Origins: The Absolute

Chapter 19: Aza

Three years had passed since my dismissal from the Elrandi flagship. Earth had entered a new era, one where the presence of phase powers was acknowledged and integrated into society. My team and I had made humongous advances in policing power users, ensuring that the balance between those with abilities and those without was maintained.

The newly built Arcane Nexus Academy stood as a beacon of hope and progress. It was a place where those with phase powers could learn to control and enhance their abilities for the betterment of all. I taught there, alongside Neela and Adalé, who had become integral parts of the institution.

Anika, now sixteen, had awakened her water powers and enrolled at the Skill Academy. She had grown so much over the past few years, and her potential was astounding. As her parental guardian, I took my responsibility seriously, guiding her not just as her teacher but as her "Big Sis."

"Good morning, Big Sis!" Anika's voice broke through my thoughts as she bounded into the kitchen, her eyes bright with excitement. "Today, we're practicing advanced hydrokinesis. I can't wait to show you what I've learned!"

I smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "I'm looking forward to it, Anika. You've been making incredible progress."

Neela and Adalé entered soon after, ready to start another day at the academy. The camaraderie between us had only grown stronger over the years, and our teamwork was seamless.

"Ready for another day of molding young minds?" Adalé asked, his tone light but his eyes serious.

"Always," I replied. "Let's make today count."

At the academy, students filled the halls, their faces a mix of eagerness and nervousness. The energy in the halls was almost visible, and it reminded me of my own journey of mastering my abilities.

I had never stopped training, pushing myself to new heights. My powers were now in perfect harmony, and I could activate Divergence with ease and precision. The challenges I faced three years ago seemed distant, yet they had shaped me into the person I was today.

As I entered my classroom, I was greeted with a chorus of "Good morning, Ms. Amoi!" The students' enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride.

"Good morning, everyone," I replied. "Today, I want to tell you about the origins of Elrandium," I began, my voice steady and clear. "Elrandium, known to us on Earth as Okriummorphite, is a mineral of immense power and potential. It is the foundation of our abilities and the lifeblood of the Elrandi Empire."

The students leaned in, their attention fully captured.

“Elrandium is not just a source of energy; it is a bridge between worlds, a conduit that links us to the greater cosmos. First discovered on Eldoria, the Elrandi homeworld, it became the cornerstone of their empire, fueling technologies that defy comprehension and powers that transcend the boundaries of reality itself. Elrandium's properties are unparalleled, allowing us on Earth to manipulate elements, expand our minds, and tap into energies that conventional science deems impossible.”

I paused, allowing the gravity of my words to settle over the room, the students’ eyes wide with anticipation.

"But understand this," I continued, my voice steady but laced with intensity. "Elrandium is a finite resource, which is why the Elrandi Empire has sought to assimilate new worlds, including Earth, to ensure they never run out. The Elrandi’s ambition led to the creation of a group of thirteen beings, each one from different planets scattered across the galaxy. These beings are The Thirteen Sigils. Each Sigil is attuned to Elrandium in ways that elevate their abilities, making them the guardians and enforcers of the empire across its many inhabited worlds."