luna Ray Academy. My name is Rayner Nightwood. As all of you are currently in your Awakening Phase, today's lecture will cover the fundamentals of core energy—its nature, its awakening process, and its significance in your future advancement."
A hush of anticipation filled the hall as the lesson began.
Rayner scanned the classroom before speaking. "Can anyone tell me which two organs are the most vital in the human body?"
A bright-eyed girl immediately raised her hand. "The heart and the brain, Professor!" she blurted out.
Rayner nodded in approval. "Correct!" He tapped his temple with his index finger. "Especially the brain. It remains the greatest enigma within our bodies. Even after millennia of research, we have yet to unlock its full potential or unravel its mysteries."
He paused for effect, letting his gaze sweep across the students before continuing. "Studies show that the average human lives their entire life utilizing only about ten percent of their total brain cells. But you—" he gestured toward the class, "—who have stepped into the Awakening Phase, will surpass this limitation. You will begin unlocking and utilizing more of your brain's potential. Your senses will sharpen, your perception—what some call the sixth sense—will awaken, and most importantly, you will discover your innate ability. This is the first step to becoming aware of the natural energy that surrounds us."
The room was silent, the students hanging onto his every word.
"As many of you already know," Rayner continued, "our world is saturated with natural energy. It exists in the air, in water, in the earth beneath our feet, and in the leaves of the trees. However, ordinary humans remain blind to it. But you—once you begin unlocking your core energy—will not only perceive this energy but also absorb and harness it."
Most of the students listened intently, though a few appeared indifferent. Rayner took no notice and pressed on.
"There are two primary core energies," he said. "And rather fittingly, they correspond to the two most vital organs—the heart and the brain.
"Those who awaken their brain core energy become Mages—also known as Mindweavers in certain regions. No matter the title, these individuals are capable of harnessing natural and elemental energy, shaping it into spells, and commanding the forces of nature at will. A prime example of this power is none other than the greatest mage of our Brightmoon Empire—Emberlord Bernard Arson, the patriarch of the Arson family."
A murmur rippled through the classroom at the mention of the legendary figure's name. Many within the empire revered him, and these aspiring students were no exception.
Rayner waited briefly before continuing. "On the other hand, those who awaken their heart core energy become Vitalists—warriors who push their bodies beyond human limitations. Their vital energy allows them to forge their bodies into weapons, excelling as martial artists and weapon masters. Among them stands our empire's greatest general—the guardian of the western border, Spear Saint Lancelot Billgar."
At the mention of yet another legend, the students whispered excitedly among themselves. Hearing about living legends whom many looked up to ignited their enthusiasm.
Rayner allowed their excitement for a moment before his voice rang out again, silencing the murmurs.
"But did you know," he said, lowering his voice slightly to draw them in, "that awakening one core energy does not mean you are incapable of awakening the other?"
Some students straightened in surprise, while others remained composed, already familiar with this knowledge.
"In fact," Rayner continued, "by the time you complete your Awakening Phase, most of you will have already awakened both core energies. However, the difference lies in which one awakens first—this will become your dominant core energy and ultimately determine your path."
Rayner continued, "The second core energy you awaken will act as a sub-core, serving as a reservoir that supports and enhances your main core energy. In other words, if you awaken your heart core energy first, you are destined to become a Vitalist. However, when your brain core energy awakens later, you will also be able to manifest some elemental power. Of course, your magic will never reach the complexity or potency of a true Mage, as they have an innate advantage in wielding elemental forces. But as a Vitalist, you will still be able to infuse elemental energy into your body, integrating it with your martial or weapon techniques."
He gestured toward the students and continued, "Most of you attended the Academy's opening ceremony and witnessed the duel between Oscar Ravenleaf and Keir Arson. In that match, you saw how Keir managed to ignite flames around his fists while using martial arts. That is an example of what I'm explaining. The same principle applies to Mages. If they awaken their heart core energy as a secondary source, they can enhance their physical abilities to some extent. While they will never match a true Vitalist in raw strength, their bodies will still be far superior to an ordinary human's."
A student raised his hand. "Professor, does that mean Keir Arson has already awakened both of his core energies?"
Rayner smiled faintly. "Correct. Student Keir Arson has indeed awakened both his heart and brain core energies."
A wave of murmurs spread through the classroom as the students discussed this revelation among themselves. Another student quickly raised his hand. "Professor Rayner, what if someone awakens their heart core energy first but wishes to become a Mage? Can they ignore their natural path and learn magic instead?"
Rayner nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's a good question. It is possible, and some have attempted it. However, it would be extremely difficult—like swimming against a relentless current. Even if they manage to make progress, they will inevitably reach a bottleneck that cannot be overcome. Choosing that path is akin to throwing away one's natural advantage and deliberately taking the harder, thornier road. They might go far, but they will never reach the true peak of their potential."
Another student eagerly raised his hand. "Professor, what if someone awakens both core energies at the same time?"