Chapter 2: Chapter 2
The stench of burnt cigarettes lingered in the dimly lit room, as the sounds of gunfire from Sol's video game echoed through the walls. I walked in, my footsteps masked by the digital chaos emanating from the screen. Sol was lost in the virtual world, his focus on the game. For a moment, the illusion of a normal evening hung in the air.
"Hey, Sol," I greeted, trying to keep the tone casual.
He grunted in response, eyes glued to the screen. The atmosphere was fragile, and I braced myself for the inevitable shift.
"How was your day, Lucian?" Sol finally asked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Same old, you know," I replied, my nonchalant tone masking the undercurrent of tension.
Sol glanced at me, the smile waning. "You better not be up to some shit, Lucian. You know I can't handle any more trouble."
I sighed inwardly, knowing where this was headed. "No trouble, just surviving."
Sol paused the game, the digital sounds abruptly silenced. "Good. You know I worry about you, right?"
"Yeah, yeah, I know," I muttered, my gaze avoiding his.
The room darkened as I dropped the bomb. "The exam got moved up, Sol. I'll be going on a raid next week, into one of those Gates."
Sol's eyes narrowed, and the room seemed to constrict around us. The smile vanished, replaced by an unsettling silence. "What? A raid? Why the hell would you agree to that?"
"I'm a Sentinel, Sol. It's what I signed up for," I replied, my voice steady.
His mood shifted like a storm gathering strength. "You think you're some damn hero, huh? Always playing savior. I told you, Lucian, stay away from that Sentinel crap."
"Sol, it's not like I—"
His tone darkened, cutting through my words. "You're lying. You're always lying. Just like your parents."
The room tensed, a suffocating atmosphere settling in. I could feel the storm brewing, but I refused to back down.
"Sol, I don't have time for this," I said, dismissing his accusations.
His face twisted with anger. "You ungrateful little shit. You're just like them. A liar, a disappointment."
His words struck a nerve, but I remained stoic. "I'm doing what I have to do."
Sol's temper flared, his hand colliding with my cheek. The stinging pain resonated, but I refused to let him see it. The aggression escalated, and a torrent of accusations and blows was hurled my way.
I took it, absorbing the hits physically and emotionally. There was no escaping the echoes of a turbulent past.
In the solitude of my room, I sought refuge from the cacophony of thoughts that echoed in my mind. The soothing melodies from my headphones blended with the rhythmic strokes of my pencil on paper as I immersed myself in drawing. The images that took shape beneath my hands were a manifestation of emotions that words couldn't articulate.
Sniffling, I resisted the urge to succumb to the weight of the tears that threatened to escape. Each drop that fell onto the paper left a mark—a silent testament to the emotions I refused to express openly.
The door creaked open, and Sol entered the room. This time, the air carried a different energy—a tense calm that lingered beneath his domineering stance. He acknowledged my presence, choosing his words more carefully than before.
"Lucian," he began, his voice a blend of sternness and concern. "I've been informed about the Gates, the exam, and your decision to participate. You're treading on dangerous ground, boy. I won't allow you to throw your life away for some misguided sense of duty."
I sighed, lifting my gaze from the drawings to meet his stern eyes. "Sol, this is my choice. I can't turn my back on the threat that's looming over us. The Gates are getting worse, and we can't afford to ignore it."
Sol's brows furrowed, his tone holding an undercurrent of frustration. "You're not thinking straight. This isn't about duty, Lucian. It's about survival. The world is harsh, and I won't let you become a casualty in some grand spectacle."
I countered, my voice steady and resolute. "Survival, Sol, is more than just staying alive. It's about protecting the ones you care about and ensuring a future worth living. I can't idly watch as others face the danger, especially with the power I have."
Sol's frustration boiled over, and his tone shifted to a raised voice. "You're still a damn kid, Lucian! Do you think this power of yours makes you invincible? It's a delusion. You're not ready for what's out there. Drop out of this exam, or I'll make it happen."
I stood my ground, presenting arguments that he couldn't easily dismiss. But Sol, bound by his delusions, remained adamant. The exchange escalated, and as his temper flared, he slammed the door shut, leaving a palpable tension in the room.
Alone once again, I knew that I had reached an impasse. Sol's influence and control over my life left me with only one viable option—to comply with his wishes or face the consequences.
Later that night, sleep eluded me. In the hushed darkness, I packed essentials—my sketchbook, notebook, phone, charger, and a change of clothes. The decision was made.
As I approached the SCA building, it was three o'clock and cold. A figure emerged from the shadows—a silhouette darker than the night. Nico's presence, like a shadowy guardian, conveyed a quiet understanding. It felt like Nico's eyes, pools of darkness sensed the turmoil within me; his face held a concerned look.
In the dim light, I tried to conceal the traces of emotional turmoil etched on my face, but Nico saw through the facade.
Without a word, he gently grabbed my chin, his touch soft yet firm. The warmth of his hand provided a fleeting comfort as he held my head in place, examining the bruise on my face. There was a knowing look in his eyes—a familiarity that stretched beyond the confines of the present.
He let go, and we stood outside in silence for a few seconds. I just looked at him I don't even know what my face looked like right now or if he could tell that I cried. His skin was a beautiful caramel, he stood over me and I was six foot three, hair held up in a back bun, face riddled with concern and comfort. Nico, ever perceptive, sensed the need for conversation, for a cathartic release of the emotions that held me captive.
"Lucian," he spoke, a soothing murmur that cut through the silence. "What happened?"
I hesitated, the words caught in my throat. But Nico's gaze, filled with a quiet assurance, encouraged me to unravel the tangled threads of my emotions.
The SCA building standing witness to our shared history, I began to recount the events that transpired at home.
Nico listened, his presence a steady anchor in the sea of my tumultuous emotions. Childhood friends, we had shared the alleys and secrets of The Outpost. He understood the dynamics of my strained relationship with Sol, the scars that went beyond the visible bruises.
"That man," Nico spoke, his tone laced with a mix of empathy and quiet anger. "You don't deserve that. I know your main purpose of becoming a Sentinel was to get away from him so why do you keep going back to there? The SCA can provide you a room so why?"
"He has friends in high places... I wasn't allowed to get a room because of whatever he told them. So I had no choice but to go back. Vallen let me stay the night before and when they found out he almost had his room taken." I looked down again trying not to tear up again.
As we ventured through the quiet streets, leaving behind the echoes of my troubled home, Nico led the way to his residence. What he didn't mention was that his house wasn't just a residence; it was a Guild.
"Tartarus," as it was known, bore a distinctive color scheme of black, red, and gold. Nico's captaincy within the Guild was an open secret. His powers, inherited from his parents, set him apart, and the absence of a squad under his command was just because for one he didn't need backup and two because his powers scared people.
As we entered the Guild, the air shifted, "I don't flaunt it much," Nico admitted his voice a hushed whisper that echoed in the cavernous halls. "But I have my place here. The Guild operates in the shadows, you could say we take care of the darker side of the world."
We ascended a grand staircase, and Nico guided me through a series of hallways until we reached my temporary haven.
"This is where you'll stay," Nico announced, opening the door to a guest room that reflected the same elegance as the rest of the Guild. "No more chains, no more bruises. Stay as long as you want, Lucian. This place is beyond the reach of SCA scrutiny."
The room offered a sanctuary I couldn't be messed with here…
Nico's generosity, a lifeline in my turbulent world, became a beacon of hope. I thanked him with a nod, the unspoken gratitude lingering in my eyes. As he left me to the solitude of the room, I felt a sense of calm settle over me—a respite from the storms that had raged in my life.
In the quiet of the Guild, I finally found a space to heal, to rebuild. As I settled into the bed, a sense of peace washed over me leaving me to the solace of a dreamless sleep.
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Lucian stirred from his sleep. His phone buzzed incessantly on the bedside table, a barrage of notifications from Sol. The text messages and missed calls formed a digital storm
"Honestly I should have just drowned him I really could have."
"Morning. How are you holding up?" Nico said knocking on the door. "It's your place you can just open the door," I said.
I sighed, glancing at his phone. "It's just Sol. He won't stop. Keeps threatening and demanding I come back."
Nico nodded understandingly. "Ignore him. I brought you some breakfast." He placed a bag on the table, filled with food that hinted at both comfort and sustenance.
"Thanks," I mumbled.
Nico pulled up a chair, his gaze shifting to the relentless notifications. "You'll need to deal with that eventually, but for now, focus on yourself. We still have training to do, especially with the raid approaching."
I nodded, trying to shift his attention from the phone. "Training, right? What's the plan?"
Nico explained, "We'll be heading to an Aether Nexus, specifically the Oasis—a water nexus. It's a unique training ground, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for you to experience it. Plus, it's a chance to develop your skills in a different environment."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I've never been to an Aether Nexus before. What's it like?"
Nico grinned, "It's a convergence point of immense Aether energy. The Oasis, being a water nexus, will be a bit different. I'll guide you through it. Training in different Nexus locations helps Sentinels adapt to various conditions and elements they might encounter on missions."
I finished my food, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Alright, let's do it."
After breakfast, I attended to his morning routine—brushing his teeth and quickly showering. As I rummaged through the clothes I had brought, I realized I was missing some essential items. Deciding to deal with it later, I got dressed and headed out to find Nico.
The Guild's corridors were quiet in the morning light, a stark contrast to the bustling activity that would unfold later. I navigated through the hallways until he spotted Nico.
"Hey, Nico. I'm ready for training," I announced, masking the lingering concerns beneath a facade of determination.
Nico looked at him, perceptive as always. "Good. Follow me. We're heading to the Oasis."
As they walked through the Guild, Nico explained more about Aether Nexuses and the significance of training in them. "Do you know how Aether works?" Nico asked. "Yes, Aether is gathered in the heart where it's stored you can then use said Aether to use magic or aura for those who aren't adept in magic. Then there is the "Source" where our power originates from. Those of fire have the sun, water is tied to the moon, the earth is self-explanatory, and the wind comes from the skies. When training absorbing Aether of your element will increase not just your aether quantity but also your elemental power." I replied.
"Now before you start thinking too hard. Not everyone could do this. The body does have a limit to the amount of Aether you can absorb but there are other ways of going around this."
"I see someone has been doing their studies, okay then is it possible for Sentinels to learn more than one element?" Nico asked with a face like he just presented me with the hardest question. "Now I feel like he's over here playing with me."
"Yes it can be done some of the "12" and all of the "Trinity" being people who could do this. It relies on your control over aether. Integrating elements that may oppose each other like fire and water could be deadly if not controlled precisely. But it can be done." I looked at him with a smug look.
"Ok ok, I didn't think you were that much of a nerd go touch some grass." Nico laughed and shoved me. "I'm not a nerd per se I just liked the theory and science class applying different applications to your magic can make it stronger," I said stopping before I went into a tangent.
"When we get to the "Oasis" would you show me what you discovered?" He asked. "I don't know…these are trade secrets. But I guess since I was gonna teach Vallen at some point, he always has trouble expending too much aether for simple things." I replied.
"Cool then let's hurry. I can teach you something while you teach me." He smiled. We stepped outside walking to the back of the building. "Hold my hand this may get dark so if you get scared it ok you can hold me," He said jokingly holding his hand over his chest like he was having a heartfelt moment.
"Like ever hush and let's go already," I grabbed his hand immediately darkness surrounded us cloaking us as we teleported… I think. One moment we're in darkness the next we are looking at a beautiful landscape the water was so clear I could see all the fish swimming, the sunlight was creating sparkles all across the surface of the water, and the breeze was soothing and cool, and the air carried various of sweet scents, There were trees erected around the area giving a wonderful barrier. "This place is beautiful how did you guys find this?" I asked him.
"I found this a while ago, I asked my Guildmaster if I could take this one for a few reasons and he agreed. The only requirement was that I had to become a Captain." He replied looking at me. "What was one of these special reasons for him to allow you to keep this for yourself?" I asked.
"You… I remember when we were kids you used to dream of being surrounded by nature at peace next to some water. I know this probably isn't exactly what you imagined but I thought you'd like it. I'm glad I was right." Nico now turning his face away looked at him. "Thank you, Nico… I didn't think you'd remember that…hahaha."
"Since you did this for me I can show you my tricks now. Come over here and let's move a little bit farther away from the water I don't want to disturb the creatures." I walked to a little open area and Nico followed.
"Okay so as you know most spells require incantations to boost their power but they aren't a requirement. You can cast the spell without it at a reduced power but depending on the user the power decrease isn't noticeable. But when you cast said spell and condense the aether and layer it you can maximize the output of the spell. Now this is when it gets a little difficult because I have not figured out how to maintain this part. Add nature aether to the spell to reduce your aether consumption but I don't know how to maintain this."
I began to conjure a water ball, then condense it into a small pellet shape, then re-casted the spell doing the same thing. I started to infuse nature energy into it increasing its size and power but it began to destabilize and wobble.
Nico observed the process with keen interest, his eyes following the intricate dance of elements at Lucian's command. As the water ball transformed and absorbed the nature energy, the air around them seemed to ripple with the increasing power of the spell.
"That's impressive," Nico remarked, nodding appreciatively. "Layering aether and incorporating nature energy—ambitious, but it's clear there's a limit. Maintaining that balance seems to be the challenge."
Lucian, focused on the spell, acknowledged with a slight frown. "Exactly. The destabilization occurs when I push it too far. It's like walking on a tightrope, and I haven't mastered the art of staying balanced."
Nico offered a thoughtful suggestion, "Perhaps there's a mental aspect to it. Clear your mind, and focus on the spell itself. You're trying to harmonize different energies, so mental clarity might be the key."
"Yeah I know that much I'm not that dumb but I don't fully understand nature aether. The sages and druids have it easy being able to innately draw it in and utilize it mixing the two is difficult." I replied
"Hey Lu, besides getting away from Sol what is your goal after becoming a Sentinel? You take your studies far for someone who just needs to pass to be free." Nico asked posted up against a tree in the shade.
"I just want to be free. I don't know what that means but I know there's more to life than this and if there isn't then I'll just have to make my own happiness. I figured I need power to be able to protect my happiness." I replied turning away.
"That is quite the goal. Then why don't I give you a tip? There is a way to incorporate two energies together but in doing so it will hurt. Are you up for it?" I looked at Nico in confusion and fear. He looked too happy to show me something that sounded painful.
"Hey! Whats with that look huh? I'll hydro pump you so back back ya fool." I said getting in a defensive stance.
Nico appears behind me very swiftly and silently, "Relax it will be worth it trust me," He said scaring the fuck outta me.
"See, he's lucky he's my friend, 'cause I punched the heck outta Vallen a few times for trying this. Huh...I'm violent? Vallen shut up! I'm the most benevolent person alive. Shut up before you get- Vallen says that I need to relax and to stop threatening people… I'll continue."
"Nico, what the heck are you talking about?" Nico laughed, this technique, is called Aether Fusion. It allows you to merge two types of aether for a more potent effect. In your case, combining water and nature aether. "
I raised an eyebrow, "Sounds interesting, but you said it would hurt. How bad are we talking?"
Nico grinned mischievously, "Well, you might feel like you're being electrocuted from the inside, but the results are worth it. Your spells will gain a significant boost. Think of it as breaking your current aether system open and allowing aether to move through the body rather than making points that can be used as control points for the aether network. Like the joints or pressure points. It hurts because you're expanding all your aether across your body causing reconstruction."
I hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "Let's do it. But if I end up fried, I'm blaming you."
Nico chuckled, "Fair enough. Just remember to focus on both aethers and let them merge naturally. It's about finding that balance within yourself."
As I braced myself for what was to come, Nico began guiding me through the process of Aether Fusion. The air around us tingled with anticipation as the convergence of water and nature aether began—a symphony of elements echoing in the tranquil surroundings of the Oasis.
Nico's instructions echoed in my mind as I closed my eyes, trying to find the delicate balance between the two aethers. The initial sensation was subtle, like a gentle current flowing through my veins. However, as I delved deeper into the fusion, a surge of energy erupted within me.
The pain, as Nico described, felt like being electrocuted from the inside. My body tensed, muscles contracting involuntarily as the merging of aethers created a kaleidoscope of sensations. It was as if my very core was being rewired, the aether circulating through my body like a turbulent storm.
"I swear if Nico's idea of 'worth it' involves me turning into a human lightning rod, we're going to have a serious conversation."
Nico, ever watchful, encouraged me to persevere. "You're doing great, Lucian. Let the aethers merge, feel the flow. It's chaotic now, but soon you'll gain control over this power."
I focused on his words, pushing through the pain, and gradually, a sense of clarity emerged. The chaos subsided, giving way to a harmonious dance of water and nature aether within me. It was as if I could sense the ebb and flow of the elements, each pulse resonating with newfound strength.
Finally, the intense discomfort began to wane, and I opened my eyes to find Nico nodding approvingly. The air around us settled, and the Oasis seemed to respond to the fusion, radiating a serene energy.
"You did it, Lucian," Nico said, a genuine smile on his face. "Aether Fusion is no easy feat, especially for the first time. Now, try casting a water spell and feel the difference."
I took a deep breath, summoning a water ball with a familiar incantation. As I released the spell, the water surged forth with an intensity I hadn't experienced before. It was as if the fusion had unlocked a reservoir of power, amplifying the spell's impact.
Nico grinned, "Impressive, right? Aether Fusion enhances both quantity and quality. It's a game-changer in battle. Just be cautious not to overuse it; your body needs time to adjust."
As the realization of what I had accomplished sank in, a newfound confidence surged within me. The Oasis, with its clear waters and vibrant energy, stood as a witness to my growth. The pain of Aether Fusion now seemed like a small price to pay for the potential it unlocked.
"Nico, thanks for showing me this. It's... it's something else," I admitted, a mix of gratitude and awe in my voice.
Nico clapped me on the shoulder, "Anytime, Lucian. Remember, your journey as a Sentinel is about pushing your limits and discovering your true potential. Now with the addition of nature aether, it will be a little easier when adding other elements but do be careful as well of the trick all the high ranks use. You can continuously increase your aether reserves, quantity, and power when adding elemental energy into the body."
"Huh explain I need more detail than that," I replied.
"I don't know much either but I was told this much when you do your aether meditations in "Nexus Zones" The more condensed the aether in the zone and the more you can draw in will infuse with the nature revisor. Think about it like this
"Think of the nature reservoir as a separate core intricately bonded with your source, the origin of your power. It's like having a secondary storage system that allows you to accumulate and enhance your aether reserves. The more aether of a specific element you add to these reserves, the more you can draw upon that element's power for your spells. This process also enables the passive absorption of aether particles from the surroundings.
Now, imagine it akin to unlocking a 'Second Origin,' like in that one manga with that fire lizard slayer he was able to use stronger spells and was able to increase his quantity and output. He gained access to stronger magic and significantly increased his magical reserves. Similarly, the nature reservoir, when continuously fed with concentrated aether in Nexus Zones, allows you to expand your aether capacity and wield more potent spells.
Keep in mind that the size and potential of these reserves can vary from person to person. Some may have inherently larger reservoirs or possess a greater affinity for specific elements, influencing the overall strength and versatility of their aether abilities. It's a gradual process, but it's a powerful tool for enhancing your capabilities as a Sentinel."
I absorbed the analogy, recognizing the potential of unlocking and expanding my natural reservoir
"Got it," I nodded, appreciating the clarity in Nico's explanation. "It's like building a personal arsenal within, and the more I invest in it, the more formidable my abilities become. Thanks for breaking it down, Nico."
Nico grinned, "Exactly. Now, let's head back to the Guild. I'm getting hungry and I also have a meeting soon. What do you plan on doing?
"Got it," I nodded, appreciating the clarity in Nico's explanation. "It's like building a personal arsenal within, and the more I invest in it, the more formidable my abilities become. Thanks for breaking it down, Nico."
Nico grinned, "Exactly. Now, let's head back to the Guild. I'm getting hungry and I also have a meeting soon. What do you plan on doing?
"More than likely go find Vallen and see what he's doing. Thanks to you my training may get a lot easier to yea." I replied
"Sweet then let's be on our way then. Ya ready?" He asked holding out his hand
"Yeah, I guess I have no other way to get back than you anyway," I replied
Nico chuckled, "Well, let's make the journey back a little more interesting." He grabbed my hand, and with a swift motion, the surroundings blurred as we teleported back to the Guild.
As we arrived, the familiar atmosphere of Tartarus greeted us. Nico released his grip, and I took a moment to orient myself.
"Thanks for the lesson, Nico. I'll catch up with you later," I said, preparing to venture into the Guild.
"No problem, Lucian. Keep honing those skills, and remember, I'm here whenever you need me," Nico reassured, flashing a supportive smile.
I nodded appreciatively, watching as Nico headed off for his meeting. As I went to find my brother.
Meanwhile, before the meeting, Nico went to see his Guild Master because he was summoned.
Nico, guided by the familiar halls of Tartarus, made his way to the Guild Master's chamber. The air in the room held a distinct aura of authority and ancient power. Seated at an intricately carved desk, the Guild Master, one of the 12, looked up as Nico entered.
"Ah, Nico," the Guild Master greeted, a shrewd glint in his eyes. "I've called you here for a matter of utmost importance."
Nico nodded respectfully, taking his place before the imposing figure. "Guild Master, you summoned me. What's the matter?"
The Guild Master leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Nico, you're not just a member of Tartarus. You are an integral part of a greater plan, a pact sealed by your mother, Eres, long ago."
Nico's expression tightened at the mention of his mother.
"The pact Eres made was with a being beyond the gods, an entity tied to the very fabric of existence," the Guild Master continued, his words laden with gravity. "In exchange for immense power, she promised the soul of her firstborn—"
"You mean... me?"
"Yes," the Guild Master affirmed, "and the time is nearing when the terms of the pact must be fulfilled. The Eternal Beast, a force that transcends the mortal realm, will soon awaken. You, Nico, hold a crucial role in seizing its power."
Nico's reluctance was palpable. "I didn't sign up for this. I won't be a pawn in some cosmic game."
The Guild Master's eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity. "Nico, you are bound by the threads of destiny. The contract cannot be undone. You either embrace your role or face the consequences."
Nico, caught between defiance and the inevitability of the situation, clenched his fists. "What if I refuse?"
The Guild Master's voice took on a commanding tone, resonating with an ancient authority. "Then, by the authority vested in me through the contract, you shall know the consequences."
A surge of searing pain gripped Nico, the invisible chains of the binding contract asserting their dominance. He gritted his teeth, enduring the agony.
"Embrace your destiny, Nico," the Guild Master intoned, the pain subsiding as quickly as it had come. "Seize the power of the Eternal Beast when the time comes, or face a fate far worse than you can imagine."
Nico, left with no choice but to accept the path set before him, nodded with a heavy heart.
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KingOrochi
KingOrochi Thank you for reading it. I would like to know your thoughts be as honest as you would like. But I do hope you enjoy. I plan to attempt at least 2 chapters every other week so be on the look out if you are enjoying Lucian's journey! Love you all.
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