Whispers of the forgotten

Chapter 3: The Shadowed Sun and Legacy of the Past

The next morning, Morpheus donned his new academy uniform, bearing the emblem of the prestigious "Luminark Academy," and prepared for his first day. The academy, located in the heart of the capital, was a haven for those seeking to master Aether and determine their destinies in this unforgiving world.

He entered the grand hall where new students gathered, most of them still in the first rank of Aether power, trying to process what they had experienced in their first dream. Morpheus took a seat toward the back as Instructor Idrias, a man with short white hair and piercing hawk-like eyes, stood at the front.

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Training in Aether Control

After the theory lesson, Idrias led the students to the outdoor training grounds for their first session in controlling Aether.

The students stood in neat rows, each facing a small statue made of resistant stone.

"Controlling Aether is not just about power," Idrias said firmly. "It is an extension of your very soul! Let's begin with a simple exercise. Focus your Aether energy in your chest, channel it to your hands, and destroy these statues."

Morpheus stood before his statue, closing his eyes. He remembered Idrias' words: "Control starts within. Feel the Aether as part of you." He sensed a faint pulse within his chest, like a warm ray waiting to emerge.

He opened his eyes suddenly and directed his energy toward the statue. It shattered into fragments, drawing the attention of his peers. Some barely scratched their statues, while others failed entirely.

Idrias observed Morpheus with an approving nod. "Very impressive. But don't let it go to your head. True mastery takes years of effort."

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Close Combat Training

Shortly after, Idrias moved the students to the combat arena, where a burly knight in light armor wielding a wooden sword stood beside him.

"This is Sir Gair, our combat instructor. Today, you'll learn the basics of close combat. Remember, Aether alone won't always save you. On the battlefield, you must know how to fight."

The students were split into small groups to practice with swords and defensive maneuvers.

Morpheus excelled in the training, thanks to the lessons he had received from his uncle, a seasoned knight.

During a sparring session with a fellow student, Idrias noticed something about Morpheus' movements. "Those are not the moves of a novice. Where did you learn to fight?"

Morpheus hesitated briefly before answering, "My uncle is a knight in the royal guard. He taught me the basics."

Idrias smirked. "So, you have a head start. But remember, that alone won't be enough. Aether will define your destiny."

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The History of the World

At the end of the day, the students returned to the main hall for a history lesson.

Idrias unfurled an ancient map and pinned it to the wall.

"Now, let's talk about the four continents and the wars that shaped them."

He pointed to the map:

The Continent of Humans: Our home, where most of humanity resides and where the academy stands.

The Demon Continent: A realm of shadows and ruin, perpetually under a black sun.

The Continent of Beasts: A chaotic land ruled by no law but survival of the fittest.

The Fourth Continent: Shrouded in mystery, its existence inspires both fear and curiosity.

Idrias gestured toward the black sun depicted on the map and explained:

"The black sun is the result of the Great War between the Eldyrion, the higher beings, and the primordial demons. It was born from the collision of Aether energies from both sides, and it stands as a grim reminder of the devastation left behind.

The Eldyrion—those chosen by Aether itself—fought a battle of unimaginable scale against the primordial demons. Though the Eldyrion were victorious, the cost was catastrophic."

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That evening, Morpheus returned home, sitting on the roof beside his uncle, who was polishing his armor after a long day as a guard.

"How was your first day at the academy?" his uncle asked.

"I learned a lot... but losing my friend in the first dream still weighs heavily on me."

His uncle sighed. "Death isn't new here, boy. It's the world we live in. You need to find the strength to move forward, or this world will swallow you whole."

Morpheus gazed at the horizon, where the red sun dipped behind the mountains. "Is fighting all there is to life?"

His uncle chuckled. "Maybe... or maybe not. That's for you to decide."

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The next day, Morpheus returned to the academy, ready for the challenges that awaited him in the second dream. He knew the road ahead was long, but with every passing day, the pain he carried began to take on meaning.

End of Chapter 3

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