’Hmm... Why didn’t I see the dragon in the battle?’ Lassim couldn’t help but ponder, his eyes fixed on the creature.
Leaving the thought in the moment, Lassim followed the Headmaster whom had already started walking to the center of the serene expanse of the meditation meadow. He sat down and gestured to Lassim to do the same. Lassim sat down with a gentle grace and straight-backed posture directly facing Headmaster Ferrum.
"Lassim, I again must commend you for your exceptional pace in reaching the Spirit Growth stage, and..." the Headmaster began, his voice carrying a tone of genuine respect. "You’ve surpassed all who has come before you, and even advanced faster than my own expectations.
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Your fellow students also told of you demonstrating leadership and courage in the face of grave danger to protect everyone in the final moments. You used the [Grand Aegis] to grant them enough time to be able to teleport away when the Beholder appeared. I commend you for that as well. You’ve done a great service to the academy, in spite of your only budding power.
It is no small feat to face a creature that much stronger than you, and to also protect those to whom you’re a stranger to. The academy thanks you."
Lassim, feeling a mixture of pride and humility, bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Headmaster. I only did what I thought was necessary to protect my friends and keep the promise you asked of me before the trial began," he replied, his voice steady.
The Headmaster nodded. "Now, regarding the envelope," he said, shifting the topic to the sealed document Lassim held. "It’s a reward for more than just mere recognition of your achievements. It’s a letter I’ve written to a friend that I think can help with your current situation. An opportunity."
He posed a question to Lassim, "Before I get to that, what do you know about the next steps one takes after turning 14 and reaching the Spirit Growth stage? Do you know what the typical path the students would then take after they’re forced to graduate?" He paused, waiting for Lassim’s thoughts to take hold.
"Master, I honestly don’t know. My family and tutor didn’t explain much other than needing to attend an academy. Something about being ’much too young’ to know just yet." He replied.
The Headmaster gave an understanding nod before continuing, "You see, Lassim, our world is vast and filled with countless continents, islands, realms in the sky and even empires in the deep sea. Each is governed and protected by different cultivation sects.
These sects are not merely training grounds for young cultivators to reach the later stages; they are the pillars that uphold the entire order and safety of our world."
Lassim listened intently, absorbing every word. The world of cultivation was even more intricate and expansive than he had realized. He hadn’t thought about what would come next until now.
He knew there was an army of some sorts for the kingdom his father serves, and that the Rohese family had their architecture-type jobs they did on a daily basis. He assumed that the many professions like merchants or alchemists meant that he’d most likely need to find a profession immediately after graduating as well, potentially.
Interrupting Lassim’s thoughts, the Headmaster added, "Typically, after students graduate from the Myriad Spirit Academy, they have the option to join these sects. Each sect plays a crucial role in managing the defense and development of their respective regions and, by extension, our entire world.
This is, in part, our hopeful system to always have a first line of defense everywhere, ready at a moment’s notice. That way we are constantly wary and ready for the Dragal invasions at any time." the Headmaster explained, his gaze reflecting a sharp gleam at the mention of the ultimate enemy of Nexaria.
"For our region of the Veridian Continent, there exists the Myriad Spirit Sect, associated with our academy. It is one of these pivotal organizations in the sect system. Joining it means committing to the defense of our city and aiding in the management and operation of essential facilities, from the mission hall to our vast libraries.
And, as one’s power and understanding deepen to greater stages of cultivation, the opportunity to ascend to the rank of an Elder and guide future generations becomes possible. This is the standard for most students that graduate from our academy."
Lassim’s mind raced with the possibilities and responsibilities that lay in the path the Headmaster was outlining. The sect’s structure, its integral role in the world’s balance, and the chance to continue contributing meaningfully were honestly more interesting to Lassim’s tastes than becoming some typical merchant or the like.
There was variety and an opportunity to pursue what he wanted and become a defender of those that needed his strength.
The Headmaster’s voice pulled him back to the present. "This letter, Lassim, is an offer for you to consider this path into the sect system. Yet, it is not to join the Myriad Spirit Sect. As much as I think that would be a good option for you, I think there is a better sect ran by a dear friend of mine that would help you much more on your path.
Like with Elder Valeria’s power and control over the water element, I know of another whom I believe is the greatest lightning elemental user in all of Nexaria. I dare say that he’s only second to Famthar in his control and abilities."
The headmaster paused briefly in reverence and a quick prayer to not be struck down by lightning in blasphemy before he continued.
"I believe that with this letter I’ve written, you can join the Lightning Sect in the Southern Continent as one of its members and, potentially, one of its future leaders. The Lightning Sect is led by a man known as...." The Headmaster’s words trailed off for a moment, as if the name he was about to utter carried a weight of its own.
"...The Thunder Sovereign. He is the Grandmaster Volten. He is a figure revered not just for his unmatched mastery over the lightning element, but also for his wisdom and leadership in guiding the sect through turbulent times and defending against countless Dragal invasion portals that occur in the wilds of the Southern Continent frequently.
He is also an entire stage higher than me; a terrifying existence at the Spirit King stage."
"Grandmaster Volten has been a close friend, mentor and ally for many years. His teachings and guidance have shaped many of the finest cultivators in Nexaria; myself included as I’ve received pointers during continental guardian meetings in the past.
Under his tutelage, your potential, especially with your affinity for lightning, could reach heights you have yet to imagine," the Headmaster elaborated, his eyes reflecting a rare excitement at what Lassim could become.
Lassim listened intently, his intrigue piqued by the mention of a sect leader who commanded such respect and authority. The thought of training under such a person was both exhilarating and daunting. Lassim felt a surge of anticipation at the possibility. The opportunity to learn from one of the greatest masters of lightning in the world would elevate his combat prowess by leaps and bounds.
It would be an honor and a challenge he found himself eager to accept.
"Joining the Lightning Sect would place you on a path that sends you on a long and time consuming journey to the Southern Continent. You will likely need a full year at minimum to reach there, if you left tomorrow. I would like for you to go on this journey for your own growth. The Spirit Growth stage is vital to lay the future foundations and become accustomed to working with your twin spirits.
The distant journey will help foster that connection."
"Once you arrive at the sect, you’ll be committing to days filled with rigorous training, intense battles, dangerous missions, and innovative ways to use your elements. This will test your limits and expand your horizons; if all goes well." the Headmaster said, his tone serious yet encouraging.
Lassim nodded, absorbing the gravity of the Headmaster’s words. "I understand, Headmaster. This is an incredible opportunity. I am grateful for your recommendation, and I am willing and ready to embrace the challenges that come with it."
The Headmaster smiled, a look of pride and satisfaction on his face. "Very well, Lassim. Your journey will indeed be arduous, but I believe it will be equally rewarding. There are many unique areas along the way to the Southern Continent, and I encourage you to take the time to explore and slow down your steps when possible. You’re the first 8 and a half year old Spirit Growth warrior in existence.
I hope you can enjoy some peaceful days while you are still but a child. Death is always close by to us warriors...." Headmaster Ferrum paused silently before continuing, "Yet, that proximity to death is what encourages us to be stronger in the face of it’s challenge. Go forth my disciple! Seek out the Thunder Sovereign!"
Lassim looked down at the letter, then back at the Headmaster. He nodded his head resolutely in response before kotowing to his master three times. "Master, I will seek him out and I will become stronger because of it. I would like to say goodbye to my friends and let my family know before I leave. Thank you for your guidance and assistance you’ve given me so far."
The headmaster accepted his kowtows and then waved him off, encouraging Lassim’s departure.
He then silently headed back towards the central part of the academy, quickly being rebuilt as he headed down the mountain. He passed Elders and students working hand-in-hand to rebuild the structures or reset the statues back on their pillars. All making an effort to restore things back to a state better than before.
The decision to leave behind everyone so quickly after just 6 months was heavy on Lassim’s heart. Yet, the invasion showed that he was really way too weak to prevent it or even help. It was but a clear reminder in his mind. He needed to be stronger, and to do so quickly before whatever future invasions would take place. He didn’t want to see any more loss of life.
The upcoming journey was daunting, but filled with the promise of growth, learning, and the chance to stand against the darkness that threatened their world.
He first arrived at his cultivation cave where he decided to pen a letter to his mother and father in Swallowtail Mountain City. He had originally promised his mother to write her upon his arrival, but like most children, he had silently forgotten about it while being so busy with training and encumbered with the other surprising events that took place since his enrollment.
He shared with them, in the letter, all that had happened so far.
He told them of his first ranking trial at the academy and ranking as number one. He explained the first meetings and dinner with the Rohese family, and the duel that took place. He told of the surprisingly quick cultivation advancement that followed, and the [Storm Bringer] technique he was working on developing.
He boasted about his [Aegis] and [Grand Aegis] defensive battle art he obtained from Elder Valeria at the academy and how it played a vital role during the second ranking trial. He mournfully shared the results of the second ranking trial and how the lives were lost due to what he perceived as his own weakness; unable to kill the beholder and prevent it’s escape.
Finally, he wrote about his plans that the Headmaster and him had agreed on, to travel to the Southern Continent and seek out the Thunder Sovereign’s Sect.
The letter was a recap of everything until now and where he hoped to go in the future. He wasn’t sure when he’d be able to send another letter during his travels, but he hoped they were well. He also hoped that uncle Grphyon was doing well too. He missed them all dearly and he ended with sharing that he’d also miss his new friends, Sirium Giffard and Lustria Alisone.
With that he also included a request.
He hoped his father and mother could become closer with the Giffard merchant family and the hawkish Alisone family. He expressed how he treasured both of them, and wished that his family would be able to connect with theirs’ while he was gone.
He’d be unable to meet his friends again for many years, most likely until they became 14 years old and advanced, but by then he’d probably be in an even higher realm. He didn’t want to lose touch with them, so he thought by connecting their families a bit, this would allow them to be closer and still have a connection during this time away.
With that, Lassim held the completed letter in one hand and the sealed envelope for the Thunder Sovereign in the other. He sighed, glancing around at the cultivation cave one more time before heading into the bright light outside.