Zane stepped into his assigned dorm room and closed the door behind him with a soft click. For once, it was quiet — no chaos, no pillow fights, no Sera jumping on him with wild energy. Just silence.
He exhaled and sat on the edge of his bed, eyes scanning the elegant furnishings. The academy spared no expense — smooth floors, a crystal-like window that shimmered with runes, and a desk with scrolls ready for study. But Zane wasn't interested in the décor.
"Nyx," he called out softly, "I need your help."
A familiar flicker of shadow danced at the edge of his vision before the voice echoed inside his head. "What is it, Chosen?"
"Can you map the academy for me?" Zane asked, lying back on the bed and staring at the ceiling. "I don't wanna get lost in a place this big."
"Hmm... With your permission, I can link your senses to the ambient Void energy. The academy is saturated with magic — I can use that."
"Do it."
Suddenly, a glowing mini-map of the academy projected itself in his mind's eye — hazy outlines of halls, towers, and labeled dorms. As he mentally zoomed in and out, another notification flashed in front of him.
[System Update: New Function Unlocked — Training Grounds]
Zane's brows lifted as he tapped the notification mentally.
> [Void Training Grounds]
A dimensional subspace created by the Void for the Chosen.
All damage, fatigue, and energy spent within this realm will not affect the physical body.
You may train, experiment, and test powers here without consequences.
Enter? [Yes] / [No]
A smirk tugged at the corner of Zane's lips. "Now that's more like it."
With a thought, he selected [Yes], and the world around him dissolved into shadows — shifting, warping, until he stood in a vast obsidian arena lit by drifting stars overhead. His blade, his abilities, and everything else shimmered into existence beside him.
"Welcome," Nyx said from the void, his voice more tangible here. "Let's see what you're really capable of."