Silence. As a boy, who stood quite tall at 187cm, boasting a well-built body with muscles which seemed to hide explosive power and a scholarly-looking man, whose grey hair showed the vicissitudes of age stood across from each other, silence reigned in the Training Hall
Today, Evolis faced the last one-on-one session with Master Gaius before the Awakening Trial. It had been a couple of months since he'd begun training under the old pervert's watchful eye, a month filled with countless beatings, threatening statements, wailing, and moments of unexpected brilliance.
In the familiar courtyard, the rhythmic clang of wooden weapons and the grunts of exertion had long faded into a quiet hush. Evolis approached Master Gaius, who stood in the middle of the training ground, his silver beard catching the soft light of dawn.
"Alright, brat," Gaius grumbled with a sly grin, "today's the final round. Let's see if you've learned anything besides how to shamelessly beg me to hit you softer."
Evolis's mouth twitched as he heard that last statement, but then his gaze hardened as his golden eyes sparkled as he readied his stance. He stood with his hand on the hilt of his sword which was strapped to his lower back. The air was charged with anticipation. Suddenly the wind stilled.
With practised ease, Evolis shifted his head to the left as a sword appeared where his head just was. Swiftly unsheathing his sword he knocked the sword to the side as he twisted his body and sent a diagonal slash down towards Gaius.
With a quick flick of his wrist, Gaius unhurriedly parried Evolis' blade sending him reeling backwards as he regained his balance. Taking a breath, Evolis' gaze hardened, then without warning he sprinted to Gaius, his foot causing the ground to crack slightly, which would shock any onlooker if they saw this, as Evolis is still a Mortal yet his body contains enough power to crack the ground with just a step. This is what his effort in training had gained him.
As Evolis approached, Gaius launched a horizontal slash, which Evolis quickly evaded by sliding underneath it.
Then he quickly brought his wooden sword behind his head as he felt a hit land.
Should he have not placed his sword there he would've been knocked out by Gaius' sword.
Evolis smirked as he said, "Nice try old man but you're gonna have to do bett-"
Gaius kicked him straight in the stomach, pushing him 10 meters back and forcing him to shut his mouth so he could try and stop himself from flying backwards.
Evolis could feel the bruise slowly healing on his stomach, as he spat out some blood from his mouth.
Evolis then slowly took a single step forward, and to anyone in the mortal stage it would've looked like he vanished
Suddenly Evolis appeared in front of Gaius with his sword slashing to the left which Gaius barely managed to deflect, 'impossible he's way faster now than at the beginning of the spar', Gaius thought, but he quickly dismissed it as he sent a slash back at Evolis.
Evolis parried and dodged with a fluid grace that had grown sharper over the past month. Each manoeuvre felt more natural now as if his body were rewriting its own limits with every blow. When a swift, twisting strike from Gaius grazed his shoulder, Evolis barely flinched—his muscles responded instinctively, mending the minor wound almost as soon as it appeared. He quickly sent a strike back.
As they were about to clash Evolis suddenly threw sand into Gaius' eyes hoping to catch him off guard.
"Heh, did you think a little sand could stop an Ascendent's eyes?" Gaius chuckled disdainfully.
But as he looked through the sand he noticed that Evolis' sword was already fast approaching. He hurriedly put up his sword to block the attack but was shocked to find that he never felt the impact of the blow.
All of a sudden he felt something on his neck and looked down to see Evolis' sword pressing against it, while Evolis had an annoying smirk on his face.
Evolis had managed to pull a feint on that last clash which was the cause of Gaius' loss.
Usually, even if an ascendent lowered their power to spar against someone, their reaction speed would still be a bit higher than the rank they're suppressing themselves to. What this meant is that as of now Gaius' reaction speed was what someone at the Awakened Stage would've had, yet somehow Evolis was still able to move fast enough that he couldn't react.
"Not bad, you little brat," Gaius laughed after the bout, clapping Evolis on the back. "You've come a long way. But remember, even if you think you're invincible now, the Awakening trial will test you like nothing you've experienced."
Evolis, catching his breath and rubbing a fresh bruise on his cheek, grinned cheekily. "I'm ready, Master. And if I manage to beat you at your own game, maybe you'll start calling me 'the next great warrior' instead of 'that overinflated kid'."
Gaius's eyes twinkled mischievously. "We'll see about that. Now, I'm putting you off duty for today. Rest up—you've earned it."
The onlookers who were watching the spar sat with widened eyes and with their jaws dropped.
"D-Did he just...win?"
"Even t-though Teacher Gaius suppressed himself to the Mortal stage it should have been impossible to beat him in a spar"
"Yeah exactly, right? Teacher Gaius has way more experience but somehow Evolis was able to keep up with him"
"M-Monster"
Evolis collected his belongings. Outside, the sprawling academy grounds whispered promises of rest and rejuvenation. Today was the day before the Awakening Trial—a day set aside for quiet reflection and normality, a brief respite before his life would change forever.
Later that afternoon, the corridors of the academy gave way to the soft, welcoming sounds of the bathing quarters. Evolis stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over his body. As steam enveloped him, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. The reflection was almost unrecognizable from the boy he'd been months ago.
He was taller now standing at a height of 187cm, his frame more defined, and his compact muscles bulged with a hidden strength that spoke of the relentless training he was put through. He had a perfectly carved face, with sword-like eyebrows, a thin nose and a sharp jawline. All of this was accentuated by the subtle aura he released. For a moment, he studied every detail—a newfound confidence radiating from his stance. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but suddenly his face darkened "Shit, if a goddess sees my handsome face won't I get kidnapped. Bah it's fine who wouldn't want to get kidnapped by a goddess in any case." as Evolis was thinking strange thoughts his body was slowly healing as the bruises from the spar began to fade.
Even without being fully aware of it, his body was evolving, a silent testament to the extraordinary potential that stirred within him.
Freshly showered and invigorated, Evolis donned his training clothes and set out in search of Lyris. The market was bustling with life today, and he felt that maybe he should invite Lyris as he intended to take full advantage of his break today.
As he walked, he suddenly heard an annoying voice.
"Well well well if it isn't the commoner who snuck into our school"
"Hey, don't insult him, at least he still has parents... oh wait."
"Haha maybe his mom was a whore who abandoned him because she couldn't afford to raise him"
It was common knowledge that Evolis wasn't really from a duke house as he didn't take Lyris' house's surname but was instead called Evolis Aetherion as that was what was written on a slip of paper which Duke Altheon found on him when he was on their doorstep. This caused the nobles in the academy to show slightly disdainful expressions whenever they saw him
Evolis turned and noticed Karam and his group standing next to a pillar, and then turned back and kept walking.
Yes, he completely ignored Karam and his group as if they were bugs.
Karam's eye twitched at being ignored, "Oi! You hear me!? Who do yo-"
Karam's eyes widened as he felt a pressure which made him feel significantly inferior. It was a suppression which he felt on the level of his soul. It was as if he was drenched in cold water, sweat matted his forehead as he stared into Evolis' golden eyes.
"Pathetic" Evolis said coldly, as he turned back and kept walking.
After Evolis had left, everybody in the hallway let out a breath. It was as if a blade that was pressing on their neck finally left.
"Who does that bastard think he is", Karam said angrily.
He was embarrassed in front of everyone there.
"Tch, just wait for tomorrow then we'll see who will be trembling after I awaken"
As Evolis walked he found Lyris near the academy gardens, where the vibrant aroma of blooming flowers mingled with the distant laughter of fellow students. Evolis had never really taken a close look at Lyris, but her beauty had blossomed in the months since he'd last seen her—her silver hair now framed her perfectly carved face in soft, elegant waves, and her deep amethyst eyes shone with a slightly mature radiance. She had grown into a stunning young woman with a perfect hourglass figure with well-defined curves and an air of quiet confidence that made her seem both ethereal and real.
"Ah, Milady your knight has just returned from the battlefield and has made your highness wait, I apologize." Evolis said as he greeted Lyris
A flash of realization passed through Lyris' eyes, "Yes yes, you've made this lady wait for you for so long, don't you know it's rude to keep a woman waiting?"
"Unfortunately I was caught up with something, but if Milady is fine with it, maybe I could repay you for the time spent waiting. Unfortunately I don't have anything on me so the only thing I can repay you with is my body, I hope Milady will be fine with it."
Lyris' cheeks flushed as she started hitting Evolis, "Hmph, scoundrel!"
Evolis laughed as sat next to her, leaning his head on her shoulder.
"Hey, Lyris," Evolis greeted with a warm smile, a spark of mischief in his tone. "How about we explore the city today? I'm thinking of going to the market today, I can't be bothered to just go back to the dorms and chill the whole day."
Lyris's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds wonderful. But won't Master Gaius punish you for slacking off today?"
"Don't worry he was the one that let me off for today and told me to relax before the Awakening ritual."
"Then let's go!" Lyris said as she pulled Evolis by the arm.
They strolled through the lively streets of Aurora, the capital of the Kingdom of Aurelia. The city was a feast for the senses. As they walked along cobblestone alleys, the gentle murmur of bustling guilds and market vendors filled the air. Stalls overflowed with colorful fruits, aromatic spices, and handcrafted trinkets that caught the sunlight in dazzling displays. The rich aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stews mingled with the salty tang of sea breeze carried from the distant harbor.
Every corner of the city told a story. Ornate buildings, marked by the sigils of noble families, towered over busy marketplaces where merchants haggled with animated fervor. Lyris, familiar with the intricacies of the ducal world, pointed out landmarks and whispered details about the renowned Houses—like how House Xanthos was known not only for its fiery temperaments but also for its influence over commerce, and how House Marik had a long tradition of arcane scholarship.
As they meandered through a narrow lane lined with flower vendors and street performers, Evolis found himself paying closer attention to Lyris. He had always appreciated her wit and kindness, but today, in the soft glow of the afternoon, her beauty struck him in a way he had never allowed himself to notice before. Her laughter was like music, and every graceful gesture—every tilt of her head, every gentle smile—was a revelation of the enchanting, blossomed woman she had become.
Over cups of spiced tea at a quaint little café tucked away in a hidden square, they shared stories and dreams. Lyris spoke of the pressures she faced at home, the expectations of a ducal lineage, and the longing for a life that wasn't solely defined by duty. Evolis listened intently, his heart swelling with a protective warmth and a deep-seated admiration. The carefree banter, punctuated by teasing remarks about youthful arrogance and shared secrets, made the world around them seem to fade away.
They later wandered through the market once more, where the vibrant colors of textiles, the laughter of street performers, and the intoxicating smells of roasted meats and sweet pastries enveloped them in a sensory tapestry. Every sound—from the clamor of vendors calling out their wares to the soft murmur of distant conversations—wove into the fabric of their day, a celebration of life outside the rigid structure of the academy.
As twilight descended and the city lights flickered on one by one, Evolis and Lyris found themselves at a charming restaurant perched by the river. The gentle lapping of water against the quay, the soft glow of lanterns, and the sumptuous aromas of a carefully prepared dinner set the stage for a night of quiet intimacy. They talked about their hopes, their fears, and what they expected for the future.
In that warm, inviting glow, Evolis realized that he really needed a break from training. He savored the moment, cherishing every laugh and every shared secret with Lyris.
As the evening drew to a close and they parted ways beneath a star-studded sky, Evolis's thoughts drifted to tomorrow. The Awakening Trial would begin—a trial that promised to reshape his destiny and unlock the extraordinary power he sensed was lying dormant within him. With every step he had taken today—from the fierce training sessions with Master Gaius to the vibrant adventures in the city—he felt a surge of anticipation for what was to come.
Lying awake in his modest dormitory that night, Evolis stared at the mysterious slip of paper once more. Its glowing script pulsed softly, echoing the steady beat of his heart. He knew that tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter in his life—one where every moment would be a step toward reclaiming his lost divinity and embracing a destiny written in the stars.
With a determined smile, he whispered into the quiet darkness, "Tomorrow, everything changes."