Meanwhile at the infirmary
Solis leaned back against the infirmary wall, exhaustion etched into his features. Across from him, Vaidya sat cross-legged on his cot, flipping through a worn notebook despite his bandaged hands. The faint smell of antiseptic lingered in the air, mingling with the quiet hum of the healers tending to other patients.
"I've been trying to figure it out," Vaidya said, breaking the silence. He didn't look up from his notebook. "How did you unlock your aura without training? It's not supposed to happen like that. Even Tedric said it's practically impossible."
Solis shrugged, his gaze distant. "I don't know, Vaidya. It just… happened."
Vaidya frowned, tapping his pen against the page. "Things like this don't just happen. Aura Release requires mental discipline, a strong will, and a controlled focus on your chakra paths. And yet, you—who didn't even know what aura was a week ago—managed to pull it off. It defies logic."
Solis let out a weary sigh. "I wasn't thinking about logic, Vaidya. I was thinking about all of you. I saw you, Ada, Pearl, even Tedric—hurt, bleeding, and outnumbered. And something inside me just… snapped. I couldn't let it end like that."
Vaidya finally looked up, his eyes narrowing as he studied Solis. "So, you're saying it was your anger? Your emotions? That's what triggered it?"
"Yeah," Solis admitted, his voice quieter now. "I was just so angry. Angry at myself for being weak, angry at those Roblins for hurting you all. It felt like my whole body was on fire, and then… the aura came."
Vaidya scratched his head, deep in thought. "Emotional surges do play a role in aura manipulation sometimes, but they're usually unstable. The fact that you not only unlocked it but used it with precision… That's incredible, Solis. Honestly, I'm jealous."
"Jealous?" Solis asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, yeah," Vaidya admitted with a small grin. "You're out here breaking the rules of what's possible, and I can barely cast a Wind Path spell without passing out."
Solis chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "You're smarter than me, Vaidya. You'll figure it out. Besides, I wouldn't have made it without you keeping everyone safe with that spell."
Vaidya smiled faintly. "Maybe. But still… you've got something special, Solis. Don't take it lightly."
---
Later that night, Solis was sitting by Pearl's cot, watching the faint rise and fall of her chest as she slept. The room was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of a healer moving between patients.
"Solis?" a groggy voice called from the doorway.
He turned to see Ada, clutching the wall for support as she shuffled into the room. Her face was pale, and her bandages were fresh, but her fiery determination was unmistakable.
"Ada! You should be resting," Solis said, standing up to help her.
She waved him off weakly but managed a small smile. "I've rested enough. I just… needed to say something."
Solis guided her to a chair. "What is it?"
Ada hesitated, her fingers tightening around the edge of the chair. "I owe you a thank you. For saving us. For saving me. If it weren't for you…" Her voice faltered. "We wouldn't be here."
Solis scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "It wasn't just me. Vaidya, Tedric, and everyone—"
"Don't downplay it," Ada interrupted. "I know what I saw. You stood up when no one else could. You unlocked your aura and fought like a knight." She looked down, guilt flickering across her face. "And… I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" Solis asked, puzzled.
"For how I acted before," Ada admitted. "I was arrogant, thinking I didn't need anyone's help. I thought I was stronger than all of you. But you proved me wrong. You saved me, even after how I treated you."
Solis gave her a reassuring smile. "Ada, it's okay. We're all learning. And honestly, I didn't do it because I wanted to prove something. I did it because I care about all of you."
Ada's eyes softened, and for the first time, her usual sharp demeanor seemed to melt away. "Thank you, Solis. I'll do better. I promise."
Solis nodded. "We all will."
---
Four Days Later: Postknight Academia
The Postknight Academia reopened, buzzing with students eager to resume their training. Tedric stood at the front of the main hall, his voice carrying authority as he addressed the class.
"Today, we're going to discuss the Aura Release Technique," Tedric began, his gaze sweeping over the students. "As some of you witnessed during recent events, this is an advanced skill that requires focus, discipline, and mastery of your chakra paths."
Solis stood near the front, his posture attentive. Despite his recent exhaustion, he felt ready to learn.
Tedric continued, "Solis, step forward."
Sir, me?" Solis asks in disbelief.
"Yeah I am asking you. Solis." Tedric says.The room murmured as Solis complied, his presence commanding attention. "Solis has already unlocked his aura under extreme circumstances, as you know this technique requires rigorous mental and physical training though there is a other way too and that is pure rage that will open your chakra paths. Such thing happened to Solis, so I want him to demonstrate it."
Solis focused, and within moments, the faint orange glow of his aura enveloped him. The students gasped in awe.
"Excellent control," Tedric praised. "Now, Almond, step forward."
Almond, a quiet but determined student, nodded and closed his eyes. Slowly but surely, a soft yellow aura surrounded him.
"Remarkable," Tedric murmured. "Two untrained individuals unlocking their auras in such a short time. The rest of you, don't lose hope. With practice, you'll get there too."
As the lesson continued, Tedric couldn't help but wonder at Almond's natural aptitude. "A genius," he thought, glancing between Almond and Solis. "And Solis… his potential is limitless."
---
"A dragon attacked Katalan Valley?" Sollis repeated, his voice shaking.
"Yes," the messenger from Katalan Valley confirmed. "Your father is uh... not in a good condition, and the village also suffered significant damage."
Solis's heart clenched. Memories of his father's quiet strength filled his mind. "I need to see him," he whispered to himself, determination hardening his resolve.
Though worry gnawed at him, Solis knew one thing: he couldn't afford to lose focus. His journey as a Postknight was only just begun but he has to be with his father now.
"Sir can I take leave for two days?" Solis asks to Tedric after explaining his situation.
"After all the stress I think you deserve it. You can go. I hope your father will get well soon." Tedric says.