Aspect Sovereign

Leon had been diligently cultivating using the Celestial Breathing Technique provided by the academy. While it seemed like a basic technique at first glance, its true strength lay in its compatibility. Unlike more specialized methods, this technique allowed students to transition to more advanced techniques in the future with minimal difficulty.

In addition to gathering Essentia daily, Leon had also been training in a combat technique passed down within the Tharvyn family—the White Flash Fist. Like all combat techniques, it was divided into three stages: minor completion, middle completion, and great completion. Leon was still at the minor completion stage, but even this basic mastery had made a noticeable difference. The controlled power of the technique far outstripped the unrefined punches he had relied on before.

Satisfied with his progress, Leon stood and stretched. It was time for him to take the next step in his journey. After weeks of preparation, he decided it was finally time to undertake a mission.

Stepping into the Mission Hall, Leon was greeted by the hum of conversation and the glow of Essentia lamps that illuminated the space. Students bustled around, some gathered in groups discussing plans, while others stood alone, studying the floating mission board at the center of the room.

Leon approached the board, scanning the glowing text. Most of the missions available for freshmen were straightforward—gathering resources, assisting with minor cultivation tasks, or simple escort missions. He skimmed through a few options until one caught his eye: Crystalline Shard Harvesting.

The mission required students to accompany a team of miners to the Crystal Basin, a desolate canyon known for its towering crystalline formations infused with Essentia. The shards were highly valuable, used in crafting advanced Essentia tools. However, the mission wasn't without its dangers. Hostile wildlife in the basin posed a potential threat, and it was up to the students to ensure the miners' safety while assisting with the shard collection. The team already had two participants, leaving one slot open.

Leon nodded to himself. "Perfect. This will do," he murmured.

Satisfied with his choice, he turned and approached the front desk, where an older student managed the registrations. The student glanced up, looking mildly interested.

"I'd like to take on the Crystalline Shard mission," Leon said.

The student pulled up the mission details and nodded. "Alright. Let's get you registered. Allow me to scan your Essentia Band."

Leon raised his wrist, the slim band glowing faintly as the student tapped a scanning device to it. A soft beep confirmed his registration.

"You're all set," the student said, glancing at his screen. "Check your Essentia Band for additional details. Your group will meet at the southern gate of the academy and depart early this afternoon."

"Thank you," Leon replied, lowering his wrist. He turned and left the Mission Hall, already thinking about what he would need for the mission.

...

After finishing his preparations, Leon made his way to the academy's southern gate, where the group was scheduled to meet. As he approached, he noticed a shuttle parked by the gate and two students standing nearby. One was a girl with light brown hair tied back into a ponytail, her arms crossed as she leaned against the vehicle. The other was a boy with short, neatly combed blonde hair, casually glancing at his Essentia Band.

The girl spotted Leon first and called out, "About time! If you'd kept us waiting any longer, we'd have left without you."

Leon offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. I lost track of time while packing."

The boy waved off the tension with an easy smile. "No worries. Let's not stand around too long, though. We should introduce ourselves." He stepped forward and extended a hand. "Nice to meet you. My name's Darin. I'm currently in the 2nd phase of the Initialization Stage."

Leon shook his hand before glancing at the girl. She straightened up and said, "I'm Amara. 1st phase of the Initialization Stage."

"Leon," he replied, nodding at both of them. "I'm in the 1st phase as well."

Darin clapped his hands together. "Great! Now that we all know each other, let's not keep the shuttle driver waiting. Shall we?"

The three climbed into the shuttle, and soon they were on their way. The vehicle hummed quietly as it sped through the open roads. Leon stared out the window, taking in the changing scenery as the academy's towering structures faded into the distance, replaced by barren landscapes and rocky outcrops. Amara sat across from him, reviewing something on her Essentia Band, while Darin tapped his foot rhythmically, his excitement almost palpable.

After an hour, the shuttle slowed to a stop at the edge of the Crystal Basin. The three disembarked, exchanging brief goodbyes with the driver as he turned the vehicle around and headed back. Ahead of them was a group of miners gathered near a cluster of crystalline formations that shimmered faintly under the sunlight.

"This must be the team we're protecting," Darin said, gesturing toward the miners.

Leon nodded, slinging his pack over his shoulder. "Let's get to it."