Kael started his day as usual, though today felt different. Classes were beginning earlier than expected, and he hurried through the bustling hallways of the first floor, weaving past students who muttered complaints under their breath as he bumped into them. With a subtle flex of his abilities, he suppressed their urges to shout or retaliate, leaving behind only faint irritation that quickly faded. He didn't have time for distractions—not when this particular class held such significance.
The course was titled "How to Use the Collective Consciousness," a subject both fascinating and frustrating for Kael. For most students, it was an essential foundation—a guide to pulling threads of knowledge from the vast reservoir of shared insight. But for Kael, who couldn't access the collective consciousness directly, the lessons seemed useless at first glance. However, he soon realized its value lay elsewhere. By understanding how others sought knowledge, he could adapt those methods to his own connection with the void. What worked for seekers in refining spells or techniques might help him delve deeper into the abyss, uncovering insights more refined and precise.
The professor leading the class was a wiry man with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. Despite Kael's intimidating reputation among the students, the professor took a liking to him almost immediately. Kael's proactive attitude stood out—he asked questions, absorbed information eagerly, and applied concepts in ways no one else dared to consider. To the professor, Kael wasn't just another student; he was someone willing to challenge boundaries, even if it meant walking a darker path.
As the lecture unfolded, Kael listened intently, jotting down notes and piecing together ideas. Seeking, as the professor explained, wasn't merely about grabbing random fragments of knowledge—it was about focus, intent, and clarity. Whether improving a recipe, perfecting sword technique, or mastering complex magic, the process involved visualizing exactly what you wanted and reaching for it within the collective consciousness. Though Kael couldn't tap into that ocean of insight himself, he found parallels between these teachings and his work with the void. The same principles applied—focus, visualization, persistence—and they yielded varying degrees of success.
After class, Kael retreated to his room, eager to test what he had learned. He closed his eyes, delving into the void once again. This time, he approached it methodically, applying techniques described in the lecture. Some attempts were slow, requiring patience and precision, while others clicked instantly, granting him flashes of insight faster than ever before. It was exhilarating yet exhausting, each breakthrough carving away pieces of himself but leaving behind something sharper, stronger.
Despite his progress, the whispers remained—a constant presence gnawing at the edges of his mind. They grew louder whenever he pushed too far, reminding him of the cost of his power. Shadows around him seemed darker now, almost alive, curling like smoke against the walls of his room. He wondered sometimes if they watched him—if they judged him—but he pushed the thought aside. There was no time for doubt, not when mastery over the unknown awaited.
Outside of his studies, Kael's relationship with the school's students and professors continued to evolve. Among the students, his reputation as the "scary freshman" persisted, though some began to view him with reluctant respect. His ability to command fear kept most at a distance, but a few curious individuals lingered on the fringes, observing him cautiously. Professors, on the other hand, saw potential in him. While many dismissed his unconventional methods, others recognized his unique approach as a sign of untapped brilliance.
By the end of the day, Kael sat alone in his room, breathing deeply as he reflected on his progress. The void called to him still, its pull as insistent as ever. Yet amidst the chaos of whispers and shadows, he found clarity—a sense that every step forward brought him closer to understanding not just the abyss, but himself.