Chapter 18: • Channeling Essence

"You're not exerting it strong enough," Thorin said with a friendly assertiveness.

Spheris sighed. "Exerting it strong enough? What does that even mean? I have no idea what I'm doing."

"Of course you do. You're trying to conjure your powers by tapping into your Essence," Thorin assured. "Now come on, try again."

Spheris gave him an unwilling glance before taking a stance, breathing deep like he was told and then pushing his hand forward. Nothing.

"Try again."

The five Avatars were all out in the premises of the mansion, still in their gray uniforms while they trained under the afternoon sky. Nero was still destroying punching bags with his Icy Delayed Strike, Akemi was trying to lift up other things that weren't rocks and Cerene was manipulating the water from the fountain.

Thorin on the other hand, had volunteered to help Spheris with channeling his Essence and manipulating his powers.

But it was almost an hour, and Spheris was yet to produce even a dot of shade.

"Nothing's working," Spheris said in a defeated whisper. "Forget it, I'll figure it out myself later."

"Hey," Thorin placed his hand on his shoulder. "We're a team now, remember? I'm going to help you until you get a grip on this. I promise."

Spheris didn't know whether that was a good thing or not. He still wasn't comfortable with the idea of having Royal Gentlefolks as teammates, knowing that the societal difference in ranks between them will never let them truly be friends.

"Whatever." he muttered. "If this Obsidian wants me to be his Avatar, then why do I have to work for the powers?"

Thorin smiled. "Alright look, you don't have to force it to come out, okay? Don't try to make it appear like you're pulling it out of nowhere. Just acknowledge that it is already there, and all you have to do is use it. Believe in its presence."

Even if he didn't want to admit it, what Thorin said made perfect sense. If he had the powers of a Celestial inside of him like everyone said, the only thing that could be stopping him from using it is his inability to believe in it as well.

"Alright then," he nodded reluctantly, deciding to embrace the notion that the power already existed within him. Taking a deep breath, he focused on his core, welcoming the calm and allowing the Essence to course through his body.

With focused intent, Spheris outstretched his hand, and this time he felt something. He felt the Essence responding to his call. A ball of dark mist slowly coalesced in his open palm.

"Woah," he whispered.

"There you go!" Thorin praised. "You did it!"

"What the— " Spheris gazed at the ball of mist in awe. It pulsed gently on his palm, swirling around in a magnificent darkness. He couldn't believe that he had created that by himself. He had power—actual power! And it just seemed that it was now the realization was setting in for him.

If he could do this, what more can he do?

"Hey, the Heathian did something!" Nero shouted, bringing everyone's attention to Spheris. He then started to approach and Spheris swore under his breath.

"We agreed to call him Spheris, Nero," Cerene said to the stud.

"Ah, whatever," Nero remarked. "Now, let's see what we have here." He bent his waist, lowering his gaze to see the ball of mist on Spheris's palm.

"Hm," he nodded approvingly, then looked up at Spheris. "Is that it?"

Scornfully, Spheris withdrew his hand and the ball dissipated into thin air.

"Come on, Nero," Thorin said to him. "It's only the first ever time he's conjured his powers."

"I know... and it was lame."

"I thought it was alright," Cerene shrugged, then turned to where Akemi was training. "Wasn't it, Akemi!?" she shouted.

Akemi simply said "Yes," and continued training.

Nero looked at Cerene angrily. "What's it with this new niceness you're showing to him? You do remember the only reason he's here is because he stole Bastopher's Essence? Your boyfriend?"

"What about you?" Spheris asked flatly. "Is it only the fake ice punch you can do?"

"Huh? What, no." Nero scoffed. "I can also do this." He displayed his palm confidently and three diamonds of ice were conjured. Spheris had to eat his words.

"You see that, Wasteland Boy?" Nero taunted. "That's what you call power, hah! That's what you call knowing what you're doing! Which you clearly do not."

While he spoke, the ice on his hand suddenly began to melt in front of him. Nero frowned at it, and realizing what was happening, turned to Thorin. "Hey!"

There was a ball of fire on Thorin's hand, which he then put off. "Alright enough of that, Nero. Spheris is still new to this so it's gonna take some time for him to get used to controlling his powers. This is a good start."

"Pfft," Nero sighed and turned around. "I'm just saying, it wouldn't be a start if it was Bastopher who was here."

Spheris clenched his fists, his gaze burning with frustration and anger as Nero frisked away. 'I'll show you, you thickheaded dolt,' he raged in his thoughts. He imagined the white-haired boy being eaten to bits by a Gorgolith. It was not difficult to imagine, seeing that he had seen it happen before.

All he had to do was replace Dunnam's face in his memory with Nero's.

"Don't mind him," Thorin said to Spheris with a soft tap on the back. "Bastopher is Nero's best friend, so you can understand why he's a bit emotional about this."

'Doesn't give him the right to be a jerk.' Spheris thought. His gaze shifted to Cerene who was watching him intently, like she noticed the darkness in his eyes as he glared at Nero.

"Come on, let's see if you can manipulate the dark mist to create any offense." Thorin suggested, but Spheris didn't respond.

His internal turmoil began to grow. He knew he had much to learn but the anger in his eyes mirrored the determination to master his newfound gifts, even though he hated it's origination. His thoughts echoed with a silent vow — to transcend the doubts, and be powerful. He wanted it now even more than when he first met Meister Grengo.

"Hey, Spheris?" Thorin called again.

"Avatars!" Ardion's voice tore into the air like thunder, capturing everyone's attention. "Stand in a straight line, shoulder to shoulder!"

Spheris and the Avatars quickly obeyed, not knowing what was happening but smart enough not to question.

Satisfied, the guard nodded. "Good. I suggest you be on your best behavior, we have an important visitor." He gazed sternly at each of them before saying, "The High Magus of the Continent is here."

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