Lee awoke suddenly, the black haze retreating from his vision. Time around him gradually sped up until it was normal again. He looked around at his classmates, no one was looking at him funny. It seems nobody had noticed that whole thing.

Leaning back in his chair he reviewed the meeting with the… being. His brain was whirring at the information presented. Lee wasn't stupid. His lack of aura projection couldn't dull his senses to the immense weight of the power of the being. For them to be worried, even slightly afraid of something that was barely locked away was concerning, to say the least.

“Allies huh? He thought. Looking over at Ray as he watched the fights with all his attention, a grin plastered on his face. “Maybe I've found one already.” He settled in his seat and watched the rest of the fights.

Getting up sometime later Lee, Ray, and the rest of their classmates started to gather their things in preparation to head back to their dorms. Professor Thorne’s voice pierced through the bustle. “We’ve had some... upsets today students. If you lost you were simply inadequate. Dismissed.” The silence that followed was palpable.

Ray broke it, he punched Lee’s shoulder. “Upsets? Bro, he’s definitely talking about you. Nice!” Lee shook his head, and he chuckled. “Could've been anyone man, you know almost every rank below the top 10 changed right?” Ray waved him off. “Yeah yeah, details. Let's get out of here.” They followed their classmates as they filed out of the building.

As they neared their dorms, Lee started to peel off and go toward his room. Ray called out to him. “Hey, Lee. Don't forget, man. Tomorrow after classes?” Lee stopped and turned, walking back towards Ray. He held his fist out. “Sure, we’ll see how your control is so insane then.” Ray laughed loudly, meeting Lee’s fist with his. “Yes, we will.”

Lee unlocked his room door. The room was grand and spacious, with high, vaulted ceilings and intricate stone carvings adorning the walls. The floor was made of polished marble and inlaid with gold and silver patterns. A large fireplace stood at one end of the room, with a roaring fire casting a warm glow across the space.

The bed was made of dark, polished wood and had thick, velvet curtains hanging from the four posts. The mattresses were filled with soft goose down and were enchanted to adjust to the sleeper's preferred firmness. A small table and chair sat next to each bed, with a glowing orb providing soft light for late-night studies.

A large wardrobe stood against one wall, made of solid oak and enchanted to hold an infinite amount of clothing. A tapestry depicting a fierce battle between the Empire of Spectra and The Confederation of Auriga hung on the opposite wall. A bookshelf filled with ancient tomes and scrolls sat in the corner.

In the center of the room stood a large wooden training dummy, enchanted to change its form to simulate different weapons and fighting styles. A rack of gleaming swords, axes, and other weapons stood against one wall, all of them enchanted to be perfectly balanced and razor-sharp.

Lee had a meal and promptly plopped down on his mattress. In his mind, he went over the happenings of today. He would have to do much more to get stronger if the words of Eira were to be trusted. He looked up and the system notification came back into focus.

{Progress to BOON 2: 2%}

And apparently, this was here to do just that. He frowned as he looked at the pulsing text. The percentage still had not gone up. “I wonder what made it go up in the first place.” He thought.

{Query processed: }

Fights are the way the system is able to unlock boons for the Host. Remember, the system isn't manufacturing these Boons. It is simply unlocking the Host's latent potential with simple nudges from the aura of the progenitors.

That monotone voice rang out in his mind. He laid back in his bed, looking at his hand as he thought about the words of the system. He clenched his hand into a hard fist. “For me. For the fate of the world, I have to do this. I have to figure this out somehow.” He thought. His eyelids suddenly felt very heavy. “Well, I can start tomorrow.”

Lee awoke to the sound of birds chirping in a cool, still slightly dark sky. At least he wasn't late this time. He went over to his closet and began the painstaking process of pulling on his uniform.

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It was made of durable black leather, with red and gold accents on the shoulders and chest.

The uniform featured a breastplate and a set of vambraces with intricate designs etched into the metal, symbolizing the empire's strength and power. The pants were made of black wool and tucked into black boots that reached the knee.

The boots were enchanted to be lightweight and provide excellent traction. The uniform was completed with a red cape, fastened at the shoulder with a gold clasp bearing the symbol of the Empire of Spectra. A dragon roaring with a sword going through its body.

Lee paused to look at the symbol as he dressed. This is what he would be fighting for, tooth and nail. He would not let the progenitor's gifts go to waste and let humanity crumble.

Lee finished up and started the walk to history class, the first of the day. The grounds of the school were bustling with activity, as students of all ages and skill levels hurried to their next classes.

The Academy was a grand fortress, built of ancient stone and adorned with the banners of the Empire of Spectra. The walkways were lined with statues of past warriors and military leaders, giving the students a sense of the rich history and tradition of the Empire. The air was filled with the sound of clashing swords and the cries of students training in the various courtyards.

As Lee walked, he passed by the armory where the students were being fitted for their uniforms, the stables where the students were practicing mounted combat, and the training fields where students were practicing their different spells. Anyone not on the way to a required class wasn't a first-year like him.

The path was leading him to the central tower, where history class was held. The tower was a library of ancient scrolls and maps, where students learned about the Empire's past wars and prominent figures.

Lee noticed on the walk to class the stares he got from the first years were different than before. Whereas before he got looks of disdain, disgust, and even pity for being an invalid. Now he got curiosity, and was that… fear? He kept his head straight and soon reached the grand stone tower.

Opening the large doors, Lee was greeted by towering shelves of books on either side of him, stretching up to the high ceiling. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting epic battles and powerful aura warriors of the Empire. The floors were made of polished marble and the air was filled with the scent of old parchment and ink. A portion of the room was designated as a classroom, filled with rows of desks and chairs, ready for the students to learn and study. The room was dimly lit by torches and the occasional aura orb, casting an eerie glow on the ancient tomes.

The stares followed him into this room too. He settled into his usual seat at the back and squared his jaw. He wished Ray had history in the mornings but sadly other than on tournament days he wouldn't be seeing him often. He resolved to focus and try to learn at least a little something.

As students filed in his teacher started to gather his notes for the day.

“Well, class we have an interesting topic to go over today.” Professor Celest said. “The conflict on the fringes is starting to pick up and the staff feels it is prudent to understand the history of the scuffle between our nations.”

Lee didn't miss a shadow scooting into the seat next to him. He turned his head slightly to see a person he had never spoken to before. Well, that didn't mean much considering no one ever spoke to him. He looked over fully to find a girl staring intently at him.

She had long hair that was chestnut brown, olive skin, and hazel eyes that almost shimmered. He would've appreciated them more if it weren't for the fact that those same hazel eyes were staring holes into him. “I don't even think she's blinked yet.” Lee thought to himself.

“My name is Elysia.” The girl said suddenly, eyes still not leaving his. “I’m not in your division for the year. But i heard about your fight yesterday. How.” She said. Lee was taken aback. “What do you mean how? How did I win?” He asked. “Yes. There was no way you should have beat him, hugo is a weakling. But his dome was slightly stronger than is usual for a first-year. Which should have been too much for you. So how.” Lee was starting to get annoyed. This random girl had come up to him almost demanding answers, ridiculous. “Training.” He said. Elysia narrowed her eyes.

A sharp voice cut into their conversation. “I would prefer if my students didn't speak while I taught. That's fair, no?” Professor Celest said loudly. “Anyways back to the origin of the 4 nation conflict.”

Lee shook his turned and fully turned away from the girl, he had some history to learn. And maybe he would find something about this beast Eira mentioned.

Turning back to the board Professor Celest started her lecture. “Good day students, today we will be discussing the War of the Four Nations and the events that led to its outbreak. Recently there have been some issues at the Northern border we share with the Republic of Radiance. I will use this opportunity to refresh you all on our basic history as we circle to that topic so do pay attention. I will ask questions.”

“To take it from the start The War of the Four Nations started as a result of conflicting interests and growing tensions between the four nations. The Kingdom of Luminaria, with its abundant natural resources, was seeking to expand its territories and gain more control over trade routes. Meanwhile, the Empire of Spectra, with its strong military, was seeking to establish itself as the dominant power in the region.”

“The Republic of Radiance, which had always advocated for the rights of smaller nations, saw the Empire's expansionist ambitions as a threat to its own independence. On the other hand, the Confederation of Auriga, with its advanced Formation Weapons and aura techniques, was seeking to use its power to influence the balance of power in the region.”

“These conflicting interests eventually boiled over into open conflict, with the nations clashing in battles both large and small. Despite their efforts, no one nation was able to achieve a decisive victory, leading to a shaky peace being achieved through negotiations and the establishment of a fragile balance of power.”

Professor Celest swept the room with her eyes. “Don't let that last statement fool you though. Although there was “peace” in the land The War of the Four Nations never truly stopped. There was always tension and a general dislike for one another.”

“And now, recent developments have led to tensions once again rising between the nations.” Professor Celest paused at this. “A liminal space has been found within our borders.”

Murmurs immediately rang out. Lee’s eyes grew wide. “Isn't that what I was in for that message from Eira?” He thought to himself.