Temporal Dominion

Lucian sat on the edge of the infirmary bed, his body still aching from the battle. His mind, however, was elsewhere.

The sensation of unlocking something new still lingered within him. It wasn't just a power boost—it was a fundamental shift in how he interacted with time itself.

His fingers curled slightly as he focused, testing his control over the new ability. The air around his hand shimmered briefly, an invisible force distorting reality for just a fraction of a second before fading.

Time-Lock.

A technique born from his desperation, allowing him to sever someone from the flow of time for a brief moment. It had completely neutralized Darren's advantage.

He exhaled slowly.

This wasn't just about getting stronger. This was evolution.

And it hadn't gone unnoticed.

---

The Academy's Secret Meeting

Deep within Aurelian Academy's central tower, in a chamber reserved for only the highest-ranking faculty members, a meeting was underway.

At the head of the grand table sat Headmaster Alric Vael, his piercing golden eyes scanning the faces of the gathered officials. Each one was a respected authority—elite professors, strategic advisors, and security enforcers.

But today, they weren't discussing school rankings or disciplinary actions.

Today, they were talking about Lucian Vale.

A large projection flickered above the table, replaying footage of the recent duel. The moment Lucian activated Time-Lock and struck Darren down sent murmurs through the room.

One professor, a middle-aged man with sharp silver hair and a composed expression, leaned forward. "A temporal ability of that level… in a first-year?" His voice held a mixture of disbelief and intrigue.

Another, a woman with mechanical augmentations replacing half her face, frowned. "Time-based abilities are rare, but his manifestation isn't just a simple acceleration or deceleration. He severed Darren's momentum entirely."

Headmaster Vael steepled his fingers. "Lucian Vale is no ordinary student."

A silence fell over the room.

Then, a voice spoke up—one laced with hidden intent.

Professor Callen Dain.

His deep blue eyes gleamed with something indistinct, his neatly pressed robes giving off an aura of controlled authority.

"His power is extraordinary," Dain said, a subtle smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "But it is also… unstable."

A few heads turned his way.

Dain continued, his voice smooth and persuasive. "Abilities like his do not emerge naturally. There is always a trigger… an external factor. We need to determine whether Lucian Vale is truly a gifted individual—or something far more dangerous."

The headmaster's gaze didn't waver. "Your concern is noted, Professor Dain. But Lucian has shown no signs of instability."

Dain gave a polite nod. "Yet."

Another professor, a burly man with an arm made of obsidian plating, scoffed. "We should be cultivating talent, not fearing it."

Dain merely smiled. "Talent, yes. But control is another matter entirely. If left unchecked, a power like his could become a catastrophe. Perhaps we should… take a more proactive approach in monitoring his development."

Headmaster Vael regarded him carefully. "We will observe him for now. Nothing more."

Dain nodded, but behind his composed demeanor, something flickered in his gaze.

He had other plans.

---

After the meeting adjourned, Professor Callen Dain walked through the dimly lit corridors of the faculty wing, his steps measured and deliberate.

He reached a secluded chamber, placing his palm against the hidden sigil on the wall.

A quiet click echoed, and the door slid open.

Inside, a hooded figure stood waiting, the faint glow of encrypted holograms casting shadows across the room.

The figure spoke first. "You were right. The boy's power is awakening faster than expected."

Dain smirked. "Good. Then our preparations must be accelerated as well."

The figure tilted its head. "You intend to use him?"

Dain's eyes gleamed. "Not use. Shape."

A pause.

Then, the figure chuckled. "The organization will be pleased. The Academy's defenses will be meaningless once we have him under control."

Dain's smile remained, but his voice turned cold. "For now, we let him grow. We let him believe he is free."

His eyes darkened.

"And when the time is right, we will break him."

---

A Summon for Lucian

Back in the infirmary, Lucian barely had time to process his own thoughts before a holographic message flickered to life beside him.

A cold, robotic voice filled the room.

"Lucian Vale. You are to report to the Grand Hall immediately."

Lucian frowned.

Elara, who had been leaning against the wall nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Looks like the Academy isn't wasting any time."

Lucian exhaled, forcing himself up.

Whatever was waiting for him in the Grand Hall…