As he anticipated, dumping PE into a main path was extremely beneficial and seemed to be right play, rather than unlocking multiple paths without focusing on just one.

[You obtained the skill ‘Spark’]

[You gained 3 Aether]

[User: Zeke Orland]

[Race: Human]

[Level 2 (5/30 EXP)]

[Strength: 26]

[Agility: 25]

[Aether: 13]

[Paths: Martial Arts (1/12) inactive | Aether Voltage (4/22) active ]

[Skills: Fists of Fury(Proficiency 100%) - Aether Control(Proficiency 2%) - Voltage Zap(Proficiency 20%) - Spark (Proficiency 0%)]

[Available PE: 0]

After activating the Aether Voltage Path, which was an easy process reliant on his thoughts and a brief interaction with the System itself, Zeke tried to use his newly-obtained skill: Spark.

He disregarded the overwhelming fatigue and slowly raised his right hand; He felt a numbness, followed thereafter by an invisible suction that gathered a bit of his Aether into his hand. The result was a floating orb literally made of crackling blue-colored lightning that danced around in an unstable manner.

The thin lightning currents were harmless, at least to Zeke, but apart from looking at the orb, he could neither move it nor do anything with it.

After several seconds, the lightning orb vanished into thin air, leaving its caster more confused than ever.

The next thing was ‘Voltage Zap’, which, when executed, shot the same bolt of lightning. Even after shooting the bolt of lightning from his hand, Zeke did not experience the strong dizziness, which confirmed a theory of his.

The bolt of lightning seemed to be slightly thicker as it drilled into the tree trunk, finally causing it to snap after all the beating it was subjected to.

Frantic, Zeke looked around then swiftly ran away, unwilling to be blamed for breaking a tree.

…

The Aether Stat was indeed a numerical value of the quantity of Aether within his body, meaning that the higher it was, the more times he could use ‘Voltage Zap’. In retrospect, when Zeke only had 5 points in Aether, he could only use the skill once, but now, he knew he could use it two times. 

As for ‘Spark’, it was an ambiguous skill that he had yet to understand, but, after trying it once, it was clear that it was a less demanding skill than ‘Voltage Zap’.

All in all, the teenager was pleased with his progress and was determined to master the Aether Voltage Path, not only because it was superior to the Martial Arts Path, but also because it provided him with ‘abilities’ directly related to Aether, which was exactly what he wanted.

Now, at least, he wouldn’t have to be subjected to Azmer and Rodrick’s bullying. Although he wasn’t at the level of confronting a fellow student, he nonetheless had the power to protect himself and turn his life around, step by step.

That night, Zeke slept like a baby and woke up later than usual. It was Saturday and all the lessons today were practical, therefore, he wasn’t obligated to attend. 

Still, Zeke headed to Erys after eating breakfast, planning to ask a fairly knowledgeable teacher about something.

Ironically, Saturday was the busiest day for the students. The training facilities were full and the vast campus became a leisure area for those who wanted to train in groups or individually.

Everywhere he looked, Zeke saw students having friendly spars, chatting with each other, or even grouping around the so-called celebrities.

The fangirls, especially, were cheering on the famous third years like Gerard Steel and Marina Buart, both of which were at the top of rankings.

Uninterested in such trivialities, Zeke made his way to training facility E, the one and only in which his class’ practical lessons would be conducted.

After making a few turns through the spacious corridors, Zeke arrived at his destination; A room as big as a basketball court, segmented into equally-sized spots for the students to use their powers without hurting each other.

Zeke’s 27 classmates were all present, all focused on their individual task. At a glance, you could notice their reddened faces, concentrated expressions, and slightly shaky hands.

As a Defect, Zeke never actually attended this lesson, but he did come once or twice to spectate, so it wasn’t difficult to guess what they were doing.

At the far back, watching over 27 students, stood a relatively tall person. With an abnormally slim body, a deep purple skin, an oval-shaped head that lacked any facial hair, and jet black eyes that lacked any pupils; It was Professor Nayro, the only Zyth official in Erys.

In fact, Nayro was one of two Zyths in all of Erys, the other one was a a second year student. 

Despite their strange appearance, the humans had long since learned to live with the Zyth Race. 

If anyone, students or teacher, either insulted or showcased any racism, they would be severely punished. Then again, the Zyth were notorious for their brutal retaliation in case their skills or appearance were belittled or mocked. It all stemmed from their aloof attitude, remarkable intelligence, and near-flawless mastery over Aether.

“Zeke, my boy!”

The moment he stepped into the training facility, Professor Nayro appeared in front of him in the blink of an eye. 

In addition to teaching in Erys, Nayro also worked at the Oxylard Academy, hence his title as ‘Professor’. He was an enthusiastic individual, keen on discovering new things and uncovering mysteries.

Most students liked him thanks to his easy-going attitude, great lessons, and helpful attitude.

Zeke would consult him from time to time to ask about topics related to Aether. It could be said that Professor Nayro, despite teaching Practical Aether Manipulation, had contributed a lot in Zeke’s feat of obtaining a Gold Star.

“Professor, I’ve come to ask you about a couple of things.”

“Ask ahead!”

The Zyth’s strange eyes wiggled around, crossing his long legs and sitting on a seemingly invisible chair.

“I’ve been wondering if there is a method to access the Aether within us. Is there perhaps a recorded and verified method?”

“Oh? Life Aether has caught your interest this time? My, that’s unexpected.”

A hoarse chuckle came out of Nayro’s thin and almost non-existent lips. Like an owl, his neck turned 180 degrees as he swept his eyes across the hard-working students. Once he was done, he focused on Zeke again and continued,

“Since there is no widespread terminology about the Aether within our bodies, we tend to call it Life Aether. Anyway, Life Aether has always been inaccessible to the humans of this planet. Yes, in essence, it is Aether, but it is a wholly different form and it serves only as sustainment for the body.”

“So there’s no method to use it?”

“Use it? My boy, accessing it and using it are totally different things. We, the Zyth, are biologically different and have the ability to harness Life Aether, but it comes at a cost. As for you humans… I’ve seen some that could use it, but, more often than not, it would result in death or worse.”

“How did they use it, Professor?”

Instead of responding, the Zyth intently stared at him in silence. Eventually, Naryo shook his head, 

“Zeke, I hope you’re not thinking of resorting to taboo techniques. Those sinister techniques beget only misery and tragedy.”

“I’m just curious, Professor. Really.”

“Alright. However, I won’t tell you the method. I understand that a smart boy like you would want to vasten your knowledge, but there are things better left untouched.”

It was unexpected for Professor Nayro, who was wont to talk for minutes non-stop about any and all topics, to say so little. Obviously, Zeke did not want to resort to the taboo methods, he only wanted to know how the System was allowing him to use the Life Aether.

“Is there a way to increase one’s Life Aether, Professor?”

“Increase? That’s another strange question, Zeke. Life Aether is like blood. There is a certain quantified threshold you can’t exceed. Some species are born with abundant Life Aether, thus granted greater vitality and a longer lifespan. For example, I, along with all the Zyth, have four times as much Life Aether as humans. Retrospectively, there have been humans and Zyth both that were regarded as irregulars, individuals that lucked out and had a higher concentration of Life Aether. Such people, I think, were destined for greatness. Let’s take the Crimson Champion, Maximus Vis Zan, he lived for 160 years despite being human. Not only that but he also had transcendent powers that allowed him to reign supreme for nigh 30 years…”

Nayro talked for close to ten minutes, enthusiastically recounting things Zeke already knew. 

When the energetic professor was done, Zeke thanked and excused himself. Since there was nothing of importance to be learnt, he went to the Infirmary.

Erys’ infirmary was located in the school’s Administrative Bureau, which was the largest and most impressive building. It was made of glistening silver and glass, towering over everything else and situated right at the center.

As its name suggested, the Infirmary was a place in which sick or wounded students would go to be treated. However, unless one had a serious injury since the treatment wasn’t just in the form of medicines and herbs. The head of the Infirmary was a gifted man with the unique ability to ‘heal’. 

Notably, he was a capable surgeon and someone with the power to quicken one’s natural regeneration, thus facilitating recovery.

Even with the protective gloves, Zeke’s hands were scarred and in dire need of healing. The reason he postponed his visit was to ensure that the head of the Infirmary wouldn’t refuse healing him on the premise that his wounds were superficial.

After knocking once, Zeke opened the door and was greeted by the unpleasant smell usually found in hospitals. 

The Infirmary was quite large but in a completely messy state. Excluding its Head, there were two unfamiliar girls resting on the medical bed.

Upon seeing Zeke, they giggled and whispered to each other while stealing glances at him.

“Your class, grade, and full name.”

The ‘healer’ was standing near the half-open windows and having a leisurely smoke. He had unkempt hair and, strangely enough, wore a lab coat over a black suit.

This was Xavier Ozborne, someone Zeke knew of but never actually met. He bore a striking resemblance to Maxine’s friend, James.

‘Even though he’s this older brother, they only resemble each other in terms of appearance.’

Zeke kept his thoughts to himself and answered, “Zeke Orland, first year, Class E.”

Xavier beckoned Zeke then scrutinised him from head to toe, noticing the bandaged hands almost immediately.

“What was the cause of this?”

“I tripped.”

“Don’t try that with me, kid. Who was it?”

Xavier looked angry around the look, and when he raised his voice, Zeke did not know what to say.

“Quiet, you two!”

The two giggling girls covered their mouths and acted oblivious upon being reproached.

“I really tripped… Sir.”

“...”

After being glared at, Zeke was dragged to a nearby bed and ordered to sit down. The healing procedure was swift and required no effort from Xavier.

Once the bandages and gauze were removed, the ugly state of Zeke’s hands was in full display, making Xavier’s frown deeper.

“Don’t try to be the cool kid and hurt yourself. If you have a problem, tell me or the Dean.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Also, don’t expect me to heal you every time. Stay out of trouble.”

Xavier repeatedly warned Zeke and let him go once the hands covered in coagulated blood were back to normal, more or less. 

Relieved, Zeke clenched and unclenched his hand. The coagulated blood and the stinging pain were gone, giving him the urge to return to the park and continue training. However, with ‘Fists of Furry’ mastered, he had no reason to torture himself.

There were more efficient methods to raise his stats, ones that did not require inflicting self-injury and ruining his hands.

So focused on his healed hands, Zeke failed to notice Vanessa, who passed right by him and entered the Infirmary. 

The girl eyed him for a couple of breaths, a look of confusion plastered on her face. 

…

“You’ve rested enough. Go back to class.”

“B-but

“But me no buts! Out… now!”

The two girls reluctantly got off the bed and slowly made their way out. Once he was left alone, Xavier returned to finishing his half-burnt cigarette as he gazed at the bustling campus. Unfortunately, his solitary time was short-lived as Vanessa barged in.

“Sir.”

“Ah, Vanessa.” 

Xavier did not seem annoyed to see Vanessa, he motioned for her to sit down and, after throwing the cigarette outside, he sat in front of her.

Just like he did with Zeke, he used his ability to heal red spots on the girl’s wrists and shoulder. 

“Until we find a solution, you should limit the usage of your powers.”

“I need it now more than ever, Sir. Just yesterday, two more students were killed.”

“So I was told. The fools are trying to keep it a secret but that will only lead to more deaths. We need to raise awareness and warn the students.”

Xavier clicked his tongue, clearly disagreeing with how the case was being handled. 

“Sir… if you don’t mind me asking. Why was that student here?”

“Hm? You mean that kid? His hands had severe cuts and scars.”

“...”

“It’s not strange for Defects to show up with such injuries. But don’t worry, the Dean is back so things will be calm for a while. Still, I can’t help but find it strange.”

“Sir?”

Xavier, absent-minded, looked at his hands then at the ground. 

“That kid, I don’t know why but his body seemed to be trying to reject my power. Maybe I’m just getting old…”