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SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 41• Claire's Past
••••••We enter Professor Patel's classroom, eager to learn more about our Avatar abilities."Today, we'll explore your unique talents," Professor Patel explains. "Each Avatar possesses distinct abilities, shaped by their Angelic heritage."She gestures to a screen displaying Essence Logo."From now on, you'll be divided into groups of three. These groups will remain consistent until graduation, and even beyond, if you choose to continue working together. It use to be Avatars partnered with Kaleekis, but the system has changed. Now the School wants to focus on Avatars and Kaleekis differently. But eventually you all will have a Kaleeki partner."The room erupts into chatter as students discuss potential groupings.Professor Patel continues. "Your group members will become your closest allies, supporting each other through challenges and triumphs."The group assignments appear on the screen behind her."Each group will be assigned a Team leader. An experienced Avatar that will guide yo
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 42• Claire's Past: ii
•••••Now it's my turn. I explain to Saint what I felt and did when I activated my powers.Saint presents me with a series of sound-based puzzles, testing my auditory sensitivity.As I focus, my eyes glow silver, and I sense the vibrations around me."North, you have vibrokinesis!" Saint says. "You can manipulate your body vibrations and are extremely sensitive to sound.""Waw!" I grin.Saint smiles. "Together, you'll learn to harness these powers and become formidable Avatars."Claire's reserve softens slightly, replaced by curiosity as she glanced at Michael and I.With our abilities revealed, our journey as Avatars begins."Now, let's learn how to manifest our weapons. It's an ability every Avatar welds" Saints voice."Isn't that till later after we've learnt to control our Mana?" Claire asks."Yeah! But I just wanna test something" Saint replies. "So, watch closely. I'm gonna manifest my weapon really slowly"He raise his right hand, palm facing outward. A faint, pulsating glow be
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 43• Claire's Past: iii
•••••He leads us to a vast, huge obstacle-laden training area. The air is thick with the scent of sweat and exertion."Today's exercise will push you to your limits," Saint warns, his eyes glinting with intensity. "You'll run the course three times. Each lap will increase in difficulty."The course stretches before us, a grueling gauntlet of dark tunnels laced with cannons on different sides, ramps, and barriers.We see other teams sweating from exhaustion, as others continue to struggle across all the present obstacles."Go!" Saint barks, starting the timer.We sprint through the initial 50-meter dash, our hearts racing. Then, we stumble into the Dark Tunnel, its blackness disorienting.Claire slows, her Eagle's Eyes struggling to adjust. Michael's Mind's Eye flickers, but spatial awareness eludes him. My vibrokanesis senses the tunnel's vibrations, but I stumble, uncoordinated.Dozens of tennis balls bombard us, adding to the chaos. We flinch and dodge, struggling to maintain momen
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 44• Claire's Past: iv
•••••2 minutes laterSaint gestures to a holographic projector. "Time for teamwork training. Your objective: land 20 hits on the hologram within 12 minutes. He is on adaptive mode, so go easy on him"The hologram takes form, a sleek, agile fighter.Now in our jumpsuits, we prepare to face the hologram.I take a deep breath, Michael does the same."Let's move!" Claire calls, charging forward.Michael and I follow, forming a triangle around the hologram.In the initial flurry, we land a few hits. Claire's swift kicks connect, while Michael's powerful hooks send the hologram stumbling. My punches find their mark.It feels so easy. Maybe because we are Avatars, or because the hologram's fighting level is on 1.Suddenly, the hologram adapts, its movements becoming more fluid.Michael's attempts multiple strategies, but his execution falters. Claire's eyes track the hologram's movements, yet her timing is off. My vibrokanesis overwhelms me with vibrations, disrupting my focus.As the cloc
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 45• You Never Asked
••••••As we approach the gate, a guy suddenly reveal himself from behind a near by tree."Hey, guys" He says casually as if he knows us.For a moment it seems I don't recognize him because I have never seen him in casual clothing, but after I scan his appearance, I realize who is standing in front of us."Stan?" Michael and I exclaim with widen eyes.Claire stares as us. "You guys have met?"Stan smiles."Mr Stan, what are you doing here?" I ask."Yeah, you didn't inform me you were coming. And I thought you wouldn't be back anytime soon" Michael adds "Mr Stan?" Claire voice with a confused expression."Yeah, Mr Stan is Michael's personal driver" "Hmm? Stan? You're still working?" Claire asks."Hello Claire! Good to see you again. Well, since you two are surprised to see me here, why don't we go for a cup of coffee so I can explain why. There's a near by coffee shop here"We stare at Stan, surprised he is here on school grounds, because the school only permit it students and teache
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 46• You Never Asked: ii
•••••Thinking about it, it must have been horrible to get your blood suck out regularly."No it wasn't. I was fine" Stan replies to my thoughts."What?" I asked confused to if he just heard my thoughts."So why did you become my driver if you needed to keep a low profile?" Michael asks, immediately Claire walks back and takes her seat."That? I was simply bored" Stan replies, then sips his coffee. "Aren't you guys drinking your coffee?" He asks."You were bored?!" Michael utters with confusion etched on his face."Yes. I was bored of the life I was living. After 9 years of study and intense training, I just got bored of everything. So, I asked your dad for a job. Anna didn't stop me because I would have force my way out of that life if she had tried. And I was already strong enough to be on my own, so she let me""Okay. So why didn't you say anything before? Why now?" I ask.He smiles. "Cause, not until recently, My family did not give me the freedom I wanted. They didn't know I was
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 47• Mastering Intent
North POV••••••"Okay. Specials aren't limited to the Adams family" Professor Thompson says, then picks the marker off her table.She draws four human figures on the marker board. Each representing an Avatar. Three of them holding hands, while one is centered in their middle."Now, this is called 'Celestial Alignment'. This is when three Avatars pour in their Mana into one Avatar at the same time. The three gather up their Mana, then at once, they release it into the Avatar in the middle. This causes the Avatar the middle to unlock a different level of potential. Imbuing one with lots of Mana will create a Special. But note, this method of creating special is not recommended. In fact, it's only when you've reached a certain level that the higher ups permit such method. You may ask why?"She drops her marker and takes a sit on her table's edge."The reason is because of the amount of deaths it has caused. The first Avatars that did this, Kevin, Clark, Rachel, and Finn, weren't success
SoulBond: A Beacon Of Hope 48• Mastering Intent: ii
•••••*Did I imagine interacting with my Angel that night?*I wonder."Hey, North" Michael calls out, pulling me from my thoughts."You are not hungry?" He asks."What?" "You've barely touched your meal. What's going on?" He asks, leaving Claire who's next to me shift her gaze towards me."Oh. Ahhh..""Did that class make you loss your appetite?" Claire asks, then stares back at her meal."No. Nothing's wrong. I was just thinking about something. Nothing to worry about" I say then pick my fork.Michael nods.A moment later, a guy walks in, the room's atmosphere shifts. Conversations pause, eyes drawn to his striking figure. His charming smile spreads as he navigates through the crowd with ease.Someone whispers, "Isn't that Larson Ray?"Another whispers, "Hey, that's Larson."Larson's gaze scans the room, locking onto Claire. He smiles and makes his way towards her, his stride confident."Hey, Larson! Congrats on acing the exams!" A random guy calls out.Larson, attention still on Cl
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78• Match
•••••I step into the center of the sparring ring, my heart pounding in my chest. The wood of the staff feels solid in my hands, but my grip tightens. I glance up at Professor Nog, who's waiting for me with his katana at the ready. I can feel everyone's eyes on me, but I block it out. This is just another challenge."Let's do this," I mutter under my breath.Professor Nog nods. "Begin!"I move first, swinging my staff at his midsection. It feels fluid, but the moment my staff connects with his katana, I realize how much stronger he is. The clash echoes, and he easily pushes my staff aside, his katana moving so fast I barely have time to react.I try to keep my footing steady and step back, circling him. My eyes stay locked on his movements. He doesn't rush, doesn't waste energy. It's like he's reading me before I make the move. I strike again, this time aiming for his head. He ducks, and I spin, trying to catch him off guard with a strike to his side. But his katana is already there,
77• Losing End
•••••Lora stands confidently in the center of the sparring space we all circle, her eyes fixed intently on Professor Nog. She grips her wooden staff firmly, its familiar weight a comforting presence in her hands."Begin!" Professor Nog calls out, his katana at the ready.Lora charges forward, her staff flashing in the light as she strikes at Professor Nog's chest. The professor sidesteps easily, his katana slicing through the air to meet Lora's staff. The two weapons clash, the sound of wood on wood echoing through the air.Lora spins around, her staff weaving a complex pattern as she strikes at Professor Nog from multiple angles. The professor parries each blow with ease, his katana moving in perfect harmony with Lora's staff.Lora strikes left, the professor evades.Right, the professor blocks with his katana.Lora spins with her staff in hand, increasing it's momentum as she aims at the professor's neck. With a backward lean, steadying his katana against the floor, the professor d
76• Sparring Matches: ii
A white-silver hair tall guy with a different set of eye color – Ash and Blue.He wears his grey jumpsuit, paired his black polished boots."Oh, it's fine North" He says then picks up a katana. "Good to see you again""What?" I voice, but he is already walking towards the sparing ring.Michael fall into step along side me."You know him?" He asks."Ah.. I don't really know" I reply. "I think we've met, though. But I'm not sure"Michael nods. "Okay, let's go"I nod. "Yeah"Now everyone surrounds the professor with their weapon in hand."Alright. You can all seat." The professor says. "We will go clockwise until everyone has gotten the chance to spar with me"I look to my right, noticing Henry will be the first, Phillip second, Lora third, Michael, I, Claire, Rdyer, Luna, Kaid, all the way to Larson, and finally the guy I bumped."Okay, Henry, you're first," Professor Nog says. "You can go all out with me, there is enough space for movement, so don't hold back. And of course I'll hold b
75• Sparring Matches
•••••"Hey, guys" Claire greets as Michael meet her at the school entrance gate."Hey, Claire" Michael replies."Hey" I greet, then we begin walking to class."Happy New Month!" Michael smiles."Oh, same" Claire smiles slightly.I smile. "Can you believe it? It's been a month since our journey started."Michael grins."Yeah, it has," He says. "And it's been an eventful journey"Claire glances at the both of us and smiles."You guys are weird"Michael and I exchange looks."What do you mean?" I ask."You are making it sound like it's some kind of big milestone you both just achieved" She replies. "I mean, don't get me wrong, it has been an eventful month for you guys, but the journey is only just beginning"Michael grins. "Yeah"I nod.As we step into class, we see our classmates all standing at the right side of the hall, surrounding a chair."What's going on" Michael mutters.Claire sighs then bites down her chocolate bar."It's Larson!" She utters then goes to take her seat. Immedi
74• Noticable Growth: iv
Immediately, she blends with the shadow, rendering her unnoticeable.••••••I smile.They are improving. That's good. They should. The world out there can be unforgiving."Better! React faster" I shout.North swiftly dodges two speeding balls, his fluid movements a testament to growth.But one ball grazes his shoulder and he winces a little.Yet recovers swiftly.Michael spins left, dodging a ball mere inches from his ear.He catches one with his left hand.Deflects another with the caught ball.A third hits his chest, he stumbles, but quickly regains footing.Claire's reactions are faster.She dodges two.A third almost reach her thigh, but she quickly spin to the right and recovers her footing.My gaze sweeps, assessing. Their growth shines as cannons fire and balls hail.North's head tilt to the left, dodging an incoming ball. He shows progress with his powers as he anticipate the next ball.Michael's hands rise, deflecting two balls. Another ball hurtles toward him. He shifts his
73• Noticable Growth: iii
Meanwhile in an experimental Lab in school.Dim fluorescent lights cast eerie shadows.Dr. Kim scrutinized the Grade 4 Demon's glass enclosure at the right side of the lab.Its translucent dark form shimmer, ethereal skin blending.It eyes burn unnaturally.Wiry limbs faded.An unsettling chill surrounding it.Suddenly, the demon's eyes flash.Its form condensed, shrinking.Dr. Kim blinks.The enclosure seemed empty."What the?" She voice.She cautiously enters the enclosure, checking every corner.Confirming the demon's absence.Satisfied, she turn, exiting the enclosure to sound the alarm.But her instincts screams warning.Something was off. She turns around, checking the cell, he eyes roam her surrounding.She removes her wipe as she feels the change in the surrounding air.But yet, no trace of the Demon.She walks gently towards the alarm, her back to it.Fingers outstretched.But before she reached it, the tiny demon that was laced to her back, expanded.Enveloping her, she resi
72• Noticable Growth: ii
The tennis ball cannons roar to life, firing balls at unpredictable angles.I watch intently as Claire, Michael and North stand firm, blindfolds secure, relying on their other senses.The first balls hurtle toward them, trajectories uncertain.Claire pivots swiftly, dodging with ease, her agility allowing her to evade most balls. She twists left, avoiding a ball by inches, and leaps right, dodging another.Michael struggles to keep up, deflecting some balls with his hands but missing others. One hits his shoulder, and another grazes his ear.North moves quickly, but the balls' speed overwhelms him. He dodges a few, but others hit his chest and arm.I shout, "Adjust! React faster! Trust your instincts!"The cannons fire relentlessly, balls bouncing off walls and floor.Claire's agility proves advantageous, but even she can't dodge every ball. One hits her upper back.Michael stumbles by the ball that reaches behind his knee.North grunts, taking a ball to the stomach.Despite efforts, b
71• Noticable Growth
••••••Professor Patel stands at the forefront of the lecture hall, surveying the room with an air of authority."Today, we delve into Rankings, Classes and Grades" she announces, her voice commanding attention."Before us, we have the Avatar Rankings, a classification system developed to categorize reawakened humans, known as Angel Avatars. The rankings are: Z, SS, S, A, B, C, and D."She gestures to the diagram projected on the screen behind her."The Avatar Rankings signify the level of divine influence within an Angel Avatar, with Z being the highest and D being the lowest.""Conversely, demons are classified using Grades," Professor Patel continues. "Ranging from Special Grade, the most powerful, to Grade 5, the least."The screen behind her updates to show the Demon Grades:Special Grade - Highest tier, extreme threat Grade 1 - High-tier, significant threat Grade 2 - Mid-tier, moderate threat Grade 3 - Lower-tier, minor threat Grade 4 - Low-tier, minimal threat Grade 5
70• Entangled Threads: iii
•••••I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation."Tell me more about these encounters," she asks, her eyes filled with curiosity.I recount the moments with A, from the initial contact to the recent conversations.She listens intently, her expression thoughtful."When did you first notice this connection?" she asks."After Ashlyn's death" I reply, the memory still piercing.Her gaze softens. "I'm sorry again for your loss, North."She pauses, collecting her thoughts."Your ability to communicate with A is remarkable," she says. "But I suspect there is more to it. Something triggered this connection.""I don't really know what it could be. But A mentioned something about past lives" I say.Patel leans forward, her brows narrowed. "Past lives, right? I've been considering various explanations for your Angel communication. One possibility stands out: residual energies from past experiences.""Past experiences?" I repeat, intrigued.She nods. "Unresolved threads, North. Fragments
