Chapter 3: A new day
The morning at Willowbrook Orphanage broke with a hush, its tranquillity belying the turmoil within its ancient walls. Ashur, once an unnoticed shadow among many, now moved through his mornings with a conspicuous presence. The other orphans watched him with a mixture of awe and unease, their whispers fluttering like leaves in a hesitant breeze.
Yet, beneath Ashur's calm exterior simmered a cauldron of resentment. Each glance from those who had once mocked him, each hesitant nod from those who had stood by silently, stoked the embers of his anger. Memories of jibes and taunts, once sharp daggers, now felt like blunt instruments against his hardened exterior. They had seen him as weak, as inconsequential, and in their eyes, he had read nothing but dismissal.
The newfound strength coursing through his veins, a gift from the dragon's essence, left him both awestruck and frightened. He was struggling to comprehend where his sudden confidence was stemming from. This was a far cry from the Ashur who once lurked in the shadows, unnoticed and insignificant.
As he lifted water buckets with ease, a task that once would have left him panting, Ashur couldn't help but pause, his hands trembling slightly under the weight that now felt as light as feathers. The realization that he was no longer the weakling they all thought him to be should have brought satisfaction, but instead, it sowed seeds of fear. "What am I becoming?" he wondered, the question echoing in his mind like a haunting melody.
Memories of his old self, timid and eager for a kind word, clashed violently with the person he was morphing into. The dragon's essence, a mysterious force, was reshaping him, but into what, he wasn't sure. His reflection in the water bucket showed the same boy, but his eyes held a fiery determination that was unrecognizable.
Elian noticed the wary glances from the other orphans, now mixed with a hint of respect, a respect he yearned for but now found unsettling. It was as if they could sense the dragon's power within him, a power he neither fully understood nor controlled. The line between human and something else was blurring, and that terrified him.
As he went about his chores, a part of him resisted the urge to display his newfound abilities. He wanted to prove that he was still Ashur, the same boy they all knew. Although, every swift movement, every effortless task, contradicted his desires.
Elian's inner turmoil was reaching a crescendo. He knew he couldn't continue in this state of confusion and fear. He needed to understand the essence within him, to control it, lest it controlled him. It was time to seek answers, to find a balance between who he was and who he was becoming.
As the morning waned, the whispers around him faded into a background hum, much like the rustling of leaves outside the orphanage walls. The day ahead promised more revelations, but for Elian, the true revelation lay in the unfolding layers of his own being, each one more complex and enigmatic than the last.
In the Afternoon Elian stood alone, watching the other orphans gather for the training session. His posture, erect and unyielding, set him apart from the rest. A few of the orphans cast curious glances his way, whispering among themselves.
"Who is he, really?" whispered a boy named Joren to his friend. "He's like no one else here."
His friend, Lena, nodded. "There's something about him. He's not just strong, he's... scary."
Elian overheard their whispers but didn't react. The dragon's influence made him indifferent to their speculations. He was focused on the upcoming session, a chance to demonstrate his abilities.
As he began his warm-up exercises, his movements were fluid and precise, each muscle coalescing in perfect harmony. The instructor, a stern woman named Miss Tamsin, observed him with a scrutinizing gaze.
Approaching him, she remarked, "You're new here, Elian, but you move like someone who's been training for years."
Ashur met her gaze, his eyes steady. "Perhaps I have, in ways not visible to the eye."
Miss Tamsin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Well, let's see if your skills match your confidence. Today's session will be a true test."
Ashur simply nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. He was ready to embrace the challenge, to show not just his physical prowess, but the depth of the dragon's influence on his very being.
As the other orphans began their exercises, Ashur's presence was like a silent storm brewing during calm seas. He was an enigma, wrapped in the guise of a boy, but with a presence that spoke of something much more ancient and powerful.
The training session began, and all eyes were subtly drawn to him, watching, waiting to see the truth behind this new, mysterious orphan named Elian.
The training grounds of Willowbrook Orphanage buzzed with activity as the orphans lined up for the session. Miss Tamsin clapped her hands, calling for attention.
"Today, we focus on strength exercises. Simple, but they require endurance and technique," she announced, her eyes briefly resting on the new Ashur.
The first exercise was the stone lift — heavy granite blocks that needed to be raised to the waist and held. One by one, the orphans struggled, their efforts varying in success.
When it was Ashur's turn, he approached the largest stone. The orphans murmured among themselves, doubting his ability. Grasping the stone, he lifted it with an ease that silenced the onlookers. He held it steadily, his arms unshaken, as if the stone was no heavier than a pillow.
Miss Tamsin watched, impressed. "Excellent technique, Elian. How do you find it so effortless?"
Ashur set the stone down gently. "It's about balance and understanding your own strength," he replied, his voice calm and even.
The next exercise was the endurance run. The orphans were to run laps around the training grounds, with the last one running deemed the weakest. As they started, he took the lead effortlessly, his strides long and steady. He completed the laps without a hint of fatigue, while others trailed behind, panting and struggling to keep up.
Joren, gasping for breath, managed to speak as Ashur passed him effortlessly. "How can you run like that? It's like you're not even trying!"
Glancing over his shoulder, a flicker of the dragon's confidence in his eyes. "Maybe I'm not," he said, before sprinting ahead, widening the gap.
The final exercise was the rope climb — a sheer ascent to the top of a tall pole. One by one, the orphans climbed, some reaching the top, others faltering. When Elian's turn came, he ascended with a fluid grace, reaching the top in record time and descending with equal ease.
Miss Tamsin couldn't hide her astonishment. "I've never seen anyone climb like that. You could teach this class, Elian."
Ashur shrugged modestly. "Maybe one day," he said with a subtle smile.
As the training session concluded, the orphans dispersed, still casting occasional glances towards Elian. He stood there, a solitary figure, his thoughts as distant as the horizon.
As the orphans dispersed, Draven, a dominant figure among them and a known bully, lingered, his eyes fixed on Elian with a mix of fear and envy. He approached Ashur with a sneer, masking his intimidation with bravado.
"Well, look at you, the new star of Willowbrook," Draven said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Think you're better than us now, huh?"
Ashur turned to face him, his expression unfazed. "It's not about being better, Draven. It's about doing my best."
Draven scoffed, stepping closer. "Your best? More like showing off. You think you're so special, but you're just a freak."
The other orphans, sensing the brewing conflict, began to gather around, watching the exchange with bated breath.
Ashur met Draven's gaze steadily. "If striving for excellence makes me a freak, then so be it."
Draven's face reddened with anger. "You think you're smart, talking like that. But you're just a nobody trying to act all important."
His response was calm, yet firm. "I'm not trying to act important, Draven. I am simply living up to my potential. Something you could learn from."
The surrounding orphans gasped at Ashur's bold retort. Draven, usually the one to intimidate others, found himself at a loss for words, his attempts to undermine Elian backfiring.
Miss Tamsin, noticing the tension, quickly intervened. "Enough, both of you. This is not the place for such disputes. Draven, move along now."
Draven shot a final glare before turning away, his pride wounded but his resentment growing.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the courtyard of Willowbrook Orphanage as he made his way to the headmaster's office. The encounter with Draven had left a ripple of tension among the orphans, and whispers followed Elian as he walked.
Upon reaching the door, he took a deep breath and knocked. "Enter," came the voice from inside, deep and resonant.
Headmaster Grimsby, a man of imposing presence, sat behind a large, cluttered desk. His eyes, sharp and discerning, fixed on Ashur as he entered.
"Elian, please, have a seat," Grimsby gestured to a chair across from him.
He sat, his posture straight, his expression calm. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes," Grimsby began, leaning forward. "I've heard about your... remarkable abilities. Your performance in the training session today has been the talk of the orphanage."
Ashur nodded. "I only did what I was capable of, sir."
Grimsby's eyes narrowed slightly. "Indeed. But there's more to it than that. You've stirred quite a bit of interest, and not all of it is positive. Your altercation with Draven, for instance."
Ashur met his gaze. "I meant no disrespect, sir. I was merely defending myself."
"I understand," Grimsby said, leaning back. "But Elian, here at Willowbrook, we strive for harmony, not conflict. Your strengths are clear, but how you use them... that's what truly matters."
He considered his words. "I understand, sir. I'll be more careful."
Grimsby smiled faintly. "Good. But there's another reason I called you here." He paused, searching Ashur's face. "I believe you have potential, Elian. Potential that goes beyond the ordinary. I'd like to offer you additional training, something... more suited to your talents."
His interest was piqued. "What kind of training, sir?"
"Specialized training," Grimsby revealed.
Ashur, standing in the headmaster's office, watched as Headmaster Grimsby retrieved two old, leather-bound books from a shelf behind his desk.
"These," Grimsby began, placing the books before Elian, "are your starting points. One for basic aura training, the other for basic mana training."
Ashur looked at the books curiously. "Aura and mana, sir?"
"Yes," Grimsby explained, his eyes reflecting memories of his past. "Aura is the life force that knight's harness to enhance their physical abilities and resilience. It's tangible, felt as a force or energy exuding from the body. Knights train to channel their aura, to strengthen their bodies beyond normal human limits."
He opened the first book, revealing detailed illustrations of warriors surrounded by a radiant glow. "This book will guide you in awakening and cultivating your aura."
Then, he pointed to the second book. "Mana, on the other hand, is ethereal. It's the essence of magic, used by magicians to cast spells and manipulate the elements. Mana training involves mental discipline and understanding the arcane principles that govern our world."
Flipping through the pages of the second book, Ashur saw intricate symbols and complex spell diagrams. "Magic," he whispered, fascinated.
Grimsby continued, "It's rare for someone to master both. Each requires a lifetime of dedication. Most choose one path, honing their skills to perfection."
Ashur nodded, his mind racing with the possibilities each book presented. He thought of the strength and endurance of knights, the awe-inspiring magic wielded by sorcerers. The choice was not just between two disciplines; it was a choice of who he wanted to become.
Without a word, he picked up both books, weighing them in his hands. The decision was not one to be made lightly, nor in haste. He needed time, space to ponder this crossroads in his journey.
Grimsby observed him, a knowing look in his eyes. "Take your time, Elian. This is a decision only you can make. Should you need guidance, my door is always open."
"Thank you, sir," Ashur replied, his voice steady. He tucked the books under his arm, feeling their weight as more than just physical. They were the weight of potential, of futures yet unwritten.
As Ashur left the office, the corridors of Willowbrook seemed to echo with the unspoken question of his destiny.
He ran his fingers over the cover of the first book, 'Basics of Aura Training'. This was the world he had envisioned for himself, where strength of arms and the resilience of spirit shaped the very essence of a knight. The aura, a tangible manifestation of one's life force, was something Elian felt drawn to, a path he had long aspired to tread.
Then, his gaze shifted to the second book, 'Fundamentals of Mana Use'. Magic had always been a realm of mystery to him, an ethereal art that seemed as elusive as it was powerful. Though his ambition lay in the way of the knight, his inquisitive nature beckoned him to at least understand the path not chosen. What was this mana that magicians spoke of, this invisible force that could bend reality to its will?
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