Before leaving the training ground, Kael paused, remembering the earlier notification about his unstable spirit energy. He decided it was time to focus and meditate.

  “Alright… let’s do this,” Kael said, sitting cross-legged in the center of the training ground.

  Kylon hovered nearby in his gecko form, watching carefully.

  [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

  ?? SPIRIT TRAINING TASK: MEDITATION ??

  Kael Santos, stabilizing Spirit Energy requires focus.

  Enter meditation to harmonize your inner resonance.

  ?? Task: Meditate for 10 minutes, focusing on channeling Spirit Energy through your body.

  ?? Reward: +5 Spirit Energy Stability | +10 EXP

  ?? “Calm the mind, and the spirit will follow.”

  [Start Meditation?]

  ? YES | ? LATER

  “Yes,” Kael confirmed.

  Kael closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. He felt the raw energy of Kylon swirling around him, mingling with his own unstable spirit aura. His heart rate slowed as he focused on the sensation of energy flowing through his limbs, chest, and head.

  “Guide me, Kylon,” Kael whispered.

  A faint hum filled the air, resonating with his heartbeat. Colors of spirit energy danced along his body, blue, then green, then yellow, as Kylon’s gecko form shimmered beside him, radiating calm energy.

  “Focus on the flow, dear holder,” Kylon said softly. “Do not force it, let your energy move naturally.”

  Minutes passed. Kael felt his aura stabilize, the wild surges of energy smoothing into a steady rhythm. The sensation was like water flowing over stones, gentle, yet powerful.

  “I… I can feel it. It’s calmer… stronger,” Kael said, opening one eye.

  Suddenly, a notification appeared above him.

  [SYSTEM UPDATE]

  ? Task Complete: Meditation

  +5 Spirit Energy Stability

  +10 EXP

  ?? “Your spirit begins to obey, but the path to mastery is long. Equip yourself, train, and continue to grow.”

  Feeling refreshed, Kael stood up and looked around the training ground. He noticed that it is already night and that he is the only one left. He cleaned himself out and then proceeded to go back to his dorm.

  A few days passed. The rhythms of Aurora Academy resumed, classes, drills, and spirit energy exercises, but Kael could feel his mind lingering on the meditation session. His aura had stabilized, but the weight of responsibility, of mastering his new powers, still pressed on him.

  During a particularly quiet class, the school P.A. system crackled to life.

  “Kael Santos, report immediately to the Battle Course Office. This is an official summons.”

  Kael blinked, caught off guard. He grabbed his bag and made his way across the campus. As he approached the office, the faint hum of spirit energy became stronger, almost familiar.

  Inside the office, Kael was met with a sight that made him freeze for a moment:

  Cain Smith, leaning casually against a table, aura faintly glowing grey, smirking as if he had been expecting him.

  Behind the desk sat a bald man with a prominent scar over his left eye. His aura was calm yet intimidating, radiating authority.

  “Kael Santos,” the man said in a low, commanding tone. “I am General Ryker. You’ve been recruited by Lieutenant Cain Smith to join the Battle Course.”

  Kael blinked in disbelief.

  “Wait… recruited? But it’s already the middle of the term! I—I can’t just catch up on lost time. I’ll fall behind.”

  General Ryker’s scarred face didn’t waver. His voice remained steady, carrying the weight of absolute authority.

  “Do not worry. Cain and I will personally tutor you. You will catch up faster than you think. The paperwork, the formalities, they will all be handled by me.”

  Cain stepped forward, a confident grin on his face.

  “Don’t overthink it, Kael. I’ll make sure you survive the first week. After that… you’ll learn faster than you expect.”

  Kael hesitated, his mind racing. The Battle Course was notoriously grueling tests of skill, endurance, and spirit energy mastery, and now he was being placed directly under two of the academy’s most formidable figures.

  Kylon floated beside him, sensing Kael’s unease.

  “Dear holder, this is an opportunity,” Kylon said. “Your power will grow, and Cain can be a valuable ally… if you learn from him.”

  Kael took a deep breath, looking at both Ryker and Cain. Determination began to replace the hesitation in his chest.

  If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  “Alright… I’ll do it. I won’t waste this chance.”

  Ryker inclined his head slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting just enough to hint at approval.

  “Good. Then we begin immediately. Cain, show him the basics of the Battle Course. Kael, follow closely, and do not fall behind.”

  Cain smirked again and gestured toward the exit.

  “Let’s see if the kid can keep up with me.”

  Kael’s heart raced as he followed Cain out of the office. For the first time since receiving Kylon, he felt the thrill of a true challenge, one that could push him beyond limits he hadn’t yet imagined.

  After a few days of relentless personal training under Cain’s supervision, Kael’s body ached, and his spirit energy was stretched to the limit. As he returned to his dorm one evening, a notification appeared in front of him.

  [PLAYER STATUS – KAEL SANTOS]

  Level: 15

  EXP: 250 / 360

  HP: 100 / 100

  Spirit Energy: 70 / 100

  Status: Fatigue

  Active Effects:

  ? Spirit Flow: Moderate

  ?? Spirit Stability: Unstable (requires rest/meditation)

  Notes:

  Prolonged training detected; high risk of overexertion.

  Recommended: Short rest or meditation to restore Spirit Energy and reduce fatigue.

  Kael rubbed his temples, feeling the strain of the last few days. Kylon floated beside him, eyes glimmering with concern.

  “Dear holder, your body signals exhaustion. You must restore your energy, or your training efficiency will decline.”

  The next morning, Kael met with General Ryker in the training hall. The scarred man’s expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp and calculating.

  “Kael, you have kept up with Cain quite well,” Ryker said. “Your spirit energy is strong, but you are still young. Today, you will rest from personal drills. Tomorrow, you will join the other cadets in weaponry and armor combat exercises.”

  Kael nodded, relieved to have a brief respite.

  “Who will I be training with?” Kael asked.

  Ryker motioned toward a list of cadets on the board.

  “You will be training alongside Takeshi Sato, Natalia Oliviera, Serafina Oliviera, Anya Coupri, Kyle De Los Reyes, and your instructor will be Lieutenant Cain Smith, despite being the same age as you, he has the experience of a real soldier who fought in the abberant war. Observe, learn, and push yourself. you will keep pace with him.”

  Kylon perched on Kael’s shoulder.

  “Dear holder, this is an opportunity to grow alongside the best. Study them, but remember to pace yourself. The flow of spirit is your true weapon, not just strength alone.”

  Kael exhaled, feeling both anticipation and anxiety. Tomorrow, he would enter a new phase of training, one that would test not only his spirit energy but his ability to wield weapons and armor while maintaining full control over his aura.

  For the first time since his prime spirits appeared, Kael felt a sense of purpose beyond his own growth. The journey was just beginning, and the bonds he would forge with both allies and rivals would shape his path in ways he could not yet imagine.

  The next day arrived faster than Kael expected.

  He hurried down the hall, still adjusting his uniform as he reached the weaponry and armor training room. When he pushed open the door, the chatter inside quieted slightly, just long enough for a dozen pairs of eyes to glance at him before returning to their own business.

  Kael swallowed.

  He was the last one to arrive.

  The moment he stepped inside, a familiar chime echoed in his ears.

  [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

  Scanning nearby spirit users…

  Displaying basic information.

  His vision flickered softly as the system highlighted each person in the room.

  First, his eyes landed on a shy-looking girl with round glasses, clutching her notebook close to her chest. And her spirit creature sitting beside her.

  [SERAFINA OLIVIERA – Support/Tank Type | Spirit Tier: Red| Spirit Creature: Scarlet Lion]

  The timid way she adjusted her glasses matched the notification perfectly.

  Beside her stood a confident girl with sharp eyes, dark hair tied neatly in a bun and wearing googles at the top of her forehead, clearly her older sister.

  [NATALIA OLIVIERA – Combat Type | Spirit Tier: Grey | Spirit Creature: Nigerophiidae]

  Her presence radiated discipline as well as her spirit creature was wrapped around her left hand.

  Not far from them was a tall, serious-looking young man with glasses and a rigid posture and a stoic expression, his spirit creature was placed on his left shoulder.

  [TAKESHI SATO – Weapon Specialist | Spirit Tier: Grey | Spirit Creature: Chimerarachne]

  Even without the system’s help, Kael could tell he was someone elite.

  Across the room, leaning against the wall with his hood pulled low, was a quiet figure analyzing the equipment racks.

  [KYLE DE LOS REYES – Stealth Type | Spirit Tier: Unknown | Spirit Creature: Unknown]

  His aura was faint, controlled, almost unreadable.

  Kael wondered how did the system not recognized this person while it can recognize the others as clear as day. Before Kael could study him further, a cheerful voice called out:

  “Hey new guy! Over here!”

  Kael turned to see a jolly girl with bright eyes waving energetically at him from her bench, her spirit creature, perching on the chair beside her, was as jolly as her.

  [ANYA COUPRI – Long Range Type| Spirit Tier: Red | Spirit Creature: Sky Hawk]

  Her smile was so infectious that Kael couldn’t help but smile back.

  Kylon perched lightly on Kael’s shoulder, whispering in his ear, “Dear holder, these individuals possess strong potential. Observe them well, they may become your allies… or rivals.”

  Kael nodded subtly.

  He wasn’t just entering a training class.

  He was stepping into a room of future fighters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and stories.

  And for the first time since arriving at Aurora Academy, Kael didn’t feel like an outsider.

  He felt like he belonged here.

  Soon, Cain Smith would arrive to begin the lesson.

  And Kael Santos would step into his next trial.

  Cain arrived moments later, his presence immediately quieting the room. With a casual flick of his wrist, he dropped two metallic objects onto the table in front of the class, each one shaped like sleek wristbands, embedded with glowing crystals.

  “Listen up,” Cain said, crossing his arms. “These will be your focus for today’s lesson.”

  The students leaned in, curiosity rising.

  “These are Wristband Synchro. It can used as a wallet to hold your credits, it can also be used as a storage box, but most importantly, it can be used as an armor and a weapon when fighting abberants. You’ll wear them, channel your spirit energy, and imagine something that protects your body, along with a weapon you can wield effectively. The equipment will materialize based on your intent, it will change depending on your spirit creature.”

  No one questioned him. They slipped the wristbands on.

  Cain nodded. “Good. Now focus. Picture what your spirit wants.”

  They obeyed.

  One by one, the transformations began.

  Takeshi Sato went first. His wristbands glowed teal before erupting into a sleek, high-tech armor with glowing accents. In his hand materialized a polished katana, its edge humming with refined spirit energy.

  Next was Natalia Oliviera. Her armor unfolded mechanically around her like shifting plates, forming a crimson-accented exosuit. She now wielded twin daggers, sharp, compact, efficient.

  Serafina stepped forward nervously. Her wristbands glowed bright yellow, then blossomed into a shining metal armor with gold-tinted patterns. A saber with a feral design appeared in her hand, and a delicate circlet in the other. She gasped softly, clearly surprised at her own creation.

  Then came Kyle De Los Reyes.

  His transformation was silent, eerily so. His armor condensed around his form, becoming a dark, shadow-tinted suit with purple accents. A wicked scythe with a glowing violet blade formed in his grip.

  Kael felt a shiver.

  The system couldn’t read Kyle… and even his equipment looked otherworldly.

  Last among the original five was Anya Coupri.

  With an excited grin, she activated her wristbands. Pink light burst around her, forming a vibrant armor with bright rose accents. In her hands materialized a bow with an iridescent pink string.

  “Woah!” she laughed. “This is AWESOME!”

  Kael watched in awe. Every transformation looked unique, each one tailored to the user’s fighting style and spirit resonance.

  “Dear holder,” Kylon said on his shoulder, “you should try yours.”

  Kael swallowed, lifted his wrist, and activated the Synchro.

  Light wrapped around him instantly.

  He pictured something light, something flexible, something that wouldn’t slow him down.

  His armor materialized in a burst of white and blue:

  a sleek white armor trimmed with glowing blue accents, lightweight and agile. Then his forearms lit up as claw-like gauntlets formed, sharp and elegant, perfectly balanced for quick strikes.

  Kael stared at his hands in amazement.

  Cain stepped forward, lips curving into a rare approving grin.

  “Not bad,” Cain said. “Not bad at all.”

  He raised his own wristbands, activating them.

  In an instant, brown armor with scorpion-like plating grew across his body. A heavy sword formed in his hand, its blade shaped like the tail of a scorpion, segmented and deadly.

  “This,” Cain said, tapping the armored chest plate, “is what your equipment looks like when you’ve fully mastered the Synchro system.”

  He paced in front of them, expression shifting into something more serious.

  “Listen carefully. Armor Synchro and Weapon Synchro respond directly to your spirit energy and the spirit creature you’ve equipped. The stronger your spirit, the stronger your equipment. But—”

  He raised a finger.

  “—it can be boosted even further using Abberant Cores.”

  At the mention of cores, the room tensed.

  “You only get cores by defeating Abberants,” Cain continued. “These cores contain condensed spirit energy. Some of them even give special effects. Like spirit creatures, cores have levels, each type of abberant core has levels, Level 1 to Level 5. Level 5 is the strongest ever recorded.”

  He tapped the scorpion sword.

  “Mine has a Level 3 Beast core inside.”

  He walked back to the front.

  “Now pay attention. Abberants come in four categories.”

  He held up four fingers.

  ?? 1. Critters

  “Small Abberants. Easy to kill, but they hunt in packs of five or more. Don’t underestimate numbers.”

  ?? 2. Beast Types

  “Animal-shaped Abberants, bigger, stronger, and far deadlier.”

  ?? 3. Semi-Human

  “Half human, half beast. Strong enough to take on ten Red-rank aura users at once.”

  The students swallowed nervously.

  ?? 4. Nester Types

  “semi-humanoid abberants that has the ability to terraform and produce abberants.”

  ?? 5. Humanoid Types

  Cain’s expression hardened.

  “If you ever encounter one, run.

  Don’t fight. Don’t try to stall. Don’t be a hero.”

  A chilling silence filled the room.

  “Only one humanoid Abberant has ever been recorded. It obliterated a grey aura user in an instant.”

  He let the weight of his words settle.

  “Your training here will prepare you to face the first three types. But the fourth… that one is a nightmare even for high-ranking fighters.”

  Kael felt a cold chill crawl up his spine.

  He suddenly understood:

  spirit creatures, equipment, training, they were all preparing them for something far more terrifying than he expected.

  And this was only the beginning.