Chapter 50 – Fragile Balance
Seryn could still feel the echo of the third node resonating in his chest. The crack in his gray flow was invisible, yet persistent and threatening; every breath, every thought had the potential to become a trap. The room was silent; Lyra, Kai, and Rien were still trying to recover, their eyes showing clear concern and tension. The only thing that commanded Seryn's full attention was that thin line across his chest—the invisible fissure trembling continuously. Temple and the Academy were still watching; even if they weren't visibly present, he knew they were observing.
Valeria stood silently ahead, notebook open, carefully tracking every movement. Every step, every breath was being recorded and analyzed. Seryn drew a deep breath and centered himself: he had to keep the fissure invisible and maintain control of the gray flow. This was not merely an exam; it was an invisible test of his very being.
Kai whispered quietly to Seryn, "Do you think you can get through this?" Lyra nodded slightly, a mixture of worry and admiration on her face. Rien continued tapping his knee on the floor, attempting to center his focus. Seryn remained silent; every word, every thought could disrupt the flow and expose the crack.
Valeria increased the pressure in the room. The six blue-white lights flared across the chamber, beginning the measurement once again. This trial was designed not only to test physical capabilities but also mana control and mental stability. The gray flow in Seryn's chest quivered along the thin line, poised on the edge of rupture. Yet he focused on maintaining control.
Seryn mentally divided his attention into three layers: first, stabilizing his own gray flow; second, balancing the subtle vibrations in the stone fragment; third, monitoring the group, subtly adjusting Lyra, Kai, and Rien's energy and response lines. This multi-layered focus demanded both mental acuity and precise mana manipulation.
The fourth wave came from the center of the room, more intense and focused than before. Gray flow, stone fragment, and Seryn's breath had to move in sync. Inner inclinations were being tested; intent, fear, anger, and loyalty could all surface in this wave. Seryn slowed his breathing deliberately, forming mental barriers, guiding the flow carefully. The fissure continued to tremble like an invisible string, but he prevented it from splitting completely.
Pressure increased steadily. The sixth wave struck with combined physical and mana-focused force. Seryn closed his eyes and devoted his entire attention to the gray flow in his chest. The fissure pulsed, an invisible threat growing internally. Yet through careful breathing and precise thought, he managed to control it.
Meanwhile, he subtly adjusted Lyra and Kai's mana vibrations. Rien's response line remained relatively stable, though small tremors persisted. Group harmony was a crucial part of the third node's scoring; a single disruption could affect the performance of the entire group.
Valeria observed silently, noting every minor fluctuation. The gray flow in Seryn's chest was invisible, yet constantly monitored. The inner fissure had caught her attention, a warning signal for both the Academy and the Temple, beyond the scope of a normal examination.
Seryn thought to himself: "This fissure is both a danger and an opportunity. If I can control it, I can position myself favorably in the eyes of the Temple and Academy. But one wrong step, and everything could collapse."
The lights in the chamber shifted again; the six pressure foci continued measuring every movement. Each new wave was a separate test: physical speed, mana balance, mental focus, group coordination, and most importantly, inner inclinations. Seryn felt as if he were managing all these tests from a single center; the gray flow and stone fragment in his chest acted like an internal radar.
When the pressure waves ceased, Valeria folded her hands behind her back. Silence filled the room. The students were breathless, sweating, and exhausted. Lyra, Kai, and Rien exchanged glances; the sheer difficulty of the trial was written across their faces. Seryn, outwardly calm, maintained a composed appearance. Yet the inner fissure persisted, dangerous though invisible.
Valeria approached Seryn and spoke quietly: "Your gray flow remained stable, but the fissure is still present. This condition will be monitored and recorded by the Academy and the Temple. You must demonstrate how well you can manage it."
Seryn nodded silently. From the outside, he appeared collected, but internally, everything still trembled. Managing this fissure tested his strategic intelligence and inner discipline. It was also an invisible but effective display of control and power; a signal that would attract the attention of both Temple and Academy.
Kai smiled faintly. "Watching you… impressive," he said. Lyra nodded in agreement. Rien took a step back, silently approving Seryn. They all knew that Seryn's real success in this trial depended on keeping the fissure invisible. Beyond the exam, the ability to survive without leaving a trace was his greatest skill.
Valeria issued one final warning before leaving the room: "That's enough for today. Records will be kept, and your performance will create an interesting dossier. Exams aren't just about knowledge; they're about visibility and balance. You've succeeded in maintaining that balance. But remember, this is only the beginning."
As Seryn exited, he drew a deep breath. Outside, the wind remained erratic, but the gray flow in his chest was more controlled than ever before. The fissure was still dangerous, but it was now manageable. The eyes of Temple and Academy remained upon him; yet Seryn had taken another step forward, testing the limits
of his abilities beyond the exam.