At Rudra's Home
Rudra entered his home, the familiar warmth of his grandmother's presence welcoming him. She was sitting by the window, knitting a scarf, when she noticed him.
"Ah, Rudra! You're back! How did the awakening go? What skill did you awaken?" she asked eagerly, her eyes shining with concern and love.
Rudra looked down at the ground, unsure of how to explain it. "I... I didn't unlock a skill or weapon like the others," he admitted quietly.
His grandmother placed her knitting aside and stood up, walking over to him. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her voice full of comforting warmth.
"Sometimes, child, things don't unfold as we expect. But do not let that discourage you. You have something unique within you, even if it hasn't shown itself yet. Strength comes in many forms. Your journey will be different, and that's okay. We all have our time to shine."
Her words brought him a sense of peace, though the weight of his mysterious awakening still lingered in his chest.
"I believe in you, Rudra. You will find your path, and when you do, nothing will stop you." She smiled softly, her eyes filled with pride.
Rudra nodded, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thanks, Grandma."
Anika waved goodbye from the door as she headed back home. Rudra watched her leave before heading to his bedroom.
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In Rudra's Bedroom
Rudra sat down at his desk, a sense of urgency gnawing at him. He quickly activated his Status Window, a feature every human received after their first awakening. It displayed key information about his current state and abilities
Status Window
Name: Rudra
Age : 10
Race: Human
Aura Level: ???
Aura gathering skill: ????
Elements: Dark (Locked)
Physique Level: ???
Strength: 15/100
Agility: 12/100
Soul Power: 45/100
Will Power: 90/100
Luck: ???
Weapon: Trishool/Trident (Locked)
Title: [??]
Rudra's eyes narrowed at the unfamiliar terms. Elements, Physique... It was all so new, so much more to learn. He'd heard from senior students about these features. The Elements were an essential part of every individual's growth, representing their affinity with one of the primal forces of nature—whether it be fire, water, wind, earth, or something more exotic. But his first element, Dark, was locked.
The Physique level would determine how well his body would adapt to battle and physical training. Rudra knew he'd need to train hard to unlock this.
"First monster kill," Rudra muttered to himself. That was what it would take to unlock his first skill. He remembered the dark figure's words—Let's see how you grow. It was his path to growth, to unlocking his potential.
Rudra felt a flicker of determination. He would grow stronger, unlock his skills, and face whatever awaited him. But first, he had to find out more about this mysterious Trishool—and the ominous whispers surrounding the Vishwanath Temple ruins.
Next morning
Vice Principal Arvind gestured to a group of instructors, each one an elite warrior specializing in different disciplines. "You will now meet your instructors for today's class."
As the students were called forward, they joined their respective groups. Anika stepped confidently toward the elemental users, her fiery aura crackling with energy.
Vikram strode toward the weapon users, his double-edged khanda gleaming in the morning light.
Finally, Rudra's name was called. He stepped forward, awaiting his assignment.
Vice Principal Arvind studied him for a moment before speaking. "Rudra, your case is... unique. Since your abilities are currently locked, you will undergo special training."
Whispers erupted among the students. Special training? Was it a fancy way of saying he was too weak to train normally?
Rudra, however, remained silent, nodding in acceptance.
Arvind continued, "You will be under the personal guidance of Elder Surya. He is one of the most experienced cultivators in this academy. If there's a way to unlock your potential, he will find it."
The students gasped. Elder Surya? The legendary warrior who once defeated an entire battalion single-handedly?
A tall, aged man with sharp eyes and a sturdy build stepped forward. "Come, boy. Let's see what you're truly made of."
Rudra followed Elder Surya, determination burning in his heart. This was his chance—to prove himself, to uncover the secrets of his awakening, and to take his first true step toward destiny.
"As they walked through the academy grounds, Elder Surya suddenly stopped and turned to face Rudra. His gaze was sharp and piercing, as if trying to read his very soul. 'Tell me, Rudra,' Surya began, 'do you know why your skills and elemental abilities have not awakened?"
Rudra shook his head helplessly, replying, "No, I don't understand."
Surya studied him closely, searching for any hint of deceit. But seeing no change in Rudra's expression, he sighed. "It's okay, boy. Meet me sharp at 1:30. I'll try to create a monthly schedule for you. If you can awaken in that time, we'll know."
Rudra glanced at the time, his heart sinking as he realized how little time he had."
It was now 7:50 AM, and the first theory class was about to begin. The students filed into the classroom, eager but nervous. The instructor for today was a beautiful woman named Aria, an accomplished cultivator at level 36. Her presence commanded attention as she stood at the front of the class, her aura calm but powerful.
"Good morning, students," Aria said, her voice soothing yet firm. "Today we will discuss the fundamentals of aura and how it affects your training."
She began with an explanation. "Aura is the manifestation of your life energy, the force that connects you to your potential. It is not merely energy but the very essence of your strength, guiding you to harness your abilities."
Turning to Vikram, she asked, "Vikram, tell me what you understand about aura?"
Vikram grinned, confident as ever. "Aura is what fuels our abilities. It powers our weapons, magic, and everything we do."
"Correct," Aria replied. "But aura is more than just a fuel. It is a part of you, and it shapes how you wield your powers."
She moved on, explaining the status window and its function. "The status window is your tool to monitor and refine your aura. It shows your skills, stats, and the growth of your abilities. It is not simply a display of power but a reflection of your potential."
Aria then began teaching them how to concentrate their aura in specific parts of the body. "The aura you cultivate is not one-size-fits-all. It can be focused in different areas of your body depending on your skill set.
For defense, aura will gather in your skin, strengthening it to make you tougher. For mages, the aura focuses on the brain, enhancing concentration and control.
For close-range fighters like those using daggers, swords, and spears, your aura will strengthen your muscles, giving you speed and power.
For ranged weapon users like archers and mages with staves or wands, the aura focuses on your vision and shoulders, improving your accuracy."
She demonstrated the breathing technique, guiding them in how to focus their aura. "Breathe steadily, focus, and let the aura gather in the appropriate part of your body. It takes time, patience, and concentration."
"Your talent, however, will determine how easily you can harness this aura," Aria added. "There is no fixed measurement for it. Some may excel faster, others may take longer."
The students were given thirty minutes to practice. Aria walked around, observing each one as they focused on their aura.
Vikram, after some moments of concentration, looked over at Rudra. He could see that Rudra was struggling, unable to focus his aura properly. A taunting smile appeared on his face. "Having trouble? Guess it's harder than it looks, huh?"
Aria quickly intervened. "Vikram, that will be enough. Rudra, just observe for now. You don't need to force it."
Rudra felt a pang of embarrassment but nodded, trying to keep his focus. While others seemed to make progress, he could only watch, frustrated by his lack of control.
Soon, the class came to an end, and Aria dismissed the students, leaving them with the knowledge they would need for their next steps.