NOVEL WEB Chapter 5: Introduction
"Welcome, students, to the Aetheris Institute of Enlightenment." A jovial voice echoed across the entry hall, commanding immediate attention.
An ancient figure stepped forward, his presence both commanding and oddly comforting. His hair was a faded, lifeless gray, and his face was etched with deep lines that spoke of untold years and countless experiences. Despite his age, his eyes sparkled with a sharp, lively intelligence that seemed to pierce through each of us.
"I am Herbert, the founder of this great institution," he announced, his voice carrying a warmth that belied the weight of his words. "Each of you has overcome countless trials—through the rigorous recruitment process and the grueling entrance exam—to stand here today. This alone is no small feat, and it is proof of your potential."
A faint smile touched his lips as he raised a hand, gesturing to the towering grandeur of the hall around us. "I will not bore you with a long speech, for your true journey begins now. So, I will try to be succinct."
He paused, surveying us with a gaze that felt both penetrating and oddly comforting. "Each of you has arrived on behalf of your families, your communities, or by your own will, in hopes of mastering the power gifted to all life throughout this galaxy and beyond. Here, at the Aetheris Institute, we do not merely seek knowledge—we seek enlightenment, a higher understanding of the forces that bind us to one another and to the universe itself."
His words carried a weight that resonated through the open expanse, filling us with a sense of purpose and anticipation. For a moment, I felt the immense legacy of those who had walked these halls before us, their quests for wisdom and mastery now passed down to us.
"Genetic Resonance was the first step in a monumental shift." Herbert continued, his voice brimming with power. 'It gave rise to a New Order of Beings—Beings capable of enduring the Aetheric Trials and progressing toward divinity itself. This breakthrough enabled biological and non-biological life to attune with the latent energies woven into the fabric of the cosmos, unlocking potential once thought to be mere myth."
His eyes sparkled with an almost fervent pride as he spoke. "Through Genetic Resonance, we discovered that each being possesses a unique frequency, a signature that aligns with the energies of the Aether. Those who succeed in the Aetheric Trials can harness that resonance, transforming it into a force beyond comprehension—thus taking a step closer to divinity."
I felt a thrill at his words, understanding the magnitude of what lay ahead. The journey to the institute had been grueling, yet this was only the beginning. Herbert's gaze swept over us, and I could feel the weight of his expectation, his hope that we might one day embody the ideals he so passionately upheld.
After the speech concluded, Qoruth and I joined the procession of new students, making our way across an open expanse toward the academy's heart. The ancient cobblestone streets stretched ahead, bustling with life and activity that caught me by surprise. This place felt less like a traditional school and more like a vibrant city, alive with the hum of voices, laughter, and the clatter of trade.
Crowds of students, onlookers, and vendors lined the streets, each stall and shop offering glimpses into the diverse skills and knowledge prized within the academy. Blacksmiths displayed weapons and armour crafted with unusual metals, healers hawked rare medicines and remedies, and other merchants offered tools, books, and even Aetheric artifacts—all essential in a place where survival and learning were intertwined.
Above us, students from previous selection periods leaned over balconies, watching with interest as the newcomers navigated the maze of vendors and sights below. Their faces held a mixture of amusement, curiosity, and even respect as they surveyed the newest arrivals. The lively atmosphere was infectious, and despite the challenges that lay ahead, I felt a sense of wonder as we made our way down the bustling street, weaving through the academy's living, breathing core.
Intricate, glowing plants wove through the cracks in the cobblestone streets, their soft light casting an otherworldly glow as we approached the main dormitory. The lady guiding us turned to address the group, her voice clear and authoritative.
"As you can see," she began, gesturing to the surrounding area, "the academy is organized into five Main buildings. The outermost building is designated for the lowest-ranking students, while the innermost building located near the peaks of the mountain is reserved for those with the highest aptitude. Your initial rank, which you will receive in a moment , will determine both your individual standing and your placement in class."
She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in. "However, ranks are not static. Every student has the opportunity to climb the ranks and ascend to a higher class through determination, skill, and excellence. That being said, be mindful—demotions are just as possible as promotions. A lack of effort or poor performance can see you moved to a lower rank just as quickly as you might rise."
Her words hung in the air, a clear reminder of the institute's competitive nature. As we passed over a bridge leading to the dormitory courtyard, the glowing fauna beneath us seemed to pulse, as though echoing the weight of her warning.
I glanced over at Qoruth as we walked. "I hope we're placed in the same class," I said, my voice tinged with both hope and uncertainty.
I knew full well that Qoruth's combat skills alone could easily earn him a spot among the top class. The way he carried himself in battle, the precision of his strikes—it was clear he was a warrior through and through. But when it came to academics, I wasn't as sure. He hadn't spoken much about his studies, and I couldn't help but wonder how he'd fared during the rigorous evaluations before attending this academy.
Still, if anyone could rise to the challenge, it was Qoruth. There was a quiet confidence in him, a steadiness that suggested he could adapt to whatever this place threw at him.
"Okay, everyone," the guide said, her voice rising above the quiet murmurs of the group. "Please grab one of these wristbands." She gestured to a table where sleek, metallic bands were neatly arranged in rows.
"These wristbands will grant you access to specific areas of the academy based on your initial placement. Your Class will determine which facilities, dormitories, and resources you can use. Additionally," she continued, holding up one of the bands for emphasis, "these will also display your rank in real-time, updating as you ascend—or descend—through the ranks."
A mass of people moved toward the table, a mix of excitement and trepidation rippling through the students. I stepped forward to pick one up, the smooth, cool metal resting lightly in my palm. As I slid it onto my wrist, the band emitted a faint, ethereal glow, adjusting snugly to fit as though it had been made just for me.
"Try focusing on the wristbands," the guide instructed, her tone firm but encouraging. "They are attuned to your individual Genetic DNA and will respond to your mental commands. Simply concentrate, and they will display your class number and current rank. These bands are not just for identification—they are tools. They sync seamlessly with academy systems, and during exams, they allow us to monitor basic vitals and even your precise location within the grounds."
A ripple of curiosity spread through the students as some began testing their bands. I stared down at mine, the faint glow pulsing in sync with my heartbeat. The idea of the band being so deeply connected to me felt strangely invasive, as if it knew more about me than I did. Beside me, Qoruth turned his band over thoughtfully, his inhuman expression unreadable. I wondered briefly what was on his mind, but before I could ask, the guide gestured for us to move along, and the group began to follow.
As we continued toward our next destination, I decided to test the wristband. Focusing my mind, I mentally flexed, willing it to activate. A soft hum emanated from the band as a projection appeared above it, shimmering text materializing in the air:
Class #1
Rank #7
My breath caught for a moment. Class #1. I was destined for the Celestium Spire. Rank Seven. It wasn't the absolute top, but it was higher than I had dared hope for. I glanced toward Qoruth, curious to see his result, but he remained focused on the path ahead, his band's glow reflecting faintly in his eyes.
The guide's voice cut through the air, addressing the group, "These five buildings are more than just structures. They represent your potential and progress. Many start in the Umbral Bastion, but as you improve, you'll ascend to the next class. With each step, the number of students decreases, and the expectations rise. Few ever reach the heights of the Celestium Spire, but for those who do, the rewards are unmatched."
The group fell into silence, each student's gaze fixed on the buildings ahead. I couldn't help but feel the weight of my placement. Around me, others glanced at their bands, comparing numbers and murmuring about what lay ahead.
Qoruth's wristband finally activated as we approached the towering structures. I caught a glimpse of his projection—Class #2, Rank #2—before he lowered his wrist and deactivated the glowing display without a word.
The guide's voice cut through the hum of whispered conversations, steady and matter-of-fact. "Keep in mind, all new students will undergo Genetic Resonance within the first week of the semester, so ranks are bound to shift during and after this period."
Her tone carried a sense of finality, as though this process was so ingrained in academy life it hardly warranted further explanation. Yet, the weight of her words settled heavily on the group. A quiet ripple of unease passed through the students.
Genetic Resonance—the phrase hung in the air like a specter. I had heard about it, of course. Everyone had. It was the moment when latent potential within one's DNA was fully realized, shaping not just abilities but possibly even fates. For some, it would elevate them to unprecedented heights. For others, it might be the beginning of an uphill battle.
Qoruth's expression remained unreadable, his focus still fixed ahead as though the shifting of ranks was of no concern to him. I couldn't tell if he was confident, indifferent, or simply hiding whatever thoughts churned behind his sharp gaze.
Although he didn't seem nervous, a wave of unease surged through me, my nerves tightening like a coiled spring. Within the next week, I would undergo Genetic Resonance, a process that could reshape everything. The thought gnawed at me. Would my genetic mutations hinder my potential or set me apart?
The unknown loomed over me like the vastness of space, and for a brief moment, I wished I could face it with the same stoic composure as Qoruth. Instead, I clenched my fists, trying to steady myself against the whirlwind of thoughts threatening to overwhelm me.