Eryndor's eyes fluttered open slowly, the world coming back into focus. The courtyard was quiet now—students scattered, whispers lingering in the air, and the figure of Dorian Veynhart fading into the distance. His body ached, but there was a peculiar lightness in his movements.
Kael stepped forward, robes brushing the stone, his expression calm yet intense. "You've pushed yourself beyond what most students can even conceive," he said. "That trance… it's dangerous. Your body bypassed conscious control to maintain Eightfold Flow. It's exhausting, and if overused, it can leave permanent strain."
Eryndor sat up, flexing his fingers. Lightning crackled faintly along his arms, wind stirring gently around him. "I—I think I… learned something." His voice was hushed, awe tinged with disbelief. "Even while unconscious, my body flowed. I feel… new techniques, new sequences I didn't consciously know."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, impressed. "Explain."
Eryndor demonstrated, flowing through a short sequence of movements—spins, strikes, feints, and counterattacks—all perfectly timed, integrating Arc Lash with Gale Feint, elbows and knees landing in fluid chains. The motions were seamless, instinctive, as if his body had internalized advanced techniques mid-fight.
Kael nodded slowly. "The martial trance doesn't just protect you—it imprints experience into your body's muscle memory. Your Eightfold Flow has internalized sequences and adaptations that you may not have consciously performed before. Rare, and potentially dangerous if abused, but immensely valuable for growth."
Eryndor's lips curled into a small, determined smile. "I didn't just survive. I… actually improved. I can feel new movements, new counters. Even some combinations I never thought I could execute yet."
Kael crossed his arms. "This is both a consequence and an opportunity. You've touched the threshold of instinctive mastery. Most students reach this only after decades of training. Your Ember Tier affinity amplified it, allowing your martial mind to work in tandem with elemental flow while unconscious. But remember—every time you push this far, the risk of physical or spiritual burnout increases."
Eryndor's gaze hardened, determination gleaming in his eyes. "I understand. But… I also know I can use it to get stronger. If I can control it, I can learn even faster. I can internalize techniques mid-combat and adapt in ways most students never could."
Kael's stern gaze softened just slightly. "Then you have potential. Rare potential. Use it wisely, Eryndor. Today you faced a rare talent—and survived. Tomorrow, you will face the challenges of Stormcrest Academy proper. Remember what you've learned, and carry it forward. This is only the beginning."
Eryndor stood, brushing dust from his coat, wind tugging at him like a subtle encouragement. His body still hummed faintly with residual Ember Tier energy, and the memory of the trance lingered in his movements. He had survived, he had adapted, and—more importantly—he had grown.
The top ten had been a trial, but now a new chapter awaited him. One filled with opportunities, dangers, and the promise of martial and elemental mastery that few could ever hope to touch.