Chapter 39 - 39
Chapter 39: Chapter 39
– The Path of Aura
(Alden's POV)
The Aura Control class was scheduled in one of the academy's specialized training halls—a vast chamber reinforced with mana-absorbing stones to contain even the most explosive outbursts. Unlike the spellcasting class, which had a large variety of students, the Aura Control class had a smaller, more focused group.
Alden entered, adjusting his sunglasses as he observed the students.
Among them were Alicia von Rosenheim, her red hair catching the light as she stood with an air of nobility, and Leon Ascar, the protagonist of the game, whose natural combat talent made this class an obvious choice for him.
But what caught Alden's attention was the diversity of races.
A towering demihuman wolfkin with piercing golden eyes stood at the back, arms crossed. A high elf with sharp features looked unimpressed, and a dwarven student—a rare sight at the academy—was cracking his knuckles.
Aura was the foundation of warriors, regardless of race. It wasn't bound by mana like magic; it was the manifestation of one's spirit, willpower, and battle instinct.
Alden smirked. This class will be interesting.
Without warning, a sudden, overwhelming wave of pressure crashed over the room.
Alden's muscles tensed, and several students staggered, some gasping for breath.
The source?
A towering man with graying hair, a jagged scar over his left eye, and an aura that exuded raw dominance. His presence alone commanded absolute authority.
Instructor Reinhardt.
A former S-Rank Knight, he was infamous for breaking students with sheer aura alone.
His gaze swept over the class, pausing briefly on Alden before moving on.
"Welcome to Aura Control class," Reinhardt said, his voice deep and authoritative. "If you came here expecting a simple lecture, you're in the wrong place."
Then, his aura flared.
Alden felt the air thicken as an invisible force pressed down on him.
Some students buckled under the weight immediately.
Alden gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand firm. I've been through worse.
Reinhardt smirked. "Not bad. Some of you have a backbone."
He crossed his arms. "Let's begin."
---
Understanding Aura
"Aura is not magic," Reinhardt began. "It is the manifestation of one's willpower, life force, and combat instinct."
Unlike mana, which was drawn from nature, aura came from within.
"Knights, assassins, warriors, and even some mages rely on aura to strengthen themselves in battle," he continued. "It enhances speed, strength, perception, and endurance. The stronger the will, the stronger the aura."
Alden already knew this. Aura was the backbone of physical combat.
However, unlike mana, which was flexible and adaptable, aura required strict discipline and mental fortitude.
Reinhardt turned toward the wolfkin student.
"You," he said. "Show me your aura."
The demihuman nodded, inhaling deeply.
A faint golden glow surrounded his body—a sign of natural aura activation.
Reinhardt nodded. "Good."
Then, his gaze locked onto Alden.
"You. Alden Blackwood."
Alden sighed internally. Of course.
"You were placed in S-Class," Reinhardt said. "Prove you deserve to be here."
A few students murmured.
"He barely passed the entrance exam."
"He's just going to embarrass himself."
Alden ignored them.
Aura is about willpower. If that's the case...
He closed his eyes, focusing inward.
Instead of drawing mana outward, he focused on his own energy, channeling it through his body.
His heartbeat steadied.
His mind cleared.
Then—
A faint, reddish glow flickered around his arms. It was weak, but it was there.
The murmurs stopped.
Reinhardt raised an eyebrow. "Hoh... interesting."
Alden could feel it—his body was slightly stronger, slightly faster. His senses sharpened.
But—
The aura flickered and vanished within seconds.
Reinhardt chuckled. "You have potential, but your control is sloppy."
Alden exhaled. He expected this.
"You lack endurance in sustaining aura," Reinhardt continued. "That will change soon."
Then, he clapped his hands.
"Outside. It's time for real training."
The students were taken to an outdoor training field, a vast arena surrounded by reinforced barriers.
"This is where we separate the weak from the strong," Reinhardt announced.
Alden already knew what was coming.
The Aura Suppression Test.
"I will activate an aura suppression field—your job is to withstand it as long as possible."
Alicia frowned. "Sounds like torture."
Reinhardt grinned. "It is."
Then, he unleashed his aura.
A sudden wave of crushing force flooded the field.
The weaker students collapsed instantly.
Alden's knees trembled slightly as the pressure bore down on him.
This wasn't just suppression—it was an S-Rank aura field.
Leon stood firm, his protagonist instincts carrying him through.
Alicia gritted her teeth but endured.
Alden?
He was struggling but holding on.
---
Alden took a deep breath.
He needed to adapt.
Instead of resisting the aura, he tried to flow with it.
At that moment—
Kurenai spoke.
"This is pitiful. You call this resistance?"
Alden mentally groaned. "Not now."
Shiranui added, "You're relying too much on control. Let go."
Alden's eyes widened.
Let go?
Aura wasn't just about endurance. It was about domination.
Instead of trying to restrain it—
Alden released his energy.
A faint red glow surrounded him again, flickering— @@novelbin@@
Then stabilizing.
Reinhardt's smirk grew.
"Interesting."
Alden was still struggling, but he had adapted.
The suppression lasted five minutes before Reinhardt deactivated it.
Most students collapsed.
Reinhardt nodded in approval.
"Aura is not just about control—it is about will."
He looked at Alden. "You learned that faster than expected."
Alden wiped sweat from his forehead. "Yeah, thanks for the near-death experience."
Some students chuckled.
Reinhardt ignored him. "Class dismissed."
As students walked away, Alicia glanced at Alden.
"You continue to surprise me."
Alden smirked. "You'll get used to it."
Leon simply nodded. "That was impressive."
Alden stretched, rolling his shoulders.
Kurenai sighed in his mind. "You survived, but you're still weak."
Shiranui chuckled. "He's improving, though."
Alden smirked. This was just the beginning.
(Main cast awakened aura before academy and have near intermediate level of mastery.
The training is for improving and awakening aura)
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