Temporal Dominion

The halls of Aurelian Academy were rarely quiet, but today, an unusual tension filled the air.

Word of Lucian's rapid growth had begun to spread.

A no-name student from the lesser divisions had not only defeated an advanced construct but had also demonstrated an unprecedented level of time-based power.

For most students, this was mere gossip.

But for the elites—the true prodigies of Aurelian Academy—this was something worth investigating.

---

The Gathering of the Top Ten

At the highest level of Aurelian Academy's hierarchy were the Ten Seats—the strongest students, handpicked through relentless competition.

Only the most powerful and talented individuals could hold these positions.

And today, several of them had gathered.

The Celestial Arena, an exclusive training ground reserved for the academy's top-ranking students, buzzed with anticipation. Here, surrounded by floating platforms and shimmering barrier fields, five of the top ten had assembled.

A young man leaned casually against a stone pillar, his golden eyes gleaming with interest.

"A first-year with Chronokinesis? It's been a while since something interesting happened," he mused.

This was Reynard Duskbane, Rank #4, a wielder of Celestial Dominion, capable of manipulating gravitational fields.

Across from him, a girl with flowing silver hair sat on a hovering crystal throne, her arms crossed in boredom.

"If he's truly talented, he'll rise through the ranks. If not, he'll break under the pressure."

This was Selene Virelle, Rank #5, known as the Moonlit Specter, a master of Phase Displacement, allowing her to phase through attacks and manipulate spatial distortions.

A loud chuckle interrupted the conversation.

"Heh, maybe we should test him ourselves?"

The voice came from Dorian Ferros, Rank #7, a powerhouse of sheer brute force, possessing Titan's Might, which granted him overwhelming strength and durability.

Reynard smirked. "Tempting. But if he's really special, the higher ranks will take notice soon enough."

The highest-ranked elites were absent from the gathering, but that was expected. The Top Three rarely concerned themselves with minor matters.

However, one more figure stepped forward, her emerald eyes sharp and calculating.

"Instructor Kael personally trained him. That alone makes him worth observing."

This was Lyra Everhart, Rank #6, known for her ability Chrono Imprint, which allowed her to store and replay moments in time within objects.

She tapped her fingers against her arm, deep in thought. "If his power is truly as refined as the rumors suggest, he won't stay in the lower ranks for long."

Reynard chuckled, pushing off the pillar. "Well, let's see if he survives his next test first."

The gathering dispersed, but the interest remained.

The eyes of the academy's strongest had turned toward Lucian Vale.

And they were watching closely.

---

Lucian's Perspective: The Weight of Recognition

Lucian, unaware of the elite's discussions, continued his training.

With each session, his control over time improved.

He could slow down an enemy's movement for a fraction of a second.

He could accelerate his own reflexes to strike faster.

He could perceive multiple possible futures with greater clarity.

But mastery required more than power.

It required understanding.

As he stood in the academy's training hall, preparing for his next lesson, Lucian couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted.

People were watching him.

Whispers followed him. Eyes lingered a little longer.

Something told him—his days of being unnoticed were over.

And soon, the academy's strongest would come knocking.