Temporal Dominion

The Grand Hall of Aurelian Academy was unlike any other place Lucian had seen. Towering pillars lined the massive chamber, each inscribed with golden runes that pulsed with an ethereal glow. The ceiling, impossibly high, reflected a vast cosmic expanse, swirling with constellations and nebulae.

At the center of the hall stood the Tribunal, a circular platform where students were summoned for official hearings.

Lucian stepped forward, his boots echoing against the polished marble. Elara walked beside him, her expression neutral but her eyes filled with unspoken concern.

This wasn't just a disciplinary meeting. This was something bigger.

The air was thick with tension. Around them, a few of the Academy's elite students observed from the shadows, whispering among themselves. The top-ranked students were watching.

Then, from the far side of the chamber, a commanding voice rang out.

"Lucian Vale, step forward."

At the head of the Tribunal, sitting in a raised position of authority, was Headmaster Alric Vael. His piercing golden eyes were unreadable as he studied Lucian. Beside him stood several high-ranking professors, including one who made Lucian's skin crawl—Professor Callen Dain.

Lucian forced himself to remain calm as he approached the Tribunal.

---

The Academy's Verdict

Headmaster Vael wasted no time. "Your recent battle against Darren Voss has raised serious concerns."

Lucian's jaw tightened. "I was challenged. I defended myself."

Professor Dain leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable. "It is not the duel itself that concerns us, but the power you displayed." His voice was smooth, almost too pleasant. "Time-based abilities are among the rarest in existence, yet you demonstrated a level of control far beyond what should be possible for someone at your level."

Lucian held his ground. "I'm still figuring it out myself."

Dain's lips curled slightly. "Yes. And that is precisely why we must assess the extent of your potential."

The headmaster tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair. "Lucian, you are not in trouble. However, from this moment forward, you will be placed under observation. Certain privileges may be restricted, and you may be required to undergo specialized training under faculty supervision."

Lucian's fists clenched. They wanted to control him.

He could feel the weight of the Academy pressing down on him. The eyes of the elites. The calculated words of Dain.

Elara took a step forward, her voice firm. "With all due respect, Headmaster, limiting his training could be counterproductive. If he's developing this ability, shouldn't he be given the resources to master it?"

Vael regarded her for a moment before nodding. "Indeed. Which is why we will assign him a mentor."

Lucian's breath caught. A mentor?

Dain's smirk widened ever so slightly. "And I volunteer."

Silence filled the chamber.

Elara tensed beside him.

Lucian had an immediate, visceral reaction. Something about this man felt wrong.

Headmaster Vael studied Dain carefully before responding. "Not yet. For now, we will observe from a distance. Lucian, you are dismissed."

Lucian exhaled slowly, nodding before turning to leave.

But as he walked away, he could feel Dain's gaze lingering on him.

Watching. Calculating.

---

Later that evening, Lucian walked alone through the Academy's courtyard, his mind restless. The air was crisp, the twin moons casting a pale glow over the stone pathways.

They wanted to control him.

Was this what it meant to have power? To be watched? To be feared?

A part of him understood their concern. His ability wasn't normal. Even he didn't fully grasp its limits.

But he wasn't about to let them decide his future.

As he turned a corner, a figure stepped into his path.

Tall. Cloaked in shadows. A presence that sent a chill down Lucian's spine.

The figure spoke in a voice like silk over steel.

"You feel it, don't you? The Academy wants to shackle you. They fear what you might become."

Lucian's muscles tensed. "Who are you?"

The figure chuckled. "Someone who sees your true potential. Someone who can offer you more than what this Academy ever will."

Lucian narrowed his eyes. "And what exactly are you offering?"

The figure stepped closer, their silhouette barely illuminated by the moonlight.

"Power, Lucian. The kind that no authority can suppress."

A pause.

Then, the figure extended a hand.

"All you have to do is take it."

Lucian stared at the outstretched hand, his heartbeat steady but his mind racing.

This… was a dangerous choice.

And yet, something deep inside him whispered—

"This is only the beginning."