"I'm surprised, it seems like you do have a knack for soul arts. But still don't get too conceited, it could be that the aspect of time is particularly inclined to this one art. While you might find it harder to exercise others.

Then, tell me how it feels?"

Lenard's expression was quite joyful at the moment, after all, one of his new students seemed to be quite promising. Still, he couldn't recommend Nestor to the higher-ups or even put a good word for him to a commander, as he would have usually done.

'If only you didn't choose time, the titles for this aspect have been lost since time immemorial, not even in our forbidden section do we have the formula for the stigma of time.

Damn it, it's too early to think this pessimistic, I should be happy and congratulate him instead, otherwise, he'd be sure to lose the right path.'

Nestor took a few deep breaths, as even if he had stood still in the same place he was sweating all over while his heart was vigorously beating.

" Thank you, Teacher, I'm just a bit tired, I indeed gave my all. At first, it wasn't easy at all, as I've never felt these 'channels' that could somehow affect the power of my soul.

Oh! Right, dendrites, I think you called them that. Everything seemed so surreal that I was a bit skeptical myself, how could all this be real?

But then I felt your guidance, it helped me concentrate on the task ahead, without being concerned about anything else. As I kept on I felt like nothing else mattered, almost like I got disconnected from the outside world for a moment.

I think the experience I did through the mantra helped me there, as I finally could truly feel both my soul and entries. I pushed forward the power contained inside and released it towards my sword.

At last feared to have missed my target, as it was quite difficult to pinpoint the exact destination to it. Thankfully you helped me direction it all around the blade."

For every soul practitioner, the first time they could feel and utilize their soul power was very precious, as it opened for them the doors to an entirely new world. Of magic, myth, and even legend. Thus for every step grasped by Nestor, Lenard couldn't be but happy for this pupil of his.

"Wait, I didn't help you at all. What you said... how could it happen?"

For a moment Lenard feared for the worse and prepared himself to be combat-ready. He seized his most powerful artifacts while keeping an eye on the security measures installed in the room.

However as seconds passed by, nothing happened, the bookshelves were still in their place, the candles were still burning and the mouth of the carped was still shut.

'Hmph! I knew it wasn't time for 'that' yet, maybe it wasn't caused by an external influence after all'

Lenard took a few steps closer to the still motionless Nestor, who, at the same time, was questioning himself about the strange behavior of his teacher.

'Teacher is acting strange. He has lived here for who knows how much, to make him feel cautious about something, doesn't spell any good. Maybe I'm just overthinking and he's only shocked by my incredible self.

That's right Nestor, you can't undervalue yourself that much, think positive!'

Ever since he arrived at Ceres, Nestor tried to compliment himself more and think with more positivity all around. Not that everything had to be happy and pretty flowers, but he wanted to deviate from his past ways.

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In the past, he had always been indifferent to himself. He didn't care about either his scholarly achievements, the thanks of the poor he cured himself, or the rare praise his abbot gave him. It didn't matter, he just went on with his life, executing whatever task was given to him.

Even he didn't know the reason for such apathy, but in the end, that was the whole point, he didn't care. But this time it'll be different, it is a 'new' him now.

"Your sword! I knew it, it must have a high affinity to the aspect of time. You got lucky with this one, it perfectly fits your path, well done, now chug this tonic and run to the training grounds, or you'll find yourself in big trouble!"

Hearing such news Nestor felt even more elated, fortune was indeed smiling upon this new life of his!

He had already wondered a lot about the Khopesh. His senses told him that it was really special and precious, in the armory he felt a strong attraction towards it and ended up choosing it.

Only to regret it later. One had to be blind to consider such a blunted sword a fine weapon, plus with all the strange rust running all over it Nestor kept fearing for it to shutter at every swing.

Lastly, it felt inferior to all the other weapons the trainees had pulled out during the training against Captain Cole.

Yet, in the end, his guts did not fail him, this sword was indeed special, and will help him dearly in the duel waiting for him in about six days.

Nestor quickly grabbed the vial Lenard just offered him and started gulping it down. The cold, slightly viscous liquid went down his throat, reinvigorating his body and spirit, leaving an aftertaste of strawberries in the while.

"Lastly before sending you off, a few things.

I forgot to mention it before, but here in Ceres, there is an important saying. 'Never trust in the dark', while you might think that it's just some quote running around through the common folk, it does hold some truth.

While it's true that most sentient beings, like us humans, tend to fear darkness, in Ceres one should be even more careful. There is no sun above our heads, and so there should be no shadow either.

I won't explain any further here, engrave this concept in your head.

Also, I have booked for you a course studying the biology of the soul, it should interest you dearly. The professor should be an acquaintance of yours as well.

Lastly, before I forget, in three days you'll have to venture into the mines of this sector. It's about being an escort for a group of new miners, not only you'll be paid for it, but it should be a good occasion to build connections with them."

Lenard declared the end of the lesson, weaving Nestor goodbye.

'Teacher is definitely a good person, to care this much about me, I hope I'll find some ways to repay him in the future.'

Truth to be told Nestor was almost caught up in tears, as none had ever cared as much for him. Even Linneo, as a kind soul he might be, didn't feel as caring. The old teacher almost resembled the fatherly figure he never had.

Nestor eventually arrived at the training grounds, almost everyone else seemed to be already there. Only the green guy and Marco were missing.

Captain Cole was clad in his knightly armor, rhythmically tapping with his right boot on the ground.

"Two are still missing. Bad for them, I'll wait another two minutes and then start the session. Being late is the equivalent of disrespecting not only me but our entire squad.

Being late on the battlefield equals desertion, and you bet I'll make you pay for such a blunder."

While waiting in line, Nestor took a glance at the training grounds, as they had changed once again. There were no more torches all around, and the sand had been removed in place of a grassy lawn. In the middle of it, a tall tree sprang towards the sky, hovering over the white fountain of vigor. While the small battle arena was still there, unchanged.

Suddenly a few hurried steps resounded through the southern corridor that connected to the grounds.

"Come on dude! It's all your fault, the corridor was surely large enough for the both of us to pass at the same. Your build is so scrawny too, instead of cursing me like that I could have given you a nice training program. I know this stuff, go on, if you don't believe me I'll let you touch my big, sculpted muscles!."

Nestor immediately recognized the owner of this voice to be Marco, only he could make such a speech while not resembling an arrogant muscle head. The guy seemed to be seriously worried about the physical health of the person he was speaking to.

"Fuck off! Come closer so that I can make you taste the power of my fists! Trained with the sweat and blood of the streets. We'll see then whose the real weakling, you shit head!"

The unsightly manners of such an individual had put a mark on Nestor's memory, as he couldn't forget about the rude roommate he had encountered two days prior.