CHAPTER 201: CHAPTER 201 : CONNECTING WITH THE SPIRIT REALM

Inside the prestigious Zenith Academy, the first-year cadets marched in a steady line through the towering trees of the Whispering Forest.

The canopy above shimmered with strange lights, as if the forest itself was alive and whispering secrets into the ears of those who entered.

The atmosphere was electric—buzzing with excitement and nervous chatter.

For these young cadets, today was not just another training exercise.

Today was the day they would bond with their first spirit, forming a bond that could last a lifetime.

Spirits were not merely allies; they were companions. A spirit bond meant gaining someone who would share your triumphs and defeats, your pain and your joy.

They could fight beside you, heal you in times of dire need, or even whisper guidance when the path ahead seemed unclear.

A true spirit companion was said to be more loyal than blood, for the contract tied not only mana but also the essence of one’s soul. To betray a spirit was impossible—its bond was built upon trust, faith, and shared destiny.

As the cadets reached the forest’s center, many of them realized something strange. Not a single beast had attacked them along the way. The Whispering Forest, notorious for its restless creatures, had gone silent.

Before they could question it further, a calm yet lively voice greeted them.

"Hello, cadets! I see that you are here right on time. Must be pretty excited for summoning your first spirit bond?"

The students turned sharply just as a woman leapt gracefully down from the branches of an ancient oak.

She landed with effortless poise, brushing her brown hair aside, her glasses reflecting the faint glimmer of the forest light.

"Allow me to introduce myself," she said warmly. "My name is Livana Sturgis, and I’ll be your instructor for spirit bonding."

Her very presence seemed to wash away the cadets’ nervousness. A subtle aura spread from her, calming pounding hearts and soothing restless minds.

Then they noticed the true source of that serenity—a tiny sparrow with feathers glowing in soft purple light fluttered down and perched gently on her shoulder.

Gasps escaped the students as Livana stroked the little bird’s head. "As you can see... this is a spirit."

The calming aura thickened, enveloping everyone like a blanket.

Livana smiled at their wonder and began her explanation. "Spirits are more than magical creatures. They are fragments of essence born from the Spirit Realm itself, bound by will and heart. Once you bond with a spirit, you share your soul with it. That means it aids you in every way possible—combat, healing, even protecting your soul."

She paused, her tone becoming firm. "But remember this—spirits cannot simply be slain. If a spirit is destroyed in battle, it returns to the Spirit Realm. The bond, however, remains. If your spirit perishes too often, your soul weakens with it. Eventually... it may shatter. And when your soul shatters, so does your life."

The cadets stiffened at her words, understanding the weight of what was to come.

Then, in a timid voice, a girl raised her hand. "M-Miss Livana, can we... bond with more than one spirit?"

Livana’s lips curved into a gentle smile. "Yes, dear. But it’s rare. A spirit bond ties directly to your soul. Only those with exceptionally strong souls can withstand multiple contracts.

If your soul lacks the strength, attempting more than one bond can kill you. But if you succeed... you may walk among legends."

The cadets stared in stunned silence, absorbing every word.

"Remember this always," Livana continued softly. "A spirit bond must be built on faith. If you lack trust in your spirit, the bond will fail—and so will you."

Seraphina stepped forward then, her crystalline blue hair shimmering faintly under the forest’s light. She raised her hand slightly.

"Professor... isn’t it quite difficult to summon a spirit? From what I’ve read, it requires immense focus and mana to even connect with the Spirit Realm. And... spirits don’t usually answer weak individuals, right?"

Livana nodded approvingly. "You’re correct. Spirits are discerning. If they judge your soul to be weak, they will not answer. Not out of cruelty—but out of protection. A weak soul bound to a strong spirit can collapse entirely.

This is where I come i will help you connect to the spirit realm."

Her sparrow chirped, its glow deepening as she spoke.

"Spirits are not physical beings," Livana went on. "Their strength lies in their essence, but it is we, the awakened, who allow them to shine at their fullest. That is why the bond exists—to complete each other."

Then she turned her gaze toward one particular student. "Some have a natural talent for this. Isn’t that right... Aurelia Sylven Everglade?"

The cadets’ heads snapped toward the fairy princess, her short green hair glowing faintly l. Aurelia’s face flushed red, her delicate hands fidgeting as she looked down at the ground.

Her older brother, Thalor, chuckled and patted her head. "Relax, little one. She’s just praising your talent."

"I-I know..." Aurelia muttered, cheeks burning. "But it’s still embarrassing..."

Livana smiled softly before clapping her hands. "Alright, without further delay—"

But a frantic voice cut her off.

"Professor, wait!"

A boy stumbled into the clearing, panting as if he had run all the way from the academy grounds. He stopped in front of Livana and bowed deeply.

"Forgive me, Miss, for being late. I was... trying something with my sword."

The cadets turned as whispers broke out.

"Ethan Williams..."

It was indeed him— the academy’s apex among first-years. But as Livana’s sharp eyes swept over him, she noticed something strange. His hands—both of them—were blackened, as if cursed, though they were slowly returning to normal.

Her brow furrowed. "Ethan... are you alright? What happened to your hands?"

Ethan clenched his fists, forcing his voice steady. "Nothing. I’m fine now. I was... just experimenting with a new sword technique."

Livana studied him for a moment longer, but eventually nodded. "Very well. But do not be late again. As the apex of your year, your example matters."

Ethan lowered his head. "Understood, Professor. My apologies."

As he stepped back, Seraphina crossed her arms and glared at him. "I was wondering why you told me to go ahead. Looks like you were busy... doing something stupid."

Ethan grimaced. "It wasn’t stupid. It’s just... my sword..." His voice trailed off.

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "Your sword what?"

He shook his head quickly. "Never mind. It’s fine now."

She sighed but dropped the matter.

Livana’s voice rang out once more, drawing everyone’s attention. "Enough interruptions. It’s time to begin. Now... who will be the first to summon their spirit?"

--

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