Chapter 3: Soul academy

The ancient stone walls of the Soul Academy loomed ahead, towering over the forest like a fortress lost in time. As Ifenna and Master Zalor approached, the gates swung open with a soft creak, as if expecting their arrival. The castle-like structure was larger than anything Ifenna had ever seen, and its sheer size made him feel small, insignificant in its shadow.

Beyond the gates, students moved about, each radiating power in subtle ways—some glowing faintly with light, others surrounded by elemental forces. There was a palpable energy in the air, a constant hum of magic and life. Ifenna couldn’t help but feel out of place among them. He was just a worker from Ogen City. What did he know of soul powers and magic?

"This is the beginning of your new life," Zalor said as they passed through the entrance. "You’ll meet many here, each with their own path. But don’t be distracted. Your focus must be on learning to control the power within you."

Ifenna nodded, his mind racing with questions. What kind of place was this? How did so many people come to possess such power? And most importantly, where did he fit in all of this?

They passed through a grand courtyard, filled with towering trees and shimmering fountains, before arriving at the main hall. The inside of the Academy was even more impressive than the exterior—vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate carvings, and walls lined with tapestries depicting ancient battles and legendary awakeners. Everything here was drenched in history.

"Wait here," Zalor instructed, gesturing toward a massive staircase. "I need to speak with the Headmaster."

As Zalor disappeared up the stairs, Ifenna found himself alone in the middle of the bustling Academy. He felt like an outsider, unsure of what to do or where to go. The other students passed by, barely sparing him a glance. He noticed groups huddled together, some whispering, others practicing their powers in controlled bursts of energy.

“Ifenna, right?” A voice suddenly broke through his thoughts.

He turned to see a young woman approaching him. She had short, dark hair and a confident smile. Her eyes glowed faintly, a sign of her own awakened power. "I saw you come in with Zalor. New recruit?"

"Yeah," Ifenna said, still feeling a little out of his depth. "I guess so. I don’t really know what’s going on, to be honest."

She chuckled softly. "Don’t worry, no one does at first. It’s overwhelming, but you’ll get used to it. I’m Kaiara, by the way."

Her name struck him with a strange familiarity, though he didn’t know why. There was something about her presence that put him at ease, though. "I’m Ifenna," he said, offering a nervous smile.

Kaiara’s eyes flicked to his hand, where the faint blue glow still lingered. "I see you’ve already awakened. That’s impressive. Most of us had to train for years before we got any control. You must be one of the naturally awakened."

Ifenna’s eyes widened. "You mean, it’s not normal to just… wake up with this?"

She shook her head. "Nope. Most of us train for years before even scratching the surface of our power. If you awakened on your own, that means you’ve got something special. The Academy will definitely want to keep an eye on you."

"Great," Ifenna muttered, the idea of being watched making him even more nervous. "I don’t even know how I did it. It just… happened."

Kaiara’s smile softened. "That’s how it always starts. Don’t worry, you’ll learn. We all did."

Before Ifenna could respond, Zalor reappeared at the top of the staircase, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Ifenna, follow me. The Headmaster wants to meet you."

Kaiara gave him an encouraging nod. "Good luck. The Headmaster’s tough, but fair."

Ifenna swallowed his nerves and followed Zalor up the stairs, his heart pounding in his chest. As they ascended, the grandeur of the Academy only became more apparent. He was entering a world far beyond anything he had ever imagined.

At the top of the staircase, they entered a large chamber. At the far end stood a tall, imposing figure dressed in flowing robes. His long silver hair framed a face that was both stern and wise, his eyes sharp and assessing. This could only be the Headmaster of the Soul Academy.

"Ifenna," Zalor said, bowing slightly. "This is Headmaster Orin. He oversees the training of all awakened here at the Academy."

Headmaster Orin studied Ifenna for a long moment, his gaze piercing. "You are one of the naturally awakened," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Few are born with such power, and fewer still are able to control it. You have much to learn."

Ifenna shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the Headmaster’s scrutiny. "I don’t even know what I am, or why this is happening to me."

The Headmaster’s expression softened slightly. "No one understands their path when they first begin. But you are here now, and the Academy will help you unlock your full potential. You must be ready for the challenges ahead."

"Challenges?" Ifenna asked, his curiosity piqued.

"There will be tests," Orin replied. "Your first trial is soon approaching. It is known as the Soul Test, where each new student is tested on their ability to connect with their soul powers. Only those who succeed are permitted to continue their training. You must prepare."

Ifenna’s stomach twisted. "And if I fail?"

The Headmaster’s gaze darkened. "Failure is not an option."

As Ifenna left the Headmaster’s chamber, his mind was buzzing with thoughts. The Soul Test sounded terrifying, but it also felt like the first step toward understanding what was happening to him. Whatever lay ahead, he had to be ready.

Kaiara was waiting for him outside, leaning against one of the stone pillars. "How’d it go?"

Ifenna sighed. "I’ve got a Soul Test coming up. Apparently, it’s the first big challenge here."

Kaiara nodded. "Yeah, the Soul Test is no joke. It’s different for everyone, but it’s designed to push you to your limits. If you’re a natural, though, you might have an edge."

"If I’m a natural," Ifenna muttered. "I still don’t understand any of this."

Kaiara smiled, a glimmer of encouragement in her eyes. "You’ll get there. We all start out lost. But you’re not alone. If you need help, just ask."

Ifenna couldn’t help but feel a little relieved by her words. Maybe he wasn’t as alone in this as he thought. He had a long road ahead, but for the first time, he felt a spark of hope. Whatever this power inside him was, he was going to find out.