The following night, I found myself alone in my room. Jake had gone out to eat with some of his classmates. While I didn't know all the details, he mentioned that he was taking the day to rest, emphasizing, "Rest is important too."

A chuckle escaped me when he shared his plan. As for me, the concept of taking a break or resting seemed like a luxury I couldn't afford. My schedule was packed, leaving little room for anything resembling downtime.

The night stretched its cosmic canvas across the sky, and as the moon held its celestial vigil, I found myself on the precipice of a transformative moment. The weeks of relentless training and introspection culminated in this solitary pursuit—a quest to forge my Ether core.

The room, adorned in the soft glow of moonlight, became a sacred space where the boundaries between potential and reality blurred. I seated myself in the center, the hum of cosmic energies resonating with the cadence of my breath. The echoes of Jake's past lingered, a silent testament to the strength born from adversity.

Closing my eyes, I delved into the depths of Dark Meditation. The cosmic energies responded, weaving a symphony around me. The journey within was both a solitary endeavor and a shared pursuit, now lined with the words I spoke with jake last night. As I navigated the ethereal currents, I could almost feel the proximity of the elusive Ether core.

It's time, I thought, a surge of anticipation coursing through me.

The cosmic energies intensified, swirling in a dance of luminescence. A profound stillness enveloped the room, and within the crucible of self-discovery, the moment approached. The boundaries within me wavered, and with unwavering focus, I reached for the essence that would define my strength.

In the quiet of that transformative night, the Ether core manifested—a convergence of cosmic energies coalescing within. The sensation, both ethereal and grounding, marked the culmination of my efforts. It was a rebirth, a step into the realm of heightened abilities that awaited exploration.

The moonlight bore witness to the emergence of newfound power, casting an otherworldly glow on the room. As I opened my eyes, a sense of accomplishment and potential surged through me. The journey toward mastery had just begun, but in this moment, I stood at the threshold of possibility.

Wanting to see my progress visually I opened up my ether attunement window and saw the “5%”. Seeing this I smiled.

***

The next day, I sailed through my classes with a sense of excitement. The prospect of delving into the techniques I had acquired after school fueled my enthusiasm. Adjusting my schedule to accommodate these new additions became a priority. While meditation remained a crucial element in ether core advancement, I decided to allocate two hours to it, reducing it from the initial four.

As the bell signaled the end of my third period, dedicated to Ether Synthesis and Manipulation, I made the choice to stay behind and have another conversation with Professor Don. It wasn't a common occurrence for me to seek him out, knowing he preferred not to be bothered. However, I couldn't ignore the noticeable improvement in my skills, and I sensed that he had observed it too.

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“You’ve formed your ether core, I see,” he remarked with a nod of approval as I approached. "In only a few weeks. Thats rather quick."

“Yeah, I just wanted to give you an update since it was thanks to you that I had a baseline of what to do and where to start,” I responded, expressing my gratitude.

"The selection process is close to being announced; you should buckle down on your training," he advised, his tone carrying a sense of urgency, punctuated by the flicker of the lighter illuminating his cigarette.

"I will, no doubt," I assured him, acknowledging the gravity of the upcoming selection.

He nodded, exhaling a plume of smoke. "So why did you seek me out? Is there any question you have?"

"Yes," I began, feeling a newfound confidence in seeking knowledge, "As you know, I wasn't very familiar with the ways of ether or even the universe at all. But these past few weeks, I've been studying the ways of the GC and its history. During my research, the name Leonardo came up—the name of one of the twelve families that founded the GC."

Professor Don chuckled, a hearty sound that resonated in the quiet space. "You were probably the only person in the class that didn't know about my family's reputation. Which is why I don't mind when you speak to me after class like this," he admitted, a rare glimpse into the more human side of the professor. He exhaled some smoke, a gesture that seemed to ease the tension in the room. "It's made me feel normal a bit."

"I see," I responded, absorbing the information and appreciating the professor's willingness to share a part of himself beyond the classroom setting.

The professor took another drag from his cigarette before continuing, "The Leonardos have a long-standing history within the Galactic Coalition. We've been a part of its foundations from the very beginning. Each of the twelve families contributed in unique ways, shaping the Coalition into what it is today."

I listened intently, curious about the role his family played in the grand tapestry of the Galactic Coalition. The dim light in the room seemed to highlight the professor's features, adding an air of mystery to his narrative.

"Our family specializes in etheric arts and combat techniques. We've produced some of the most skilled martial practitioners and powerful spellcasters in the history of the GC," he explained, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Being a Leonardo comes with its expectations, especially in terms of martial prowess and etheric mastery."

As he spoke, I could sense the weight of the legacy he carried. It was not just about personal achievement; it was about upholding the honor and tradition of a family deeply intertwined with the Coalition's heritage.

"Your affinity for space is intriguing," he remarked, diverting the course of our conversation. "It's a rare and complex connection. Not many can harness the power of the cosmos."

His words resonated with me, offering a sense of validation. Despite the challenges stemming from my unfamiliarity with the world of ether, it appeared that my chosen affinity held a unique significance.

"I try to avoid association with my family, and I dislike it being mentioned around me," he continued, his tone carrying a hint of reluctance. "So, I would appreciate it if you refrain from bringing them up again. However, I appreciate your curiosity and boldness in coming straight to the source. If I were any other high noble, I might have considered punishing you for attempting to breach family affairs—especially as a commoner like yourself," he advised, his gaze penetrating. "Avoid such actions in the future; not every noble would respond as leniently as I have."

I absorbed his words, understanding the delicate nature of family matters, especially among the high nobles. It was clear that Professor Don valued privacy when it came to his family, and I made a mental note to respect that boundary.

"Thank you for the advice, Professor. I didn't mean to overstep," I replied earnestly, appreciating his candid guidance. The intricacies of noble dynamics were still foreign to me, and I was learning the nuances as I navigated through the corridors of the Galactic Coalition.

The professor nodded, acknowledging my response. "Your curiosity is an asset, but wield it wisely. The Galactic Coalition is a realm of complexities, and not everyone appreciates prying eyes, especially when it comes to familial matters."