In a world where Essence—the energy that fuels life and power—is sacred, only a select few are born with the rare ability to wield it. Among them is a prodigy destined for greatness, trained since childhood to become the next leader of a powerful clan and protect both the mystical world of Essence and the “normal” world from collapse.

But when this young warrior enters the elite academy of an organization dedicated to fighting corruption and maintaining balance, everything changes. Rivalries with other prodigies, intense missions , and dangerous secrets challenges everything they thought they knew about power, loyalty, and destiny.

As tensions rise and hidden truths come to light, an ancient darkness threatens to consume both worlds. To safeguard the future, this prodigy must master their abilities, forge alliances, and make impossible choices. But in a world where power is everything, can they rise to the occasion—or will they be consumed by the forces they were meant to stop?

The sound of Skofnung's clash faded, swallowed by the warped, blood-thick air. My knees were heavy beneath me. My lungs strained just to pull in breath.


Slow. Deliberate. His boots cracked the blood-slick stone beneath him, steam rising with every step. He didn't rush Vlad.


Vlad had just tried to kill me.Shit all of us. And Kieran didn't say a word—just looked at him like a switch had flipped. Like this was no longer combat.


Vlad tilted his head, mocking grin widening. "What, no speech?"


"You know what's funny?" he said. "The elders always preach the same nonsense. 'Essence must flow. Your domain must reflect the world. Submission to balance brings strength.'"


He rolled his neck. Essence cracked around his shoulders like thunder.


"Balance is for people too scared to demand more."


Not rippled. Not pulsed— bent. Like gravity had shifted directions around him.


Vlad narrowed his eyes. For the first time… I think he was confused.


Kieran's voice dropped into something colder, deeper—unapologetic.


"I don't want harmony. I don't want peace. I want control."


A crushing, suffocating wave of force slammed into us all. Essence snapped—like threads in our bodies were being yanked out by something bigger, heavier, meaner. My own domain flickered like a candle in a hurricane.


"Awakened Domain… Absolute Takeover."


Kieran stood at the center like a king at court.


The air was heavy with his essence. Not nature's. Not balance. Not the world's.


Even Vlad had to steady himself, stepping back—not in fear, but in calculation. The Strategist's eyes sharpened, and I saw him mouth something: "No not now. "


Kieran raised Skofnung in one hand, pointing it at the two of them. The blade glowed brighter than it had all night.


And just like that, the battle shifted again—because now?


Chapter 23 - Absolute