CHAPTER 2: DOME

SEBASTIAN'S LESSON

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Uncle Sebastian had asked me to join him in the DOME today. Anything but training with Mom again this soon, I sighed. I made my way toward the training arena, and dread crept in as I recalled the last sparring session with Mom. I was nearly hospitalized; if not for Aunt Nora’s intervention, I might not have survived. She knows that and always keeps Aunt Nora on standby.

' Uggghh! Even though all my wounds are healed, the trauma is not easy to handle... I'm pretty sure at this point she wants me to handle that. '

Another sigh.

I took a deep breath to calm myself as I neared THE DOME. The DOME was a marvel of technology and enchantment, a massive, dark semi-sphere structure that loomed in front of me. This place was the holy ground for training within our House. The reason was simple: inside the DOME, no one could die. You could be injured, but death was impossible.

Well, unless a Transcendent or a Ruler was involved. Then, you’re dead regardless.

I’d have loved this place a lot more if Mom held her sparring sessions here. But no. She insists on sparring in a clearing she made behind the mountains near our estate—a clearing where she beats me within an inch of my life.

I shivered just thinking about it. Better not dwell on that. Just go with the flow.

The interior of the DOME was an impressive sight of thousands of recruits and experienced soldiers undergoing drills, honing their skills before being deployed to battlefields.

THE DOME wasn’t just one space. It had multiple layers, with access dependent on a person’s clearance. These layers were stacked with an almost incomprehensible level of enchantment. Aunt Nora, the enchanter behind its creation and one of my teachers, told me I’d understand it all eventually.

I still didn’t comprehend even 2% of it.

“Thump.”

The guards saluted silently, breaking my thoughts. They were the Silence Guards, under Uncle Sebastian’s command. True to their name, they never spoke, but their combat abilities were terrifying. I nodded in acknowledgment and moved toward the designated area where Uncle Sebastian would be waiting. Before entering, I stopped, taking a deep breath. I stretched quickly, checking my gear one last time.

Everything is in place. Let's go.

Before I could step forward, I felt a cold metal press against my neck.

“It seems you’ve learned a little since the last session, young master. Being prepared is good practice, but what good is it if you aren’t mentally ready for an ambush?”

“Yes, teacher,” I replied calmly. The blade disappeared as quickly as Uncle Sebastian’s presence.

Taking another deep breath, I walked inside, my hand instinctively resting on the pommel of my sword, eyes scanning every detail.

Uncle Sebastian stood casually in front of me, his gaze serious.

“Young master, no one will give you a warning in battle,” he began. “The days of chivalry and honor are long gone.”

With a flick of his hand, a table and chairs appeared. “Take a seat, young master. We won’t engage in physical activity today, though you’ll need it when you spar with your mother.” I sighed in relief but stayed alert.

He leaned back in his chair. “Now, if you rely on your energy for constant scouting, you’ll exhaust yourself long before your enemy does. Instincts are a powerful tool. You should wield them, not let them control you. Any expert can read someone guided purely by instinct.”

Stolen novel; please report.

“Does it only come with practice and experience, teacher?” I asked.

Uncle Sebastian gestured toward the DOME. “This place is a holy ground for training, yes. But it’s for soldiers. Here, we prepare them for the worst possible scenarios. We drill them until they turn and run from the horrors they face.

“But people like you? Those who seek power? Strength only comes when you dance with death, Lexi. You must embrace the fact that any battle could be your last if you misjudge a variable. I’ve lost many people that way.”

I listened intently.

“Now, since you’re my student, tell me... no... summarize my teachings,” he said, watching me closely.

I exhaled slowly. “Fear the Known, and Beware of the Unknown.”

Uncle Sebastian chuckled. “A nice motto, young master. You have a way with words.”

I smiled weakly.

“Remember it well. You never truly know the hidden aces your enemies may have. Nor what they’ll do when they’re backed into a corner. Any sentient being will do anything to survive, even if it leads to consequences worse than death.”

I nodded. “I have no plans to die any time soon, teacher. I’ll end my enemies swiftly before they can pull out some bullsh*t horror.”

Sebastian laughed softly. “That’s the spirit. It’s also why your mother is so harsh on you. She’s preparing you for the worst. Peace never lasts long, and calamity always looms.”

At the mention of calamity, a cold fear gripped my heart, reminding me of the horrors of the past. Sebastian sighed, turning toward me. “You’re our hope, Alexis. Our pride. Don’t let that burden darken your heart. One day, you’ll understand why we push you so hard.”

He sat back, relaxing slightly. “As you know, I’m a rogue... an assassin archetype. We prefer the shadows. Darkness is where we thrive, and where we bring our enemies to their end.”

I mentally noted the “edginess” of his statement but stayed focused.

“You haven’t committed to an archetype yet, but remember, Lexi. EXIRA is your true power. Archetypes are just professions. How you mold your EXIRA will define your path. Only yours.”

I nodded, absorbing his words.

“You’ve got a session with your mother coming up, so we won’t spar today. Instead, I’ll go through some scenarios with you.”

“Most battles are unplanned, young master. You’ll be thrown into fights you didn’t choose. You’ll bleed. You’ll break. You’ll witness death—both friend and foe.” His voice became serious. “When that time comes, don’t drown in self-pity or guilt. It’s disrespectful to those who have fallen.”

I swallowed hard, nodding seriously. I couldn’t bear to think of losing anyone in my family.

“Now, your combat style is currently more geared and suited for ambushes and quick fights. Simply put, you’re a glass cannon, Lexi. Powerful, but with little stamina. If you drag out a fight, you’ll be dead.”

I nodded again. “I’d rather keep moving than be stuck in heavy armor like Ser Mathias.”

Sebastian grinned. “Exactly. So, finish battles quickly but don’t be hasty. If you stall, what will happen?”

I hesitated, trying to figure out the answer. Uncle Sebastian chuckled at my struggle.

“Well?”

“Reinforcements. Or recovery. Maybe hidden tricks?” I guessed.

He nodded approvingly. “Correct. You’ll learn this through experience or injury if you continue to survive.”

I felt my eye twitch. My teachers may be brilliant, but sometimes I wondered if they were all a little crazy.

“In hostile lands, never wait for an attack. Take the initiative. Set up the battlefield to your advantage. But even if you have the best hand, sometimes your attack may fail. If it does, don’t get greedy.”

Uncle Sebastian’s voice dropped. “Retreat before the enemy counterattacks. Level the playing field.”

He paused, his tone heavy. “Never face odds you can’t control. And if you’re fighting hordes, never take them head-on. Retreat, kill one, and learn.

“Know your enemies. Their weaknesses. Especially if they’re monsters.”

A sly grin spread across his face. “Lady Nora taught you autopsy and appraisal skills, didn’t she?” I grimaced. “Yes, Uncle. It was… horrifying.”

Sebastian laughed. “Better to feel disgust now than when desperation strikes.”

He flipped a pocket watch out of existence, checking the time. There he goes, showing off again. And still not teaching me that trick.

“We’ve got some time left, so meditate. Assimilate the information I’ve given you. I’ll be at the sparring grounds.”

As his presence faded, I sighed, taking a deep breath to calm my mind.

“What's the worst that could happen? Mom’s not going to kill me... at least, I hope.”

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