The professor's bellow, sharp as a thunderclap, ripped through the last vestiges of my self-absorption. "Kael—!"
My head snapped up, my eyes wide in surprise, almost imperceptible tremor of irritation. The sudden attention was like a spotlight, highlighting my awkward position in the back corner of the classroom. The stares that had been merely occasional now felt like tangible weights pressing down on me, each gaze a judgment, a silent accusation. Some sneered, others looked away with an air of dismissal, as if I were a speck of dust on a pristine windowpane
"Sir?" My voice, to my own ears, sounded surprisingly steady, devoid of the panic that churned within. The professor, a man with a stern countenance and eyes that seemed to have seen far too much, fixed me with an unnervingly intense stare. It was the kind of look that suggested he could peel back the layers of your very soul and expose your every secret
"Since you're so engrossed in your… thoughts" he began, his voice laced with a dry, cutting sarcasm that drew a few snickers from the front rows, "perhaps you can enlighten us what precisely is.. Exallia?"
A prickle of unease ran down my spine. Then, I don't know if it's muscle memory or not, I didn't notice it but my mouth already spewd words by itself
"Exallia" I started, my voice gaining a hesitant confidence as the words formed
"Is at its most fundamental level, the soul power that permeates all living beings. It's not a physical force that can be trained by simple physical activities or is an elemental power used by shamans, but rather an intrinsic energy derived directly from one's soul"
A few eyebrows in the class rose, a flicker of surprise passing through the indifferent faces. The professor, however, remained impassive, his gaze unwavering
"Think of it" I continued, feeling a strange clarity wash over me, "as the essence of consciousness, the very spark of life that animates us. It's the wellspring of our will, our emotions, and our potential. While everyone possesses Exallia, its potency and the ability to consciously manipulate it vary greatly."
I paused, allowing the words to hang in the air, testing the waters. No immediate scorn, no dismissive snorts. Good.
"In the Kingdom of Helfith, and indeed across much of this world, the study and mastery of Exallia form the very foundation of many disciplines, from the combat arts to the more subtle practices of enchanting and healing and mystic arts. It's the energy that allows conjurers to manifest their abilities, to weave intricate spells, or to empower their physical attacks"
I could feel a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere. A few students– caught off guard, leaned forward. their expressions less disdainful and more curious. The professor still hadn't moved, but a faint, almost imperceptible glint appeared in his eyes
"It's also why the Chaos Realm is so... volatile," I added, a thought bubbling up from the depths of Kael Esfort's memories. "The chaotic energies within that realm constantly seek to corrupt and twist ambient Exallia, making it a perilous place for those without strong mental fortitude or trained control over their own soul power. Aberrations, those monstrous beings that lurk in the shadows, are often a result of Exallia warped and mutated by these chaotic influences."
A ripple went through the classroom. The mention of Aberrations always had a way of grabbing attention, especially for those in this border kingdom.
"Furthermore," I pressed on, feeling a surge of something akin to intellectual hunger, "Exallia isn't merely a reservoir of energy. It's also intricately linked to one's spiritual sensitivity and perception. Those with a heightened awareness of their own Exallia can often perceive subtle energies, sense danger, or even glean insights that are hidden from the ordinary senses. This is why certain individuals, often referred to as 'Seers' or 'Empaths', possess abilities that seem almost supernatural"
I glanced at the professor, who had finally softened his gaze, a hint of something unreadable in his eyes. He gave a slow, deliberate nod.
"And finally," I concluded, the last piece of the puzzle falling into place from my fragmented memories, "the cultivation of Exallia is a lifelong endeavor. It can be strengthened through meditation, focused exercises, and even through profound emotional experiences. The stronger one's Exallia, the more resilient their spirit becomes, capable of withstanding mental assaults, resisting corruption, and pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible"
Silence descended upon the classroom, but this time, it was a different kind of silence. It was a silence of contemplation, of genuine attention. Even the students who had previously mocked me now seemed to be processing my words, a few even nodding thoughtfully.
The professor, after a moment that stretched into an eternity, finally spoke. His voice was no longer tinged with sarcasm, but with a surprising trace of… something akin to approval.
"A rather comprehensive answer, Kael," he said, his gaze still fixed on me. "Perhaps your 'thoughts' were more productive than I initially gave them credit for." He then turned to the rest of the class, his voice regaining its usual commanding tone. "What Kael has explained is the foundational understanding of Exallia. It is the invisible force that underpins our world, the very essence of our being. To truly master any discipline in this academy, one must first master their own soul power"
A wave of relief washed over me, so potent it almost made my knees buckle. I had passed the test, at least for now. But as the professor continued his lecture, diving into the more intricate theories of Exallia manifestation and control, a new thought began to gnaw at me.
Why do I know all of that?
The memories of Kael Esfort were fragmented, disjointed. While they provided the raw information, the way I had articulated it, the subtle nuances, the unexpected connections – it felt as if some deeper, more organized knowledge had guided my words. It was as if another, unseen consciousness had momentarily taken the reins, or perhaps, was still lingering within the recesses of my mind.
The throbbing behind my eyes, which had receded, now returned with a faint, persistent hum. It wasn't pain, not exactly, but a subtle pressure, like an unseen hand gently probing the boundaries of my skull.
Could it be that the act of recalling and explaining Exallia had stirred something dormant within me? And if so, what other buried knowledge lay waiting to surface, and what hidden cost would its revelation demand? The Kingdom of Helfith, the Chaos Realm, Aberrations, and now this profound concept of soul power… Interesting
The rest of the lecture blurred into a monotonous drone. My mind, now oddly stimulated by the earlier performance, refused to settle. I found myself dissecting the professor's every word, not just for the information conveyed, but for the unspoken truths that lay beneath. He spoke of Exallia cultivation with a reverence that bordered on dogma, yet there was a weariness in his eyes, a hint of something lost or unobtainable. Was it a reflection of his own struggles, or the weight of the collective failures of those he taught?
My thoughts drifted back to the inexplicable clarity with which I'd articulated the nature of Exallia. It was beyond Kael Esfort's simple academic memories. Those were textbook definitions, not the kind of nuanced understanding that flowed from me. It felt… innate. As if the concept was ingrained in the very fabric of my new being, a fundamental truth that resonated deep within my newly formed soul.
Or perhaps, not so newly formed? The thought was chilling. What if I hadn't merely been reincarnated, but had somehow… merged?
The idea brought with it a subtle tremor, a sensation not unlike a distant bell tolling in an empty cathedral. If a part of my past life, or perhaps a completely separate entity, had somehow fused with Kael Esfort, then who was I truly? Was I a new person, a reincarnation, or merely a vessel for a consciousness far older and more experienced than my own nascent understanding suggested? The very question felt dangerous, like probing an ancient, sealed tomb.
The bell finally chimed, a welcome reprieve from my internal turmoil. Students packed their bags, their chatter filling the room as they spilled out into the bustling corridors. I remained seated, a silent observer in the tide of youthful energy, feeling an odd detachment. It was as if I was watching a play unfold, rather than being an actor in it.
"Kael, a word."
The professor's voice, surprisingly gentle, cut through my reverie. I looked up to see him standing beside my desk, his expression unreadable.
"Yes, sir?" I managed, my heart quickening. Had I said something wrong? Was my earlier performance too impressive, too out of character for the 'useless' Kael Esfort?
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Your explanation of Exallia… it was remarkably insightful. Far beyond what is typically expected of a first-year student, especially one with your… recent academic history." His eyes, sharp and intelligent, probed mine. "Where did you acquire such a nuanced understanding?"
I felt a cold sweat begin to form. Lying would be difficult, given his discerning gaze. But telling the truth? Reincarnation, forgotten memories, merging souls? He'd likely have me committed to the academy's infirmary for a mental evaluation.
"Sir," I began, choosing my words carefully, "I… I spent much of my time recently reading. After… after what happened, I realized the importance of truly understanding these foundational principles. It was a… a moment of clarity."
He continued to stare, a flicker of something that looked like suspicion, then perhaps, grudging acceptance, passing across his face. "Indeed. A very convenient 'moment of clarity' right before expulsion, wouldn't you say?" His tone hardened slightly. "Regardless, it was well-presented. But don't think a single good answer excuses your previous dereliction of duty. You are still on probation, Kael. Another absence, another failed assignment, and you will be out. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir. Perfectly." I nodded, a wave of relief washing over me. He bought it, or at least chose to.
"Good. Now, there's something else." He straightened up, his voice returning to its normal volume. "Tomorrow, the practical application class begins. It's an introductory session on basic Exallia manipulation. Don't be late."
He turned and walked away, leaving me alone in the silent classroom. Basic Exallia manipulation. The words resonated with a strange anticipation. This was it. The first step into the true heart of this world.
.
.
.
.
The evening found me back at the familiar warmth of the tavern. Grace, with her kind eyes and no-nonsense demeanor, greeted me with a knowing smile.
"Back so soon, Kael? Don't tell me you've already found a way to earn some coin." Her tone was light, but there was an underlying concern in her gaze. She was one of the few who seemed to genuinely care about Kael Esfort's well-being, despite his recent self-destructive spiral.
"Not yet, Grace," I replied, taking a seat at the worn wooden counter. The aroma of roasted meat and cheap ale filled the air, a comforting scent after the sterile halls of the academy. "But I'm working on it. Just finished my first day back."
Her smile widened. "That's good to hear. The professor would have had your head if you'd missed another one." She placed a mug of water in front of me. "No ale today, you'll need a clear head for what's coming."
"What's coming?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Grace leaned in, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "The Explorers' Guild is opening recruitment again next week for apprentice positions. They're usually only for graduates, but with the recent… increase in Aberration activity near the Chaos Realm borders, they're looking for anyone with even a basic grasp of Exallia manipulation."
My mind raced. An apprentice explorer. It wasn't the ideal solution, given the dangers, but it was a path to income, a way to escape the crushing weight of impending poverty. And it tied into the academy's curriculum, making it easier to juggle both.
"Apprentice explorer, huh?" I murmured, a new kind of excitement, tinged with a familiar dread, stirring within me. This Kael Esfort's memories of being labelled useless and the Aberration attack still resonated, like phantom pains in a limb that was no longer there.
"It's dangerous, Kael," Grace said, her voice serious. "But it's also the fastest way to make a decent living for a conjurer. Just… be careful. Aberrations aren't like anything you've faced before."
"I know," I said, my voice low. Oh, I know. The fleeting, horrific images from Kael's memories of the creature, its twisted form, the chilling aura of its presence… they were a stark reminder of the true perils of this world.
Later that evening, as I lay in the small, spartan room above the tavern, the silence was heavy, punctuated only by the distant sounds of the city. The day's events replayed in my mind: the professor's piercing gaze, my surprisingly articulate explanation of Exallia, Grace's quiet concern, and the whispered promise of the Explorers' Guild.
The mysterious surge of knowledge about Exallia continued to puzzle me. It was more than just Kael's memories; it felt like an inherent understanding. Could it be a side effect of the reincarnation itself? A form of spiritual resonance with the fundamental laws of this new reality? Or was there something else, something deeper embedded within my very being, a fragment of a past life that possessed a profound connection to this world's ethereal energies? The question gnawed at me, a persistent itch in the back of my mind.
I closed my eyes, trying to focus on the faint, pulsating hum behind them. It was a subtle rhythm, almost like a slow, deliberate heartbeat, echoing faintly in the silence of the room. Was this the sensation of Exallia within me? If so, it felt… dormant, yet present. Like a tightly coiled spring, waiting for release.
A strange thought struck me. If Exallia was the soul's power, and it was tied to emotions and will, then perhaps Kael Esfort's previous depression had actively suppressed his own. His despair, his sense of uselessness – they would have been like a suffocating blanket over his innate potential. My arrival, the jarring jolt of new consciousness, might have inadvertently ripped that blanket away, allowing a nascent flicker of that soul power to emerge.
This hypothesis felt right, a subtle click in the intricate lock of my mind. If so, then regaining control of Kael's life, pushing past his past failures, wasn't just about survival; it was about unlocking my own potential in this strange new world. The path forward, while fraught with peril, now seemed clearer, illuminated by the faint, ethereal glow of my own awakening soul.
I drifted off to sleep, the hum behind my eyes a constant, reassuring presence. Tomorrow, I would face the practical application of Exallia. Tomorrow, I would take the first true step into becoming something more than just a reincarnated soul haunted by another's past