The next day, Kael woke earlier than usual. Although he had stayed up late researching the ancient books Headmaster Eldrin gave him, his body was still full of energy. The Primordial Energy within him constantly circulated, purifying and strengthening every cell. Kael felt significantly stronger after just one night.
He arrived at Headmaster Eldrin's office on time. Eldrin was already there, reading an old scroll, his eyes intensely focused.
"Good morning, Kael," Eldrin said without looking up. "Have you read what I gave you?"
"Yes, Headmaster," Kael replied. "The records of the Primordial Era and the concept of 'Energy Reincarnation' were fascinating. I felt like I could understand them naturally."
Eldrin finally looked up, his sharp eyes piercing into Kael. "You understood them naturally, did you?" He offered a cryptic smile. "Then, you are ready for your first test."
"A test?" Kael was surprised.
"Indeed. Theory is good, but practical combat is the best way to test someone," Eldrin stood up. "Follow me."
He led Kael to a secret training area deep beneath the Academy. The room was vast, enclosed by sturdy stone walls and anti-energy runes. In the center was an open space with various training dummies.
"This is Combat Room Number 7," Eldrin explained. "A place I often use to test special students. You will face a few energy dummies."
Eldrin waved his hand. Three tall wooden mannequins, shrouded in a faint energy aura, suddenly rose from the floor. They had no specific Source Cores, simply pure energy controlled by Eldrin.
"Your goal is to neutralize them. No weapons allowed," Eldrin said. "Use Primordial Energy in the way you find most effective."
Kael took a deep breath. He had practiced with Primordial Energy, but this was his first time facing an "opponent."
The three dummies charged at Kael simultaneously. Their speed wasn't great, but enough to threaten an ordinary person.
Kael calmly extended his hand. He didn't cast a spell, didn't need hand signs. A brilliant green energy orb glowed in his palm. He threw it towards the first dummy.
"BOOM!"
The Primordial Energy orb exploded upon impact with the mannequin. The energy shield surrounding the dummy violently shook, and a scorch mark appeared on its wooden body. The dummy stumbled back.
Eldrin narrowed his eyes. This power... it was stronger than he anticipated.
The two remaining dummies lunged, one swinging a fist, the other kicking. Kael dodged skillfully. His body felt light as a feather, reacting faster than ever. He felt as if he could see every energy pathway in their movements.
Kael extended both hands, and an invisible surge of Primordial Energy flowed out, enveloping the two dummies. He clenched his fists. The two dummies were suddenly held motionless in mid-air, unable to move.
Eldrin raised an eyebrow slightly. Remote control! This was a difficult skill, requiring finesse in energy manipulation.
Kael closed his eyes, channeling Primordial Energy into his palms. He imagined the Primordial Energy penetrating inside the two dummies, destroying their energy structure.
"Clang! Clang!"
Two dull thuds echoed. The energy shrouding the two dummies dissipated, and they fell to the floor, inert. The first dummy, after being hit by the energy orb, was also completely deactivated.
In total, Kael took less than a minute to neutralize all three dummies. He exhaled softly. The Primordial Energy still felt abundant, almost undiminished.
Eldrin looked at Kael with a gaze full of astonishment, but also no less excitement. "Excellent, Kael! You've done much better than I expected. You not only possess Primordial Energy, but also have a special talent in controlling it."
He approached Kael. "The ability to control and dismantle energy structures from afar... this is a skill that even high-level mages take years to achieve. You did it on your first day!"
Kael was also astonished. He hadn't realized he was this powerful.
"However," Eldrin suddenly turned his back, his voice growing grave. "Your power is not invincible. You still have much to learn. And most importantly, you must learn to hide this power."
"Why, Headmaster?" Kael asked.
Eldrin turned back, his eyes reflecting deep concern. "Because what you possess... it could be something certain forces have been searching for for a very long time. Some will want to use you, others will want to destroy you to prevent this secret from getting out. You are a beacon, but you are also prey. I will protect you within this Academy, but you must learn to protect yourself outside."
He handed Kael a simple silver ring. "This is an ancient magical item. It will conceal the energy fluctuations of your Primordial Energy. When you wear it, ordinary people will not be able to sense your power."
Kael slipped the ring onto his finger. He felt the Primordial Energy within him still flowing, but it seemed to have become "silent," no longer radiating outwards.
"You have passed your first test," Eldrin said. "From now on, you will not only study theory but also train in practical combat daily. I will arrange some special exercises for you to develop your Primordial Energy abilities."
Kael nodded. He knew that the path ahead was long and arduous. But with his new power and Headmaster Eldrin's guidance, he was ready to face any challenge. He would never again be the cripple pushed into the abyss. He would become the master of his own destiny, the master of Primordial Energy.