Shattered Sanity

(The same evening, Professor Elena’s lecture, The Meditation Hall)

That evening, Riven was finally introduced to the last mandatory course that he was expected to take this semester, which was Aether Replenishment and Meditation.

Unlike most of the subjects Riven had attended throughout the day, the purpose of this class was relatively straightforward, as Professor Elena explained that every student was going to learn how to replenish their exhausted Aether reserves and gradually strengthen their foundation for their next breakthrough.

”Most of you have already reached Ember Rank, while a small number entered the Academy at Spark Rank,” Professor Elena began, as nearly four hundred first-years listened attentively. ”Regardless of where you’re beginning, however, your Ascension from this point forward is going to depend heavily upon what you learn in this class.”

Several assistants moved throughout the hall while carrying stacks of meditation manuals, although Riven quickly noticed that very few students received identical books.

”Every elemental affinity interacts with Aether differently, which is why there is no single meditation technique suitable for everyone.

The manual you receive today has been selected according to the affinities recorded during your Imperial Appraisal, and you can trust them to be the best fit for you.”

Elena assured, as students possessing a single affinity were given manuals specifically designed around their element, while those possessing dual or multiple affinities received considerably more specialized techniques capable of replenishing each element without allowing one to overwhelm the others.

”For those of you with multiple affinities, do not make the mistake of assuming you can simply use two different meditation techniques for replenishing two different elements.

Your elements share the same Soul Vessel, which means their replenishment must be balanced within the same circulation.”

Eventually, one of the assistants stopped before Riven and handed him a dark blue manual bearing a silver lightning bolt across its cover.

[Heavenly Storm Breathing Method]

The title read, as Riven opened the first page curiously.

{This technique is for Ascendants with excellent Storm Affinity.

One successful cycle of this technique replenishes 8 units of storm Aether, which means if done correctly, it can replenish the Aether reserves of an Ember Rank in about forty five minutes, and a Spark Rank in under two hours.}

”Naturally, these manuals aren’t something you’re expected to master overnight.

Especially since many of you might already be practicing your own meditation manuals from your houses.”

Elena clarified.

”However, these are the only techniques the academy will acknowledge you using, and what I will allow you to practice in this class.

So even if the transition takes a couple of weeks, I suggest you start getting used to these.”

Riven continued flipping through the opening pages as she spoke, finding detailed illustrations showing the recommended circulation route alongside instructions regarding breathing rhythm, posture and the distribution of absorbed Aether.

”And since you will be doing this daily from here onwards, there is also something I need you to keep in mind before you enter this class....

Which is to replenish Aether, you must first learn to expend it.”

Professor Elena paused until everyone’s attention returned towards her.

”Starting tomorrow, I expect every student entering this hall to have already depleted as much of their Aether as reasonably possible through physical conditioning, spell training, dueling or personal practice.”

She demanded, as she started to point towards students who were currently sitting inside her class with almost full soul vessels.

”Your Soul Vessel does not improve because you sit here every evening while already full,” Elena explained. ”You expend your reserves, replenish them, expend them again and replenish them again. Through that repeated process, you slowly become more familiar with the nature of your Aether while your body and Soul Vessel gradually adapt to containing and circulating greater quantities of it.”

That process was going to form the foundation of their Ascension throughout the semester.

As their control improved and their bodies continued strengthening, the amount of Aether they could safely circulate was going to increase alongside them, eventually bringing their foundation to the point where attempting a breakthrough became possible.

”When the time comes, I will determine whether you’re ready or not for a breakthrough.

For, breaking through before your foundation is prepared can permanently damage your Soul Vessel, while failing to properly stabilize yourself afterward can compromise everything you’ve built until that point.”

Her expression became noticeably more serious.

”If you believe you’re approaching your next Rank, inform me. I will evaluate your foundation personally and determine whether you’re ready.”

She repeated, as though warning everyone to never break through without her consent or they’ll face her wrath.

”Now, as for your grades.”

Professor Elena turned towards the board behind her and wrote two requirements.

Spark Rank.

Peak Spark Rank.

”For those entering this semester at Ember Rank, reaching Spark Rank within six months is the minimum requirement to pass this course.”

Several students immediately began whispering amongst themselves.

”Those who reach the peak of Spark Rank within those same six months will receive full marks.”

Riven stared at the requirements for a moment.

Considering how much importance the Academy placed upon foundation quality, six months suddenly seemed considerably shorter than it sounded.

Professor Elena then added two more requirements beneath them.

Peak Spark Rank.

Flame Rank.

”Students who entered the Academy at Spark Rank are not exempt simply because they began ahead of everyone else. You must reach peak Spark Rank to pass, while reaching Flame Rank earns full marks.”

That immediately produced louder reactions throughout the hall.

”But Professor, isn’t advancing from Spark to Flame considerably harder than advancing from Ember to Spark?” one student asked.

”Of course it is,” Elena replied without hesitation.

The student appeared confused.

”Then how are those requirements equal?”

”They aren’t equal in difficulty,” Professor Elena explained. ”They’re equal in expectation. The Academy evaluates your progress from the Rank at which you entered, not whether somebody else received an easier breakthrough than you.”

She allowed that distinction to settle before continuing.

”This is also one of the reasons the Imperial Academy prefers accepting students at Ember Rank whenever possible. The earlier we receive you, the earlier we can monitor your foundation, correct mistakes within your circulation and ensure that your future Ascension isn’t compromised by reckless advancement.”

Riven glanced down at the Heavenly Storm Breathing Method resting across his lap.

Until now, almost everything surrounding his Ascension had happened because somebody else had prepared his body for it.

Section Carving had reconstructed him, his Soul Vessel had awakened and his breakthrough into Ember had followed before he properly understood what any of it meant.

However, he could see it now that the journey to Spark Rank was going to be different.

This time, he had to do it all on his own.

”Your assignment for the first two weeks is simple.

Master your meditation methods, until you don’t need to look at a diagram to perform it, and can cycle it with ease.

You can choose to come to class and receive my pointers, or stay in your dorm to do it.

I don’t care.

But if two weeks pass and you still haven’t mastered it, then I swear you’ll see a side of me you will never forget.”

She warned, before clapping her hands and dismissing the class.