The ascension chamber was vast, and the scent of cool, moist stone was wafting through the air. Adorning the walls were what I had come to learn were “aura symbols.” A rune form that was practically lost at this point. These were tools that helped focus your aura, like a solid battering ram against the gate you want to open. Unfortunately, they only helped up to the 3rd gate. A certain quantity of aura was needed to open the gate and a suitable amount of control to guide it against the gate.
Hadrian was busy making a particular pattern on the floor, using aura-infused chalk, of all things. Really, it was quite like when I forcibly tried to do all those mana rituals for years. I shouldn’t think about that anymore; it was the past. I'd never do those corrupting rituals again.
My real home was here in this citadel. My blood felt connected to this place; it was the oddest thing. A black shade seemed situated next to the entrance to this chamber. I realized this as I looked at Verdenia, who was watching from the side. We hadn't spoken since then, and if I had any say, we wouldn't again for a long time. Along with her were others, practically everyone I had a decent connection to. Elnara, Gelben, Methuselah, Vance, Layla, and even Vivian and Ashari were there. To my surprise, Kidra and Helena were there as well. I'd always worried about the two, Kidra especially, even if I didn't show it. They were like my new family, making me feel like I belonged. This place, where I least expected it, had become my home.
At least I knew my slum brother was also safe here in the citadel. I'd have to catch up with him after undergoing the first ascension.
A stray thought drifted into my mind. I realized I'd never visited Ashari's room as I had promised. Hard to visit someone when you’re either in a dungeon or a medical ward bed the entire time until now. Maybe it was for the best. Something was odd about that girl.
In a way, I had my own family now and little desire for mana. Especially when all it would do is feed that demon, Ravatel. He was still a snake lurking in the darkness, like a cockroach that wouldn’t die already. I’d have to research how to get rid of mana demons. Seeing my mom so nonchalantly showing up for my requested execution by Velexa shattered any last hesitation for the path of aura. This was my only way out, to break the shackles that rotten family placed around my neck. The answer wasn't to run but to go against them with my entire being.
Hadrian's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, his serious tone tinged with pride. "It's done, Falond. The rest is up to you. Become a true auramancer."
"I'll be here to assist," Mundara started, being able to speak more even out of the mindscape, but she still had limits.
As it turns out, the first gate was typically nestled deep within a person's brain. It also explains why I couldn’t find it back in the prison, seeing as the hood would prevent any chance of finding the gate. This gate was the easiest of the currently known six. Asking about the other gates and their challenges was met with silence by both Hadrian and Mundara. Both agreed: You'll know when it's time. Having Mundara’s assistance for the first gate would help me, and I confidently entered the mindscape. Ulysses was there too, of course, maintaining his usual silence.
I gathered my aura using granular control. With Mundara's guidance, we flooded my brain with aura, searching deep within. It wasn’t long before we came upon what looked like twin emerald doors swirling with white. Pillars were at the sides of them. The door was already cracked, reminding me of the first time I attempted to use aura. The doors had infused some energy in me by force, letting me avoid the Woodbourne Trogg back then. The gate must have something of a will then.
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Pushing the aura towards the doors, they tried to resist, but the sheer volume I adapted to contain in me was far higher than usual. The Aura Breath technique helped immensely with that. As for the level of control, let’s say it wouldn’t be a problem for a long time. The twin doors creaked under the pressure. I manipulated the aura, shooting threads into the already present cracks. There was a strong pushback by the energy the door was keeping sealed. Mundara placed a hand on my right shoulder silently. She didn't say anything, apparently hoping I'd figure it out first on my own.
That's when it hit me. Where was my intent with the aura? I'd done this multiple times. I channeled the desire to shatter, conquer, and take what was already mine. This door was within me from the moment Mundara chose me. My strands of aura grew taunt; the cracks started to widen. Then, spread over to the rest of the twin doors. Just moments later, the twin doors shattered. Elnara was right when she said I’d been overqualified by now. It’s supposed to be much more challenging than this, at least according to what Hadrian told me. A strange energy came out of the void behind the shattered doors. Without resistance, it swept aside my aura, coursing through every inch of my being. My heart hammered fiercely in my chest as sweat poured down my skin. The energy was dense.
"Just a little further, Falond, and you'll ascend," Mundara encouraged.
The damn headache returned, and then my muscles began to tear themselves. Yet, no blood was shed. Even my bones fractured and remolded multiple times, strengthening them. The instant any damage was done, it became healed. The brand was also re-etching itself, a side effect of having a second path. The tree image had grown more detailed, its towering height increasing further. Two new, unique fairies began to fly around the tree image, and a more profound, ancient feeling radiated outward.
My aura was changing; the strands began to reform, tearing and returning stronger. A single symbol was seen on them, pure power emanating from it. This new aura felt several times stronger than my previous one, and the quantity also increased rapidly. My very blood felt infused with the aura and changed the structure within. The mindscape also expanded, and the cloud mist to the sides receded considerably. The only problem was that controlling this new aura was more challenging, though adapting shouldn’t be too hard now that I’ve done it once.
My senses all expanded and refined, which helped me react more quickly. I felt less out of place with this world as if my being started to meld with this plane. The most shocking was when the remaining energy rushed to my eyes. The burning sensation was at first intense but then just as soothing. More blood poured out of them, only to evaporate into a mist. The crushed structure of my eyes began to regenerate. The haze that the soundscape and other senses couldn't get rid of started to lift. Just like that, my vision began to return, with the black void receding.
My eyes were back. It certainly explained how other red robes were able to heal after finishing their initiation. The energy continued to work on my body, but I no longer paid any heed to that. Even in the mindscape, my hands began to shake in anticipation.
Taking myself out of the mindscape, I abruptly stood up. Almost panting in exhilaration, I ripped off the blindfold. As I gently opened my eyes, tears cascaded down my cheeks. In front of me were the world's colors, all the details that the soundscape and other sources couldn’t tell me. The beauty of everything was so intense I’d never felt more grateful in my entire life. My feet began to tap, and a smile couldn't help but land on my lips.
Looking around, I saw my actual path. Any last vestiges of my former desires were gone. This path with aura was mine, with a helping hand of nature's essence from the brand. Now, I just needed to make sure no one could take them from me. All sides may be trying to manipulate me for their own gains, but I would find a way. If none existed, then I'd make it myself. I had the best teacher always there with me, and even in the short time I'd been with Mundara, the results of her knowledge had shown. Aura breath was a technique few, if any, other auramancers had, and I'd risen a tier. The web of this world would be sliced to shreds with her guidance. With both of us staking ourselves against the tide of mana. That was the only way forward.
I glanced over to those who came here to witness my ascension. I nodded to them in gratefulness. I exited the stone chamber towards this twisting path laid before me, ready for the challenges it would have next.
END OF BOOK 1