Ten years had passed. Lucas was now sixteen years old, but with the experience of someone who had lived fifty-three years.
"Today is the day I begin my journey at Red Lake Academy and officially start my cultivation," Lucas thought as he looked out his window. In this world, there were ten cultivation ranks, each divided into three realms: Base, Mid, and Peak. Rank 1 signified a beginner, while the higher ranks became exponentially harder to achieve. His sister, Edith, had reached Rank 3 Peak after years of effort. Legends spoke of Rank 10 cultivators—none known to exist—said to possess god-like powers and the ability to control the mythical River of Eternals.
Suddenly, the door to his room creaked open. A beautiful young woman stepped in—his elder sister, Edith Divelo. Her warm smile lit up the room.
"Brother, today you begin your path. Stay focused and dedicated," she said.
Lucas calmly replied, "Don't worry, sister. I won't disappoint you."
Edith smiled proudly. "Come, I'll drop you off at the academy."
As they stood in front of the grand gates of Red Lake Academy, Lucas remained calm and composed, a result of his life experience. Edith glanced at him knowingly. "I know you're nervous, even if you won't show it. But don't be. Yes, there are many competitors, but you'll be fine."
Lucas chuckled. "You read me too well, sister. Anyway, it's time."
He stepped into the academy. Edith remained at the entrance for a moment, her gaze warm and proud, then turned and left for home. Lucas had decided to stay in the academy hostel to cultivate alone for a year. His mother, Amantha, was upset by this decision and chose not to accompany him, but Edith understood and supported his determination.
Inside the academy, Lucas entered the grand assembly hall. Hundreds of young students stood in organized rows, their eyes filled with nervous anticipation. Lucas, calm and composed, joined the back of the left row. At the stage, several elders stood with commanding presence, their Rank 3 auras emanating pressure across the hall.
Lucas could sense their power easily, having been exposed to such energy through his sister. But many of the new students gasped, clearly overwhelmed by the oppressive force.
One of the elders stepped forward. "Students, welcome to the new year at Red Lake Academy. From today, you begin your journey in cultivation. Everyone starts at Rank 1, and how far you go will depend entirely on your dedication and discipline."
He continued, "Before cultivation, you must awaken your elemental affinity. In this world, there are many elements: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, and Lightning, among others. Your body will resonate with one—maybe more. Close your eyes and focus. Channel your surroundings into your body center, and once awakened, your elemental affinity will appear in your mind."
Excited murmurs spread among the students, but Lucas remained indifferent. His sister had already taught him these basics.
"Let the Awakening begin!" the elder declared.
All students sat cross-legged as instructed. Lucas did the same and began channeling energy toward his body center. The elders had said it would take at least two to three hours to awaken.
But the moment Lucas focused, his power awakened—instantly.
He gasped, a flicker of shock crossing his face. Quickly, he masked his reaction, trying to remain calm.
"How… How can this be?" he thought. "It awakened instantly… with no effort. I've read the ancient records—no one has ever awakened their powers instantly."
Not wanting to draw attention, Lucas pretended to be struggling like the others. Silently, he entered his consciousness to see what kind of element he had awakened.
But what he saw stunned him completely.
His body center was… empty.
There was nothing.
"How can this be? Let me check again," Lucas muttered inwardly.
He checked dozens of times, meticulously searching for any sign of elemental affinity. But the result remained the same—his body center was completely empty.
"In the ancient texts, nothing like this has ever been recorded," he thought, tension rising in his chest. "Does this mean… I cannot use powers?"
Normally, if one failed to awaken, there was a chance for reawakening, but Lucas' situation was unique. He had clearly awakened—yet there was nothing.
"No... If I report this, the academy would go into uproar. I have to conceal it from everyone," he decided firmly.
An hour later, Lucas stood up and walked toward the exit of the hall. At the doors, an elder stopped him.
"Before you leave, tell me—what element did you awaken?" the man asked.
Lucas paused briefly and responded, "Lightning."
The elder nodded, satisfied. "Alright, your element is lightning. You're qualified for the second half. Proceed through that hallway."
Lucas nodded and walked away, his thoughts racing. "I randomly chose lightning, but in truth, I have no element. My body center is completely empty. How can I use any power without it?"
Pondering these questions, he entered the second assembly hall. Unlike the first, only a handful of students were present—only those who had successfully awakened.
Lucas sat down cross-legged again.
An elder stepped onto the stage. "Welcome to the second half. You have all awakened your powers, and now it's time to introduce you to cultivating materials. These resources can accelerate your cultivation. Like ranks, they are divided into ten grades. The higher the rank, the greater the effect—and the rarer it is to find."
Lucas was already aware of this. Still, he couldn't stop thinking about his empty body center.
The elder continued, "You can store cultivating materials inside your body center. It has infinite space, allowing you to carry vast resources. But let me give you a warning—you cannot use your powers without limit. Until you reach Rank 5, overusing your powers can damage your soul and your elemental affinity."
Lucas nodded silently. "I understand..."
The elder finished, "Tomorrow, you will be provided with Rank 1 materials and taught how to cultivate and use your powers. You are dismissed for today—head to your assigned rooms."
The students buzzed with excitement as they dispersed, but Lucas remained deep in thought. His body center was empty. No power. No element. Just a void.
What did it mean? And why had it awakened instantly?
He didn't have the answers yet.
But he was determined to find them.
End of Chapter 2.