CHAPTER 24: CH 24: MR COLLINS.

It was a statue of Nightwalker.

Still meticulously crafted— almost like he oversaw the construction himself and made no room for error.

From the wave of his hair, the arch of cheekbones and the glint in the fake eyes— it was shudderingly realistic.

So much so he couldn’t take his eyes off it— not for a second.

Eli dragged him along though, as they pushed the front doors open.

The main hall was linoleum and wide enough to stand on its own, taking the first few steps forward, Aegon looked down.

The giant design of the academy’s name etched boldly beneath their feet.

Looking back up— the main hall led to the five Faculties, and as such this was where he and Eli would go their separate ways.

Aegon proceeded into the Faculty that said ’Aether Studies’ above the corridor.

Ascended the steps to notice there were fewer students here than in the rest— comparing from the glass window he looked through.

Regardless, he had a mission today— find out what he could do about his Aether control.

Most Novus classes were labelled from A-E because of the amount of students per Faculty. However, Aether Studies awakened were significantly less than others so there was only one class.

He turned the corner and saw the sign above that read, ’Novus’, giving a light sigh as he entered.

Rows and columns of seats unfolded before him, however the general mood and vibe of the room was... In the least, gloomy.

Aether Studies awakened scattered throughout the classroom, each preoccupied with their own activities.

He shrugged it off, stepping and taking the reverend MC seat, at the back next to the window, since the Micheal wasn’t in this class.

Taking a seat and waiting for what felt like an hour of nonsensical chatter between awakened before a figure finally stepped through the door.

Rough dirty grey hair and similar beard, rumpled shirt with rolled up sleeves and a tie that just didn’t like him.

He moved to the desk in front before speaking, bringing out his nameplate from the desk—

"My name is Mr Collins and I will be your ’Novus Aether Studies’ mentor for the next four weeks before your trial.

I’m aware of what most of you have heard, that this Faculty is useless, worse than being an unawakened and well stupid.

But, we are the forgers of techniques, the doctors, engineers and scientists of awakened, and so much more..."

"..."

~BRRRRRGGG.~

Mr Collins continued to monologue for the rest of the class before finally the bell rang.

The awakened proceeded out of the room happily having learnt and gained absolutely nothing relevant.

The class emptied— except one.

A peculiar figure that drew Mr Collins’ attention throughout the class— why? Because he seems to actually pay attention without trying.

Although he stared out the window when it can to important concepts he guided his head back to Collins, even when the rest dismissed him.

It was Aegon.

"Do you have any questions... Uhmm?"

Mr Collins called out for Aegon, leaving it open ended for him to say his name.

"Dhalar... Aegon Dhalar."

Aegon said with his arms still folded and back slumped against the chair.

"Okay, Austin what’s your question?"

"It’s actually Aegon... What determines Aether Control?"

"Hmm... Why do you ask?"

He arched a slight brow and leaned against his desk.

"Because I’ve been in this school for a while and I haven’t been able to draw on even the slightest bit of Aether."

"Oh... What’s your Aether Control?"

Mr Collins chuckled.

"Pathetically Poor."

Mr Collins face twitched as he tried to hold in his laughter but Aegon could already tell.

"At least it’s not Non-existent."

"I didn’t stay here for you to make me feel better... I came here for solutions."

"Alright, alright... What do you understand by Aether control?"

Aegon shrugged unknowingly.

Mr Collins moved closer to him, pulling a chair by the side and taking a seat directly in front of him.

"Aether Control is nothing more than the susceptibility of Aether to come to you. See, Aether is more or less sentient— it moves, it grows and like any other living thing... It can be very stubborn.

Close your eyes for a second."

Aegon blinked twice, thinking he misheard him.

"What?"

"Trust me... Close your eyes."

Aegon, sceptical but still shut his eyelids.

He then felt it— Mr Collins grip on his arm.

He immediately opened his eyes. "What are you doing?"

"I’m trying to help you. But to give you that help I need you do as I say... And right now? That’s to close your eyes."

’This is way too weird.’

He thought as he closed his eyes again.

Waiting for what was about to come until—

His muscles tensed up in a second, his nerves shot to life and his senses tripled— all in a second.

Mr Collins sent what Aegon could only describe as a bolt of lightning wrapped in ecstacy into his body.

His eyes remained closed yet he could still tell where every single thing was— like he’s eyes were no longer limited to this plane of existence.

"Now slowly open your eyes."

Aegon’s eyes flustered open and for the first time since been in this world— he felt it— he felt Aether.

He saw it. Smelt it. Heard it. Tasted it.

It flowed in the air like an ethereal wave of blue. His eyes went wide, with every slight movement it converged around him and clung to his form.

It was like nothing ever experienced before.

Until— Mr Collins finally let off of his arm and it vanished in an instant.

Aegon gasped for air. Beads of sweat immediately forming on his brows as he turned to Mr Collins.

"What did you do?"

"That’s my affinity, it’s called temporal wave. Where I can temporarily enhance someone’s reach of Aether which in turn enhances their abilities."

"Then why is it so hard for me to breathe?"

Aegon asked as he tugged at his neck.

"Because you’ve never cultivated before, that was your first time really feeling Aether; it’s like how we see light— humans can only see visible light right?

But other creatures see more than that, that’s basically what Aether, us seeing, feeling and sensing with our other senses.

But you need to cultivate steadily to maintain the balance otherwise, whenever you reach for Aether" he pointed at Aegon’s red face, "That’ll happen."

"How do I even cultivate when I can’t reach it on my own?"

Aegon finally steadied himself.

He sighed and walked over to his desk, drew open the drawer and tossed something at Aegon.

A band— sleek, black and circular.

A ring. With gold rune glyphs inscribed along its body.

He pointed at the ring.

"That should help you draw Aether without having a panic attack."

Mr Collins grabbed his bag and proceeded out the door.

"I hope you can actually survive the next trial you pathetic fuck."

’’Wait what?"