After the professor's cautionary words, I left his office with a newfound understanding of the intricacies governing noble interactions. Navigating the academy's corridors, I mulled over the delicate balance between curiosity and discretion, my thoughts naturally gravitating toward Jake.

I found him on the training grounds, deeply immersed in a sparring session with a fellow student. His movements were fluid, a testament to the dedication he poured into his training. As I approached, he noticed my presence, exchanged a nod with his sparring partner, and promptly dismissed him.

"Ah, Alex?" Jake greeted, a sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead. It was clear he was taken aback by my unexpected appearance on the usually solitary training grounds.

He halted the practice and introduced me to his sparring partner. "Alex, this is my classmate Elyne. Elyne, this is Alex."

We exchanged pleasantries, and then my gaze shifted to Jake. He seemed somewhat nervous, his cheeks flushed.

Oh. I see what's going on here. Did me dear roommate have a crush? I wanted to chuckled, but I kept my face stoic deciding to ask him about it back at the dorm

"Oh, so you're the Alex he's always mentioning," Elyne observed, turning her attention to Jake. "The one who's always meditating and studying?"

Jake nodded, looking back at me. "Yeah, that's him. What are you doing in the training grounds? You're never here," he inquired.

"Well, my ether core is formed now, and I was thinking of that spar we talked about," I replied with a grin.

His eyes widened. "I see," he said, turning to Elyne. "Do you mind being the ref?"

She smiled, saying, "Not at all. Just don't hurt each other because I am definitely not jumping in to stop it."

Jake chuckled. "Alright then."

With her confirmation, both of us stepped up to the plate. Despite the smile on my face, Jake's grin seemed even more significant. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as we prepared for the friendly bout, with Elyne standing by as our referee.

The training grounds became our arena, and the air buzzed with the energy of impending competition. Elyne stood as the impartial referee, her gaze shifting between Jake and me. As we assumed our stances, I couldn't help but acknowledge the heightened sense of ether that lingered in the atmosphere.

I knew that my connection to ether had strengthened, a subtle awareness that accompanied every move. The cosmic energies responded to the ebb and flow of our impending bout. However, the practical application of my abilities remained untested, an uncertainty that added an intriguing layer to the upcoming spar.

Jake, with his refined etheric control, exuded a confidence that was hard to miss. His movements were precise, a testament to the dedication he invested in mastering both martial arts and etheric techniques. In contrast, my approach leaned more on instinct, the raw potential of the Ether core urging me forward.

As the first exchange of blows commenced, I attempted to infuse my strikes with etheric energy. The cosmic currents responded, adding an ethereal force to my movements. However, the lack of practical experience manifested in a certain sloppiness, a raw power yet to be harnessed.

Jake gracefully countered, effortlessly deflecting my strikes with a calculated finesse. His eyes reflected the mastery he had achieved in integrating ether into his martial arts. The contrast between our styles became evident – his refinement against my untamed potential.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

In the midst of the spar, I couldn't help but marvel at the dance of ether around us. It was as if the cosmic energies were a silent spectator, acknowledging the convergence of two individuals on a path of self-discovery.

Despite my unpolished ether handling, the connection resonated within me. It whispered possibilities, urging me to explore the untapped depths of my newfound abilities. Each clash of our movements was a step into the unknown, a journey that transcended the boundaries of conventional training.

As the spar continued, I focused on refining my etheric control, learning from each exchange with Jake. The rhythmic exchange of blows persisted, a symphony of martial prowess and etheric dance. Despite my earnest efforts to refine my etheric control during the spar, the disparity in experience and finesse became increasingly apparent.

As the bout unfolded, I found myself caught in the intricate web of our movements. The cosmic energies responded to our dance, casting an ethereal glow around us. The spar had become more than a friendly competition; it was a communion of two individuals seeking to unravel the mysteries of their abilities.

However, the whispers of possibility that echoed within me couldn't completely bridge the gap in skill. Jake's calculated maneuvers gradually gained the upper hand, his more refined etheric control proving to be a decisive factor. Despite my determination, the limitations of my untested techniques became evident.

With a swift and well-timed strike, Jake managed to disarm me, leaving me momentarily defenseless. The training grounds fell silent as the echo of our clash reverberated. Elyne, standing at a distance, observed the outcome with a neutral expression, her role as referee coming to the forefront.

I took a step back, acknowledging the defeat with a nod. The dance of ether had revealed the gaps in my current understanding, emphasizing the need for further exploration and refinement. Jake, ever the sportsman, offered a hand in a gesture of camaraderie.

"Well fought, Alex. You're getting the hang of it," he remarked, his tone carrying a genuine encouragement that resonated with the spirit of our shared journey. "Your way better than I was before I practed an etheric art. Im going to have to train harder or you going to cath up soon. YOu a little be of a monster."

I took his words as a complement and smiled.

You're actually really impressive for someone who has just awakened their ether core." Elyne Added, "Your fight style is rather unpredictable."

Gratitude swelled within me at their words of encouragement. It was reassuring to know that my efforts were making an impact, not only on my own abilities but on those who witnessed the progression.

"Thanks, Jake. And Elyne, I appreciate the observation," I replied, genuinely touched by their support. "I still have a lot to learn, but I'm eager to embrace the challenges."

In the aftermath of the spar, Jake and I returned to our dorm, the atmosphere charged with the residue of etheric energy. Elyne, bidding us farewell, left us with a parting encouragement to continue pushing each other's limits.

As we settled into the room, Jake couldn't hide the lingering excitement on his face. "You're making great progress, Alex. Just a little more practice, and you'll be giving me a run for my money."

I chuckled, appreciating his words. "Thanks, Jake. It's a whole new world for me, but I'm eager to explore it."

We both took a moment to catch our breath, the realization of the spar's impact settling in. The camaraderie forged through the dance of ether had strengthened, creating an unspoken bond between us. It wasn't just about competition; it was about mutual growth and support.

"By the way," I began, a mischievous glint in my eyes, "Elyne seemed to know a lot about you. Is there something you're not telling me, Jake?"

He feigned innocence, raising an eyebrow. "What can I say? I might have left a lasting impression."

After sharing a laugh at the prospect, our conversation took a turn.

"Did you hear about the upcoming announcement?" Jake asked.

"No, what's it about?" I inquired.

"Well, apparently, one of the professors will be summoning a first-years meeting tomorrow. I'm assuming they are going to announce their selection process and let us know how much longer we have to prepare," he explained.

The news about the upcoming meeting added a new layer of anticipation to our already charged conversation. Jake's eyes gleamed with a mixture of curiosity and excitement, mirroring my own sentiments.

"A first-years meeting? That sounds like they're finally going to unveil the details of the mission selection," I replied, my interest piqued. "It's about time. I've been eager to know what challenges await us and how we can prepare."

Jake nodded, his enthusiasm evident. "Exactly. It's a crucial step, and the more information we have, the better prepared we can be. I suggest we make sure we're there early, get a good spot. This meeting could be a game-changer for us."

I agreed wholeheartedly. "Early it is then. We can discuss our strategies afterward and make any necessary adjustments to our training routine. This mission is an opportunity, Jake, one we can't afford to miss."